Adapted, by permission, from Directing Youth Sports Programs (Paperback Book), © 2001 by Rainer Martens, (Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics), 72-73, www.asep.com 800-747-5698.

Consider the questions in the four categories below when interviewing potential candidates for your coaching positions. Use these as introductory questions to get the candidate talking. Then listen carefully and ask appropriate follow-up questions.

Interviewer's name:

Applicant's name:

Date:

Motives for Volunteering to Coach

• Why do you wish to coach?
• What do you hope to gain personally from coaching?
• How much time can you commit to coaching?

Knowledge of the Sport

• How would you conduct a typical practice?
• How familiar are you with the rules of this sport?
• What do you think would be helpful to learn about the sport to improve your ability to coach it?

Knowledge of How to Work With Young People

• How would you describe your coaching philosophy?
• What do you consider the important differences in coaching this age group compared to adults?
• Have you had other experiences in teaching or directing young people?

Character and Emotional Stability

• On what basis will you judge yourself to have been a successful or unsuccessful coach?
• How long have you held your present position of employment?
• What behaviors in other people irritate you?