About this role
Job Description Reports To: Athletic Director Season: Winter Position Summary Basketball Coach leads the 8th-grade middle school basketball program aligned with the mission of Onsted Community Schools and follows the standards of the Onsted Varsity Basketball program. The 8th Grade Coach leads student-athletes and assistant coaches while promoting academic success, sportsmanship, safety, and community engagement. Minimum Qualifications
• Experience as a player and/or coach in the sport of basketball.
• Demonstrated knowledge of basketball fundamentals, offensive and defensive systems, and coaching techniques.
• Knowledge of adolescent development, leadership, and team culture building.
• Ability to positively represent the school district and serve as a role model for student-athletes.
• Ability to work cooperatively with school administration, staff, students, parents, and community members.
8th Grade Coach Leadership Responsibilities The 8th Grade Coach shall:
• Follow the basketball program's vision for a sustainable basketball program aligned with district values.
• Promote academic success, character development, and leadership among student-athletes.
• Establish a positive team culture emphasizing sportsmanship, discipline, and respect.
• Support the program structure that begins at the elementary level and aligns with middle school.
• Recruit and supervise assistant coaches and volunteer staff in coordination with the Athletic Director.
• Provide mentorship, evaluation, and professional guidance to assistant coaches.
• Conduct preseason, in-season, and postseason program evaluations.
Compliance & Eligibility Responsibilities The 8th Grade Coach shall:
• Follow all MHSAA rules and regulations, league policies, and district athletic guidelines.
• Ensure all student-athletes meet academic eligibility requirements.
• Ensure completion of required athlete documentation, including:
• Physical examination forms
• Parent/athlete consent forms
• Concussion awareness documentation
• Attend all required MHSAA rules meetings and compliance trainings.
• Maintain compliance with practice limitations, off-season conditioning rules, and contact guidelines established by the MHSAA.
• Adhere to the Onsted Interscholastic Athletic Code.
Coaching & Team Management Responsibilities The 8th Grade Coach shall:
• Plan and conduct safe and effective practices that develop individual and team skills.
• Develop offensive and defensive systems appropriate for middle school athletes.
• Prepare the team for competition through scouting, film review, and game planning.
• Supervise athletes during practices, contests, travel, and team events.
• Coordinate with the Athletic Director and Principal regarding practice schedules and competition schedules.
• Maintain discipline consistent with school policies and communicate disciplinary matters with administration.
• Provide opportunities for leadership development among players.
• Emphasize skill development in shooting, ball handling, rebounding, defensive positioning, and team concepts.
Athlete Health & Safety Responsibilities The 8th Grade Coach shall:
• Prioritize student-athlete safety at all times.
• Follow district and MHSAA protocols.
• Coordinate with athletic trainers and medical personnel when available.
• Ensure proper equipment use and gym safety procedures.
Administrative Responsibilities The 8th Grade Coach shall:
• Submit an alphabetical roster of team members to the Athletic Director for eligibility verification.
• Maintain accurate records for:
• Team rosters
• Equipment inventory
• Awards and recognitions
• Statistics and season records
• Issue and collect school-owned equipment and uniforms.
• Coordinate team communication with parents and athletes.
• Cooperate with the Athletic Director in providing information to the media and community.
• Support athletic department fundraising and program needs when applicable.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Athletic Director.
Community & School Relations The 8th Grade Coach shall:
• Represent Onsted Community Schools with professionalism and integrity.
• Promote positive relationships with parents, students, faculty, and community members.
• Support school events and promote school pride.
• Encourage student-athletes to be positive representatives of the school community.
Evaluation The 8th Grade Basketball Coach will be evaluated annually by the Athletic Director based on:
• Program leadership and culture
• Compliance with MHSAA and district policies
• Player development and safety
• Academic and behavioral expectations of athletes
• Collaboration with staff and administration