A Tennessee Public High School Wrestling Head Coach is responsible for leading, managing, and operating an entire interscholastic wrestling program while ensuring compliance with state and district regulations. The coach must foster a safe, competitive, and supportive environment that promotes athletic development, academic success, and sportsmanship.Required Credentials & QualificationsEducation: High School Diploma or GED minimum required; valid Tennessee Teaching License preferred for faculty roles.State Requirements: Must pass a TSSAA/TMSAA background check and fingerprinting.Mandatory Coursework: Completion of the TSSAA Recruiting Rule course prior to the season.Certifications: Current First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications.Experience: Ample competitive wrestling or athletic coaching experience.Primary ResponsibilitiesAthlete Development & TrainingDesign and execute daily practice plans, technical drills, and live sparring sessions.Teach proper wrestling techniques, takedowns, escapes, and pinning combinations.Create comprehensive weight-management, conditioning, and strength-training programs.Teach and enforce proper hydration, nutrition, and safe weight-cutting practices. Regulatory ComplianceVerify all athletes meet Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) eligibility standards.Ensure physical examination forms and parent permission documents are signed before any participation.Attend mandatory TSSAA rules clinics and district athletic meetings. Program Administration & SafetyManage match and tournament scheduling in coordination with the School Athletic Director.Supervise student-athletes at all times, including mandatory adult presence in locker rooms.Track, inventory, and distribute wrestling mats, singlets, headgear, and safety equipment.Monitor and enforce plans to improve the academic performance of student-athletes. Leadership & CharacterAct as a positive community role model regarding language, conduct, and ethics.Maintain professional boundaries and strictly prohibit tobacco or alcohol use around players.Manage assistant coaches, volunteer staff, and team managers. Physical DemandsAbility to physically demonstrate wrestling moves on the mat.Capability to lift heavy mats and move equipment during event setups.Tolerance for frequent evening, weekend, and holiday travel for tournaments. Typical CompensationStructure: Usually paid via a supplemental stipend attached to a teaching contract, or as a standalone seasonal stipend for non-faculty coaches.