The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training Program
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is a national voluntary health agency dedicated to curing leukemia,
lymphoma, Hodgkin-lymphoma and myeloma, while improving the quality of life of patients and their families.
Team In Training® (TNT) is a fundraising program that helps fund LLS’s mission. TNT is the world’s largest
sports endurance training program, accounting for more than 30,000 athletes from 68 chapters this past year.
Our program includes half marathons, marathons, century rides and triathlons.
Goals and Objectives of Team In Training…
Our goal is that each participant…
 raises their fundraising minimum
 attend most training sessions and events
 completes the athletic event for which they are registered
 experiences a sense of team spirit and camaraderie
 raise the designated amount of funds
 feels supported and is successful in accomplishing their personal goals
Virginia Chapter TNT Program Design
Teams are broken down several ways – by region, by event and by market size. The Virginia Chapter’s Major
Markets areas are where TNT has the strongest presence. In these areas, our team size tends to average 60
participants. Secondary Markets are areas where we have had successful teams in the past, yet we are still
looking for ways to strengthen and build these teams. In our secondary markets, team size is typically 10 – 12
participants.
Major Markets:
Hampton Roads: Run, Walk, Cycle & Triathlon
Richmond: Run, Walk, Cycle & Triathlon
Roanoke: Run, Walk, Cycle & Triathlon
Secondary Markets:
Charlottesville: Run & Walk
Fredericksburg: Run & Walk
Blacksburg: Run & Walk
Peninsula: Run & Walk (but we are looking to build Triathlon and Cycle teams here as well)
Virginia Chapter TNT Staff
Coaches are managed by the LLS Staff Coordinator responsible for each team/market.
Amber Williams – Campaign Director – Richmond Office, Oversees All Teams
Danielle Smith – Campaign Manager – Hampton Roads Teams
Gabrielle Weisberg — Campaign Coordinator — Hampton Roads Teams
Ryan Plavnieks — Campaign Assistant — Hampton Roads Teams
Brent Kintzer – Campaign Manager – Richmond Teams, Charlottesville & Fredericksburg Run & Walk Teams
Elliot Smith – Campaign Coordinator – Roanoke & Blacksburg Teams
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Coach Goals
Coaches provide ongoing support to Team In Training participants to assist them in meeting their
training goals and complete the program with a high level of satisfaction and success.
It is important that participants feel “connected” with both The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and with their
team. Coaches have the ability to strengthen this connection through regularly scheduled group training
sessions, keeping in close contact with all participants and providing training support and encouragement.
Coach Responsibilities
The primary responsibility of the TNT consultant position is to provide coaching services to participants in your
specific market. The Team In Training Run/Walk Coach is responsible for performing, at a minimum, the
following duties:
I.
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Prior to the start of the season:
Attend the Coaches Orientation Conference Call/Meeting – to be scheduled
Be knowledgeable about the TNT program in order to assist with recruitment
Attend and speak at Recruitment meetings for the season
Attend the Season Kick-Off – TBD
Develop weekly training schedules for participants of all levels; beginner, intermediate, advanced these
must be submitted to the TNT Coordinator
Develop group training schedules that includes location, time and mileage/distance for all group training
dates these must be submitted to the TNT Coordinator
II.
Before Group Training:
 Coordinate and/or lead all team training events with coach led weekend training events each weekend
(usually Saturday mornings)
 Choose all training courses and secure all permits as necessary
 Provide route maps of the course, if necessary, and vary locations of the trainings to accommodate the
needs of participants
 Establish water stop locations, at a minimum of one water stop every 4 miles (20 miles for cycle)
 Provide for an emergency plan at all training sessions and communicate this plan to all participants
 Provide a first aid kit for all group training sessions
 Identify yourself at trainings and other events by wearing Coach t-shirt
 Make sure each participant has checked in before training begins
 Begin training meetings with introductions, announcements, a “Mission Moment”, course description,
training tips
III.
During Group Training:
 Watch and help participants with basic skills while training
 If possible, carry a cell phone with you to further assist with having a safe group training
IV.
