The posting
Key accountability (Main purpose of this job):
The Competitive Coach works closely with the Aquatics Director and Aquatics coaching team to deliver and develop the CIS competitive swimming programme. The role has a strong focus on athlete development, squad coaching and progression through the CIS competitive pathway, while also supporting PE Swimming, ECA, Learn-to-Swim, competitions, camps and other Aquatics programmes. The coach is expected to work within the overall training philosophy and programme structure established by the Aquatics Director, while progressively developing the ability to plan, lead and manage designated competitive squads independently.
Responsibilities (Key areas of responsibilities):
Competitive Swimming & Athlete Development
- Lead designated competitive squads and support the progression of swimmers through the CIS pathway.
- Plan and deliver training sessions in alignment with the programme structure, seasonal objectives and direction of the Aquatics Director.
- Develop swimmers’ technical skills, aerobic capacity, speed, strength and fundamental physical conditioning appropriate to their age and development stage.
- Deliver appropriate pool-based and dryland training.
- Monitor athlete attendance, development and performance and provide feedback to swimmers and parents when required.
- Support swimmer transitions between squads and contribute to athlete assessments and talent identification.
- Assist higher-level squads and senior coaching staff when required.
Competitions & Swim Meets
- Coach CIS swimmers at school, local and international competitions.
- Assist with competition preparation, entries, team organisation and meet-day operations.
- Support the organisation and delivery of CIS-hosted swim meets and Time Trials.
- Assist with timing systems, meet management software and competition administration where required.
- Contribute to post-competition athlete evaluation and follow-up.
PE, ECA & Aquatics Programmes
- Deliver PE Swimming, ECA and Learn-to-Swim programmes as required.
- Work closely with the Aquatics Director and PE staff to ensure consistent teaching, safety and swimmer development standards.
- Support swimmer assessment and progression between Learn-to-Swim, ECA and competitive pathways.
- Maintain a safe, inclusive and positive learning and training environment.
Camps & Coordination
- Work in and support Holiday Swim Camps, Summer Camps, clinics and workshops.
- Act as a camp coach and coordinator when assigned.
- Assist with camp planning, schedules, swimmer grouping and programme delivery.
- Support visiting teams, international training camps and other Aquatics events where required.
- Coordinate designated Aquatics activities and operational tasks as assigned by the Aquatics Director.
Aquatics Operations & Team Responsibilities
- Assist with the organisation and delivery of swimming events and Aquatics activities.
- Maintain appropriate equipment inventory and support good housekeeping and safeguarding of Aquatics equipment.
- Support pool operations and appropriate supervision of swimmers and pool users.
- Participate in staff training, professional development and Aquatics team meetings.
- Work collaboratively with other Aquatics coaches and school departments.
- Undertake other Aquatics-related administrative or operational duties where necessary.
Requirements
- Minimum 3 years of swimming coaching experience, preferably including competitive swimming.
- Demonstrated experience coaching age-group swimmers.
- Experience delivering or supporting competitive squad programmes.
- Good understanding of stroke development, starts, turns and age-appropriate physical conditioning.
- Ability to work within an established programme and coaching methodology.
- Experience coaching swimmers at competitions.
- Experience with PE Swimming, Learn-to-Swim or school swimming programmes is advantageous.
- Experience with swim meet organisation, timing systems or Meet Manager / similar competition software is an advantage.
- Experience with camps, clinics or aquatic programme coordination is advantageous.
Qualifications & Certifications
- Recognised swimming coaching or aquatics qualification.
- Valid Water Safety / Swimming Teacher certification or equivalent.
- Valid First Aid and AED certification or equivalent.
- Lifeguard certification where required by CIS.
- Relevant sport science, physical education or coaching qualification is advantageous.
Additional Expectations
- Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, school holidays and competitions, including travel where required.
- Commitment to CIS safeguarding, child protection and professional standards.
- Willingness to learn and develop within the CIS competitive swimming structure.
- Ability to receive coaching direction and feedback and translate it effectively into daily practice.
- Commitment to continuous professional development.
- Active contribution to the development and success of the overall CIS Aquatics programme.
