As a Lead Coach you are responsible for training the team in preparation for matches and act as a highly influential figure in players’ lives. You need to be enthusiastic and willing to earn an RFU Coaching Award, knowledgeable about the game and committed to fair play. You will be responsible to the Director of M&J’s, Director of Rugby, Club Coach Coordinator / Coach Development Officer.

What kind of person should you be?

• A good organiser – organising players is key to the role; from delivering training sessions to players availability.

• Approachable – you will be the first point of contact for players to discuss all rugby matters.

• A good communicator – central to your role will be engaging with players, encouraging them to be active in the club as well as communicating with their teammates.

• A team player – you will need to work in tandem with other club coaches.

The core responsibilities of the role:

• To complete the “England Rugby Coaching Award” and any other relevant courses as identified in the training matrix.

• Co-ordinate tasks falling to the age group over time, which may include (without limitation) tours, festivals, dinners, shop, fun days, fixtures.

• Take full responsibility for the appointed Age Group’s rugby coaching sessions and matches, both at SRUFC and at other venues whilst promoting a player centric approach and maintaining a supportive, healthy age group by being a role model to all those involved.

• Conduct a visual risk assessment of the suitability of all training/playing areas, pitches and equipment prior to the commencement of such training or matches, ensuring all equipment is age appropriate and well maintained and playing surfaces are safe.

• To be responsible (with the assistant coaches), for selecting squads and sides for festivals, tournaments and matches and making sure there is equal game time for all utilising the RFU’s Half Game Rule

• To maintain high ethical standards in coaching, ensure they keep up to date with their knowledge, skills and qualifications by undertaking training appropriate to the role (for example, RFU Level 1 or 2 coaching courses) and prepare all coaching sessions in advance ensuring an adequate balance between warm-up, skill development and match/match practice.

• Must undertake appropriate child protection/safeguarding training as advised from time to time by the Club Safeguarding Officer and be aware of SRUFC’s Club Safeguarding Policyand to take full responsibility for the safety and welfare of players within the appointed Age Group between the normal hours of operation (10:00 to 12:00 on Sundays during the playing season or other times at which official matches have been scheduled).

• Be aware of SRUFC’s Codes of Conduct for Coaches, Match Officials, Parents, Spectators and Players and ensure Assistant Coaches are also aware of these Codes. Utilising these in maintaining a healthy age group by ensuring compliance of those to which the codes relate.

• The Lead Coach should be seen to observe, supervise and amend the other coaches through support, encouragement and positive feedback.

• To ensure that all administrative tasks related to the Age Group as required by SRUFC are carried out promptly and efficiently, and to work with the designated Assistant Coaches in the preparation and running of each rugby session.

• Organise an age group bank account to facilitate the receipt and use of funds for the age group set up in line with club guidance (note: guidance available on request).

• To work closely with the Director of M&J’s, the designated Assistant Coaches and the Director of Rugby to monitor and manage the development of players within the Age Group using appropriate methods such as the RFU skills/proficiency awards.

• To work closely with the Club Coach Coordinator / Coach Development Officer to monitor the training needs of the Age Group’s coaching team and ensure that all identified needs are met through appropriate training courses.

• Attend junior/mini club meetings, and, in particular, the monthly coaches meeting and report on progress whilst offering the club feedback on the organisation and degree of success of junior/mini coaching and competitions.

• Instil team spirit into all players and promote the fun of participation rather than aim of winning by recognising the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching players.

• Inspire confidence to succeed and develop all players both technically and personally.

• Comply with the SRUFC Medical Emergency Action Plan and report concussion and injuries in line with club policy/procedures.

• Be aware of where first aid is available at all times.

• Have a sound understanding of RFU Regulation 15 - Age Grade Rugby

• Ensure that all players in their age group are registered with the RFU.
• Speak to parents/carers regarding rugby issues (e.g. the Half Game rule).
• Liaise with the Fixture Secretary with any fixtures and associated concerns.
• Always carry a mobile telephone in case of emergencies
• To maintain the following seasons objectives:

o Ensure where possible that every child that starts the season finishes it.
o Ensure that EVERY child benefits from our coaching.
o That attending and playing at SRUFC is enjoyable & fun.
o Selection of any squads is unbiased and is based on player ability.
o Children should not be pigeonholed into positions.

The commitment from you:

A Team Coach is in the role for as long as the team is playing! The workload of a team coach will have two aspects, training and matchday.

What do you get out of it?

You hold a role that is a highly respected in the community and allows you to act as a role model and inspiration to a group of young people. This is an exciting, rewarding and active way of staying in the game and lets you have a direct influence on player performance.

For further information, please refer to the RFU’s Age Grade Code of Practice