This study examines the perceptions of the general public regarding coaching certification and related qualifications. The expansion of sport programs at all levels has prompted the growth and availability of coaching opportunities. Career opportunities exist in the professional, intercollegiate, interscholastic, and private sectors. Colleges and universities must not only produce quality teachers, they must be equally concerned with the abilities of those who enter the coaching profession. Professional preparation of coaches has often been neglected. Many states identify no specific training or certification to enter the coaching profession. The interest and need for quality coaches demands that this important aspect of professional educational not be overlooked. The lack of concern regarding coaching preparation and/or certification is often attributed to belief in several "myths" concerning the preparation and need for coaching education (Evans, 1991; Gillentine & Bryant, 1997). Forming the basis of these "myths" are: 1) Past participation of coaching candidate, 2) skill level of candidate, 3) level of competition, 4) supervision versus instruction in sport and 4) the importance of sport. A survey instrument consisting of sixteen questions was administered to subjects at various sport and recreation venues in a southern state. Three hundred and thirty-eight subjects participated in the study. Subject responses indicated the general public does not agree with the "Myths" surrounding qualifications to coach. Nearly 71 percent disagreed-strongly disagreed that supervision was more important than instruction. Sixty-six percent of the respondents disagreed-strongly disagreed that skill level was a factor in coaching qualifications. Sixty-one percent disagreed-strongly disagreed that professional trained coaches were needed only at advanced levels of coaching. Surprisingly roughly 35 percent felt that past participation was sufficient qualification to coach. Over eighty-six percent of the subjects disagreed-strongly disagreed with the notion that sport was frivolous. The subjects strongly supported coaching certification at all levels volunteer, interscholastic & collegiate. Subjects further supported the concept that coaching certification should be required just as it is for classroom teachers. These findings indicate support for proposed coaching certifications such as those recommended by NASPE. The information gathered through this study could be useful in the development of courses and curricula needed to produce the quality and quantity of coaches needed.