Development Stream Coaches Description
Position Title: Coach/Instructor
Division: Development Stream
Association: Scarborough Sharks Girls Hockey Association
Purpose of the Position:
To lead and deliver a positive competitive hockey program and experience commensurate with the level assigned for the team, with emphasis on adhering to the Regulations, Rules and Policies of the Scarborough Sharks GHA, Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) and Hockey Canada.
Duties/Responsibilities:
As part of the Association’s Competitive/Rep coaches team, serving a client group of players and families signed with the respective team, the incumbent is responsible for:
- Preparing program outline for the team and establishing a budget for delivery within the guidelines set by the Scarborough Sharks, including disclosure of financial updates to team families and the Association
- Selecting team staff which includes assistant coach(es), team manager and female trainer(s), setting duties and responsibilities
- Ensuring all team staff complete mandatory training and requirements (police checks, Respect in Sport, and NCCP and HTCP certifications in accordance with OWHA and Hockey Canada requirements)
- Scheduling games between other organizations to schedule the regular season games, unless delegated to team manager/staff
- Developing a clear communication strategy with players and families to confirm team goals, objectives, checks and balances for expenses
- Developing players and the team in hockey skills by coordinating and running on-ice practice and skills sessions, dryland training and team building sessions to enhance fitness and life skills
- Managing conflict, documenting and reporting incidents of importance regarding injuries, illness and interactions between players, families and bench staff with tact, discretion and judgement, and escalating issues to the VP, Competitive Teams, if necessary
- Registering the team in the annual Scarborough Sharks tournament in a timely manner, and providing support to the tournament by volunteering players, families and staff
- Actively participating in Association sponsored fundraising activities with players and families
- Providing support to the Scarborough Sharks as required by participating in special projects as required (eg., equipment drives, education information sessions)
Qualifications:
Minimum staff requirements as specified by the OWHA and Hockey Canada. Click here for the latest details
All staff are required to have completed the Planning a Safe Return to Hockey (NEW)
For more information on the National Coach Certificate Program / Hockey Canada Coach and Instructional Streams click here
Must be certified in Gender Identity and Expression . Click here for more details
Must be certified in Speak Out or Respect in Sport. Click here for more details
Must have a clear Criminal Record Check/Vulnerable Sector Screening.
More details can be found on the OWHA coaches requirements
Knowledge:
The position requires knowledge of hockey development skills (theories, principles, systems and practices), team building and relevant regulations, rules and policies established by the governing bodies of the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) and Hockey Canada. Knowledge of player recruitment strategies and demonstrated abilities to develop and advance players to the next level. Analytical and evaluation skills to determine player eligibility by assessing competencies to meet qualification criteria. Requirement to maintain confidentiality is essential to ensure that discretion is exercised at all times. The incumbent requires interpersonal skills to communicate with the team to establish effective working relationships. Head and assistant coaches must comply with the minimum NCCP training and certification requirements dictated by Hockey Canada and the OWHA.
Judgement:
Position requires good judgement in order to direct and advise the team and maintain working relationships with families and/or guardians. Judgement is exercised in determining selection criteria, player eligibility at try-outs, evaluating outcomes, whether to sign the player or not, and effectively communicating decisions with tact and discretion.
Accountability:
The position is directly responsible for the wellness and development of the team for the season, in effectively selecting the players, managing their skills and team development in accordance with the program outline and within the financial parameters set by the Association and agreed to by the team players and families. Errors in judgement could results in failure to meet the program’s objectives and milestones in player and team development. Ineffective decisions may undermine the credibility of the team’s program and the Association’s reputation, and could generate financial costs to address shortfalls and negatively impact player and team morale and diminish positive results.
Risk Level:
High, working in close proximity to children.
Boundaries and Limitations:
The Head Coach is bound by the OWHA Code of Conduct and all rules, regulations, by-laws, articles and policies of the OWHA.
Supervision and Support:
The Head Coach is responsible to the team, Association, League President, and the Board of Directors.
Contacts:
Regular contact with team players and families, other Sharks coaches and staff, Sharks Executive members, officials and timekeepers. Other regular external contact with coaches, players and families, officials and timekeepers from outside the Association.
