Become a Coach

Girls on the Run St. Louis is a volunteer-based organization. Our program is possible because of the amazing volunteers who donate their time and talent, and provide invaluable support to empower girls across the St. Louis Metropolitan area for a lifetime of healthy living.
 
Volunteer coaches work directly with 3rd – 8th grade girls to deliver the Girls on the Run and Heart & Sole programs. Coaches lead the girls through fun and active lessons while helping them prepare for the Girls on the Run 5k event at the end of the season.

Step 1:
Site Liaisons, Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches and Practice Partner Coaches must all sign up by August 19.

Step 2:

-New Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches and Site Liaisons as well as Returning Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches and Site Liaisons (unless you attended training in the fall 2016, spring 2017, fall 2017, or spring 2018 season) must attend Coach training in order to maintain those roles.
-Practice Partner Coaches are not required to attend training, but may do so if desired. The more trained coaches you have, the more girls you are able to accommodate at your site.

Fall18 Coach Training Dates:

  1. Sat, Aug 4, 8:30am-12:30pm St. Joseph's Academy 2307 S Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63131
  2. Sat, Aug 11, 8:30am-12:30pm SLU Chaifetz Arena 1 S Compton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103
  3. Sun, Aug 12, 12:30-4:30pm SIUE Morris University Center Edwardsville, IL 62025
  4. Thurs, Aug 16, 5:15-9:00pm SLU Chaifetz Arena 1 S Compton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103
  5. Sun, Aug 19, 12:30-4:30pm St. Joseph's Academy 2307 S Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63131

Step 3:

ALL coaches must have completed a background check on file before the season begins.  If you have not had a background check through our system in the past two years, you will receive an email requesting that you complete one at this time. 

Step 4:
At least one person at every practice must be CPR certified. See CPR resources below.

Note: For our purposes, Practice Partners are considered "Coaches" as well as Head and Assistant Coaches and Site Liaisons. In areas where we provide instructions or information to Coaches, we are including Practice Partners in that group.

Volunteer Coach Positions

Coach Role Requirements Responsibilities
Site Liasion
(1/site)		 woman or man; at least 21 years old; background check; NEW: attend new coaches training; RETURNING: complete online refresher serves as primary contact and connection with GOTR staff and site, coordinates practice spaces and distribution of materials
Head Coach
(max of 2/team)		 woman; at least 21 years old; background check; attend practice 1-2 times/week; NEW: attend new coaches training; RETURNING: complete online refresher serves as primary facilitator of GOTR/H&S curriculum; works closely with GOTR staff; leads the organizing of the practice 5k, service project, 5k event and the end-of-season celebration
Assistant Coach woman or man; at least 18 years old; background check; attend practice 1-2 times/week; NEW: attend new coaches training; RETURNING: complete online refresher serves as assistant to the head coach; helps facilitate the GOTR/H&S program; assists with the practice 5k, community service project, 5k event and the end-of-season celebration
Practice Partner Coach
(max of 4/team)		 woman or man; high school age or older; background check; attend practice at least 1 time/week serves as support to GOTR head and assistant coaches; provides encouragement to all participants; helps with the practice 5k, service project, 5k event and the end-of-season celebration

A detailed version of the matrix above can be found here.

CPR Certification

At least 1 coach at every practice must have CPR certification and have First Aid knowledge. Often this is fulfilled by the Head Coach.

CPR Certification Options:

CPR Plus LLC - call 314-313-5980 to learn about available class dates and locations
 

If you still have questions about becoming a coach, please visit our FAQ section.