U14A Head Coach Position Description

Position Summary

The U14A Head Coach leads one of the association’s highest-performing development teams and plays a key role in preparing athletes for future competitive opportunities within ringette.

This is a volunteer leadership position responsible for providing a challenging, positive, and development-focused environment where athletes can maximize their potential while developing strong technical skills, game understanding, leadership abilities, and sportsmanship.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to competitive athlete development while maintaining an athlete-centred approach that prioritizes long-term growth, enjoyment, and well-being.

The U14A Head Coach is expected to create an environment that balances competitive excellence with athlete well-being and long-term development. While team performance and competitive success are valued, athlete growth, sportsmanship, character development, and enjoyment of the sport remain foundational priorities.

The successful candidate will be supported by the association through coach development opportunities, program resources, mentorship, and assistance with recruiting assistant coaches, team staff, and other volunteers as needed.

The Head Coach is responsible for all aspects of team operations, athlete development, practice planning, game preparation, team culture, and staff leadership.

Time Commitment

• Weekly practices and games throughout the season
• Practice planning and season planning
• Communication with athletes, parents, and team staff
• Participation in league play, tournaments, championships, and team events
• Participation in coach meetings, training opportunities, and association activities as required

Key Responsibilities

Competitive Athlete Development

• Develop athletes’ technical, tactical, physical, and mental performance capabilities.
• Design and implement a season-long athlete development plan.
• Teach advanced ringette concepts, positional play, systems, and decision-making.
• Help athletes establish and work toward individual and team performance goals.
• Promote accountability, commitment, leadership, resilience, and sportsmanship.
• Prepare athletes for future competitive opportunities within ringette.
• Foster confidence, independence, and a strong work ethic in athletes.

Practice and Game Leadership

• Develop and execute comprehensive season, practice, and competition plans.
• Deliver high-quality practices focused on skill development, tactical understanding, and game application.
• Analyze team and athlete performance and adjust development plans accordingly.
• Lead team participation in league play, tournaments, and championship events.
• Manage bench operations and in-game decision-making in a positive, respectful, and professional manner.
• Promote fair play and respect for officials, opponents, teammates, and the sport.

Team Leadership and Staff Management

• Recruit, mentor, and lead assistant coaches and team staff.
• Work collaboratively with the association to identify and onboard additional volunteers when required.
• Delegate responsibilities appropriately and foster a collaborative team staff environment.
• Establish and maintain team standards, expectations, and culture.
• Support athlete leadership development and team accountability.
• Create a positive and inclusive environment where all athletes can succeed.

Parent and Athlete Communication

• Communicate clearly, consistently, and professionally with athletes and families.
• Establish expectations regarding commitment, attendance, development, team conduct, and communication.
• Address concerns proactively and constructively.
• Foster positive relationships between athletes, parents, coaches, and team staff.
• Promote a respectful and supportive team environment.

Administration and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all Ringette Ontario, Ringette Canada, league, and association requirements.
• Complete all required administrative, communication, and team management responsibilities.
• Maintain athlete safety and uphold Safe Sport principles.
• Serve as a positive ambassador for the association and the sport of ringette.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• Strong skating ability and advanced understanding of ringette skills, tactics, and gameplay.
• Previous ringette playing experience or equivalent high-level team sport experience.
• Previous coaching experience in ringette or comparable competitive sport environments.
• Completion of all required Ringette Ontario and Ringette Canada certifications, screening requirements, and Safe Sport training.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and athlete development skills.
• Commitment to Long-Term Athlete Development and athlete-centred coaching principles.

Preferred

• Experience coaching competitive-level ringette.
• Experience developing athletes within a performance-focused environment.
• Current First Aid certification.
• Experience mentoring assistant coaches and team staff.

Success in This Role

A successful U14A Head Coach develops athletes who are confident, skilled, resilient, and prepared for future opportunities within ringette. Success is measured through athlete development, team culture, sportsmanship, retention, leadership growth, and competitive progress throughout the season.

The ideal coach balances competitive aspirations with a commitment to athlete well-being, ensuring athletes develop not only as ringette players, but also as teammates, leaders, and positive contributors to their community.