Coaches teach and motivate players in individual and team sports. Scouts seek out athletes for a team or sport.

Coaches

Coaches of non-professional sports often work for schools or recreation programs. They teach individual and team sports, using their knowledge of sports techniques and players' abilities. They organize and lead indoor and outdoor games and tournaments. In addition, they plan, organize, and run practice sessions. They explain and enforce safety rules. Some coaches help referee games. Other coaches give advice about how to treat injuries.

Many coaches are also in charge of equipment. They select and order equipment and supplies. They issue it to players and store it between games. Coaches also teach and monitor the use of training equipment.

Coaches who work with children and youth may plan physical education programs. Their goal is to help children develop new physical and social skills.

At the college level, coaches' duties vary by the size of the school and the popularity of the sport. In small schools, one person may coach several sports. At large colleges and universities, coaching a single sport is a full-time job. These coaches have duties similar to coaches of professional sports teams. Both may supervise assistant coaches in addition to their other duties. They may also be in charge of monitoring eligibility for student athletes. 

Professional coaches observe athletes to determine where they need improvement. They also plan game strategy by evaluating the abilities of their own team and the opposing team. Coaches instruct and motivate their athletes. They correct technique with individual players. They demonstrate techniques and game strategies to the team. In addition, coaches plan and direct conditioning programs to help athletes reach their peak performance.

Scouts

Athletic scouts determine athletes' potential for college or professional sports. Most scouts recruit for professional sports, but it is also common for recruiters to scout high schools for college players.

Scouts observe and analyze athletes' performance. They also review game records and statistics and evaluate athletes' skills. They discuss or recommend trading or hiring players. In college sports, scouts may arrange and offer incentives to play, such as athletic scholarships. In professional sports, scouts negotiate contracts with athletes or their agents. They also prepare reports about individual athletes and future recruitment.

Scouts may work for:

• Professional sports teams
• College or university sports programs
• Scouting agencies

Some scouts work as freelance scouts. They hide their identity from potential recruits while they evaluate them. It is important for college and university scouts to follow NCAA regulations about recruiting players.