New York Public Personnel Law: Appointment as a coach

August 26, 2011

Appointment as a coach

Appointment as a coach

Decisions of the Commissioner of Education, 14,504

Rita Magee was employed by the Coxsackie-Athens Central School District as a certified physical education teacher. Magee applied for a vacant field hockey coaching position in the district. The district selected another individual, Donald Daoust, for the position.

Contending that Daoust “has neither a New York State teaching certificate nor a temporary coaching license,” Magee filed an appeal challenging the district's action with the Commissioner of Education.

Although the Commissioner dismissed Magee's appeal as moot -- the field hockey season had ended before he had an opportunity to consider the matter -- he commented that:

1. A school district may employ an uncertified individual as a coach only when a certified physical education teacher or certified teacher with coaching qualifications and experience is unavailable; and

2. An uncertified individual may not undertake his or her coaching responsibilities until he or she has actually received a temporary license.

The decision specifically noted that “[t]he mere application for that license by the district does not qualify the prospective coach for his or her duties.”

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