Assistant Swim Coach

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the guidance and supervision of the Swim Team plan and execute daily practices in accordance with the head coach's seasonal training plan. Aid swimmers in reaching their goals; communicate with parents, administration, and coaches in a positive manner. Develop a clear understanding of proper stroke technique & training and racing strategies through collaboration with the head coach.

ABOUT THE YDSC GATORS SWIM PROGRAM AND Decatur Family YMCA

The YDSC Gators swim team is a dual USA/YMCA swim team competing under both the USA Swimming and YMCA Swimming national organizations. The program has developed swimmers to the levels of YMCA Nationals, YMCA State Champions, USA State & Regional qualifiers, and YMCA State & District qualifiers. YDSC is the product of a merger between the Decatur Family YMCA Swim Team and the Decatur Swim Club in 2017 creating a stronger more unified program. Coaches coming into the program can expect to be welcomed by enthusiastic swimmers, supportive families, and a caring coaching staff. The team continues to grow in numbers and increase in their competitive achievements most recently including: 2021 Boys 8&Under YMCA Long Course State Team Champion, multiple individual YMCA State Champions in , and 5 age group team champion categories at the 2022 YMCA Districts. There is no better time to join our growing, thriving program

OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Overarching Goal: Through their planning, actions and daily work creates and fosters an environment to effectively create positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parent/caregivers while promoting and supporting the potential of all youth in the program and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of their YMCA experience.

• Plans and executes daily practices in accordance with the head coach's season plan
• Instructs swimmers in accordance with the YDSC Swim Team guidelines
• Champions a culture of best-in-class quality in all assigned areas including practices, meets, and team events
• Builds effective, authentic relationships with athletes and parents, helping them connect with each other
• and the YMCA, leading to parent involvement and identification of potential volunteers
• Effectively engage, manage, and motivate younger athletes
• Maintains records as necessary: attendance, performance evaluation, etc
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as scheduled
• Follows all Springfield YMCA policy and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures.
• Completes related reports as required.
• Execute workouts both in and out of the water; organize and maintain training equipment on deck & report equipment needs to Head Coach
• Attend swim meets as assigned. Submit appropriate reimbursement paperwork in a timely manner.

Maintain coaching certifications through USA Swimming and YMCA Swimming

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Required personal experience as a competitive swimmer via USA or YMCA Swimming club team OR
• college swim team (any division level, college club only does not count)
• Preferred previous experience coaching with a swim team or teaching swim lessons
• Certifications: Safety Training for Swim Coaches, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, Basic First Aid and
• Emergency Oxygen, Y Principles of Competitive Swimming and Diving. Obtain in first 60 days and keep
• current.
• Complete all YMCA onboarding trainings within 1st 30 days.
• Current USA Swimming Membership & YMCA Swimming Membership. Obtain in first 30 days and keep
• current.
• Ability to maintain certification
• Must demonstrate coaching abilities in accordance with Decatur YMCA standards

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Minimum 3 hours per week of coaching responsibility. Evening availability required & additional weekend
• availability preferred
• *Blurb about in-person work environment*
• Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate
• Instruct and observe participants in proper stroke techniques
• Possible travel and overnight trips for swim meets
• Position requires bending, leaning, kneeling, walking, and swimming
• Exposure to communicable diseases and body fluids
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an
• emergency.
• Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time
• Sound in environment usually loud
• Exposure to chemically treated water, heat, humidity, and sun with air quality reflective of the chemicals used.