All coaches (this includes every sport in the NFMSS) that are participating in the National Federation of Middle School Sports must going through a background screening. This is to ensure the safety of the student-athletes participating in sports through the NFMSS. The background screening is required for all coaches: head coaches, assistant coaches, statisticians, volunteers, and all others involved are required to have a background screening. The screening can be done by the middle school or be the NFMSS national office. The potential coach/volunteer is responsible for paying the cost of the background screening.
Any individual convicted of crimes against children/minors is NOT allowed to coach/volunteer without the written consent of the National Headquarters of the National Federation of Middle School Sports.
Effective July 1, 2025, coaches in NFMSS will be able to pursue a second
alternative pathway to complete the 3 NFMSS required coaching courses (Principles, Philosophy
and organization of Athletics in Education, Health Sciences Applied to Coaching, and Theory &
Techniques of Coaching (Sport Specific) by utilizing the NFHS online coaching courses (AIC-Level
1 and CIC-Level 2) and completion of an internship in accordance with guidelines.
See link: https://nfhslearn.com/home/coaching_requirement
The NFMSS Specific Second Pathway Process is outlined below:
First Temporary Coaching License – No Change
a. SED Approved First Aid course
b. SED Approved CPR/AED course
c. Child Abuse recognition course
d. School Violence Prevention Course,
e. DASA training
f. Fingerprinting
Not required for certification, however required by District to coach: Concussion
Course (Every 2 years)
Second Temporary Coaching License (First Renewal) – No Change
a. SED Approved First Aid course
b. SED Approved CPR/AED course
c. Child Abuse recognition course
d. School Violence Prevention Course,
e. DASA training
f. Fingerprinting
Not required for certification, however required by District to coach: Concussion Course (Every 2 years)
Third, Fourth and Fifth Temporary Coaching License (2nd – 4th Renewal) – Two Options
| Option I (Current Requirements) | Option II NFHS |
| SED Approved First Aid course | SED Approved First Aid course |
| SED Approved CPR/AED course | SED Approved CPR/AED course |
| Completion of Principles, Philosophy and Organization of Athletics in Education | NFHS Accredited Interscholastic Coach Certificate (AIC-Level 1)* |
| Child Abuse recognition course | Child Abuse recognition course |
| School Violence Prevention Course, | School Violence Prevention Course, |
| DASA training | DASA training |
| Fingerprinting | Fingerprinting |
| Not required for certification, however required by District to coach: Concussion Course (Every 2 years) (Kept at local level) |
*NFHS Accredited Interscholastic Coach Certificate (AIC-Level 1) includes:
I. Fundamentals of Coaching
II. First Aid, Health and Safety For Coaches
III. Concussion in Sports
iv. One Sport Specific course of your choice. All courses can be found
at https://nfhslearn.com