ISL 2018-19: What are the requirements to be a head coach in Indian Super League?

Goal takes a look at the requirements and the profile needed to become a head coach in Indian Super League...

(ISL) has had certain ground rules for clubs looking to appoint a new head coach and the fifth edition of the league will see new rules come into effect.

Ahead of the fifth edition of ISL, a new set of rules that allows a club's assistant coach to be promoted to the position of the head coach even if the coach is not an active AFC Pro License holder, have been introduced.

These rules give us a better understanding of how an assistant coach of an ISL club can be promoted to the position of head coach. It bodes well for clubs like because as per the new set of rules, they can appoint former assistant coach Carles Cuadrat as their head coach.

The rules for head coaches listed below also clearly explains how former players like David James and Teddy Sheringham were roped in as head coaches at and respectively.

1) Unless a head coach is being retained from the 2017-18 edition of ISL, the appointment requires the approval of ISL. Even if the coach has worked in seasons prior to 2017-18, he will need the league's approval in writing.

2) The head coaches must hold an AFC Pro License or an equivalent coaching license. The coaches can also be in the process of obtaining their AFC pro-license (or equivalent) coaching qualification.

3) The profile of an ISL head coach must be one of the three:

- A high-profile coach with significant experience and record.

- A high-profile international footballer (active or retired) with the required coaching license looking to kick-start a coaching career

- A non-high profile coach with significant experience and a proven track record.

4) For an assistant coach to be promoted to the role of head coach, the requirements are:

The coach should have been at the ISL club for at least one full season.

The coach should boast a strong CV from his tenure as an assistant.

The coach should have achieved success as an assistant coach AND worked under a successful head coach.

The coach should have worked as an assistant coach at Indian and non-Indian clubs.

The coach should be an AFC Pro License holder (or its equivalent qualification) or be in the process acquiring the same.

5) Each ISL club is required to have/appoint at least one Indian assistant coach who is a full-time resident of . The Indian coach should be an AFC A License holder or be in the process of acquiring the same. It must be noted that clubs can appoint an Indian goalkeeping coach to satisfy this criterion.

It must also be noted that the last date for appointment of a head coach is August 1, 2018, which is less than two months from now.