Berkshire Director of Coaching DC and AC Program

Berkshire Hockey Association (BHA) runs an active DC and AC program for the country. We typically have 500 youngsters involved each year as well as a thriving schools program. We are looking for a Director of Coaching.

The right person may have previous experience in the role or may be ready to step up to take on new challenges either way we look forward to meeting you.

Role Summary
The Director of Coaching (DoC) is a pivotal leadership role, focused on player development, planning, coordination, and the expansion and retention of coaching resources.

The DoC is responsible for mentoring, supporting, recruiting, and appointing coaches and assisting with Development Centre (DC) and Academy Centre (AC) squad selection and player nomination to Talent Academy.

The primary objectives of the DoC are to facilitate player progression through the England Hockey Talent System and promote success in inter-county matches. The DoC will report directly to the Chair and is accountable to the Management Committee.

Key Responsibilities and Objectives:

• Effective Scheduling: Oversee the Player programme to ensure full and effective use of all resources.
• Coach Development: Ongoing development and mentoring of coaches.
• Talent Identification: Identify and plan for coaching talent.
• Player Talent Identification: Assist in identifying player talent.
• Promotion of Hockey: Support the development of hockey across Berkshire.
• Centralised Coaching Programme: Create, maintain, and develop a coaching programme incorporating up-to-date coaching practices.
• Player Feedback: Ensure timely and appropriate feedback is given to players.
• Communication: Promote effective communication between the coaching team and Team Managers (TMs), ensuring a strong link with players and parents.
• Reporting: Provide regular reports to the Management Committee.
• Voice for Coaching: Represent coaching matters at Management Committee meetings.

Key Attributes:

• Positive Attitude: Passion for hockey and a positive attitude.
• Development Focus: Strong desire for the successful development and motivation of both players and coaches.
• Self-Motivated: Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• High-Level Coaching Experience: Experience of successful performance at a high level in a coaching capacity.
• Comprehensive Planning: Experience in planning, organizing, and implementing a high-performance coaching programme.
• Technical Knowledge: High level of technical hockey knowledge including techniques, tactics, and coaching trends.
• Management Skills: Effective management skills to implement long-term strategic plans.
• Organized and Communicative: Efficient, organized, and possessing well-developed interpersonal communication skills.
• Prioritisation: Ability to meet competing demands through effective prioritization in a results-oriented environment.
• Group Dynamics Management: Success in managing individual differences and group dynamics.
• Sound Judgement: Ability to exercise sound judgement while maintaining confidentiality.

Remuneration

The role requires an estimated 120 hours annually, centred around the Development Centre programme from September to November, and the Academy Centre from January to May. The rate is negotiable within BHA's financial constraints. Approximate division of hours:

• Development Centre: 50 hours, including preparation of session plans, a coaches’ briefing session, and attendance at training sessions (12 x 3 hrs sessions).
• Academy Centre: 50 hours, including preparation of session plans, a coaches’ briefing session, and attendance at training sessions (12 x 3 hrs sessions).
• Management Meetings: 20 hours, including Management Committee meetings.

BHA aims to appoint a DoC prior to September 2024. The successful applicant will have the England Hockey Sessional Coaching Qualification (or Level 2 equivalent) and we request two references. He or she will be appointed on a self-employed basis and will be required to have the following safeguarding qualifications:

• UK Coaching’s - 'Safeguarding and Protecting Children'
• England Hockey - Safe Hockey
• First Aid
• DBS specific to hockey