St. Mark Catholic School athletic teams are coached by parents who graciously give of their time and talent.

General coaching information can be found in the St. Mark Catholic School Parent Student Handbook and the Athletic Handbook.

Coaching Requirements:

*All coaches must meet the criteria for the Diocesan Safe Environment program. First time and returning coaches, click on the link and follow the instructions provided to insure that training is current. First time coaches receiving new training must attend an in-person class. Locations and dates are available at the link above. Safe Environment Training must be updated annually. Retraining is available online. It is suggested that retraining take place each June to avoid ineligibility during the summer or during a season overlap. A copy of the course completion page must be submitted to the school office.

*St. Mark strongly suggests that all coaches be CPR certified through the American Heart Association. Certification must be renewed every two years. The school nurse schedules certification workshops as needed. If the course is unavailable through the school, online courses can be found by clicking here. Coaches should be certified in Pediatric First Aid, CPR, AED Parts 1, 2 and 3.  

*All coaches, both head and assistants, are held to the Dallas Parochial League policies and guidelines, and must attend the DPL "Play Like A Champion" coaching clinic for the sport they intend to coach prior to the beginning of the season. Only PLC course attendees are cleared to sit on a team bench during a DPL game or match. PLC course cost: $25.00 (the St. Mark Athletics Program pays the initial fee for all coaches). Course availability: PLC classes are only available on two days in August and two days in January. If a coach receives a technical at a match or game, a PLC renewal class is required, and coaching privileges are suspended until the class is retaken. The cost for a PLC course required after the initial class is the individual's responsibility.

Upcoming "Play Like a Champion" (PLC) workshop information: *St. Mark coaches will be required to be in support of and in compliance with all aspects of the Athletic Policy and Procedures manual contained in the St. Mark Parent Student Handbook.  

*No coach will be allowed to coach more than one team during a given season. Exceptions may be made if there are no qualified coaches for a particular sport. These will be determined on a case-by-case basis.  

*Head coaches will report directly to the St. Mark Athletic Director.

*Coaches should:
 

• Always set a good example for others to follow. 
• Teach Christian values such as respect, discipline, honesty, and hard work, and of conforming to the spirit, as well as to the letter, of the law.
• Instruct the players in their sportsmanship responsibilities.
• Discipline those students/athletes who display unsportsmanlike behavior, and if necessary, forfeit their privilege of representing their school.
• Remain with the athletes until each has been released to their parent/guardian, whether at a game or practice.
• Be a perfect host to opponents, treating them as guests.
• At every opportunity, remind the spectators that the opposing team needs their respect and courtesy.
• Respect the officials’ judgment and interpretation of the rules.
• Publicly shake hands with the officials and opposing coach before and after the contest.