USA Racquetball Reopens Applications for U.S. Junior National Team Head Coach
by USA Racquetball
Colorado Springs, Colo. – USA Racquetball has announced a selection process for the 2022-23 U.S. Junior National Team Head Coach position.
The Head Coach of the U.S. Junior National Team serves as the overall leader of the Team, a position that requires a significant level of commitment.
Applications will be accepted per the guidelines as long as the position description is posted at www.USARacquetball.com and through at least July 15, 2022. This position is being reposted based on the limited number of candidates and to conduct a broader search to widen the pool of candidates. Therefore, previous candidates are not required to reapply.
Position Title
Head Coach, U.S. Junior National Team
Position Overview
The U.S. Junior National Team Head Coach has the lead responsibility for the training and performance of individual Junior Team members and the Junior Team as a whole. This includes players who qualify for both the World Cup and Esprit Cup divisions of the annual International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Junior Championships. The goals of the U.S. Junior Team are to win individual and overall titles at the IRF World Junior Championships as well as to develop Junior Team members as players and individuals, including fostering a rewarding life-long passion for the sport.
Head Coach Responsibilities
Team Management
- Manage the Junior Team in accordance with the policies and procedures outlined in the U. S. Junior Racquetball Team Procedures & Protocol Handbook and Player Agreement
- Recommend support staff, including Team Assistant Coaches and Athletic Trainers, for approval
- Assign responsibilities to support staff and oversee their activities
- Collaborate with Team Leader regarding logistics planning and execution
- Use discretion in maintaining any confidential player information
- Serve as a positive role model for Junior Team members
USAR National Junior Racquetball Championships
- Inform prospective players and their parents of Junior Team member expectations
- Build positive relationships with Junior Team members and their parents/guardians
- Evaluate player performance and suggest methods for improvement
- Assist with the recognition of Junior Team award winners
- Fulfill travel and attendance requirements outlined in this document
National Junior Team Training Camp
- Construct Camp curriculum and schedule
- Train and instruct players in pursuit of potential-fulfilling performances at the IRF World Junior Championships
- Support players with development plans
- Collaborate with USA Racquetball staff on communications and logistics
- Fulfill travel and attendance requirements outlined in this document
IRF World Junior Championships
- Build enthusiasm for the Championships among Junior Team players and the broader USA Racquetball community
- Support fundraising activities
- Organize Junior Team member practice sessions
- Hold Junior Team meetings in pursuit of optimal performance
- Oversee coaching and support staff
- Coach individual matches, assisting players with strategy and encouragement (may include scouting of opponents)
- Monitor the draws to ensure fairness and following of proper protocols
- Attend Coaches meeting and build relationships with IRF representatives
- Demonstrate proper sportsmanship and respect for players, officials, opponents, fans, and other coaches
- Fulfill travel and attendance requirements outlined in this document
Position Requirements
- Active USA Racquetball Instructor Program certification and membership (those in process may apply); includes successful completion of background check and SafeSport education/training; CPR training
- USA Racquetball Rules Certification (those in process may apply) and thorough understanding of IRF rules including informing the team of differences between IRF and USAR rules
- Current USA Racquetball membership
- In-depth knowledge of racquetball, including match preparation and strategy, shot selection and shot making, drills, fitness components, and mental aspects. Ability to instruct Junior Team members on the mental and physical aspects of racquetball.
- Ability to represent USA Racquetball nationally and internationally
- Strong communication skills
- Solid interpersonal skills -- players, staff, families, et al.
- English language skills; Spanish language skills, while not required, are a plus
- Accept and sign the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee Coaching Ethics Code Agreement
Note: The Junior National Team Head Coach is prohibited from coaching individual players at any Junior National Team qualifying events while serving as the Junior National Team Head Coach.
Term
From the first day of the month following selection through December 31, 2022. Renewal upon mutual agreement of the Head Coach and USA Racquetball.
Key Relationships
Junior National Team Members, Assistant Coaches, Team Leader, Team Athletic Trainer, IRF Staff, Junior National Team Member parents/guardians, U.S. Team Committee, USAR Executive Director, National Teams Director
Travel Requirements
Travel to USAR National Junior Championships, National Junior Team Training Camp and IRF World Junior Championships is required. Since IRF World Junior Championships events are often held outside of the United States, a passport is required with expiration at least six months from the last day of any international competition. Vaccinations may also be required for international travel.
Time Commitment
Limited amount between December and May. Moderate amount in June and July. Significant amount in August through November.
Compensation/Benefits
Contract position with $2,500 annual stipend, paid monthly. Travel expenses covered to U.S. National Junior Championships, National Junior Team Training Camp, and World IRF Junior Championships. U.S. Junior National Team uniforms provided. Opportunity to help shape the lives of young people and the future of racquetball.
Application Process
Please email a resume and brief cover letter describing your interest in and suitability for the position with U.S. National Junior Team Head Coach in the subject line to risherwood@usaracquetball.com. Applications will be accepted for as long as this position is posted at USARacquetball.com and at least through July 15, 2022. The selection process will be conducted by the U.S. Team Committee.
About USA Racquetball
USA Racquetball (USAR), founded in 1969 is recognized by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee as the National Governing Body for the sport. The organization, which serves more than 3.4 million players, annually conducts six National Championships for players of all ages and skill levels. The organization also organizes the Adult and Junior U.S. National Racquetball Teams, manages the Official Rules of Racquetball, maintains National Player Rankings, manages a college scholarship program, and supports the introduction of new players to the sport.