Special Olympics Assistant Coach

• Possesses high school diploma or its equivalent.

• Holds a certified First Aid and CPR Card with training in AED (automated external defibrillator).

• Valid Montana teacher certification.

• Employment as a teacher in Whitefish School District.

• Has previous successful coaching experience in assigned sports.

• Has previous experience working with children with disabilities.

• Athlete selection: The Special Olympics assistant will help recruit athletes and properly complete and submit all required medical and registration material by established deadlines.

• Assessment: The Special Olympics assistant will help assess each athlete to determine the individual and/or team skill level for training and competition in selected sports.

• Training: The Special Olympics assistant will help develop an individualized training program for each athlete. The program shall include instruction in fundamental skills, conditioning and competition rules. The training and competition program will be a minimum of eight (8) weeks for each program.

• Ability to know, understand and abide by the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules.

• Ability to know and understand the sport being coached.

• Shall execute the moral and ethical responsibilities and duties of a coach.

• Provide proper planning for each step of training and competition.

• Provide and maintain a safe and secure physical environment.

• Use acceptable and safe equipment.

• Ensure appropriate sport skills instruction and safe competition.

• Match athletes according to size, strength and ability.

• Continually assess each athlete for participation in appropriate activities within, not challenged beyond, his/her abilities.

• Inform athletes of the inherent risks associated with a specific sport.

• Ensure acceptable supervision and maintain an adequate volunteer-to-athlete ratio.

• Establish an emergency action plan that includes procedures for emergency medical support, postponements or cancellations, crisis communication and incident and accident reporting.

• Provide appropriate medical support at all times.

• Maintain accurate records.

• Has a thorough knowledge of all athletic policies approved by the Whitefish Board of Trustees and is responsible for their implementation by the entire staff of the sports program.

• Has knowledge of existing system, state and league regulations; implements same consistently and interprets them for coaching staff.

• Understands the proper administrative line of command and refers all requests or grievances through proper channels. Is aware of all public/staff/departmental meetings that require attendance.

• Ensures there is discipline on the bus. Eating on bus should be monitored by coaches to ensure cleanliness.

• Follows directives of administration as they pertain to being a part of the Whitefish School District coaching staff.

• Has the ability and is willing to organize and supervise a total sports program (K-12).

• The advisor/coach must have substantial knowledge of the technical aspects of the sport and at the same time must continue to examine new theories and procedures pertinent to the field.

• Coordinates scheduling, providing transportation and requirements for tournament and special sport events throughout the year.

• Assists in the necessary preparation to hold scheduled sport events or practices and adheres to scheduled facility times. Coordinates program with maintenance and school employees.

• Provides documentation to fulfill state and system requirements concerning physical examinations, concussion awareness, random drug testing, parental consent and eligibility.

• Provides proper safeguards for maintenance and protection of assigned equipment site.

• Advises the administration and recommends policy, method or procedural changes.

• Ensures all activity fees are paid before the first contest.

• Ensure all athletes have insurance and physicals before their first practice.

• Recommends assistant coaching assignments to activities director.

• Completes inventory and year-end report forms annually at conclusion of season.

• Provides training rules and any other unique regulations of the sport to each athlete who is considered a participant.

• Gives constant attention to a student athlete’s grades and conduct.

• By his/her presence at practices, games and while traveling, provides assistance, guidance and safeguards for each participant.

• Completes reports of all athletic injuries on proper forms and communicates with the athletic trainer immediately.

• Directs student managers, assistants and statisticians.

• Follows discipline procedures according to Student Activities Handbook.

• Distributes student activity handbook to athletes.

• Is responsible for operating within budget appropriations.

• Is accountable for all equipment and collects the cost of any equipment lost or not returned. Arranges for issuing, storing and reconditioning of equipment and submits annual inventory and current records.

• Responsible for cleanliness and maintenance of specific sport equipment. Properly marks and identifies all equipment before issuing or storing. Instills in each player a respect for equipment and school property, its care and proper use.

• Examines locker rooms before and after practices and games. Reports any health and/or hygiene issues to the Advisor.

• Coach or designee should be last one out of locker room. Secures all doors, lights, windows and locks before leaving building.

• Organizes parents, coaches, players and guests for parent meetings.

• Promotes the sport within the school by recruiting athletes that are not participating in sports.

• Promotes sports and/or program promotions outside the school through news media, little league programs or in any other publicity vehicle.

• Ensures quality, effectiveness and validity of any oral or written release to local media.

• Maintains good public relations with news media, booster club, parents, officials, volunteers and fans.

• Presents information to news media concerning sport results.

Whitefish School District