We wish to invite expressions of interest from suitable candidates for six key volunteer coaching roles in the club. Job descriptions for the roles of Lead Coach for Endurance, Sprints, Throws and Jumps, Head of Juvenile Coordination and Logistics and (the newly created role) of Talent Pathway Coordinator can be viewed here.
Two-year terms apply for all positions, to commence from the forthcoming AGM in September.
Expressions of interest are invited to arrive to the club secretary, Mr Mark Conway (secretary@dsdathletics.ie) by no later than Friday, August 1st. Interviews of candidates will take place during the month of August.
Club Lead Coaches – Endurance, Sprint, Throws and Jumps
The Lead Coaches will be responsible for developing athletes within their discipline from juvenile to adult levels within the Club, provide direction regarding training methods within their discipline and work with other coaches to produce athletes to compete regionally, nationally & internationally for DSDAC.
They will:
• Support the Club’s long-term athletics goals, implement and work to achieve these goals.
• Commit to supporting the realisation of athletic performance goals by the club as decided by the clubboard
• Assist in promoting the culture and identity of the club
• Implement agreed coaching structures and provide continuous oversight on same via the Athletics Committee and the Juvenile Coaches Committee.
• Assist the Director of Membership in ensuring that all those attending training are properly registered members of the Club.
• Adhere to the Code of Conduct for coaches in the Club.
• Attend Athletics Committee meetings to agree and work with The Director of Athletic Operations to support day to day competitive athletics within the Club.
• Work with the Waiting List Co-Ordinator to ensure prospective members are accommodated as best we can.
• Continually develop their knowledge through coach education supported by the Club. Lead Coaches will develop their training to at least Level 2 on the Athletics Ireland coach education program.
• Ensure that they are up to date with all necessary garda vetting and child welfare training.
• Assist and develop Assistant Coaches and Coach Helpers and support their coaching development and opportunities.
• Consult with other coaches within their discipline in preparing proposals for club development funding of athletes within their discipline
• Assist the High Performance Committee in the selection of candidates for funding.
• Support the Clubs various fund-raising activities but particularly the Women’s Mini Marathon by promoting it withing their groups and support calls for volunteers.
• Promote a culture and practice of collaboration and mutual respect amongst coaches and athletes
Reporting to: Director of Athletics
Qualifications:
• The Lead Coach should be a minimum of Level 1 qualified in the relevant Event.
• Garda vetting and Safeguarding 1 certification up to date.
• Coaching experience at DSD AC for a minimum of 3 years desirable
• Good communicator, positive attitude, enthusiastic and a team player
Term: 2 years (eligible for reappointment thereafter)
Duties:
1. Attend Athletics Committee meetings when scheduled.
2. In conjunction with the Juvenile Coaching Committee, to prepare development plans for juveniles (age 16 and younger) for their specific discipline.
3. Agree a policy for systematically measuring progress of development plans with other Lead Coaches and Athletics Committee and change/tweak plans if measures are not being met or are being surpassed.
4. Agree with other Lead Coaches on ways to incorporate nutrition, mental skills and strength and conditioning in addition to own specialist training into training plans for juvenile groups.
5. Assist the Juvenile Coaches Committee with the planning and co-ordination of structured testing of athletes.
6. Help the Talent Pathway Coordinator to identify athletes who would benefit from earlier introduction to specialist training and development while preserving the social benefits of groups.
7. Agree a policy with other Lead Coaches on what information/data from testing is shared with athletes and athlete’s parents/guardian.
8. Assist the Director of Communications to develop a communications policy for DSD Juvenile Athletics which will enhance and improve communication between coaches and communication with parents.
9. Make recommendations to the CPD Director and the Athletics Committee on coach development & education pertaining to their particular discipline.
10. Monitor progress of athletes on a regular basis and discuss same with Juvenile Coaches Committee and Director of Athletics and plan the graduation and progression of athletes into the relevant groups prior to the end of season in preparation for the next season.
