Wheelchair Rugby Canada is a world-leader in Wheelchair Rugby, a respected advocate for wheelchair athletes, and a visionary organization committed to excellence in programs from recruitment to retirement.
Wheelchair Rugby Canada is committed to building a skilled, diverse team reflective of Canadian society. As a result, we promote employment equity and encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples, persons with a disability, or members of a visible minority group, regardless of sexual identity, gender identification, or gender expression, and marital or family status.
POSITION DESCRIPTON
Wheelchair Rugby Canada is looking for a dynamic Head Coach to lead the National Team and shape the future of high-performance wheelchair rugby in Canada. This role requires a highly motivated individual with expertise in coaching elite athletes, tactical game planning, and team management. The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall development, implementation, and execution of training programs and competition strategies for the National Team, while fostering a strong team culture and ensuring athlete performance at the highest level.
The Head Coach will report directly to the High-Performance Director, also working closely with the Integrated Support Staff (IST) and Wheelchair Rugby Canada staff to build and maintain a world-class National Team program. The role includes planning and executing team training schedules, participating
in recruitment and talent development, and representing the National Team in international competitions. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills are essential for managing both athletes and support staff while maintaining a focus on achieving international success.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Plan and Lead the Canadian National Wheelchair Rugby Team
- Establish and communicate clear goals and objectives for both training camps and competitions.
- Develop and communicate technical/tactical practice and game plans to IST staff and athletes.
- Lead all training sessions, pre-competition training, and game coaching, including managing players, bench, and support staff.
- Prepare and lead technical/tactical video and team meetings, as well as individual or small group sessions.
- Adjust training and competition plans based on feedback and debrief discussions from sessions, games, and meetings.
- Lead and facilitate player meetings, game debrief discussions, and IST daily meetings.
- Collaborate with IST to manage logistical details such as schedules, travel strategies, rest, recovery, and nutrition.
Opposition Scouting
- Review video and statistical reports of upcoming game opposition to establish trends, highlight team, lineup and player strengths and weaknesses
- Prepare reports (verbal, written and video) to communicate the information to national team players for study and review
- Develop gameplan and strategies to counter the opposition and expose areas of weakness
Team Selection
- Support the High-Performance Director in developing the criteria for team selection
- Assess individual athlete’s tactical, technical, physical, and mental skills using Wheelchair Rugby Canada Gold Medal Profile (GMP)
- Conduct a thorough gap analysis to assess areas for improvement and adapt training programs to address these needs effectively.
- Ensure compliance with all policies and procedures including but not limited to code of conduct
- Based on camp and competition goals, select the team or group of athletes that will participate at the different program events
- Communicate selection decision to athletes, staff and stakeholders in a timely manner
Athlete Monitoring
- In accordance with the team Yearly Training Plan (YTP), develop Individual Performance Plans (IPP) for each athlete within the national team program
- In collaboration with IST lead and based on the IPP, coordinate services to support each athlete such as strength & conditioning, medical, mental preparation etc.
- Assess each athlete’s progression on IPP goals at targeted times during the year
- Communication on an ongoing basis with each athlete on goals, expectations and progress
High Performance Program Planning and Development
- In collaboration with the High-Performance Director provide input and feedback into the Quadrennial Program Plan, Own the Podium and Canadian Paralympic Committee funding program plans.
- Establish and communicate program goals for the competition season, including establishing program targets of training days, number of games/competitions and level of competitions
- Develop program training and competition calendar based on established guidelines, targets and existing competition opportunities and where required use creative problem solving to bridge any identified gaps in existing and desired situation
- Build the team YTP with detailed goals and priorities for the various phases of the competition cycle/season
- Work closely with IST staff to establish areas for improvement, goals and strategies, and how to periodized through the competition season
- Attend and participate in as required Sport Canada, Own the Podium, Canadian Paralympic Committee and Coaching Association of Canada meetings
Talent Identification
- Maintain on-going communication with club and provincial coaches across the country to gain an awareness of new and upcoming players
- Attend targeted domestic tournaments (Montreal and Vancouver Invitational, National Championships) to assess identified players in game using the simplified version of the GMP
- Follow up with identified players on their assessment, identified strengths and weaknesses with suggestions for improvements, and potential invitation to National Team events as appropriate
Professional Development
- Engage in professional development opportunities to further develop strengths and bridge any identified gaps
- Create and build relationships with a network of sport leaders as an avenue to learn and collaborate such as other coaches, High Performance Directors, Sport Science Experts
- Work with WRC and key staff to develop and deliver professional development opportunities for the Wheelchair Rugby community
REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS
- Strong working knowledge of the Canadian sport system and experience working within it would be an asset.
- National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) – Competition Development certification, or working towards it, or equivalent certification or relevant experience for candidates outside Canada.
- Coaching Association of Canada Safe Sport Trained (or equivalent)
- In-depth knowledge of wheelchair rugby, including technical and tactical expertise.
- Proven ability to lead and motivate elite athletes and create a positive, high-performance culture.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
- Must be proficient in computer use, including Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc.), video analysis tools, and report compilation.
- A valid driver’s licence
- This role requires frequent travel within Canada and internationally with the National Team to camps and competitions.
- Flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends, depending on events and deadlines.
- In addition to the duties outlined in this job description, you may be asked to take on other responsibilities as required to support the organization’s needs.
How to Apply:
To be considered for this position, email a detailed resume and cover letter addressing how your experience supports the requirements of the position to Paul Hunter, Chief Executive Officer, Wheelchair Rugby Canada at info@wheelchairrugby.ca by December 20, 2024, at 5:00 PM Pacific Standard Time.
Applicants are asked to indicate whether they are a Canadian Citizen, a Permanent Resident of Canada, or an international applicant. This information is required for administrative purposes and will not impact the consideration of your application.
We appreciate the interest of all applicants. However, only those selected for an interview will be
contacted.