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.

USA Racquetball Reopens Applications for U.S. Junior National Team Head Coach

Loading...