Coaching is an act of preparing or developing a person or team of people in a particular sport. The goal is for the coach, or teacher, to support the athlete(s) in achieving a specific goal by providing training and guidance. It involves aspects of physical education pedagogy, health promotion, and kinesthetic principles in preparing athletes for performance.
The curriculum for the coaching minor arms students with foundations of coaching, psychological and sociological aspects of coaching, and strategies for team development. Additionally, an independent study in which students assist with coaching a local team of athletes prepares them to experience working under a mentor, to learn different coaching philosophies, to train athletes, and to coach in game conditions.
This minor allows the student to select a number of electives, which may include strength and conditioning principles for sports, basic exercise physiology, athletic training content, sports officiating, sport management information for organized sports, and more advanced psychology of sport and physical activity content.
Program Plan
The minor in Coaching requires 18 credit hours as follows:
Required Courses:
KHP 280: Introduction to Coaching (3)
KHP 395: Independent Study in Kinesiology and Health Promotion (3) – *KHP 280 required to be taken before enrolling.
Note: KHP 280 required to be taken before enrolling in KHP 395
KHP 300: Psychology and Sociology of Physical Education and Sport (3)
KHP 580: Group Dynamics in Sport and Physical Activity (3)
Electives (choose 6 or more hours from the following):
KHP 190: First Aid and Emergency Care (2)
KHP 205: Kinesiology for Health and Physical Education (3)
KHP 319: Sports Officiating (1)
KHP 340: Athletic Training (2)
KHP 350: Strength and Conditioning for Sports (3)
KHP 473: Management of Sport (3)
KHP 546: Physical Education Workshop (3)
KHP 547: Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity (3)
How to Apply
Additional Information
Overview
The Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion offers a 3-credit hour practicum course for Coaching Minors, which gives students experience in shadowing and/or assisting a youth, middle school, high school, collegiate, or in some cases, a professional coach/team. The title of the class is Independent Study in Kinesiology and Health Promotion. For this practicum experience, students must complete at least 45 contact hours of coaching experience in a sport of their choice. It is important for the student to select their practicum site. This can be done in conjunction with one of the Coaching Minor faculty. Students must be enrolled in KHP 395 and have approval of their site from the practicum instructor BEFORE they may begin accumulating practicum hours. For all students, this practicum will take place after taking KHP 280, as it is a prerequisite for the course.
FAQs
In which KHP 395 section should I enroll?
KHP 395 is a restricted course, so you will need permission to be enrolled. You have the option of Dr. Beighle (beighle@nulluky.edu) or Dr. Erwin’s (heather.erwin@nulluky.edu) sections. Email one of them to ask to be enrolled. You will need to provide your student ID number.
What types of experiences count toward my practicum?
Practicum experiences must utilize knowledge, skills, and abilities you have gained from your coaching minor and will, hopefully, prepare you for the next phase of your career. Therefore, a wide range of experiences may be considered for your practicum experience within the sport field. All practicum sites must be approved by the instructor before beginning a practicum experience. If you have questions about a specific site, please contact the minor coordinator, Dr. Heather Erwin (heather.erwin@nulluky.edu).
When should I contact a practicum placement/site supervisor?
Securing a practicum site early is essential for success in this course. Students should contact potential practicum supervisors several weeks before the start of the semester in which they are enrolling in the course. The site must be secured by the end of the second week of class.
Who can serve as my practicum site supervisor?
Students should seek respected coaches in their sport. The supervisor should have an educational level greater than or equal to the degree a student is pursuing unless otherwise approved by the course instructor. Additionally, supervisors should have current licensure or professional certifications as appropriate for their coaching level. Students should avoid practicum experiences with family members or friends to avoid nepotism.
Can I be paid for my practicum experience?
Students may be paid for their practicum experience, however, students are encouraged to seek the best practicum experience for their professional development rather than try to use their current job as a practicum site. This should be viewed as an opportunity to pursue new professional experiences and network rather than a mechanism to make money in the short term.
For questions concerning the practicum/KHP 395 course, contact Dr. Heather Erwin, Director of the Coaching Minor.
Email: heather.erwin@nulluky.edu
Phone: 859-257-5311