The National SCRABBLE^® Association (NSA) is often asked what it takes, in time or ability, to be the coach of a school's SCRABBLE^® team. Actually, there is not one right answer. Some teachers simply select the team and leave it to the students to practice on their own, while others might discuss strategy and word knowledge. A school's team can be coached by a teacher, by any interested person on the school's staff or by a parent or guardian.

It's even possible to request support from the NSA Volunteer Corps by emailing cmm@scrabble-assoc.com. These dedicated players are very knowledgeable about the game and work well with students. They volunteer their time to meet at the school with your team or entire class. You can even let them select the team!

Some teams have been selected by a teacher, coached by the principal and chaperoned by a parent. Based on interest level and available time, coaches may spend anywhere from an hour preparing the team before the championship event to an hour each week or every month. An adult chaperone does need to attend the event with the students. The coach can attend the event with the students as the chaperone, but can also leave that role to a parent or guardian.

A school staff person should select or confirm the team and provide them with a brief registration form. A coach should review the game, tournament and sportsmanship rules with the team. The chaperone[s] must bring the students to the event and stay while the students are playing. Here are some things for chaperones to do on the day of the event: