Head Cross Country Coach

Norwich Public Schools • Norwich, CT

13h • Onsite

About The Position

Norwich Public Schools is seeking a Head Cross Country Coach for multiple positions at Kelly Middle School and Teachers’ Memorial Middle School. This role reports to the Athletic Facilitator (AF), Principal, and Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives. The coach is responsible for helping each student athlete improve their skills and appreciate the values of sportsmanship. Key responsibilities include coaching individuals and the team to achieve a competitive skill level, collaborating on practice schedules, managing and distributing equipment, assisting with student athlete rostering and communication, coordinating with the nursing department for student needs, overseeing student safety, and adhering to all relevant school and CIAC policies and guidelines. The coach must maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical standards in all interactions.

Requirements

• CT Coaching Certification required
• Knowledge/Experience in related sport is preferred
• Coaching experience preferred
• Familiarity with emergency procedures, including CPR and first aid certification (often required)
• Understanding of Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) or school district policies on injuries and concussions
• Awareness of school district or school policies, codes of conduct, and academic eligibility requirements
• Knowledge of organizing practices, managing equipment, and coordinating travel or schedules
• Understanding of cultural competency, inclusive coaching practices, and gender equity in sports
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and develop middle school athletes in a positive, respectful manner
• Clear communication with players, parents, school administrators, and assistant coaches
• Managing disputes among players or addressing parental concerns diplomatically
• Ability to improve players' soccer skills, physical fitness, and understanding of the game
• Build a supportive environment that promotes sportsmanship, teamwork, and character
• Modify coaching methods for varying skill levels, learning styles, and physical abilities
• Maintain composure during competition and challenging situations
• Objectively assess player abilities for team placement and improvement
• Exhibit integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to student development both on and off the field
• Ability to actively demonstrate athletic techniques and drills
• Must be able to stand, walk, run, and move quickly across athletic fields or courts for extended periods (up to several hours)
• Must be able to lift, carry, and move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
• Frequent bending, kneeling, stooping, and reaching overhead and to the ground
• Must be able to observe student performance at varying distances and in varying lighting and weather conditions
• Ability to project voice and communicate effectively over noise and across distances
• Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, rain)
• May be required to travel with teams to and from athletic events, including evenings and weekends

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge/Experience in related sport
• Coaching experience

Responsibilities

• Coaching individuals and team to the necessary skill level for meets and competitiveness
• Collaborates with the AF for scheduling of practices within the season
• Distributes and collects equipment needed for individual student athlete use and communicates needs to the AF
• Supports in the rostering, communications, and attendance collecting of student athletes
• Communicates with building nursing department for student(s) needs and updates
• Oversees student safety and reports concerns to AF and building principal as needed
• Adheres to BOE Policy related to behavior, conduct, and attendance for student athletes
• Adherence to the Norwich Public Schools Athletics Handbook and related materials that comply with CIAC Guidelines for Middle School Athletics
• Maintains confidentiality, professionalism and ethical standards at all times in all interactions with students, staff, families, officials and community members.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed