Fun 2 Head Coach Position Description

Position Summary

FUN2 coaches play a vital role in helping young athletes transition from learning the fundamentals of skating and ringette to applying those skills in a team environment. This stage of development is often where players begin to build confidence in gameplay, develop friendships within their team, and strengthen their connection to the sport.

This is a volunteer leadership position that plays a critical role in athlete development and retention. The successful candidate will be supported by the association through coach development opportunities, program resources, mentorship, and assistance with recruiting assistant coaches, on-ice helpers, and other volunteers as needed.

The FUN2 Head Coach is responsible for leading all aspects of team and athlete development while creating a safe, positive, and inclusive environment that encourages participation, skill development, sportsmanship, and enjoyment of the game.

FUN2 participants are typically between 6-8 years of age and are developing foundational ringette skills while gaining experience through modified gameplay and team-based activities. The Head Coach plays an important role in ensuring athletes continue to build confidence and enthusiasm for ringette while preparing them for future stages of development within the sport.

Time Commitment

• Weekly practices and games throughout the season
• Practice planning and preparation
• Communication with players, parents, and team staff
• Participation in coach meetings, training opportunities, and association activities as required
• Attendance at team events, festivals, and development opportunities as appropriate

Key Responsibilities

Athlete Development

• Create a safe, inclusive, positive, and engaging environment for all athletes.
• Teach and reinforce age-appropriate skating, ringette, and game-play skills.
• Support the development of fundamental ringette skills including passing, receiving, shooting, ring control, positioning, and game awareness.
• Help athletes understand basic team concepts, cooperation, and decision-making within game situations.
• Promote sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, and positive behaviour.
• Encourage effort, resilience, confidence, and a growth mindset.
• Foster enjoyment and enthusiasm for ringette to encourage long-term participation and athlete retention.
• Ensure all athletes receive meaningful opportunities to participate, develop, and experience success.

Practice and Game Planning

• Develop and deliver age-appropriate practice plans that balance skill development, gameplay concepts, and fun.
• Utilize Ringette Canada and Ringette Ontario Children’s Ringette resources and Long-Term Athlete Development principles when planning practices and activities.
• Create development opportunities that allow athletes to apply skills in game-like situations.
• Plan practices that include skating development, skill instruction, small-area games, and team play concepts.
• Lead team participation in games, festivals, scrimmages, and other development opportunities.
• Ensure gameplay experiences remain focused on learning, participation, and development.

Parent Engagement and Team Culture

• Establish positive and supportive relationships with parents and guardians.
• Communicate regularly regarding team activities, expectations, and athlete development.
• Help families understand the goals and philosophy of the FUN2 program.
• Promote positive spectator behaviour and sportsmanship.
• Encourage parents and guardians to become actively involved as team volunteers, assistant coaches, and future program leaders.
• Support parents in fostering positive sport experiences for their children.

Team Leadership and Volunteer Development

• Recruit and engage assistant coaches, trainers, team managers, and other volunteers as needed to support team operations.
• Work collaboratively with the association to identify and onboard additional volunteers; support and resources will be provided by the association when requested.
• Mentor and support assistant coaches and new volunteers.
• Foster a positive team culture that reflects the values of the association and the sport of ringette.
• Maintain athlete safety and follow all Ringette Ontario, Ringette Canada, and association policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate positive leadership and serve as a role model for athletes, families, and volunteers.
• Complete all required administrative, communication, and team management responsibilities associated with the role.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• Strong skating ability with the confidence and competence to demonstrate and teach ringette-specific skating skills and age-appropriate skill progressions.
• Demonstrated experience coaching, teaching, instructing, or leading children in ringette, skating, or comparable sport environments.
• Completion of all Ringette Ontario and Ringette Canada screening requirements.
• Completion of required coaching certifications and Safe Sport training as mandated by Ringette Ontario and Ringette Canada for FUN2 coaches.
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to Long-Term Athlete Development principles and the Children’s Ringette philosophy.
• A positive, enthusiastic, and athlete-centred coaching approach.

Preferred

• Previous playing experience in ringette.
• Previous coaching experience in ringette or other youth team sports.
• Experience teaching skating and fundamental sport skills.
• Experience working with children aged 6-8 years.
• Current First Aid certification.
• Experience mentoring assistant coaches or volunteers.

Success in This Role

A successful FUN2 Head Coach creates an environment where athletes continue to develop their skating and ringette skills, gain confidence through gameplay, build friendships, and strengthen their love of the sport.

Success is measured not by wins and losses, but by athlete development, enjoyment, sportsmanship, family engagement, volunteer growth, and continued participation in ringette. The ideal coach helps athletes develop the skills, confidence, and passion that will support their ongoing journey within the sport.