Since then, the program has firmly taken root, and nearly all involved are happy with the results.
“The state has really gotten behind it,” said retired North High School AD Jim Rolfes. The 77-year-old area sports figure, who has also been a track official for 55 years, fills a volunteer position as Leadership Training Coordinator for Ohio.
“The legislators decided they wanted something done right away,” he continued. “The OHSAA realized that was going to happen, so they sold them on this program.”
The result has been a marked jump in participation as the years have gone on.
There have been 8,768 online completions of the course from November of 2008 to June of 2010, and another 3,133 “blended” completions, using online and classroom training. But in the last year, that online number has more than doubled to 11,751. That means more than 20,000 coaches have benefitted from the program.
“It’s has pretty much gotten through to everyone the importance of something like this,” said Rolfes.
The ease of learning is a plus for coaches, who now are required to take the course.
“It’s not something you can fail,” said Rolfes. “You have a quiz, and it’ll give you four or five answers and if you’re wrong, it automatically kicks you back to an explanation of what is the right answer.”
The topics are wide-ranging.
“It has things on it about nutrition and legal situations as well as coaching situations and basic athletic administration,” said Rolfes. “It’s all to be proactive in providing good coaching, working with kids in a positive ways and looking out for them.”
Some of the classes could even benefit youth sports coaches.
“Some would be helpful to youth coaches,” said Rolfes.
Now the trick is to keep it current.
“We’re constantly updating and constantly adding courses,” said Rolfes.
The stage is now set so that specialization might increase in the future.
“I would say more individual sport application,” he answered when asked what the future might hold. “It’s not just about the technique of the sports, but dealing with young people , helping young people.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0364 or krowe@coxohio.com.
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