USA Racquetball Search Underway for U.S. Junior National Racquetball Team Head Coach

Colorado Springs, Colo. – USA Racquetball has announced a selection process for the 2024-2025 U.S. Junior National Racquetball Team Head Coach position.

The Head Coach of the U.S. Junior National Racquetball Team serves as the overall leader of the Team, a position that requires a significant level of commitment.

Applications will be accepted per submission guidelines as long as this position description is posted at USARacquetball.com and through at least May 10, 2024.

Position Title
Head Coach, U.S. Junior National Racquetball Team

Position Description
The U.S. Junior National Racquetball Team (aka Junior Team) Head Coach has the lead responsibility for the training and performance of individual Junior Team members and the Junior Team as a whole. This includes players who qualify for both the World Cup and Esprit Cup divisions of the annual International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Junior Championships. The goals of the U.S. Junior Team are to win individual and overall titles at the IRF World Junior Championships as well as to develop Junior Team members as players and individuals, including fostering a rewarding life-long passion for the sport.

Head Coach Responsibilities

Team Management

-Manage the Junior Team in accordance with the policies and procedures outlined in the U. S. Junior Racquetball Team Procedures & Protocol Handbook and Player Agreement posted on USA Racquetball’s website, www.usaracquetball.com, Meet Team USA / Junior National Team.

(Note: Handbook and Agreement may undergo minor adjustments/updates prior to July 1, 2024.)

-Recommend support staff for approval, including Team Assistant Coaches and Athletic Trainers
-Assign responsibilities to support staff and oversee their activities

-Collaborate with Team Leader regarding logistics planning and execution

-Use discretion in maintaining any confidential player information

-Serve as a positive role model for Junior Team members

National Junior Racquetball Championships


-Inform prospective players and their parents of Junior Team member expectations
-Build positive relationships with Junior Team members and their parents/guardians
-Evaluate player performance and suggest methods for improvement
-Assist with the recognition of Junior Team award winners

-Fulfill travel and attendance requirements outlined in this document

National Junior Team Training Camp


-Construct Camp curriculum and schedule

-Train and instruct players in pursuit of potential-fulfilling performances at the IRF World Junior Championships
-Support players with development plans

-Collaborate with USA Racquetball staff on communications and logistics
-Fulfill travel and attendance requirements outlined in this document

IRF World Junior Championships


-Fulfill travel and attendance requirements outlined in this document

-Build enthusiasm for the Championships among Junior Team players and the broader USA Racquetball community
-Support fundraising activities

-Organize Junior Team practice sessions

-Hold Junior Team meetings in pursuit of optimal performance

-Oversee coaching and support staff

-Coach individual matches, assisting players with strategy and encouragement (may include scouting of opponents)
-Monitor the draws to ensure fairness and following of proper protocols

-Attend Coaches meeting and build relationships with IRF representatives

-Demonstrate proper sportsmanship and respect for players, officials, opponents, fans, and other coaches

Position Requirements

-Active USA Racquetball Instructor Program certification and membership (those in process may apply); includes successful completion of background check, SafeSport education/training, and CPR training/certification.
-USA Racquetball Rules Certification (those in process may apply) and thorough understanding of IRF rules including informing the team of differences between IRF and USA Racquetball rules
-Current USA Racquetball membership
-In-depth knowledge of racquetball, including match preparation and strategy, shot selection and shot making, drills, fitness components, and mental aspects. Ability to instruct Junior Team members on the mental and physical aspects of racquetball.
-Ability to represent USA Racquetball nationally and internationally
-Strong communication skills
-Solid interpersonal skills -- players, staff, families, et al.
-English language skills; Spanish language skills, while not required, are a plus
-Accept and sign the United States Olympic Committee/USA Racquetball Coaching Ethics Code Agreement
-The U.S. Junior Team Head Coach agrees not to coach athletes courtside at their matches at the National Junior Championships.

Term

From the first day of the month following selection through December 31, 2024. Renewal upon mutual agreement of the Head Coach and USA Racquetball.

Reporting Relationships

USA Racquetball U.S. Team Committee

Key Relationships

Junior National Team Members, Assistant Coaches, Team Leader, Team Athletic Trainer, IRF Staff, Junior National Team Member parents/guardians, U.S. Team Committee, USA Racquetball Executive Director, National Teams Director

Travel Requirements

Travel to USA Racquetball National Junior Championships, National Junior Team Training Camp, and IRF World Junior Championships is required. Since the IRF World Junior Championships is often held outside of the United States, a passport is required with expiration at least six months from the last day of any international competition. Vaccinations may also be required for international travel.

Time Commitment

Limited amount between December and May. Moderate amount in June and July. Significant amount in August through December.

Compensation/Benefits

Independent contractor position with $2,500 annual stipend, paid monthly. Travel expenses covered to U.S. National Junior Championships, National Junior Team Training Camp, and World IRF Junior Championships. U.S. Junior National Team uniforms provided. Opportunity to help shape the lives of young people and the future of racquetball.

Application Process

Please email a résumé and brief cover letter describing your interest in and suitability for the position with U.S. National Junior Team Head Coach in the subject line to U.S. Team Committee Chairperson Larry Haemmerle at unclelarry2all@yahoo.com. Applications will be accepted for as long as this position is posted at USARacquetball.com and at least through May 10, 2024. The selection process will be conducted by the U.S. Team Committee.

About USA Racquetball

USA Racquetball, founded in 1969, is recognized by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee as the National Governing Body for the sport. The organization, which serves more than 3.4 million players, annually conducts National Championships for players of all ages and skill levels. The organization also organizes the Adult and Junior U.S. National Racquetball Teams, manages the Official Rules of Racquetball, maintains National Player Rankings, manages a college scholarship program, and supports the introduction of new players to the sport.

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