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Coaches and Scouts

SOC 27-2022.00Job Zone 4 · Considerable Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers coaching and scouting practice across competitive scholastic, collegiate, and professional athletic environments where practitioners plan training, develop game strategy, manage athlete development, and lead coaching organizations.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Practice session components — organize and set up under the direction of a head coach in a structured team environment.
  2. Basic sport rules and game strategies — instruct individual athletes using provided curriculum during supervised training sessions.
  3. Athlete encouragement and motivational communication — deliver using scripted protocols during entry-level coaching assignments.
  4. Athlete performance fundamentals — demonstrate correct body mechanics and movement techniques under the guidance of senior coaching staff.
  5. Academic eligibility records — monitor and track for student athletes using established institutional checklists and compliance tools.
  6. Nutritional guidelines — relay to athletes based on program-approved resources during pre-season preparation activities.
  7. Opponent scouting reports — review and summarize key findings using video creation and editing software under supervisory direction.
  8. Individual athlete strengths and weaknesses — identify through structured observation logs during routine practice evaluations.
  9. Word processing and desktop communications software — use to prepare basic practice schedules and coaching correspondence in an athletic department setting.
  10. Student athlete personal and academic concerns — listen to and refer to appropriate counseling resources following established institutional protocols.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Practice sessions — plan, organize, and conduct independently for a competitive team across a full athletic season.
  2. Coaching techniques — adjust based on observed strengths and weaknesses of individual athletes during recurring training cycles.
  3. Game-day strategy — select team members and assign roles for individual contests using performance data and scouting insights.
  4. Sport-specific performance principles — instruct small groups using multimedia educational software and computer-based training tools in a collegiate or club setting.
  5. Athlete motivation and conditioning programs — develop and deliver with reduced oversight to prepare players for competitive events and tournaments.
  6. Opposing team tendencies — analyze using video review tools and compiled statistical data to inform weekly game preparation plans.
  7. Student athlete academic eligibility — monitor proactively across a roster, coordinating with academic advisors to resolve emerging compliance issues.
  8. Athlete counseling conversations — conduct on athletic and personal development topics, applying active listening and social perceptiveness skills.
  9. Video conferencing and cloud-based sharing software — use to coordinate scouting reports and training materials with assistant coaches and support staff.
  10. Time management across overlapping coaching duties — apply structured scheduling and project management software to balance practice, travel, and administrative responsibilities.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Season-long practice and competition plans — design autonomously integrating periodization principles, athlete readiness data, and opponent analysis across a full program.
  2. Complex athlete performance problems — diagnose and resolve using deductive reasoning and systems analysis to address both physical and psychological performance barriers.
  3. Multi-layered game strategies — develop and adapt in real time by synthesizing scouting intelligence, statistical trends, and situational judgment during high-stakes competitions.
  4. Diverse athlete populations — instruct across skill levels and learning styles by applying advanced instructional strategies and differentiated coaching methods in competitive environments.
  5. Comprehensive opponent analysis — conduct using video editing software and performance databases to build detailed pre-competition scouting profiles and strategic frameworks.
  6. Student athlete holistic development — counsel on academic, athletic, and personal matters with autonomy, drawing on psychological knowledge and institutional support networks.
  7. Roster construction and personnel decisions — execute using systematic evaluation methods, balancing athletic performance metrics with team cohesion considerations across a competitive season.
  8. Nutrition and performance optimization programs — design and oversee for entire rosters, collaborating with sports medicine and nutrition professionals in high-performance athletic settings.
  9. Academic eligibility and compliance systems — manage at the program level, proactively identifying risks and coordinating with athletic administration to maintain institutional standards.
  10. Coaching staff coordination — lead assistant coaches and support personnel using personnel management and coordination skills to ensure consistent program execution.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Program-wide coaching philosophy — establish and communicate across an entire athletic department or professional organization to align staff, athletes, and stakeholders toward long-term goals.
  2. Coaching staff development — mentor, evaluate, and advance assistant and position coaches through structured professional development initiatives in competitive collegiate or professional settings.
  3. Multi-season competitive strategy — architect at the organizational level by integrating recruitment, player development, scouting intelligence, and opponent analysis into a cohesive program vision.
  4. Institutional culture of athlete development — build and sustain by embedding academic, wellness, and performance standards into all facets of a high-profile athletic program.
  5. Recruiting and talent pipeline strategy — lead organization-wide by designing evaluation frameworks and leveraging scouting networks to identify and attract elite athletes.
