Club Coaching Officer

As per Rule 113 (h) all clubs must have a Club Coaching Officer in place by appointment. Below is some further detail on this role.

 

Role Description

The position of the Club Coaching Officer is an exciting position within the executive of your local Gaelic Games club. The primary purpose of the position is to create a welcoming club – one that fosters a club environment that will enhance development of current and future players and coaches experience. The Club Coaching Officer shall be a member of the Club Executive appointed by the Club Chairperson at the annual AGM and should have at least a Level 1 Coaching Qualification.

 

Reports/accountable to

Club Chairperson / Club Coiste nOg Chairman / Club Executive

 

Duties

Lead the Club Coaching Group/Committee. The Club Coaching Group/Committee shall:

 

1. Appointment of Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches annually

 

• If your club does not have a coach’s recruitment and selection policy then the below will apply:
  • Conduct a review with team coaches in the final quarter of the year in preparation for upcoming year
  • Retain existing coaches required and identify potential gaps in coaching roles on teams
  • Identify suitable coaches for the relevant age grades
  • Forward recommendations to club executive committee
  • Ensure all coaches have the below minimum requirements:
    • Relevant coaching qualifications
    • Garda Vetted
    • Completed relevant safeguarding workshops (liaise with Club Children’s Officer)
    • Is a member of the club
    • Signs up to and abides by clubs coaching philosophy and code of conduct
  • Maintain a database of qualifications, credits and coaching experience of all club coaches
  • Encourage coaches to attend relevant continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities

If your club is at the appropriate stage of development, then the below could be welcome progressions:

• Devise and implement a coach’s recruitment and selection policy for the club.
• Arrange peer coach support to provide feedback to club coaches

 

2. Establish or promote the club coaching philosophy and coaching guidelines in line with Foundation Stages (F1, F2 and F3) of the Gaelic Games Player Pathway

 

• Devise, educate, implement, and promote the Club Coaching Philosophy and guidelines to all key stakeholders i.e., coaches, parents, and players to ensure everyone is aware of their role in the nurturing and development of our players relative to their stage of development i.e., GO Games
• Lead the club coaching community (coaches and managers of all age grades and codes) in the coordination and monitoring of all coaching activities to provide a safe, smooth and rewarding progression for all players from entry at F1 through to adult level at F3
• Implement and monitor the progression of players via age-appropriate activities and regular skill testing
• Signpost coaches to coaching materials and resources that are available for each stage of player pathway

 

3. Establish a Coaching Community of Practice in the Club

 

• Arrange regular meetings with coaches of all age grades and codes in the club creating an environment of learning and knowledge sharing
• Identify topics to assist coaches and allow coach-led discussion to encourage the development of coaches in the club
• Regularly plan and review club coaching guidelines or coaching plan with club coaches and amend where required from coaching experiences (doing)

 

4. Lead the planning, delivery and review of Gaelic Games programmes/initiatives where applicable:

 

• A Club Nursery Programme
• Club Cúl Camp and other camp opportunities
• Club/school links
• Recruitment of training of Young Whistlers and Referees
• Games programme for all players to increase participation and retention rates

 

5. Cooperate and Collaborate with relevant Stakeholders

 

• With the County Coaching Officer and Games Development Personnel
• With Camogie and LGFA to promote the One Club model

 

BE MINDFUL THAT YOU…

1. Represent the Club

 

• The Club Coaching Officer should attend training days organised at county, provincial or national level to assist them in their role
• Relevant information to assist the club should be disseminated to club coaches on return

 

2. Are a Leader

 

• The Coaching Officer must have a vision for how the club will progress and should ensure that the Club is operating to an agreed coaching plan. The officer must be seen to ‘lead the Club Coaching team’. This also involves regularly reviewing performances and identifying and managing the process for renewal of coaching personnel through recruitment of new members.

 

Skills

• A person who…
  • Is good with people
  • Has excellent leadership, planning, organisational, interpersonal and communication skills
  • Has excellent facilitation and negotiation skills
  • Has the ability to ensure decisions are taken and followed up on
  • Is Impartial, fair and ability to respect confidentiality
  • Has the ability to delegate key tasks to other personnel
  • Has the ability to Monitor and evaluate skills

 

Experience

• Has at least 5 years coaching experience

 

Knowledge

• Hold a relevant coaching qualification
• In depth knowledge of the Gaelic Games Player Pathway

 

Other Considerations

• Have time for the job
• Have a genuine interest in the club
• Be respected within the Community
• Have a growth mindset

 

 

Club Coaching Philosophy

A key aspect of the role of the Club Coaching Officer is ensuring there is a club coaching philosophy in place for the club and agreed with the executive. Please see some resources below to assist.

 

Establish and Promoting a Club Coaching Philosophy

Sample Club Coaching Guidelines in line with Philosophy

Sample Recruitment Policy