11. Make recommendations to the Athletics Committee forany additional equipment or resources which would aid in the development of their event.
12. Make a commitment to continue own coach education and development through participation in additional and specialist training programs and keeping abreast of developments in specialist area through networking and studies in Ireland and abroad.
Head of Juvenile Co-ordination & Logistics
Reporting to: Director of Athletics
(Juvenile means members aged 16 years and lower.)
Qualifications:
• Head of Juvenile Co-ordination and Logistics should be a minimum of Level 1 qualified.
• Garda vetting and Safeguarding 1 certification up to date.
• Coaching experience at DSD AC for a minimum of 3 years would be desirable.
• Good communicator, positive attitude, enthusiastic and a team player
Term: 2 years (eligible for reappointment after 2-year term)
Duties:
1. Attend Athletics Committee meetings when scheduled
2. In conjunction with the JCC, to coordinate coaching groups, appoint coaches, facilitate communication between coaches regarding assignment of athletes per DSD coaching policies and recommendations
3. Instruct and support coaches and volunteers so that they can implement the club’s plan for the safety, enjoyment and development of juvenile members.
4. Arrange for consistent attendance at training sessions by juvenile coaches.
5. Ensure appropriate preparation of athletes for competitions in conjunction with Director of Athletics Operations
6. Assist with Director of Membership in managing membership admissions.
7. Arrange communications to parents regarding training and competitions.
8. Arrange testing of athletes.
9. Liaise with Lead Coaches and Talent Pathway Coordinator in athlete development. Ensure all necessary support is provided by all juvenile coaches to the Talent Pathway Coordinator.
10. Liaise with Director of Athletics re access to track and field facilities.
11. Engage regularly with Lead Coaches, Director of Athletics, Director of Membership and Director of Athletics Operations, Athletics Equipment coordinator as appropriate.
12. Assist with athlete welfare in conjunction with the Director of Child Welfare and other assigned / designated officials.
Talent Pathway Coordinator
In order to implement a Talent Pathway Framework in DSDAC, a Talent Pathway Coordinator role has beenintroduced as part of the organisational structure of the club.
The role reflects both strategic and hands-on responsibilities, ensuring alignment with the club’s values and long-term athlete development
philosophy.
The Talent Pathway Coordinator will lead the implementation and continuous development of DSDAC’s Talent Pathway Framework, ensuring a structured, athlete-centred, and developmentally appropriate approach to supporting athletes with emerging or established high potential.
This role will work across coaches, parents, athletes, and committee members to ensure the effective integration of talent identification, progression, and support processes, in line with best practices in long-term athlete development.
Key Responsibilities
Oversight
• Manage DSDAC’s Talent Pathway Framework with a focus on progression, retention, and athlete wellbeing of an evolving group of athletes.
• Support the development of individual development plans for identified young athletes in collaboration with coaches and parents
• Coordinate regular review and planning meetings with coaching teams across age groups to ensure alignment and a shared understanding
Coach Collaboration and Support
• Work closely with lead and event-specific coaches to:
• Identify high-potential athletes
• Be a point of contact to coordinate athletes’ programme.
• Facilitate inter-coach communication to ensure coherent transitions and avoid duplication or overloading of training.
Athlete and Parent Engagement
• Act as a point of contact for high-potential athletes selected onto the Talent Pathway Framework
• Organise athlete-parent workshops on topics such as managing performance, sport-life balance, and pathway planning.
• Provide regular progress updates to the Club Board and contribute to strategic planning in the area of Talent Development.
Person Specification
As a volunteer led club, the Talent Pathway Coordinator should have excellent understanding of DSDAC and its’ structure.
While a knowledge of coaching and athletics would be desirable, this role requires
o excellent communication and interpersonal skills
o strong organisational and planning skills
o a passion for supporting young athletes to reach their potential
o Comfortable working collaboratively across DSDAC
The Talent Pathway Coordinator will play a central role in supporting the development and progression of high-potential athletes within DSDAC.
2