  6. Cross-functional stakeholder communication — lead persuasively with athletic directors, academic institutions, media, and community partners to advance program interests and public image.
  7. Technology and analytics integration — drive adoption of performance analytics platforms, video systems, and cloud-based tools across an entire coaching and operations staff.
  8. Athlete welfare and compliance governance — oversee at the executive level, setting policies that ensure academic eligibility, personal support, and ethical conduct across a full roster.
  9. Organizational performance systems — design and evaluate using systems analysis to assess program effectiveness and implement data-informed improvements at an institutional scale.
  10. Industry leadership and innovation — contribute to the broader coaching profession by presenting at conferences, shaping best practices, and modeling advanced instructional and strategic methodologies.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-generated practice plan templates — adopts pre-built session outlines from an AI tool to structure basic drills and warm-ups, while still applying personal knowledge of athlete readiness and safety Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Performance data summarization — prompts an AI assistant to compile basic athlete statistics into readable summaries, freeing time for direct athlete interaction Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Athlete strength-and-weakness profiling — directs an AI tool to cross-reference game footage notes and performance metrics, then uses the output to adjust individual coaching techniques before the next session Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Game strategy research — delegates opponent scouting queries to an AI assistant, reviewing and filtering AI-generated tactical breakdowns against firsthand observation and team context Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  3. Nutritional and conditioning guidance — queries an AI knowledge base for evidence-based recommendations on athlete nutrition and recovery, then contextualizes outputs to each athlete's specific demands and medical history Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Season roster planning — orchestrates an AI-assisted evaluation workflow that ranks candidates by quantitative performance indicators, retaining final selection authority based on intangibles such as attitude, coachability, and team chemistry Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Real-time in-game adjustment support — uses an AI dashboard to surface pattern-based substitution and play-call recommendations during competition, integrating those signals with live situational awareness and player fatigue cues Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Motivational communication drafting — instructs an AI writing assistant to generate first-draft pre-game speeches and athlete feedback reports, then rewrites tone and emotional content to reflect personal coaching voice and relationship context Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  4. Learning-strategy personalization — applies AI-generated learning-pace models to sequence skill instruction for individual athletes, monitoring actual progress against model predictions and recalibrating coaching emphasis accordingly WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. End-to-end scouting pipeline design — architects a multi-step AI agent workflow that ingests video, statistical feeds, and interview notes to produce ranked talent reports, while establishing quality-control checkpoints that preserve human judgment on character and coachability assessments Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Predictive injury and performance modeling — commissions and validates AI predictive models for athlete workload and injury risk, translating model outputs into periodization decisions and communicating risk trade-offs to athletes, medical staff, and management Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. AI tool evaluation and adoption governance — benchmarks competing AI coaching platforms against team-specific performance outcomes, setting organizational standards for when AI outputs override versus inform human decisions across the coaching staff Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 557
Augment share: 55.7%
Time saved: 78%
AI autonomy: 3.52
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Instructing
Score: 57.3 / 100
precision: category_estimate
WEF cluster
Human-Technology Interaction
human_technology_interaction
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication11 statements
Emerging
  1. Athlete instruction delivery — conveys basic sports rules and game strategies to athletes during introductory practice sessions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Verbal feedback — provides simple corrective cues to individual athletes following observed skill execution errors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Practice session briefing — delivers clear pre-practice instructions covering drills, objectives, and expectations to a full team roster Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Parent and stakeholder communication — explains athlete progress, eligibility status, and developmental goals to parents and school administrators O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Nutritional and wellness guidance — communicates sport-specific conditioning and nutritional advice using accessible language tailored to athlete age and level O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Game-plan communication — presents complex tactical strategies and opponent scouting reports to athletes and assistant coaches with clarity and purpose Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Counseling dialogue — conducts structured one-on-one conversations with student athletes on academic, athletic, and personal challenges using active listening and empathetic framing Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Media and public communication — articulates team performance narratives, coaching decisions, and program vision to media and community audiences with composure O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Cross-functional program communication — coordinates messaging across athletic directors, academic advisors, medical staff, and parents to ensure consistent athlete support Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Mentorship communication modeling — demonstrates elite-level feedback and dialogue techniques that assistant coaches and emerging staff replicate across the program Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Recruitment communication — crafts and delivers compelling, accurate assessments of athlete potential and program fit to prospects, families, and institutional decision-makers O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
2Leadership11 statements
Emerging
