US FENCING NATIONAL TEAM COACH
TITLE: National Team Coach (6 positions to be filled): Men's Epee, Women's Epee, Men's Saber, Women's Saber, Men's Foil, Women's Foil
ROLE: Each National Team Coach is directly responsible for the qualification of U.S weapon squads for the individual and/or team events to the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England. The National Team Coaching staff will prepare U.S. athletes for medal performances at World Championships, Zonal competitions and the 2012 Olympic Games.
POSTING DATE: May 15, 2009
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: June 5, 2009.
INFORMATION: Please submit resume (indicating desired weapon) with a minimum of 3 professional references to Michael Pederson, Director of High Performance Programs.
Email: Michael.Pederson@usfencing.org
- Fax: 1 719 632 5737 Attn: Michael Pederson
REPORTS TO: Director of High Performance Programs
SALARY: Salary will be commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and experience.
RANGE: $20,000 and above base salary per year plus honorariums and per diems for approved job related travel.
CONTRACT PERIOD: This position is a part-time position starting August 1, 2009 with the following stipulations: Each National Team Coach will undergo 3 performance reviews based on the essential functions of the role as listed below. These reviews will be done after the 6th month of employment, 18 months prior to the 2012 Olympic Games and one-month post the 2012 Olympic Games.
SUMMARY
US Fencing is on the road to success in 2012 and the National Team Coach plays a pivotal role in the development, planning, and execution of our National Strategy for elite performance and medal results at the international level. For their respective weapon, the National Team Coach will design, communicate, and execute their plan to achieve success in 2012 and the National
Team Coach will work with all National Team athletes and their personal coaches to implement and effect this vision. Additionally, the National Team coach will be a part of the USFA High Performance Planning Group and as such work within a team environment to prepare US Fencing athletes for the highest levels of success.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
ESSENTIAL:
- Formal Master coaching certification from the USFCA or other recognized international organization OR A proven history of successful coaching at the top international levels of Fencing.
- Proven successful coaching of athletes and teams at World Championships and/or Olympic Games.
- Demonstrated ability to develop a comprehensive program that serves a broad base of constituents.
- Strong communication skills with a demonstrated ability to communicate with a wide variety of stakeholders (athletes, parents, private coaches, and USFA staff)
- Demonstrated time management skills.
- o A willingness to work irregular hours
- o A capacity to travel domestically and overseas for extended periods
- o Ability to work unsupervised with tight deadlines.
- Requirement to undergo and pass USOC approved background check.
- Strong background in Sports science with the ability to integrate these concepts into training programs.
- A history of operating with integrity, and being known as an individual with excellent character.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Planning
- In consultation with the HPD, develops, publishes, and manages the annual designated competition calendar for their respective weapon.
- To prepare the National Team annual training and competition plan.
- In concert with an athlete's personal coach to prepare individual athlete annual plans for the National Team Level only (Senior, Junior)
- To develop a coaching structure to support teams and athletes in attaining Medal level results.
- To develop performance targets (goals, objectives and benchmarks) for the weapon squad at the Cadet, Junior and Senior levels.
- To develop the funding criteria for weapon squad funding for athletes. This may include grants, travel expenses, per diems, and information on other available funding for athletes.
- In consultation with the High Performance Staff to plan and manage the weapon squad budget for the fiscal year.
2. Coaching
- To coach the National Teams at World Championships (Cadet, Junior and Senior) or to nominate a qualified alternate coach to the High Performance Director for approval.
- To actively participate in the selection process associated with World Championship Teams.
- To coordinate and develop a network of coaches to oversee the training of National Team Members and other top athletes within the Weapon Squad.
- To identify new and upcoming athletes (Talent Identification) and to work with the High Performance Director to implement a programmatic plan for athlete development.
- To plan and implement training camps at all levels according to what the National Team Coach deems necessary for international success.
- To coach National Team athletes at international events.
3. Communication
- To participate in any High Performance planning sessions scheduled by the High Performance Director: these include annual planning, PPA development, post season evaluation and other meetings deemed necessary by the High Performance Director.
- To provide the High Performance Director with monthly updates pertaining to the plans, competitions, and results within the National Team Coaches weapon.
- To communicate with top athletes, their personal coaches, parents of minor athletes and other program participants on a regular basis ensuring that all have the relevant information for planning and competing.
4. Monitor and Evaluation
- To monitor and track the execution of the training plans for individual athletes who receive USOC stipends or who receive weapon squad funding.
- To review weapon squad goals on a periodic basis and make adjustments when necessary.
- To complete and submit reports on major competitions: World Championships (Cadet, Junior, Senior), Zonal competitions, Olympic Games.
- To collect performance data relevant to the High Performance Plan
- To participate in the development of a Performance Enhancement Team consisting of selected Medical, Science, Equipment and Technology providers to the National Team Coach's weapons squad.
5. Coaching Education
- The National Team Coach will provide services and expertise to the USFA national education coaching programs.
6. Standards
- To abide by and assist in the development and enforcement of the USOC and USFA approved Code of Conduct.
- To operate within the standards of ethical behavior outlined in the USOC Coaching Ethics Code.
- To maintain a current and appropriate USFA membership level
7. Accountability
- The National Team Coaches will be reviewed 6 months after they are hired, 18 months prior to the 2012 Olympic Games and one month after the Olympic Games. This will be a formal review process and appraisal.
- The National Team Coaches will be reviewed based on the following key performance indicators:
- Compliance with the Essential Functions set forth in the National Team Coach Contract.
- Ability to plan annually and within budget.
- Ability to communicate this plan to all constituents.
- Ability to meet stated deadlines.
- Ability to lead their weapon squad.
- Number of medals earned on the international qualification circuit.
- Number of fencers ranked in the top-32 of the FIE world Senior and Junior rankings.
- Number of top-32, top-16 and top-8 results
- Number of medals at earned World Championships and the Olympic Games.
