We’re hiring.

About the Role

As an Assistant Coach, you will support the Head Coach in delivering a comprehensive and effective diving programme. This includes assisting with the preparation of monthly lesson plans for pool and dry-land training sessions, supporting the implementation of performance goals for divers, and contributing to a positive and engaging training environment. The role involves working with athletes across a range of ages and abilities, fostering their development, encouraging participation, and promoting a strong culture of teamwork, commitment, and sportsmanship within the club.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and implementing individual performance goals and plans for each diver.
• Help prepare and submit monthly lesson plans for both dryland and pool diving time to the club committee.
• Support the Head Coach in creating and reviewing a long-term strategic plan for competitive diving, ensuring the plan is progressive, sustainable, and follows the principles of long-term athlete development (LTAD).
• Assist in producing an annual competition/training camp program that includes and develops all competitive club members and supports the Swim Ireland Domestic Competition Framework.
• Aid in the selection of athletes and/or teams for competitions and training camps.
• Help plan and manage logistics for competitions and training camps in conjunction with the club committee.
• Ensure you are well briefed about any special needs of athletes involved in competitions or training camps, including fitness levels, medical conditions, physical impairments, or disabilities.
• Assist in selecting athletes' dive lists for competition, submitting dive sheets, and delegating to club committee or athletes where appropriate.
• Support setting competition goals and targets, and clearly communicate these to athletes, parents, and committee members.
• Attend competitions and training camps, and in cases where it is not possible to attend, assist in making recommendations for suitable replacement coach or coaches.
• Coach athletes at competitions and undertake judging duties at competitions as required by event organizers.
• Support the Head Coach in performing a management role and organizing all coaching staff at competitions.
• Provide suitable and relevant feedback on competition performance to athletes, parents, and committee members where appropriate.
• Assist in creating and reviewing a program of athlete/parent education sessions covering a range of diving-related topics and other performance-related challenges around nutrition, psychology, anti-doping, and lifestyle choices.
• Attend club committee meetings and provide regular updates on the annual competition plan, athlete/team selections, athletes' competition goals & targets, as required.
• Follow the Swim Ireland’s safeguarding policy at all times.
• Comply with all relevant Swim Ireland and club policies.
• Ensure that all qualifications are kept up to date and that continuous professional development opportunities are availed of.

Requirements

• Level 1 or Level 2 Coaching Certificate for Diving or recognized international equivalent
• Valid Swim Ireland / Sport Ireland safeguarding level 1 certificate (within 3 years)
• Valid vetting through the An Garda Síochána National Vetting Bureau via Shamrock Diving Club / Swim Ireland

Desirable Qualifications

• Recognised First Aid at Work Certificate
• Proven track record of coaching divers to junior or senior championships
• Positive, high energy, and commitment
• View success not just as winning but as helping divers achieve their goals
• Orientation towards continuous improvement

Reports to: Head Coach