Coaches and Junior Coaches are expected to attend all practices but must attend at least one practice per week.

Number of Coaches

For every team of 20 participants in the Girls on the Run program, there will be 3 to 6 coaches who have completed their training. Similarly, each team of 12 to 15 participants in the Heart & Sole program will have 3 to 4 trained coaches. Head coaches are expected to attend both practices each week, while the other coaches are required to attend at least one practice per week, preferably on the same day each week. This ensures that there are always three coaches present at every practice, including one head coach and up to two assistant or junior coaches. Any other adults who wish to attend practices are welcome to do so as team helpers.

Discussion Groups

We highly recommend that lesson processing be done in groups of at most 20 girls (therefore, if there is a group of 20+, we suggest dividing it into two discussion groups). Research from Girls on the Run International suggests that in groups larger than 20 girls, individual participants are only able to participate partially, thereby weakening the experience and impact of the program. By dividing into smaller discussion groups, we can work towards each participant having enough time and space to get the most out of their season with Girls on the Run. Sites with multiple discussion groups will be provided with additional curricula and supplies.

Coach responsibilities include:

Working with Head Coach to ensure that all aspects of the GOTR program and curriculum are delivered as intended
Assist with the facilitation of the Girls on the Run curriculum and lead lessons as assigned by the Head Coach
Help facilitate and participate in games and workouts with the girls
Help facilitate and participate in the practice 5K, community impact project, and end-of-season celebration
NEW Coaches are required to attend complete NCT Training (in-person 1.5 hours and online approximately 4.5 hours)
Participate in the GOTR MoCo 5K

Junior Coaches (high school junior or senior)

Assist with the facilitation of the Girls on the Run curriculum
With Head Coach consent, you may lead a lesson
Encourage and motivate all participants
Serve as a role model for program participants
NEW Junior Coaches are required to attend complete NCT Training (in-person 3.5 hours and online approximately 3 hours)
Participate in the GOTR MoCo 5K

Coach Training

Coach Training is designed to provide new coaches with the information that all coaches everywhere, no matter council location, need to know before their first season as a Girls on the Run coach. Anyone who wishes to become a new coach will be required to complete coach training requirements. While someone who does not complete their coach training requirements will not be allowed to coach, they are welcome to support the team as a team helper.

Team Helpers

A team helper is an adult who attends and participates in Girls on the Run practices but is not a trained coach. This role was created for parents who want to be actively involved with a team without going through the formal coach training process. Here are a few things to note about team helpers:

Team helpers can attend practices based on their availability
Team helpers do not count towards a team's coach minimum
Team helpers will not lead curriculum lessons
Team helpers do not need to get CPR/First Aid certified
Team helpers will not receive a coach shirt
Team helpers will not receive the coach-daughter program registration discount
Team helpers will need to register for the 5K if they wish to participate in it
Team helpers can get 50% off 5K registration with a discount code

Please provide the name and e-mail address for each additional Coach or Jr. Coach to the Head Coach. If you have indicated your site will host multiple teams on the same schedule, GOTR staff will be in touch with the opportunity to add more coaches to your roster.

Spring 2026 GOTR MOCO Team Commitment Form