1. Healthcare

Swimming Australia
Gold Coast GOLD Program
_________________________________________________________________________________
Position Description
Title:
Gold Coast GOLD Coach
Closing date:
Wednesday 11th February 2015
Interview date:
Tuesday 24th February 2015
_________________________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND
Swimming Australia Ltd. (SAL) is the peak body for competitive swimming in Australia
with approximately 1000 clubs and 90,000 registered members nationally. SAL
revenue sources include funding from the Australian Government through the
Australian Sports Commission (ASC), the Australian Commonwealth Games
Association (ACGA) and corporate partnership investment from sponsors such as
Network Ten, Speedo, Dairy Australia and the Accor Group.
In partnership with and from the investment we have received from the ACGA, we
have established the Gold Coast GOLD 2018 Program to maximise podium
performances at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
The Gold Coast GOLD 2018 program and this position link to our aspirational goal
which is to be the number 1 ranked swimming nation at the 2018 Commonwealth
Games. Our Strategic High Performance Plan is built on three performance streams
of Olympic Pool Swimming, Open Water Swimming and Paralympic Pool Swimming.
Success at the Commonwealth Games is a significant milestone on our journey to the
top of world swimming. We have identified seven key performance drivers that will
enable achievement of our vision including:
i. Program Governance and
Leadership;
ii. Integrated National Technical
Direction;
iii. Daily Performance Environments;
v. National Competition Plan;
vi. Sustainable Performance Pathway;
and
vii. Embedded SSSM provision and
innovation.
iv. National Team Culture;
Swimming Australia’s preparation plan for the 2018 Commonwealth Games is
integral to our Strategic High Performance Plan and focuses on the Gold Coast GOLD
program ensuring our athletes within the system are prepared for Senior Australian
Swim Team success at the Commonwealth Games in 2018.
SAL is a long standing ACGA Program Sport and has historically been a major
contributor to Australia’s Commonwealth Games medal tally over many years. We
recognise the importance of the Commonwealth Games to the Australian psyche,
and likewise understand that the successes of the Australian Swim Team is linked to
the success of the Australian Commonwealth Games Team.
To ensure the success of our Gold Coast GOLD project, SAL will appoint a dedicated
part time Gold Coast GOLD Coach who will be responsible for providing technical
leadership and a consistent approach to program management and athlete
development over the three and a half-year life of the project.
Location – the preferred base for the Gold Coast GOLD Coach to operate out of is
South East Queensland; however this may be negotiated to attract the right
candidate. The final location will be discussed with the preferred candidate prior to
an offer of position. There is an expectation that both domestic and international
travel will be required from time to time
Salary – structured to attract the best candidate and pro rata based of the days of
work.
Days of Work – Such days as necessary to carry out your duties on a part time basis.
This will involve two days on average per week and full time working weeks are to be
expected as part of the role.
Reporting to the Performance Director, and under the Technical Direction of the
Swimming Australia National Head Coach, the Gold Coast GOLD Coach will provide
technical leadership and advice on all aspects of the Gold Coast GOLD Team
Preparation Program, as well as leading our team at identified competitions and
camps
STRATEGIC

Within the context of SAL’s overall vision, contribute to the implementation of
the Strategic High Performance Plan and the Gold Coast GOLD Initiative, which
will include:
– Ensure targeted Gold Coast GOLD swimmers and their coaches are supported
towards podium performances in 2018;
– Act as Head Coach on the Gold Coast GOLD Event Camps and specifically
targeted International Competitions ;
– In conjunction with the SAL Performance Pathway Manager, participate in
regular reviews of the of the Gold Coast GOLD program to ensure the
strategic relevance of the activities for future implementation,

Provide advice to Performance Director and the Gold Coast GOLD Technical Panel
on all aspects of the Gold Coast GOLD program including policy, athlete
preparation and selection criteria
OPERATIONAL

Under the technical direction of the National Head Coach, ensure that a
consistent delivery is implemented for the development of swimmers and coaches
involved in the Gold Coast GOLD program.

Provide direction and technical leadership to the activities of the Gold Coast
GOLD program, national youth and developmental teams (training camps,
competition etc.).

Attend all SAL national competitions to act as a Talent Scout to identify talent.

Conduct regular visits to the home programs of coaches who have swimmers in
the Gold Coast GOLD program.

Implement Individual Athlete Performance Planning (IAPP) that is linked to the
Athlete Management System (AMS) as
o
A means of improving tracking and monitoring of athletes’ preparation
and needs.
o
Improving the targeting of resources to athletes with the greatest
probability of delivering Podium results.

Provide regular reports against program outcomes.
RELATIONSHIPS

Maintain effective relationships with coaches and athletes in the SAL – ACGA Gold
Coast GOLD program.

Proactively develop and manage cooperative relationships between SAL and the
ACGA as well as other relevant agencies to develop high performance swimming
in Australia.

Ensure that all High Performance activities meet SAL sponsors and other
contractual obligations.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Strong understanding of the Australian and International Swimming Systems

SAL Gold or Platinum Level Coaching Licence

Understanding of sports science/medicine and the ability to incorporate them
into youth training programs

Understanding of the high performance and athlete maturation needs of youth
athletes and their coaches

High level organisational and management skills

Strong planning, analytical and reporting skills
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Broad understanding of the modern performance sport planning and reporting
tools;

A minimum ten-years of recent international swim coaching experience at major
international meets

Personal coach of a successful international swimmer from early development
phase to success at a major international meet

An ability to shape strategic and operational thinking to achieve desired
outcomes;

Strong communication and representational skills;

The ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a range of internal
and external stakeholders;

Strong planning and reporting skills and the ability to identify and achieve
objectives within an often fast-moving environment.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
PERSONAL ATTIBUTES

The ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality

Innovative and strategic thinker

Provide leadership within a team environment

Be capable of undertaking extensive travel both internationally and domestically
that could extend over four weeks at a time

An understanding of the Australian sporting system in relation to Australia’s
Winning Edge.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES:
The performance of the Gold Coast Gold Coach will be measured by:

Gold Coast GOLD Coach Annual Plan is successfully implemented and reviewed
annually and aligns with the Strategic High Performance Plan;

In conjunction with the Performance Pathway Manager, evidence that the
program is attracting, retaining and developing athletes along the pathway that
are capable of medal successes at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games;

Strong and productive relationships in place with key stakeholders and partners
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
APPLICATION
Please apply by sending a copy of your CV along with a covering letter outlining why
you believe you are the person for this role to the following email address –
[email protected]
Please note the closing date for receipt of applications is the 11th February 2015
at 13.00pm AET
SECONDMENTS
If you are interested in applying for this post on a secondment basis, please indicate
this clearly on your application form. Details of secondments will then be discussed
with individuals
SELECTION
Short listing will take place as soon as possible following the closing date. Please
could you indicate clearly on your application a telephone number where you can be
contacted during office hours (i.e. 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday). You should
presume that you have not been successful if you have not heard from us within
4 weeks of the closing date.
Whilst provisional dates have been set for the recruitment and selection timetable,
we may need to be flexible in varying the dates and possibly location of interviews to
take account of the individual requirements of candidates and specifically those
travelling from overseas.
It is likely that the selection arrangements will only be confirmed following short
listing when the requirements of candidates being called to interview can be more
clearly assessed. However it is intended to hold interviews for this post on
Tuesday 24th February 2015.