Coaching Staff

Generally we will call for coaches in late August, early September for Soccer, Softball, Volleyball, Basketball, Hockey and Cross Country. Further calls may go out through the year as more teams are deemed necessary. There will be another call for coaches after the winter break for sports like badminton and ball hockey. 

If you are interested in coaching with our school we encourage you to consider the commitment first. It will require 3+ hours a week of practice time and many lost weekends. You should also investigate what your sport governing body will require in terms of courses. As a school we require all coaches to have completed the following two courses: 

• Safe Sport Training 

• Rule of Two Training

We will require a Locker Number from the Coaching Association of Canada. You can sign up for one here. 

We will also require a code of conduct and vulnerable sector check. You can use this letter to remove the cost associated. 

When you are ready to apply please complete the  HTH Coach/Volunteer Application

Program development is a priority for HTH Athletics - and it is dependent on leadership from our coaches to help to build a strong coaching staff and program.

Involvement from interested coaches (and alumni) is essential to maximizing program development.

The following outlines coaching roles and expectations so that coaching staff can use their strengths to maximize coaching with HTH Athletics.

Responsibilities: 

• Coaches must complete applicable forms, and information for coaching eligibility and must remain in good standing with their sport governing body. 

• Coaches must stay on top of notifications and information from Athletics Department.

• Coaches must ensure manager duties of team are complete.

• Coaches must ensure the safety and security of our students and our building. This means that only screened volunteers are to be admitted into the building to interact with students. The building doors must remain locked and closed at all times. 

• Coaches are responsible for holding athletes accountable to the expectations laid out in our athletic contract.

• Coaches are responsible for preparing for practices, games, and tournaments.  

• Coaches are responsible for upholding the expectations of our school.

Roles: 

HTH Athletics provides a framework for coaching roles.

• Coaches may choose to share or distribute responsibilities listed below depending on the unique needs and strengths of their coaching staff and team. It is imperative that all coaching staff have a voice and involvement in team preparation and competition that aligns with the coaches individual strengths to bring to the program.

• Establishing clear roles for the head coach, assistant coach and support coaches (co-coaches if required), and team managers in the HTH Athletics Program is essential for effective team management. It's crucial for the head coach and assistant coach(es) to maintain open and effective communication, collaborate closely, and respect each other's roles. The success of the coaching staff and the team as a whole depends on their ability to work together harmoniously and share a common goal.

• All coaches may have different, unique skills and strengths that they bring to a coaching staff to help the team. Coaches skills and strengths must be identified to best contribute to the teams success and development. Coaches also have areas that need improvement - coaches are encouraged to share with fellow coaches as coaching staff can help to build each other up to improve coaching as a whole. 

• Head coaches are responsible for leading, effectively communicating and including the assistant and support coaches in all items below to maintain unity in coaching and team vision and goals. Team coaching roles are listed below under suggested roles - but may be assigned as coaching staff see fit.

• All items below must follow NLSchools Policies.

HEAD COACH:

Overall Team Vision:

The head coach is responsible for setting the team's overall vision, goals, and strategies in consultation with coaching staff.

They determine the team's playing style and approach to the sport. 

Leadership: 

The head coach serves as the primary leader and decision-maker for the team. They have the final say in game strategies, starting lineups, and major decisions. 

Game Management: 

During games, the head coach is in charge of in-game decisions, including play-calling, substitutions, and overall game management. 

Practice Planning:

The head coach designs practice sessions, focusing on skill development, team tactics, and physical conditioning. They set the agenda for each practice. 

Motivation and Discipline:

It's the head coach's role to motivate players and instill discipline. They set the tone for the team's work ethic and attitude. Athletes must be held accountable to athletic contract and athlete expectations.

Player Development:

While all coaches work on player development, the head coach generally has the final say on player positions and playing time. 

ASSISTANT COACHES:

Supporting the team vision and decisions:

The assistant coach's primary role is to support the teams vision and decisions. They implement the previously decided upon strategies and contribute to achieving team goals. 

Player Development:

Assistants are responsible for helping players develop their skills. They may lead specific aspects of training, such as position-specific drills. 

Team Unity:

Promote a positive team atmosphere, teamwork, and sportsmanship among players. Assistants often build strong relationships with players. 

