The Role

The British American Football Association (BAFA) is the recognised National Governing Body for the sport of American football in the UK, both contact and flag. BAFA is responsible for all regulatory, competition, performance and development aspects of the game. The primary aim of the Positional Coach is to assume responsibility for their designated position group for the GB Youth National Programme in relation to player development, on field performance, and player conduct. To achieve this aim, the Coach must ensure that their unit is adequately prepared through online coaching feedback, in camp development, and aligning with the wider wider mission of elevating the youth flag game.

Responsible to: Head Coach of GB Youth National Programme and Offensive/Defensive Coordinator
Length of term: After an initial three-month probationary period, this role is fixed for the duration of a competition cycle for the Youth Flag team and is a volunteer post. BAFA reserves the right to review the appointment at the end of each competition cycle.
Position type: Voluntary
Suggested hours: 5-10 hours per week. This may vary depending on the point of competition cycle and during planned events.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

This role description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of the areas of activity and will be amended in the light of the changing needs of the BAFA National Programme. The Positional coach will be required to:

● Coach and manage the development of the GB Youth National Programme in consultation with the Head Coach and Team Lead.
● Contribute to the evolution, development and promotion of a “high performance” culture and performance pathway within the National Programme.
● Coach and manage the GB Youth National Programme at international competitions and events.
● Develop and prepare the players for the appropriate level of international competition (IFAF).
● Promote the BAFA National Programme in a positive manner to all in the sport and outside agencies and contribute to communication activity.
● Convey an exemplary image that is consistent with BAFA values, demonstrating integrity, sportsmanship and those qualities, traits and demeanour that command leadership respect.
● Protect confidential information, adhere to BAFA policies and demonstrate loyalty to BAFA and the BAFA National Programme.
● Abide by and promote sound ethics and BAFA National Programme policy, regarding equity, safeguarding, and health and safety to all players involved with the team.
● Ensure the GB Youth Flag environment is free of any form of harassment or behaviour constituting unacceptable behaviour.
● Maintain the integrity of the player selection, ensuring this is fair and transparent.
● Organise, attend and manage player trials, training camps and practice sessions.
● Attend and be responsible for the organisation of virtual position classrooms to develop playbook knowledge, provide camp/game preparation, and post camp/game feedback reviewing technique and play.
● Attend domestic and international fixtures, as agreed with the National Programme, and report on observations as required.
● Maintain and demand the highest standards from players and coaches, ensuring that a code of conduct is adhered to.
● Liaise with all the other parts of the BAFA National Programmes, when and where necessary.
● Obtain each squad player’s personal goals and expectations for being involved in the BAFA National Programme.
● Be well-briefed about any special needs of players (i.e. medical condition, disabilities, etc.).

Requirements

Key

BAFCA coaching qualification /willingness to work towards this
Be passionate about flag football and committed to the development of young players
Display a willingness to prioritise the GB youth flag programme and attend practice regularly
Ability to build positive relationships with staff, coaches, players and parents.
Full current passport.

Desirable

Experience of coaching youth/ junior football and/or working with young people.
Enthusiastic and energetic nature
Willingness to volunteer irregular hours, and travel both within the UK and overseas (in agreement with BAFA), with overnight stays and weekend volunteering
Knowledge of international competition rules and regulations.
Attended appropriate safeguarding and equality training.
Clean and valid driving licence.

Key competencies

● Well-developed active listening skills, showing an ability to take direction, as well as to direct.
● A commitment to their own continued and innovative development.
● Conveys an exemplary image that is consistent with BAFA values.
● Be fully committed to the development of British American Football.
● Highly developed level of professionalism and collaborative approach to working with others.
● Highly committed to equality and diversity.

A satisfactory BAFA DBS check will be required before the post-holder commences the position.

Diversity and inclusion

The British American Football Association embraces equality, diversity and inclusion both on and off the field of play, where everyone can bring their whole selves to the organisation. We encourage job applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates irrespective of their age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnerships.

To apply