Bridgend County Swim Squad Job Information Pack - Performance Head Coach - Swim Wales

Bridgend County Swim Squad

  Performance Head Coach

   Job Information Pack

Job Description
Date: April 2018

Post Title: Swimming Head Coach

Grade: £25-26k depending on experience

Location: Bridgend County Borough - 4 no. Pools (operated by Halo Leisure)

Responsible To: Committee of Bridgend County Swim Squad

Background
Bridgend County Swim Squad is a competitive swimming club and a designated Swim Wales
Performance Centre. It provides a competitive swimming environment to develop swimmers up to
international standard.
Swimmers join the club from the learn to swim program currently operated by Halo Leisure on behalf of
Bridgend County Borough Council once they have successfully completed level 7 of the ASA national
teaching plan. The club also works with Halo in running an academy for swimmers on the learn to
swim program at level 5-7 and with a view to progression into the club development structure following
completion of the level 7 standard.

The club is looking to appoint a new head coach to develop and coordinate the Bridgend County
swimming performance program and development of competitive swimming throughout the county.

Job Purpose
To lead the clubs coaching team currently comprising a number of volunteer coaches responsible for
development and implementation of training programmes, assessments and needs for all squad
swimmers from development to elite level.

BCSS is in the process of re-structuring its coaching team and is also looking to recruit a number of
Assistant Coaches to work as part of a Coaching Team covering various pools and sessions across
Bridgend County.

Key Results Areas
1. To lead on the development and implementation of the “Long Term Athlete Development” plan for the
swimmers within the club structure.

2. To train and develop the swimmers within a competitive programme to achieve their full potential.
Specifically, to design and coach relevant training programmes for elite level age group and youth swimmers
and develop swimmers onto the Swim Wales National Squad performance pathway.

3. Manage, develop and mentor the existing coaching staff within the programme, to include the professional
assistant coach and the volunteer coach workforce.

4. Oversee the development & implementation of training programmes, assessment and development needs for
all squad members, from development to Elite Level. Implement agreed training programmes and develop
pathways for both coaches and swimmers.

5. Provide relevant knowledge and experience of sports science relating to competitive swimming.

6. To support and strive to continually improve Bridgend County Swim Squad Swimming club performances in all
team competitions.

7. Consult with various partners by implementing agreed training programmes and policies, within their
respective local and national swimming structure.

 8. To be in attendance to support swimmers at competitive events including team galas, open meets, club
championships, and Regional / National Championships.

9. Establish and co-ordinate regular coaches/volunteers meetings.

10. To continue to develop the links with identified partners including governing bodies (Swim Wales), schools
and the local community.

11. Work closely with exiting volunteers within BCSS and develop their individual skills and knowledge.

12. Encourage potential new volunteers and members within and outside the swimming club environment.

 13. To monitor and evaluate all existing programmes including all squad training sessions, membership etc. and
implements any required improvements in consultation with the swim squad’s committee

14. Ensure all training programmes are operated in accordance with BCBC / Halo and governing body (Swim
Wales) guidelines.

15. Prepare and present reports as required by BCBC, Halo and Swim Wales.

16. Determining the swimming programme and content at all levels by developing and updating with the
assistance of the coaches a rolling 12-month forward training programme for all of the squads

17. Monitoring the swimming programme for all squads to ensure that the agreed programme is delivered and
the supervision and training of trainee coaches

18. Carry out annual appraisal of coaches (which may be delegated as necessary), setting out annual
performance targets, encouraging personal development and learning (CPD).

19. To work with Swim Wales National and Development Squads up to a maximum of 14 days per annum, as
directed by the National Performance Manager. Attendance at Olympic or Commonwealth Games or equivalent
World Level Competitions would be deemed as part the Coach’s Personal Development Programme.

20. To regularly attend committee meetings of the club and provide to the committee with a brief written
coaches report

21. Attendance at Swim Wales Coaches Technical Panel maximum of 6 half days per year.

22. To undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade as requested by the committee.

 23. In order supervise un-attended morning sessions the post holder will be expected to achieve the RLSS NPLQ
(national pool lifeguard qualification) and regularly attend continual training delivered by Halo Leisure in order
to maintain the qualification.

Qualifications and Experience
A minimum of a UKCC Level 3 Swim Coach qualification however, we would consider applications from Level 2
qualified coaches, who are working towards achieving their Level 3..
A minimum of four years' experience of working within competitive swimming at Age Group, Youth, Regional
and National Level.
Experience in the development & implementation of plans, training programmes and assessment of swimmers
Working with volunteer coaches and committee members within the club environment
Preparing and presenting reports to governing bodies and or other partners as requested

Supervisory Responsibilities
Guidance and Support to Assistant Swim Coaches, Volunteer Coaches and Swimmers.

Supervision Received
Swim Squad Committee, Halo Aquatic Development Officer, Swim Wales National Coach Development Manager.

Principal Contacts
BCSS Committee
Aquatic Development Officer
Customers / members
Leisure Centre Managers
Swim Wales Representatives

Special Conditions
Disclosure and Barring Service Disclosures (formerly CRB)

This post will result in you having substantial contact with children, the elderly, sick or disabled. The club and
local authority, therefore, requires that by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order
1975, the Children’s Act 1989 and/or the Police Act 1997, you reveal any criminal convictions, bind over orders
or cautions, including those which would normally be regarded as spent. If successful in your application you
will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Working Hours and Location
This post will require the post holder to work up to 42 hours per week (poolside, dry side and session planning)
to include early mornings, evenings and weekends consistent with the needs of the swimming club. No
overtime will be paid. The club operates at 4 county borough pools and the post holder will be expected to
travel between pools to deliver sessions. The pools are located at Ynysawdre, Pencoed, Pyle and Maesteg.

Reasonable travel and subsistence expenses will be paid for travel to and from competitions (details will be
provided to the successful candidate)

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 7th APRIL 2018

SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE INVITED TO INTERVIEW DURING THE FOLLOWING
WEEK

APPLICATION BY CV TO BE SENT BY EMAIL TO rnicholas1@sky.com

This job description sets out the main duties of the post at the date when it was drawn up. Such duties may vary
from time to time without changing the general character of the post or the level of responsibility entailed. Such
variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the
post.

Job Requirements
                                 Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge

                                                                                     Essential   Desirable
Qualification
    Hold an UKCC Coach (Level 3) qualification or equivalent or be undertaking
        the award                                                                       √
    Sports specific degree or equivalent                                                           √
    Current full drivers’ licence                                                      √
    RLSS NPLQ                                                                                      √

Experience
    Proven track record of developing and coaching swimmers at Elite/National
       level                                                                            √
    Coaching swimmers to International level                                                       √
    Experience of devising and implementing performance pathways and
       programmes for swimmers                                                          √
    Experience of working with and integrating support services e.g. sports
       science                                                                          √
    Experience of budgetary monitoring                                                             √
Knowledge
    Understanding of performance pathways and talent identification in the             √
       development of elite swimmers
    Understanding of the needs of swimming athletes                                    √
    Setting, monitoring and evaluating team and individual programmes                  √
    Understanding of Sports Science use and application in the coaching
       environment                                                                      √
    Thorough understanding of logistical aspects associated with participating at      √
       international events
    Knowledge of Swim Wales policy and procedures                                                  √