Leinster Hockey Association Coaching and Management Roles

The Leinster Hockey Association are now seeking applications from coaches and managers who wish to be involved with the player development programmes for the 2022-23 Season.

Appropriately qualified or experienced coaches who are not in a position to commit to a head coach or assistant coach role, but who would be interested in being on a coaching panel and supporting the programmes periodically are also welcome to apply.

There is a payment associated with these roles.

Under 14 Inter-Regionals

The Inter-Regional programme caters for players across all regions in Leinster

Head coaches are required to work with regional squads to prepare for both Leinster and National  competitions in May

Team managers are required for each team

These roles are ideal entry level positions for coaches/managers who want to work towards coaching/managing with interprovincial or national junior age groups

U16, U18 and U21 Inter-Provincial Squads

The inter-provincial player development programmes are focused on the development of the top players in each junior age group.  The panels are the entry points on HI player development pathway towards being a senior international.

Development takes place in May, June & August

• Inter-Pro Competitive matches will be scheduled from September to December/January
• Reserve/Development matches also to be scheduled between provinces in the Spring

Panels: 

• Leinster Girls: U16, U18 and U20
• Leinster Boys: U16, U18 and U21
• Leinster South (Girls): U16 and U18

Each panel requires a head coach, an assistant coach and a manager.

Reserve Panels require a head coach, an assistant coach and a manager

Coaching Panel

At head coach discretion, additional coaches or specialist coaches (e.g. GK Coaches, Video Analysts), from an LHA approved coaching panel, may be invited to support the programme during the season. Any coaches interested in being included in the coaching panel are invited to complete an application.

Application Process

Applicants should complete the appropriate Google Form to be considered for any of the roles.

• Coaching Roles: CLICK HERE
• Manager Roles: CLICK HERE
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Prior to interview applicants will be required to provide

• Evidence of current Safeguarding 1 certificate, including date of the course or evidence of Safeguarding Refresher course certificate including date of completion.
• Two references
• Proof of job related qualifications 
• Coaches must hold at least a Level 1 qualification from Hockey Ireland (or equivalent national governing body) and ideally be working towards their level 2 qualification.

Successful candidates will be asked to

• Sign the Leaders Code of Conduct
• Undergo Garda vetting for a leadership role with Leinster Hockey
• Agree to a probation period of three months

Appointments will be subject to

• Ratification by Leinster Hockey Board

Coaches or Managers may not start working within an LHA development programme or camp until a  ‘No Disclosure’ response has been received from the Garda Vetting Bureau

Head Coach

The role of the head coach is to lead all all aspects of the programme to develop individual players, enhance performance and achieve team success

• Is responsible for the development and preparation of the players for competitions
• Instructs all the players in the skills and techniques necessary to meet the demands of the competition and being on a provincial/regional/district squad
• Assesses their ability to carry out these instructions
• Supervises training sessions and team talks
• Determines tactics and methods to be used in each match
• Selects the team in consultation with other coaching staff
• Is responsible for the opposition analysis and game plans, providing the tactical lead
• Directs technical and tactical components of the team and shares with other coaches
• On the Bench – makes strategic decisions re positions, substitutions etc.
• Leads briefings and debriefs using other management team members as appropriate
• Adheres to the LHA Code of conduct for Sports Leaders and Coaches
• Ensures there is a good all round communication in place and an open/honest environment
• Manages the leadership group (other coaches & manager) and players, providing feedback and direction as appropriate
• Delegates any aspects of the program as appropriate (to management team, support coaches and athletes)
• Arranges a physical fitness programme (if necessary – can delegate) and monitors the fitness and conditioning of the squad

Assistant Coach

The role of the assistant coach is to support the head coach throughout the programme. 

From time to time the head coach may invite in assistant specialist coach to assist with sessions (e.g. goal-keepers) or performance analysis.

An assistant coach

• Assists the coach in squad coaching and performance evaluation
• Delivers training aspects of a sesion as directed by the Head Coach
• Takes the lead in design and delivery of game components of training using appropriate tools and technology (e.g. SportPlanner)
• Assists with team selection – providing evidence based advice on selections
• Completes post match analysis and feedback to other coaches – using appropriate tools and technologies as agreed with Head Coach (e.g. Video analysis/Gamebreaker)
• Prepares debrief material for head Coach
• Provides individual player feedback to head coach and players as agreed by Head coach
• Works closely with the management team to ensure the success of the squad
• Adheres to the LHA Code of conduct for Sports Leaders and Coaches
• Is available to fulfil commitments associated with this position
• Has knowledge and/or interest in the implementation of training and fitness

Additional assistant or support coaches may supplement the coaching team and perform additional activities in relation to performance analysis and opposition analysis to provide information to the Head Coach

• Video and tag (where possible) matches, video to be provided to coaching staff ASAP after match
• Develop and keep database of opposition PC, Outlets, Press and goalscoring opportunities

Team Manager

The team manager’s role is extensive and requires an individual who has excellent planning, organization, communication and relationship skills. Normally team managers would have prior experience managing at club level before taking on an Inter-provincial or Regional team manager role.

General Management

• Provide off-the-field management support to the Coach and any other personnel directly or indirectly involved with the squad
• Liaise with the Head Coach and agree dates and times of training sessions for each programme cycle. 
• Arrange for training venues, dates, equipment required

Player Management

• Act as a first point of contact for players and/or player’s parents/guardians who have any queries or concerns. 
• When appropriate act as the players’ representative with the LHA

Finance

• Manage costs to ensure that they keep within approved budgets.
• Monitor and ensure payments are completed in line with agreed payment schedules

Equipment

• Maintain equipment inventory of balls, bibs, training aides
• Ensure first aid kit fully stocked and available for all training sessions and matches
• Manage the ordering and purchasing of team clothing.
• Arrange for the collection and distribution of LHA owned teamwear to the squad, maintaining a record of distribution and a record of the player’s acknowledgment of their responsibilities in this regard

Behaviour

• Adhere to LHA Code of Conduct
• Ensure all players are made aware of the LHA Code of Conduct
• Arrange for the LHA Children’s Officer to meet with the Squad and Management team (Under 18 and Under 16 panels)
• Ensure the good conduct of all team personnel (including management team) both on and off the pitch

Logistics

• Arrange the necessary team accommodation, travel and eating facilities
• Advise the details to players regarding training and tournament
• Ensure training sessions are arranged and inform team personnel
• Attend all training sessions unless otherwise arranged with the coach
• Ensure that at least one of the management team attending training sessions is of the same gender for under age teams or that a suitably qualified ‘same gender’ leader is available at the sessions in case of illness or injury
• Ensure squad trainings/matches are operating in line with all Government, Sport Ireland and Hockey Ireland COVID regulations in effect

Tournaments/Competitions

• Co-ordinate pre tournament meeting with players and, in the case of U16 and U18 teams, with parents/guardians including arranging for a talk from the children’s officer
• Take adequate precautions to ensure that no property damage or loss is incurred by team personnel
• Act as sole spokeperson for the team in dealings with the management of other teams, organising committee, tournament officials
• Have a good knowledge of the latest copy of the tournament guidelines
• Carry out any action to necessitate the welfare of any injured player and have sole discretion in respect of injuries

Updated 2022.03.21