The ideal candidate for the head coach of the F. V. Swim Team shall at a minimum meet the following qualifications:
Must have 3 to 5 years of prior successful U.S.S. coaching experience, or with a team in PVS, MCSL or another swim league with an equivalent program

• Conduct regularly scheduled practice sessions in accordance with a pre-determined plan, which addresses the varying skill levels, interests and abilities of all 250+ team members.
• Certified CPR/First Aid
• ASCA Level 1 Course (level 2 is preferred)

Must possess the administrative and organizational skills to manage a team of 250+ swimmers ranging in age from 6 to 18 years with varying degrees of swimming ability and commitment. Skills required including the following:

A. Ability to delegate coaching and administrative responsibilities

• Assign the coaching staff to insure that each swimmer has the opportunity to get the stroke mechanic instruction and practice sessions necessary to reach his/her goals in a nurturing and encouraging team environment.
• Hold regularly scheduled meetings with the coaching staff to distribute and explain coaching assignments, practice plans and meet responsibilities.
• Assign assistant coach administrative duties such as clerk of course, meet sign-up with age groups, management of swimmers in team area during a meet to assure that all swimmers are where they need to be.
• Since dealing mostly with student coaches, must give each coach a clear, concise set of tasks and responsibilities.

B. Ability to organize and motivate the coaching staff

• Ensure that each member of the coaching staff maintains a positive, constructive and enthusiastic attitude in regard to their individual coaching responsibilities.
• Promote and foster a positive, nurturing attitude between coaching staff and swimmers.
• Develop a program to insure that the younger coaches continually develop their coaching skills and their relationship with the swimmers in their charge.
• Regular Q&A sessions to answer questions, develop strategies and brainstorm.
• Provide leadership in developing and implementing spirit programs and approaches.

C. Ability to recruit and train new coaches

• Hire and train all assistant coaches prior to the beginning of the swim season.
• Organize assistant coaches in such a way to enable head coach freedom to raom deck during practice to address special needs of swimmers (age groups seem to work best).
• Ability to recognize potential coaches within team and to provide some type of training (i.e. work with the younger pre-team swimmers).

D. Proven meet management experience

• Working with the team reps, develop sign up procedures for weekly meets and manage the team to insure that all coaches and swimmers follow those procedures.
• Prepare the line up for each meet in compliance with pre-determined schedules and in accordance with MCSL rules for conducting a meet.
• Have a working knowledge of the meet management program currently used by MCSL.
• Create an efficient system of meet sign-up and data entry keeping well within time constraints.
• Support and encourage spirit and team phyc-up activities.

E. Must have leadership qualities appropriate for a summer league swim team program

• Provide clear, measurable goals for the team and coaching staff that insures that every child has the opportunity to participate and compete.
• Must have good written and verbal communication skills
• Provide clear and concise written and verbal instructions to the coaching staff.
• Bi- weekly written communication with swim tam families (maybe a newsletter posted on the board/website??)
• Post organized practice schedules
• Organize system for B meet and B Relay sign ups (to be announced an in place at start of season. A topic for our pre-season newsletter)
• Respond to parental concerns in a timely manner.

F. Shall be a role model for swimmers of all ages - a person of high moral character

• Be a model of good behavior
• Effective communication with other team coaches, displaying good sportsmanship.
• Foster a positive environment.

G. Diplomacy - must be able to effectively interact with a wide variety of individuals with diverse view points and interest levels relating to the swimming program

• Interact with all swimmers and parents in a manner that promotes the mission of the FVST and makes each individual to feel he or she is an invaluable part of the team.

H. Certified Pool Manager - must possess a current Pool Manager's Certificate

• Follow all Montgomery County health and safety guidelines for pool safety at all practices and meets.
• Maintain proper chemical balances in pool water. In emergency, be able to operate pump system.

To access information about how to apply for this position, click here .