Teacher-Coach Responsibilities

Coaches play a critical role in giving students direct exposure to the judicial system, encouraging responsible citizenship, and teaching students to look at issues from different perspectives. As students prepare to compete, coaches ensure that Mock Trial is a positive experience which emphasizes learning, ethics and sportsmanship.

General

The Mock Trial Teacher Coach has two areas of primary responsibility:

1. To handle all logistics of student participation on a school team.
2. To serve as liaison with the county coordinator, parents and school site officials.

The Teacher Coach may also have instruction and coaching responsibilities, depending on the individual arrangements made with the attorney coach for each school team. Specific Mock Trial Teacher Coach responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Logistics

1. Work with Attorney Coach to select team members and make assignments, including case materials and roles.
2. Confirm that team members meet school’s academic and other requirements for participation in co-curricular activities.
3. Organize, schedule and supervise practice sessions and other team activities in conjunction with attorney coach.
4. Make sure all contacts and paperwork are completed for competition dates including student contracts, parent approvals, school calendar confirmations, and judge confirmations.
5. Coordinate team fundraising efforts as needed.

Communication

1. Be aware of competition rules and guidelines and communicate them to students, parents, and others.
2. Communicate with Teacher Coaches from other schools regarding scrimmages and arrangements for Rounds 1-4.
3. Serve as team liaison with county office, including attendance at all meetings, meeting all deadlines, and timely completion of all paperwork.
4. Keep school publications up-to-date regarding all aspects of team participation and progress. (KCSOS will handle press releases and media advisories on overall competition.)
5. Inform parents of practice schedules, out-of-town travel, and other requirements for participation.