CANOE ENGLAND
JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT COACH
JOB DESCRIPTION
PURPOSE OF POST
To support the development of our talented junior paddlers and their progress to
Junior Elite level. This will include providing support to our Canoe England Club
Coaches to ensure that the correct technical coaching information is cascaded along
our paddler pathways.
To work with and support the National Junior Coach and delivery of the Junior
Development Programme.
To deliver technical coaching to nominated paddlers as agreed with the National
Junior Coach.
LINE MANAGER – NATIONAL JUNIOR COACH
LOCATION – WEST THAMES
KEY AREAS OF OPERATION



Technical coaching support to Club Coach Programme
Technical coaching support West Thames
Support to the National Junior Programme
1 . Technical Coaching Support to Club Coach Programme
1.1 Advise and follow up the delivery of the national programme for technical and
conditioning programme appropriate to the needs of the junior athletes.
1.2 Mentor and monitor coaches to support their individual development along with
that of the paddlers they work with. This will include developing a programme of club
based observation, support and feedback.
1.3 Provide support for talented paddlers as agreed with the National Junior Coach.
2. Technical Coaching Support – West Thames
1.1 Operate a regional outreach programme to a mixed group of nominated athletes
1 Canoe England Junior Development Coach – Job Description
on both a 1 to 1 and group basis in their home clubs. National training programme to
be used and adapted to the age group.
1.2 To operate squad and crew boat sessions at other racing locations, organising
access to venues, boats.
1.3 Work with the clubs to encourage quality crew boat work
3. Support the National Junior Programme
3.1 With the coaching team, support the national training and competition
programme for the junior section on a year by year basis. Attending training days
and training camps, National regattas and International events as required by the
National Junior Coach.
GUIDANCE NOTES:
The post-holder's duties must at all times be carried out in compliance with the
BCU's Equal Opportunities Policy, Safeguarding and Protecting Children Policies
and Coaches Code of Conduct.
Ensure the health and safety of all staff, volunteers, personnel and resources within
the post-holder's duties and personal responsibilities as per the requirements of the
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Support the BCU’s anti-doping education programme, assisting the co-ordination of
paddler education resources and requirements/reporting procedures under
WADA/ICF/UK Sport guidelines
This is not a 9 to 5 position. Working hours are based around athletes’ availability
which is predominantly before 09:30am, after 15:00pm and at weekends.
A work
pattern to reflect this is expected.
The post will be based in the South but will include travelling to clubs in England to
support paddlers and coaches as agreed with the National Junior Coach. Therefore,
the applicant should be able to drive and have access to your own car.
2 Canoe England Junior Development Coach – Job Description
PERSON SPECIFICATION
EXPERIENCE
Essential
 Ability to work to BCU level 3 Coach or higher in the relevant competition
discipline.
 Has evidence of quality technical delivery and has experience of developing
young athletes typically to Div A and B sprint class.
 Is able to demonstrate a track record in current technical knowledge and
experience of planning performance
 Has experience of operating effectively in a club environment and
understands the needs of young people and volunteers
 Is aware and fully supportive of the World Class Development programmes &
BCU Paddlesport Development Programmes and understands where & how
the link is to be made
 Understands the full athlete development pathway.
Desirable
 BCU Coach Award – minimum new Level 2 or old Level 3
 Experience of developing coach/ athlete identification and fast track systems
SKILLS
 Demonstrates a passion for the sport and an ability to motivate and energise
others.
 Ability to make the sport enjoyable, through meeting the needs of individuals
 Able to build effective relationships with athletes, coaches, parents and
volunteers
 Solves problems creatively by, identifying the problem, evaluating the
alternatives and finding innovative solutions
 Makes controlled responses in stressful situations, such as when faced with
negative responses or excessive workload
 Sets high standards for self and others and is dissatisfied with average
performance
 Plans with colleagues and members work schedules and resource
requirements that will ensure agreed targets are reached, and where
appropriate exceeded
 Expresses, ideas and information in an effective manner
3 Canoe England Junior Development Coach – Job Description