Coaching Requirements (Hillsborough County & PONY Standards)

All coaches and assistant coaches must meet the following requirements prior to participating in any team activities:

1. Background Screening

• Completion of a Florida Level 2 Background Check
• Includes fingerprinting and national criminal history screening
• Must be completed and cleared before any interaction with players

2. Required Certifications

Coaches must maintain the following:

• Certification through National Alliance for Youth Sports or equivalent approved youth coaching program
• Current CPR/AED Certification
• First Aid Certification (recommended and may be required depending on county field use agreements)
• Concussion Awareness Training (CDC HEADS UP or equivalent)

3. County & Facility Compliance

• Compliance with all Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation youth sports requirements
• Adherence to all field usage agreements and safety policies
• Participation in any required county or league orientation sessions

4. Player Safety Responsibilities

Coaches are responsible for:

• Ensuring a safe practice and game environment
• Immediately removing any player suspected of a concussion or injury
• Requiring written medical clearance prior to return to play
• Reporting all injuries using league incident reporting procedures

5. Code of Conduct

Coaches must:

• Demonstrate professionalism and sportsmanship at all times
• Treat all players fairly and without favoritism
• Maintain appropriate boundaries with players and families
• Refrain from any verbal, physical, or emotional misconduct

6. Documentation Requirements

Prior to the start of the season, coaches must submit:

• Completed Coach Application
• Proof of certifications (CPR, NAYS, Concussion Training)
• Background check clearance

Failure to meet these requirements may result in removal from coaching responsibilities.