- The GHSA requires that all parapros attend the “PREPARE/First Aid” class (if you haven’t already taken this under the community coach program), the “Head Coaching Leadership” class and the in-person “GHSA Policies and Procedures” class. Parapros are not allowed to coach until after attending the classes and successfully completing the exam. Coaching before you are certified subjects your school to a fine.
- The school will register you for the course. You must be a certified paraprofessional. Your certification ID number is entered on the registration form. When processing your registration, the GHSA will check your certification status with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. A background check is the school’s responsibility and must adhere to their policies. The course fee is due at registration and must be paid online by credit card.
- All registrations must be complete and submitted online by the school before the close of business on the deadline date.
- Any changes to your class schedule must be done with the approval of your school Principal or Athletic Director and submitted to the GHSA office in writing by the school Athletic Director or Principal. Please do not call the GHSA office requesting a change in your schedule. This MUST BE DONE through the school.
- Please be sure the information on your registration form is correct, including an email address that you check regularly. This is important!
- When your registration is processed you will receive an email with the link to your class and the code for the online course book. Your class dates and times will be included as well. Please check your spam folder for our emails.
- Class attendance and a passing grade of 80 or more is required on the exam(s) BEFORE you are allowed to assume any coaching duties.
- You are allowed 30 days from your class date to complete the course requirements. If you don’t attend your classes or complete the exam(s) within the 30 days you will be marked disqualified and will need to speak to your school AD about rescheduling your class.
- These are instructor-taught classes. You must log-in on time for your scheduled classes. If you arrive 15 or more minutes late for your scheduled class you will be marked ABSENT and removed from the class. You will have to speak to your school Athletic Director regarding rescheduling your class. This request must be in writing from the school.
- After you attend the in-person class, and all of your other course requirements are complete, you will receive an email with the link to the Head Coaching exam. A score of 80 or more is required to receive credit for this exam. Remember you have 30 days to complete the exam.
- You must complete a GHSA Rules Clinic in the sport you coach as required of others on the staff or the school will be fined.
For those taking the PREPARE/First Aid class and exam:
- The PREPARE/First Aid exam will not be in the GHSA testing portal. This exam is done on the NCSS website. After attending the class, you will receive instructions for taking the exam. PLEASE USE THE LINK ON THE INSTRUCTION SHEET. If you should have any problems with the testing process, please contact NCSS. The NCSS contact information is at the bottom of the testing instruction form.
- These are instructor-taught classes. You must log-in on time for your scheduled classes. If you arrive 15 or more minutes late for your scheduled class you will be marked ABSENT and removed from the class. You will have to speak to your school Athletic Director regarding rescheduling your class. This request must be in writing from the school.
- Please be sure NOT to purchase the NCSS PREPARE/First Aid exam. This cost is already included in your course fee. If you are asked to pay for the exam you are in the wrong location.