Game Preparation:

Assist in preparing the team for games, including scouting opponents, developing drills, and practicing strategies. They may take the lead in certain practice sessions. 

Mentorship:

Assistant coaches often serve as mentors to players, teaching life skills, and providing individual guidance. 

In-Game Assistance:

Assistants may provide feedback and suggestions during games. They support the head coach in making in-game decisions. 

Conflict Resolution:

Address conflicts or issues within the team in a fair and constructive manner. Assistants often play a role in maintaining team harmony. 

Professional Development:

Continuously seek opportunities for self-improvement and professional development, both for themselves, coaches and the players. 

Positive Attitude:

Maintain a positive and supportive attitude, even in challenging moments. It's crucial for all coaches to maintain open and effective communication, collaborate closely, and respect each other's roles. The success of the coaching staff and the team as a whole depends on their ability to work together harmoniously and share a common goal.

TEAM MANAGERS: 

Team Managers can be a coach or an approved parent who is responsible for the ensuring that all aspects of the team's operation run smoothly, allowing the coaches and players to focus on their performance. Team managers must complete the same requirements as our coaching staff.  An application must be made by a team manager who is not a coach. Team Managers have access to information and procedures that requires application and approval by administration due to the nature of the position.

Administrative Tasks: 

• Scheduling and updating practices, and games. 

• Notifying teams of any changes to schedules.

• Registration of teams for tournaments

• Picking up cheques and ensuring payments are processed to vendors

• Ensuring payments are processed by athletes.

• Managing team budgets and expenses. 

• Team Travel Planning and Arrangements

Communication: 

• Providing updates and information to players and coaches.

• Communicating with the Athletic Director for any required information.

• Using required forms for any requests to athletics department.

Other:

• Fundraising

• Hosting tournaments

• Volunteering

*any other roles that support the operations of a team in consultation with the coaching staff and/or athletic director.

In accordance with NLSchools Volunteers in Schools Policy "Volunteers must respect others’ beliefs and values and not impose their personal views on others, or become involved in the personal affairs of students or employees". 

In adherence to the NL Schools Student Supervision policy which states that "Volunteers supervising students must be at least 21 years of age and at least one of them must be 25 or older", there must always be a screened adult 25 years or older in attendance at practices, games, and tournaments.  As a school, we require that the head coach of any team be over the age of 25. 

We do encourage and support adults under the age of 21 to apply as assistant coaches. This is important to mentoring and preparing the next generation of coaches. However, they would not be considered student supervisors and would require an adult over the age of 25 to be in attendance. 

Nancy Lacey, our administrative assistant, handles our finances. Please keep in mind that Nancy is one person and athletics is not her fulltime job. Please have patience and give time for requests. 

At the beginning of the season you should create a budget and determine a fee to be charged to athletes. Let Nancy know the fee and it will be added to Rycor. 

You must complete the purchase request form and and have approval from the administration before making any purchases.  All documents need to be sent to Nancy at nancylacey@nlschools.ca and cc Stephanie Chaytor and Alyssa Brennan at alyssabrennan@nlschools.ca

You will receive an email once an administrator has signed off and approved the request before making a purchase.  

After you make the purchase, please complete the Expense Reimbursement Form and email it to Nancy.   Please ensure you include a copy of the receipt or invoice.  If you do not have approval before you make a purchase, you run the risk of not being reimbursed.

Purchase Request Form : Used prior to spending.

Expense Reimbursement Form  : Used to be reimbursed or to request a cheque.  Please include the receipt or invoice.

Cash Count Form : Used when collecting money from a tournament or fundraiser.

3 Quotes Form : Used when requesting a purchase over $2500.00 including shipping.

NLSchools Policies

NLSchools supports corporate sponsorship and fundraising as a beneficial relationship between schools, students, school councils, and the school community. However, in accepting sponsorship, schools must ensure that sponsors do not market: 

a) Products related to tobacco, vaping, drugs, or alcohol. 

b) Products deemed inappropriate for students, in accordance with school and provincial government policy. 

Please contact the Athletic Director before entering into a sponsorship agreement with any business for approval. 

We have developed a tryout policy through our athletics department which can be found here. All coaches are expected to adhere to this policy.  There will be a minimum number of two tryouts for coaches who will need to make cuts. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to the athletic director. 

