Job Description: Head Water Polo Coach – North Harbour Water Polo Club

Position: Head Water Polo Coach

(from Senior level, U21, U18, U16, U14 and U12 age groups)

Location: Mairangi Bay, North Shore, Auckland

Reports to: Programme Manager

Employment Type: Full-time

Compensation: Salary and benefits

Job Overview:

The Head Water Polo Coach will be responsible for leading a coaching team and continue developing a competitive water polo program at North Harbour Water Polo Club. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in water polo – international and domestic related, a strong coaching sense of both genders, exceptional leadership skills, and a passion for mentoring coaches and student-athletes both in and out of the pool. The Head Coach will oversee all aspects of the water polo programme, including training, strategy, recruitment, and athlete development alongside our current coaching team.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Program Leadership:

- Develop and implement a comprehensive water polo programme aligned with the strategic plan, mission and values and culture of North Harbour Water Polo Club.

- Establish a competitive team culture within the coaching team and members that emphasizes integrity, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

- Always ensuring coach and player-athlete safety and well-being.

2. Coaching and Training:

- Plan, organize, and conduct effective practices and training sessions to enhance team performance alongside the group of club coaches.

- Develop tactical and technical strategies to optimize team and coaches’ performance during trainings and competitions.

- Provide individual and team instruction to coaching group to improve skills and understanding of the game.

- Coach age group or senior teams where required. (either male or female)

3. Competition Management:

- Schedule and organize competitive events when required, this will also include practices, games, tournaments, and travel logistics.

- Analyse game footage and performance metrics to identify areas for improvement of both coaches and players.

- Provide guidance and mentorship to athletes and coaching teams during competitions.

- Organise overseas events for age groups to various destinations and work with your overseas contacts.

4. Recruitment and Retention:

- Identify and recruit talented student-athletes, promoting the water polo programme to prospective athletes and their families alongside your coaching team.

- Identify and recruit talented young people as coaches and work with them to enhance our club programme.

- Foster a positive and inclusive environment that encourages athlete and coach retention and development.

5. Collaboration and Communication:

- Collaborate with the Programme Manager and other coaches, and relevant staff to enhance the overall water polo programme at North Harbour.

- Communicate effectively with coaches, coach development officer, athletes, parents, and sponsors regarding programme expectations, schedules, and athlete progress.

-Communicate effectively with all coaches from U12 through to Senior teams giving guidance and enhance their part time role as a coach at North Harbour Water Polo Club.

6. Compliance and Administration:

- Ensure compliance with Auckland Water Polo and our governing bodies regulations and policies.

- Maintain accurate records of team statistics, athlete eligibility, and performance evaluations.

- Manage programme budget in conjunction with Programme Manager and the finance committee, including expenses related to travel, equipment, and facility usage.

7. Community Engagement:

- Represent North Harbour Water Polo Club’s water polo programme at various events, meetings, and fundraisers when required.

- Promote community involvement through outreach programmes, clinics and holiday camps, transition clinics for young players to enter Water Polo and other water polo activities.

Qualifications:

- Proven experience coaching water polo at international level to include Olympics or Senior World Championships, National level to include current NZ age groups and various ages at club level.

- Strong understanding of water polo rules, techniques, and training methodologies.

- Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire coaches-athletes.

- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with administration, coaches, staff, and parents.

- First Aid/CPR certification and/or lifeguard certification (or willingness to obtain).

Preferred Skills:

- An excellent command of the English Language.

- Experience with recruiting young coaches and athlete development.

- Familiarity with sports analytics and performance tracking tools.

-Familiarity with Water Polo in New Zealand and the demands required to work with limited resources

- Background in strength and conditioning programs tailored to water polo athletes at age group level within a club programme.

- Ability to work with all ages of people from our young players just beginning this sport through to players who are intending to gain positions outside of New Zealand to play this sport.

- Knowledge of international clubs/contacts to pursue further travel for our members in the future.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications to Chairman, North Harbour Water Polo Club. Applications will be accepted until November 29th, 2024.

Please forward interest to: The Chairman

North Harbour Water Polo Club waterpoloadmin@autmillennium.org.nz

Please attach your current CV and any other information that may pertain to the position.

Article added: Thursday 21 November 2024