Special Olympics Flag Football Coach and Asst. Coach

Job Description

Job Description

SUMMARY
This role involves coaching adults with developmental disabilities and fostering their athletic skills, teamwork, and personal growth through flag football. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for sports, experience in coaching, and a commitment to promoting inclusion and empowerment for people with DD.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Shared Responsibilities:
• Plan, organize, and conduct practices and games for the Flag Football Special Olympics Program.
• Attend all scheduled practices, games, and Special Olympics events.
o Practices and games are typically scheduled for Monday and Wednesday evenings, with additional weekend events as needed.
o Must be available to participate in the State Tournament in Geneva, Ohio, on October 18, 19, and 20 in 2024.
• Develop and implement training programs that are adaptive to each athlete's needs, teaching and reinforcing fundamental skills, rules, and strategies of flag football.
• Ensure a safe environment during practices and games, including appropriate supervision and adherence to safety protocols.
• Maintain up-to-date and accessible medical records during events.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive atmosphere for all participants, promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal development.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, progress, and any incidents.
• Collaborate with other coaches, volunteers, and support staff to ensure a cohesive and effective program.

Head Coach Specific Responsibilities:
• Oversee all aspects of the program, including planning, scheduling, and coordinating with officials, timers, and volunteers as needed.
• Ensure all safety protocols are followed, including maintaining the proper ratio of athletes to coaches and/or volunteers.
• Involve and manage volunteers in the program, ensuring all necessary paperwork is completed and registration is prepared as needed.

Assistant Coach Specific Responsibilities:
• Support the Head Coach in all aspects of planning, organizing, and conducting practices and games.
• Assist in engaging and managing volunteers, ensuring they are properly supported, and all necessary paperwork is in order.
• Provide additional supervision and support to ensure a smooth and effective program.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED
The Essential Duties and Responsibilities above represent the most significant duties of this position, but does not exclude other occasional work assignments that would be within the qualifications and responsibility levels of the position. May be required to obtain Van Driver certification.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Ability to motivate and inspire athletes to achieve their personal best.
• CPR and First Aid certification is a plus.
• Must be able to pass a background check and drug test.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Previous experience in coaching, preferred in flag football or other team sports.
• Understanding of and experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES

Ability to:

• Handle stress and interact positively with athletes, families, volunteers, and staff, while following supervisory direction.
• Demonstrate knowledge of safety and security protocols, adhering to guidelines for safety rules, accident reporting, and emergency procedures. Ensure all medical and safety protocols are followed, keeping athletes' medical records up to date.
• Comply with UI/MUI reporting requirements.
• Maintain punctuality and adherence to the practice and game schedule.
• Read, write, and comprehend coaching-related instructions and memos.
• Present information effectively in one-on-one and small group settings.
• Apply common sense to execute coaching instructions given in various forms.
• Use numerical and mathematical skills to manage schedules, track scores, and handle program logistics.
• Maintain a professional appearance and adhere to the dress code policy.

Knowledge of:  

• Basic coaching principles and strategies for flag football, safety and first aid practices related to sports, and proficiency with Internet software, Windows, and Microsoft systems (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands for this position are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of the job, with reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.

• The coach must actively participate in practices and games, including running, throwing, catching, and demonstrating techniques.
• Leading practices and games for several hours, including warm-ups, drills, and scrimmages, requires significant stamina.
• The role involves moving quickly across the field and responding to on-field situations, as well as occasionally lifting and carrying equipment up to 25 pounds.
• Must be willing to work in various outdoor conditions, such as heat, cold, rain, and wind.
• Adequate vision and hearing are necessary to observe and communicate effectively, providing clear and loud verbal instructions and feedback.
• Manual dexterity is required to set up and manage equipment and perform basic first aid.
• The ability to bend, kneel, stoop, and perform other movements associated with coaching activities is essential.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• This position involves working primarily outdoors on athletic fields, with exposure to various weather conditions and noise levels.
• This position demands a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, depending on practice and game times.
• The environment is dynamic, requiring responsiveness and alertness during practices and games.
• Ensuring a safe environment and maintaining proper medical and safety protocols is an essential aspect of the job.