October 6
national coaches day
Celebrate a coach. Share their story.
One day a year to thank the coaches who shaped us, at every level of every sport.
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what it is
a day that belongs to everyone.
National Coaches Day is observed every October 6 to recognize the coaches who dedicate their lives to leading, developing, and serving others through sport.
It belongs to everyone: the Division I staff and the volunteer who runs Saturday-morning soccer, the high school head coach and the assistant who drives the van. If a coach shaped you, this day is yours. No sign-up or permission required.
the history
Why October 6?
In 1972, Congress passed Senate Joint Resolution 213, and on September 19, President Richard Nixon signed Proclamation 4157, designating October 6, 1972, as National Coaches Day.
It was meant for one year. It stuck. Coaches have been celebrated every October 6 since.
“Their satisfaction usually comes through the achievements of others whom they have helped.”
More than fifty years later, that's still the job.
—President Richard Nixon, Proclamation 4157, 1972
why it matters
most coaches never see their name on a scoreboard.
Their work shows up years later: in the athlete who became a teacher, the teammate who became a leader, the kid who stayed in school because someone expected them at practice.
Coaching also carries costs few people see: long hours, frequent relocation, job insecurity, and strain on health and family. National Coaches Day is one day a year to make that work visible and say thank you out loud.
In their words
why we coach
Rhett Lashlee
Head Coach, SMU
Bob Chesney
Head Coach, UCLA
Sonny Dykes
Head Coach, TCU
how to take part
five ways to celebrate.
1
Thank a coach
Call, text, or write. Be specific.
2
Thank them publicly
Post an Instagram story and tag us. We'll repost it.
3
Recognize your staff
Social posts, the PA, the video board, a staff breakfast.
4
Support coaching families
Check on a coach. Support the organizations that serve them.
5
Join the conversation
Use #NationalCoachesDay so every post adds to one national story.
Free resources
everything you need to take part.
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National Coaches Day belongs to everyone. BMF maintains these free resources so anyone can take part. Year-round, we help coaches and their families stay healthy, stable, supported, and connected.
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