Attend season planning meetings (live or digital) with other coaches
Attend, plan & promote introductory informational meetings for players/parents to introduce yourself and answer questions as well as at any other parent attended meetings throughout the seasons
Meet with co-coaches as necessary as season progresses to address changing goals/new challenges
Help determine what teams/roles players will assume (from roster splits A/B, to leadership roles, etc.)
Communicate to players what teams/roles you would like them to assume (including answering questions about them as well)
Help determine the season schedule (tournaments, leagues, etc.)
Maintain ownership over all season planning events
Schedule meetings with assistant coaches as necessary to address changing goals/new challenges
Help find/recruit/retain assistant coaches
Submit bids and registrations for competitive events
Practice Planning:
Meet with assistant coaches on at least a weekly basis (anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours) to plan the goals and schedules for upcoming practices
Compile resources that are useful to yourself, other coaches or players such as YouTube videos or articles
Maintain ownership over all practice planning events
Monitor Naperville Park District website to ensure fields are open on days with inclement weather, and communicate cancellations to players in a timely fashion
Communicate with players/parents about plans and expectations
Maintain an attendance sheet to have a record of which players attended which practices and games
Practice Attendance:
Attend all practices. If you are unable to attend a practice ensure that the assistant coaches are in attendance and prepared to lead the practice, or communicate that the practice is cancelled in a reasonable timeframe
Maintain ownership of practice activities
Arrive early in order to set up field, drills and other equipment as necessary. Start practice on time
Collaborate with co-coaches to explain all activities, including what the goals/focuses are and why it is relevant to the game
Ensure all practices are a safe environment for all players, including policing harmful language, reaching out to parents in case of any safety issues, and reporting suspicious activity that may violate SafeSport
Monitor sanitation practices and ensure they are being followed, such as wearing masks (during pandemic)
Be prepared by always having a first aid kit on hand (provided by the club) and communicating when supplies need to be restocked
Be prepared by always having cones, discs and other equipment on hand (provided by the club)
Event/Competition Attendance:
Attend all competitive events. If you are unable to attend then ensure that the assistant coaches are in attendance and prepared to lead the event or competition
Maintain event agenda and communicate it to all players/parents, up to and including when to arrive at the fields
Communicate with event coordinators prior to, during, and after events as necessary
Communicate with opposing coaches to maintain a positive environment for all players, and accepting/providing feedback if games get heated
Ensure player safety above all else at all times especially when traveling
Collaborate with co-coaches to communicate goals and meet with players as necessary
Complete various on-field tasks along with co-coaches, such as line-calling, individual feedback, and strategic changes
Ideally be eligible to legally rent and safely drive a large passenger van to transport players to competitions (some out of state)
Communication:
Participate in Coaches GroupMe in-season
Collaborate with co-coaches to communicate all necessary information to parents and players
Respond to parent/player inquiries, in conjunction with other coaches
Be responsible for all team inquiries from players, parents, other coaches, organizers, etc., whether responding directly or ensuring another coach/parent volunteer is responding
Set up team GroupMes for players, coaches, and other leadership
Maintaining social media (i.e., Twitter) during events
Be a year round point-of-contact for prospective players/parents
Administrative tasks:
Agree to a background check (reimbursed by the club)
Participate in SafeSport training, which is free with paid USAU membership (approximately six hours in year one and approximately one hour to renew each year)
Fulfill additional USA Ultimate coach requirements including coach’s membership (approximately three hours and reimbursed by the club)
Provide contact information and bio information to club for posting publicly
Obtain USA Ultimate High School Coach Certification (approx four hours and reimbursed by the club)
Ensure all players/assistant coaches have completed USA Ultimate requirements to play/participate at events
Post-Season:
Attend end-of-season events, such as Senior Night and awards ceremonies
Collaborate with co-coaches to analyze/reflect/debrief the season; what worked and what didn’t and use that knowledge as a basis for future decisions
Provide feedback for all players including accomplishments, future goals, areas for improvement and an overall assessment of the season
Prepare for the next season by keeping in touch with returning players and help determine leadership roles