After Group Training:
 Stay until all of the participants finish safely
 Make sure everyone in your group has checked out
 Update the TNT Chapter Coordinator on any participant issues that may have come up during the group
training
V.
Communication
 Coaches must meet individually with participants as needed
 Coaches must keep in regular contact with all participants and report status of each participant to the TNT
Coordinator
 Coaches must be available to answer health/training related questions and provide home and/or work
phone numbers
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VI.
Throughout the Season
 Attend team clinics and social functions (including the Send Off Party)
 Assist the TNT Chapter staff with coordinating speakers and sites for the various Clinics offered to
participants
 Provide handouts for clinics and meetings
 For all fundraising questions, Coaches should direct participants to their respective mentors and
TNT Coordinators
VII.
Event Weekend
 When assigned to attend TNT event weekend, coach’s primary responsibilities are to provide participants
course support during the event and ensure that participants complete the selected event. Coaches must
assist staff as assigned during event weekend and when selected to attend an event as staff, coaches may
not compete in the event.
VIII.
Certifications
 Coaches are required to be CPR certified. LLS will pay for certification, and upon certification, a copy of
your card should be sent to the Campaign Director for the TNT Coach files
 At various times throughout the year, National TNT Coaches Certification courses are offered. The TNT
staff will notify you when the opportunity for you to attend is available
IX.
Compensation
 Paid Coach – LLS will compensate run/walk coaches $50 per finisher, and cycle/tri coaches $75 per
finisher. A finisher is defined as a participant who completes the training and the fundraising program.
When Coaches are assigned to attend an event (coaching assignments are based on the number of
participants going to the event and coaches aren’t always chosen to attend), LLS will provide expenses for
airfare, lodging, ground transportation and meals (up to $40 per day) for your on-site participation.
 Volunteer Coach – In lieu of payment, coaches can act as a volunteer coach for the season. As a volunteer
coach the responsibilities are the same as a paid coach. However, coaches are guaranteed travel and race
entry to the event of their choice (excluding international events) for the season, given that at least one
participant from their training area recommits to the event and meets their fundraising obligation. If you do
not have at least one participant complete the event, it is understood that you will be paid the initial coaches
fee normally paid at the end of registration (except LLS Board members).
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COACH APPLICATION
Coach Guidelines
1. Perform the Coach duties as outlined in this application.
2. Return phone calls within 24 hours to staff, mentors and participants.
3. Act as a representative of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at all times, reporting to the
TNT Campaign Director.
4. Operate with respect, professionalism and diplomacy in interactions with team members.
5. Believe that each participant is capable of completing the program and recognize his or her
commitment. Commit to their success!
Yes, I would like to be considered for a Coach position with Team In Training. I have read and
understand the agreements and commitments outlined above.
PLEASE PRINT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CLEARLY
Name ____________________________________________________________________
Home Address _____________________________________________________________
City ___________________________________ State ____________________ Zip_______
Social Security Number ___________________________________
Employer __________________________________Position________________________
Work Address_______________________________________________________________
City ___________________________________ State ________________Zip __________
Day Phone
(
Fax Number (
) ___________________Evening Phone (
) ____________________
) _____________________ E-mail Address _______________________
(please print clearly!)
Please answer the following questions on a separate piece of paper.
1. How long and in what capacity have you been involved with endurance events? (Name
specific races, events, etc.)
2. Please state your previous coaching experience.
3. Are you currently training for/competing in any events, if so, which events?
4. Why are you interested in becoming a TNT coach?
5. What are the key components/your philosophy to being a good coach?
6. How would you accomplish this, if selected?
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7. Are you CPR/First Aid certified and if not, are you willing to become certified?
8. Do you enjoy leading groups and are you comfortable with speaking in front of groups?
9. Are you willing to work with athletes of all levels (novices to advanced athletes)?
If you would like to add anything else, please feel free to do so!
CONTACT INFORMATION
please mail or fax this application to:
Gabrielle Weisberg
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
27 W. Queens Way, Suite 301
Hampton, VA 23669
757-723-2676 ext. 209
757-723-4056 fax
gabrielle.weisberg@lls.org
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