Head Coach

Overview

The Bulkley Valley Otters is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing swim programs for all ages of youth. On offer are programs for adults and youth, ranging from pre-competitive to competitive, with athletes competing at local, regional and up to the provincial level. The BVO helps in developing swimming skills, strength and efficiency, while helping participants learn what it takes to be a competitive swimmer.

Furthermore, the club offers masters swim programs for graduating athletes and adults wishing to receive coaching and lane time. The Otters train in the Bulkley Valley Regional Pool which is located in Smithers, BC on the traditional territory of the Wet’suwet’en Peoples and the Gitimden Yintah Cas Yex (Grizzly) house.

Position Summary

The BV Otters are seeking a Head Coach (HC) who is able to commit to the full season and attend all regional swim meets, as needed.

The swim club has a user base of up to 50 participants. The Coach will work 20-25hrs per week, with 4 evening training sessions of 3.5 hrs (Tues. Fri: 1700-2030) and 2 hr Saturday morning (0600-0800), along with pre-session planning and post training admin and follow up. Hours may need to be increased leading up to competition weeks to account for increased planning (in conjunction with the Board) and admin leading up to out of town and our local meets. Travel to out of town meets is expected and expenses covered by the club.

The HC will be an experienced swim instructor who can help athletes of all ages develop proper swimming techniques and skills. The HC will develop, organize, evolve and enhance the existing quality competitive and non-competitive programs. Their responsibilities include preparing targeted lessons and drills to meet individual students’ needs, along with evaluating each student’s performance by providing constructive feedback. The successful incumbent will demonstrate patience and enthusiasm and a desire to motivate athletes to accomplish their swimming goals. The Head Coach will also display an upbeat, positive and energetic attitude in order to best motivate the athletes.

Additionally, the HC will monitor attendance, complete accident reports, and ensure that all swimming aids and equipment are properly stocked and in good working order. They will ensure that all pool facility rules are adhered to, while conducting operations with the clubs code of conduct in mind. Maintaining a healthy and safe training environment for athletes, assistant coaches and other pool users alike. The wage for this position is negotiable and will be dependent on experience, qualifications, and overall fit.

Day to Day Responsibilities

Administrative:

- Register junior coaches with Swim BC and administer miscellaneous Swim BC paperwork.
- Order team supplies as and when required; maintain an inventory and update with the Board on a regular basis.
- Liase with and provide monthly summary of activities with Board of Directors

Coaching and Event Planning:
I. Run weekly coaching sessions for team’s competitive and non-competitive program.

II. Manage and provide leadership and mentorship to junior coaches, volunteers, and swimmers.

III. Plan local and/or away training camps, as requested

IV. Plan daily workouts and create seasonal training plans that are dependent on enrolment, attendance and most efficient lane usage

V. Plan and coordinate with the BOD, the practice and meet schedule, including travel, meet entries, fees, and other administration duties.

VI. Work with the board to create and establish templates and spreadsheets as ‘living documents’ to update as and when necessary.

VII. Recruit novice swimmers and promote swimmer retention.

Reporting and Communication:
I. Maintain regular communication with the board of directors and apprise the board of any relevant club activities on a monthly basis, or as needed in the case of discipline or questions arising from athletes and parents that need to be handled at a board level.

II. Check and respond to all communication via emai, phone, and in-person.

III. Update the Social media coordinator in required changes to the Otters website and social media feeds in order to keep their contents up to date with current events and activities.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Certifications:
I. Currently certified in the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP).

II. Swimming Fundamentals Coach ( Swimming 101)and Swimming Age Group Coach(Swimming 201) courses.

III. National Lifeguard Society certification ( NLS), CPR-C (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certification, and First Aid training.

IV. Valid driver’s licence.

V. Complete a Criminal Record Check prior to commencing.

**Experience**:
I. Minimum of one year coaching experience is required in a similar swim club environment.

II. Minimum high school diploma is required, and desirably a bachelor’s degree in a similar field or capacity.

**Skills**:I. Experienced problem solver a