  1. Team role modeling — demonstrates expected effort, attitude, and behavior standards on the practice field to establish credibility with athletes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Drill leadership — leads small-group practice activities under the direction of a head coach, providing basic guidance and encouragement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Practice organization leadership — plans and executes organized practice sessions with defined objectives, time structures, and role assignments for athletes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Motivational leadership — delivers individualized encouragement and challenge to athletes during preparation for competitive events, sustaining effort and focus O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Roster decision participation — contributes informed input into lineup and team selection decisions based on observed athlete performance data O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Season strategy leadership — develops and executes a comprehensive seasonal game plan that accounts for opponent analysis, athlete readiness, and competitive goals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Staff leadership — directs assistant coaches and support personnel, delegating responsibilities and maintaining accountability for program standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Crisis leadership — guides athletes and staff through competitive adversity, injuries, or program disruptions by maintaining composure and clear direction Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Program culture leadership — builds and sustains a program-wide culture of accountability, excellence, and athlete development that outlasts individual seasons Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Organizational leadership — represents the athletic program in institutional strategic planning, policy development, and community engagement at a senior level Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Next-generation leadership development — systematically identifies and cultivates leadership qualities in athletes and assistant coaches, creating a sustainable leadership pipeline Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition9 statements
Emerging
  1. Coaching self-reflection — recognizes when a practice drill or instructional approach is not producing intended athlete outcomes and notes adjustments for future sessions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning strategy awareness — identifies personal gaps in sport-specific knowledge or pedagogical technique and seeks targeted resources for improvement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Technique adaptation monitoring — tracks own pattern of coaching adjustments across athletes and evaluates whether adaptive strategies are producing measurable improvement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Game-preparation self-assessment — reviews own scouting and game-planning processes after competitive outcomes to identify analytical blind spots Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Coaching philosophy refinement — periodically audits personal coaching philosophy against athlete outcomes, research, and peer practices to update methods deliberately Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Instructional strategy calibration — consciously selects and sequences teaching methods based on athlete learning profiles and monitors the effectiveness of those choices in real time Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Bias recognition in evaluation — identifies and mitigates personal biases when assessing athlete potential or making roster and recruitment decisions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Meta-level program evaluation — conducts systematic retrospective analysis of full seasons, identifying systemic patterns in coaching decisions and their long-term athlete development outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Cognitive modeling for athletes — teaches athletes explicit metacognitive strategies for self-monitoring performance, managing competition anxiety, and learning from failure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking10 statements
Emerging
  1. Opponent observation — gathers basic information on opposing team tendencies during games and identifies one or two patterns for coaching staff discussion Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Athlete performance observation — identifies visible strengths and weaknesses in individual athlete technique during practice repetitions O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Scouting analysis — analyzes film, statistics, and scouting reports on opposing teams to identify exploitable patterns and inform game-planning decisions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Practice design reasoning — evaluates the effectiveness of drill structures against athlete skill development data and adjusts practice content accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Eligibility evaluation — applies institutional and governing body academic eligibility criteria to athlete records, identifying risk factors and appropriate interventions O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Game strategy formulation — synthesizes opponent analysis, athlete capability assessment, and situational variables to construct data-informed competitive strategies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Athlete development decision-making — evaluates competing evidence about athlete readiness, injury risk, and long-term potential when making high-stakes selection and playing-time decisions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Recruitment evaluation — applies structured criteria to assess prospective athlete suitability, cross-referencing performance data, character indicators, and program fit O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Systems-level program analysis — applies multi-variable critical analysis to evaluate entire program effectiveness, including coaching staff performance, athlete retention, and competitive outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Evidence-based methodology adoption — critically evaluates emerging sport science research and coaching literature, determining applicability and integrating validated findings into program practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration10 statements
Emerging
  1. Peer staff cooperation — supports assistant coaches and athletic trainers by sharing athlete observations and coordinating role responsibilities during practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Athlete team integration — facilitates introductory team-building activities that help new athletes establish rapport and shared norms with teammates Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Multi-staff practice coordination — collaborates with athletic trainers, strength coaches, and academic advisors to align athlete preparation schedules and intervention plans Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Team cohesion development — designs and facilitates collaborative practice structures that build trust, shared accountability, and collective performance identity among athletes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Co-coaching collaboration — works with co-coaches or position coaches to develop unified tactical approaches and consistent messaging to athletes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Interdepartmental program collaboration — coordinates with academic departments, compliance offices, and student services to support holistic athlete eligibility and wellbeing O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Conflict navigation — mediates interpersonal conflicts among athletes or between athletes and staff, restoring collaborative function within the team environment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Game-day staff coordination — directs synchronized contributions from assistant coaches, medical staff, and support personnel during competition through clear role delineation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Institutional partnership building — establishes collaborative relationships with feeder programs, community organizations, and professional networks to strengthen program pipelines Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Collaborative culture architecture — designs program-wide systems that embed collaborative norms into team culture, staff operations, and athlete leadership development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character10 statements