Due to the number of teams our school has our gym schedule is always quite full. The initial gym schedule is often completed in early September and then re-evaluated as sport seasons come to an end. If you would like to request a short term change please contact the athletic director. 

• All tournaments must be submitted using the Tournament Notification Form

• No games can be played within the metro area before 4pm without consent of administration from both our school and the host school. 

• All effort should be made to prevent athletes from missing school time. If there is a need for early dismissal, the team manager or teacher sponsor should send a list of competing athletes to administrative assistant Nancy Lacey and athletic director. It should include where the games will be played and the approximate time of the first game. 

• All schools and travelling teams must have adequate First Aid supplies readily available for athletic competition. Each host school must have a person who is certified in First Aid/CPR. 

• Please note that high school athletics are not fair play. However, you need to have conversations with your athletes, especially if you anticipate that one or more of the athletes will not receive much play time. 

We prioritze school teams for Friday evening and Saturday gym slots. Invitational tournaments can be an excellent way to fundraise for your team while giving them game play experience. There are procedures that must be followed for gym usage:

1. You should first check the Gymnasium Calendar to ensure the weekend you are interested in is available. 

2. Make a copy of and complete this form: HTH Gym Usage Agreement

3. Email the form to the Athletic Director and wait for confirmation that your booking has been confirmed

4. Complete a Purchase Request Form for anything you have to purchase (medals, banners, prizes, referee fees, etc.).

5. Wait until your purchase request form has been approved before you make purchases. We will check to ensure that there are sufficient funds in your account to cover these purchases. 

6. Track funds raised using this form 

7. Submit all funds raised to Nancy Lacey at the office. She will place these funds into your team's account. 

The Tournament Notification Form must be completed prior to any tournament. Tournaments requiring overnight stays must be submitted at least two weeks before intended travel. 

NLSchools Student Travel Policy Reminders

• Under no circumstances shall students be transported when weather or road warnings are issued for any portion of the area to be travelled, or when the school has been closed due to poor road or weather conditions. 

• Ground transportation of students between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. is not permitted. 

• The use of 15-passenger vehicles for the purpose of transporting students to and from school-sponsored events is strictly prohibited. This includes any vehicles that are donated or are hired for service. 

• Emergency Protocols: 

  • a) Schools will ensure that an emergency protocol is in place in the event of an accident or other emergency during a field trip. 

  • b) The teacher sponsor should contact emergency response services (ambulance, fire, police) where necessary, and notify the school administrator. The teacher sponsor and/or school administrator will notify parents or guardians in accordance with school protocol. 

  • c) The teacher sponsor will complete an incident form and submit it to the school administrator at the earliest opportunity. In the case of a serious incident, the school administrator shall also immediately notify their Director of Schools. 

NLSchools Student Supervision Policy Reminders

• The lead supervisor for all school-sponsored events shall be a teacher who is under contract with the department. 

• The use of alcohol and illicit drugs by adult supervisors  is strictly prohibited.

• Parents or guardians must be advised who the teacher-sponsor is.

• Any in-province trip involving an overnight stay will have the appropriate complement of chaperones, and will represent the gender diversity of the student group. For example, a girls’ volleyball team travelling with a male teacher as coach would require a female adult chaperone as well. 

Travel Expenses

As per NLSchools policy, every effort is made to minimize costs for athletes. Team travel procedures listed are the default of team travel. Managers make tentative arrangements to approximate a cost to present to athletes, and costs may be lower determined by additional arrangements of the team.

***Please communicate with athletes to contact the athletic director and school administration regarding any financial assistance required. In consultation with the administration, we will address this on a case by case basis to ensure participation for student athletes.

Costs for Team Travel include:

• Team Registration

• SSNL player fee (if applicable)

• Transportation

• Accommodations

• Teacher sponsor and coach costs

  • Coaches/teacher sponsor keep all receipts and complete the following form for travel reimbursement.

All  money is collected through Rycor and must be paid prior to travel.

There are many professional development opportunities available for coaches: 

coach.ca has a number of NCCP workshops and e-modules available to aid in your growth and development as a coach. 

Keeping Girls in Sport is an e-module developed by Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities in partnership with Canadian Women & Sport and the Coaching Association of Canada.

Sport NL provides free access to a number of coaching courses throughout the year. 

Sport for Life has great resources and articles. Check out these sport specific resources.