Leinster Hockey is the largest province in Ireland with over 12,000 players  participating in leagues at junior club and schools level. The LHA  are looking to appoint coaches and managers to the junior age group panels for 2023.  The main reporting line will be the LHA Board member for InterPros & Player Development.

Context

Regional Development – Club Players (Under 14)

The province is divided into regions for player development purposes.  Players attend centres based on their club location and each club can send up to 6 players per age group per cycle (typically 6 sessions) to the local centre. Players will play inter-regional blitzes and may be selected for a regional team to play inter-regional competitions with other provinces. 

Regional Development – School Players (Under 14)

To cater for players in secondary schools who have taken up hockey in 1st or 2nd year additional development cycles are scheduled in the Spring.  This gives those players late to the game an opportunity to be selected on a regional team and potentially be selected for an Inter-Provincial Academy

Inter-Provincial Academy (Under 15 / Under 17)

Players selected from the regional development teams are invited to attend academy development.  Development takes place in three phases

• Summer (May, June and August)  – this is a key phase for players who aspire to be selected on the Inter-Pro competitive teams
• Autumn (Sep – Dec): Main focus for players should be club and school hockey with one academy session per month
• Players may be invited to additional inter-pro team training sessions and are also eligible for selection on the inter-pro team for matches
• Spring (Feb – Apr) – this is a development phase for players who are starting to move up an age group or players who have not been selected on Irish Junior age group panels.  Matches / Festivals are arranged with other provincial academy teams and training

Inter-Pro Teams (Under 16 / Under 18 / Under 21)

Players on the inter-pro teams play competitive matches against the other provinces.  Competitions are held in the Autumn.  This is the primary pathway through to national junior age group teams and players will be expected to prioritise their provincial training sessions and matches.

Coaching and Manager Roles

Head Coach

The role of the head coach is to lead 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
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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 session 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. Sport Planner)
• 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 the head coach (e.g. Video analysis / CoachLogic / 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 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

• Provides off-the-field management support to the Coach and any other personnel directly or indirectly involved with the squad
• Liaises with the Head Coach and agree dates and times of training sessions for each programme cycle.
• Arranges for training venues, dates, equipment required
• Attends all training and match sessions

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

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

Equipment

• Maintains equipment inventory of balls, bibs, training aides
• Ensures first aid kit fully stocked and available for all training sessions and matches
• Manages the ordering and purchasing of team clothing.
• Arranges 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

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

• Arranges the necessary team accommodation, travel and eating facilities
• Advises the details to players regarding training and tournament
• Ensures training sessions are arranged and inform team personnel
• Attends all training sessions
• Ensures 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
• Ensures squad trainings/matches are operating in line with all Government, Sport Ireland and Hockey Ireland COVID regulations in effect
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Tournaments/Competitions

• Co-ordinates 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
• Takes adequate precautions to ensure that no property damage or loss is incurred by team personnel
• Acts as sole spokesperson for the team in dealings with the management of other teams, organising committee, tournament officials
• Has a good knowledge of the latest copy of the tournament guidelines
• Carries out any action to necessitate the welfare of any injured player and have sole discretion in respect of injuries

Administration notes re Applications

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

Re-numeration

These roles will suit individuals who are committed and passionate about the development of players within Leinster and Irish Hockey -  There is a large element of voluntary work associated with each of the roles.

There is an hourly ‘on the pitch’ rate which is paid to individuals depending on their role & responsibilities. There is a ‘cap’ on the number of ‘on the pitch’ hours per session/match (e.g. maximum 2hrs).

Expenses are paid for pre-approved out of pocket and receipted expenses.

Mileage is paid at 0.30c per km for journeys of more than 20k from coach/manager home-base pitch (e.g. Bray, Enniscorthy, Kilkenny, Rathfarnham). Coaches/managers are asked to car pool wherever possible.

Individuals are responsible for their own revenue returns and taxes.