Emerging
  1. Ethical conduct modeling — adheres to sport governing body rules and institutional policies in all coaching and scouting activities, even when oversight is absent Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Consistent professionalism — maintains respectful, fair treatment of all athletes regardless of performance level or personal relationship Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Accountability demonstration — accepts responsibility for team performance outcomes and coaching decisions without deflecting to athletes or external factors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Equity in athlete treatment — applies consistent standards of feedback, opportunity, and discipline across all athletes without favoritism or bias Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Compliance adherence — upholds academic eligibility, recruitment regulations, and institutional integrity standards as a non-negotiable professional obligation O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Athlete welfare prioritization — makes coaching and competitive decisions that place long-term athlete health, academic success, and personal wellbeing above short-term competitive outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Ethical dilemma navigation — identifies and resolves ethical conflicts in recruitment, eligibility, or competitive practice by applying principled reasoning and institutional guidance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Transparent communication of standards — clearly articulates program values, behavioral expectations, and consequences to athletes, parents, and staff with consistency Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Program integrity leadership — establishes and enforces a culture of ethical conduct that resists external pressure to compromise rules or athlete welfare for competitive advantage Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Character development integration — embeds explicit character and integrity education into athlete development curricula, treating ethical growth as a core program outcome alongside athletic performance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
7Creativity10 statements
Emerging
  1. Practice drill variation — introduces novel drill modifications to prevent athlete habituation and sustain engagement during repetitive skill training Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Problem-solving improvisation — generates on-the-spot adjustments to practice plans when facilities, equipment, or athlete availability changes unexpectedly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Tactical innovation — develops non-standard offensive or defensive schemes that leverage unique athlete skill profiles in ways opponents have not prepared for Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Motivational strategy design — creates individualized motivational approaches for athletes with different psychological profiles and competitive drives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Scouting methodology creativity — designs original observation frameworks or data collection methods to capture athlete or opponent tendencies more precisely Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Season-long strategic creativity — constructs a season plan that strategically sequences competition, rest, and development phases in ways that optimize peak performance timing Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Athlete development innovation — designs customized skill development pathways for athletes with atypical physical or technical profiles that standard coaching frameworks do not address Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Recruitment creativity — identifies and evaluates undervalued athlete talent in non-traditional venues, geographic markets, or sport crossover pipelines O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Program reinvention — redesigns foundational aspects of a struggling or stagnant program by introducing creative structural, cultural, or methodological changes that produce measurable improvement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-sport methodology integration — synthesizes training and tactical concepts from adjacent sports or performance disciplines to innovate within the primary sport's coaching practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset10 statements
Emerging
  1. Loss processing — reflects on competitive losses as learning opportunities and models a constructive post-game review attitude for athletes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Feedback receptivity — receives performance feedback from supervisors or peers without defensiveness and applies it to subsequent coaching practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Coaching technique evolution — actively seeks out clinics, coaching certifications, and peer mentorship to expand and refine technical coaching competencies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Athlete effort cultivation — consistently reinforces effort, process, and improvement over outcomes when providing performance feedback to athletes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Setback reframing — guides athletes through individual slumps or team losing streaks by framing difficulty as a necessary phase of long-term skill development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Continuous program improvement — establishes regular review cycles for coaching methods, practice designs, and program outcomes, treating each season as an iteration toward mastery Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Athlete growth mindset instruction — explicitly teaches athletes cognitive reframing strategies for handling failure, criticism, and plateau phases in athletic development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Adaptive learning from opponents — analyzes competitive defeats for strategic and tactical lessons, incorporating findings into future preparation regardless of ego investment in prior approach Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Learning culture institutionalization — embeds growth mindset principles into program-wide norms, staff development practices, and athlete evaluation frameworks so that continuous improvement is structural rather than individual Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional learning leadership — presents original insights from coaching experience at clinics, conferences, or publications, contributing to the field's collective development while reinforcing personal mastery Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness10 statements
Emerging
  1. Game-day composure — maintains baseline emotional regulation during competitive events, avoiding reactive responses to officiating decisions or momentum shifts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Athlete emotional awareness — notices visible signs of athlete stress, fatigue, or disengagement during practice and acknowledges them rather than pressing through unchecked Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Intentional practice design — plans practice sessions with deliberate attention to athlete cognitive load, energy cycles, and focus capacity rather than defaulting to rote schedules Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotional self-regulation under pressure — manages personal frustration, anxiety, and competitive stress during high-stakes games without projecting those states onto athletes or officials Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Present-moment athlete observation — maintains focused, non-distracted observation of individual athlete mechanics during drills to provide accurate and timely feedback Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Mindful athlete counseling — conducts athlete counseling conversations with full attentive presence, suspending judgment and agenda to accurately understand the athlete's perspective Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Situational awareness in competition — monitors multiple simultaneous dynamics during live competition — athlete fatigue, score context, opponent adjustments — with calibrated attention allocation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Stress-informed decision-making — recognizes when personal stress is influencing judgment during high-pressure decisions and applies deliberate pause strategies before acting Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Mindfulness curriculum integration — teaches athletes formal attention-regulation and emotional-awareness practices as components of performance preparation and competitive resilience Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Program climate stewardship — maintains intentional, ongoing awareness of team emotional climate and intervenes proactively when stress, conflict, or burnout patterns emerge at the group level Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude10 statements
Emerging
  1. Adversity acknowledgment — persists through difficult losing streaks or athlete development plateaus without abandoning the coaching process or communicating hopelessness to the team Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Recruitment rejection resilience — continues pursuing program-fit athlete candidates after repeated recruitment failures without reducing diligence or standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Season-long perseverance — sustains consistent practice quality and athlete development focus across a full competitive season, including periods of injury, poor results, and external criticism Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Athlete welfare advocacy persistence — follows through on advocating for athlete academic or personal support needs even when institutional resistance or bureaucratic friction is encountered Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Competitive pressure endurance — maintains strategic clarity and decision-making quality during extended high-pressure game situations without emotional or cognitive collapse Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Program rebuilding fortitude — leads a struggling or newly formed program through sustained multi-season development work, maintaining commitment to process despite slow early returns Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Difficult personnel decisions — makes and stands behind difficult roster, playing-time, or recruitment decisions under pressure from athletes, parents, or administrators when those decisions serve program integrity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Athlete crisis support — maintains a steady, courageous coaching presence when athletes face serious personal, health, or academic crises that destabilize the program environment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Institutional change courage — challenges dysfunctional program structures, inequitable practices, or unethical directives from institutional leadership when athlete welfare or program integrity demands it Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Legacy fortitude — sustains program vision and standards across decades of coaching, staff turnover, and institutional change, demonstrating that durable excellence requires long-term courage and commitment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Show O*NET source anchors64 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Athletic Coach · Athletic Instructor · Athletic Scout · Athletics Teacher · Baseball Club Manager · Baseball Coach · Baseball Scout · Basketball Coach · Bowling Teacher · Boxing Coach · Boxing Trainer · Boys Basketball Coach
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
InstructingSpeakingMonitoringLearning StrategiesSocial PerceptivenessCritical ThinkingJudgment and Decision MakingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningComplex Problem SolvingManagement of Personnel ResourcesCoordinationPersuasionSystems AnalysisTime ManagementActive LearningService OrientationWritingNegotiationSystems Evaluation
Knowledge domains
Education and TrainingEnglish LanguageAdministration and ManagementPsychologyCustomer and Personal ServiceCommunications and MediaPersonnel and Human ResourcesPublic Safety and SecurityComputers and ElectronicsAdministrative
Abilities
Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionInformation OrderingOriginalityCategory FlexibilityFluency of IdeasProblem SensitivityDeductive Reasoning
Work styles
Leadership OrientationDependabilityAchievement OrientationSocial OrientationSelf-ConfidenceCooperation
Technology
Desktop communications softwareObject or component oriented development softwareMulti-media educational softwareComputer based training softwareWord processing softwareWeb page creation and editing softwareVideo creation and editing softwareProject management softwareCloud-based data access and sharing softwareVideo conferencing software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Plan, organize, and conduct practice sessions.
  2. Provide training direction, encouragement, motivation, and nutritional advice to prepare athletes for games, competitive events, or tours.
  3. Adjust coaching techniques, based on the strengths and weaknesses of athletes.
  4. Instruct individuals or groups in sports rules, game strategies, and performance principles, such as specific ways of moving the body, hands, or feet, to achieve desired results.
  5. Plan strategies and choose team members for individual games or sports seasons.
  6. Monitor the academic eligibility of student athletes.
  7. Counsel student athletes on academic, athletic, and personal issues.
  8. Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of opposing teams to develop game strategies.
CIP education codes
13.131431.050131.050442.2815

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.