Position Summary

The Assistant Coach provides essential on-deck coaching support across multiple training groups within Tuna Swim Club. Reporting directly to the Head Coach & Program Director, this flexible role works closely with Lead Group Coaches to deliver high-quality stroke instruction, practice management, and meet-day support. Assistant Coaches adapt to changing group needs across developmental and senior levels, ensuring safe coach-to-swimmer ratios and consistent reinforcement of club technique standards.

Mission & Program Philosophy

Mission: Tuna Swim Club strives to inspire and develop swimmers of all ages and abilities in a safe, positive environment built on genuine team support — preparing every athlete to pursue their highest goals, in the pool and in life.
Vision: To compete at the highest levels as a team where every swimmer becomes family and every success is shared. 

Key Responsibilities & Scope of Work

1. Multi-Group Practice Instruction & On-Deck Coaching

• Practice Support: Assist Lead Coaches and Head Coaches with running daily practices across various age-group and senior training tiers as assigned based on club need.

• Technical Feedback & Instruction: Provide active stroke corrections, turn and start guidance, and positive encouragement aligned with the club's unified technical curriculum.

• Multi-Group Adaptability: Flexibly transition between different age groups and training levels, tailoring coaching tone and instruction to match developmental needs.

• Substitute Practice Coverage: Provide reliable practice coverage for Lead Coaches during absences or multi-group practice sessions.

2. Competition Planning & Meet Support

• Meet Day Coaching: Attend designated swim meets throughout the season to assist Lead and Head Coaches with athlete management, warm-up supervision, and race observation.

• Swimmer Readiness & Staging: Help organize swimmers for event clerk-of-course, relay staging, and pre-race/post-race feedback.

• Positive Team Presence: Promote team spirit, sportsmanship, and supportive athlete behavior on the pool deck during competitions.

3. Athlete Engagement & Group Management

• Active Deck Engagement: Maintain a visible, enthusiastic, and attentive presence during all training sessions, keeping swimmers focused and motivated.

• Roster & Attendance Tracking: Assist Lead Coaches with recording practice attendance and swimmer progress notes in TeamUnify/SportsEngine Motion as needed.

• Positive Reinforcement: Encourage hard work, sportsmanship, and confidence building across all levels of swimmers.

4. Staff Collaboration & Professional Growth

• Lead Coach Alignment: Communicate daily with Lead Group Coaches to understand workout objectives, focus areas, and specific athlete needs.

• Staff Meetings: Participate in coaching staff meetings and continuing education check-ins to continuously refine technical coaching skills.

5. Safe Sport & Regulatory Compliance

• Athlete Safety: Enforce strict compliance with USA Swimming, Minnesota Swimming (MSI), Safe Sport guidelines, and MAAP rules during all practices and meets.

• Supervision Support: Assist in post-practice facility oversight to ensure young athletes remain safe until under adult guardian supervision.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Coaching Experience: Prior competitive coaching experience or competitive swimming background preferred (entry-level candidates with strong swimming knowledge welcomed).

• Certifications: Current USA Swimming coach membership in good standing (or willingness to obtain promptly), including background check clearance, Safe Sport certification, CPR/First Aid, and Safety Training for Swim Coaches.

• Communication & Versatility: Strong interpersonal skills, willingness to learn, and ability to work constructively with athletes of varying ages and skill levels.

Characteristics & Competencies of the Ideal Candidate

• Enthusiasm & High Energy: Brings warmth, patience, and excitement to the deck to keep young swimmers engaged.

• Flexibility & Adaptability: Eagerly assists across multiple training groups and adapts to different lead coaching styles.

• Punctuality & Dependability: Demonstrates high reliability, consistent attendance, and strong team commitment.

General Conditions

This is a part-time position with variable hours assigned based on club practice schedules and group needs. Primary shifts take place during weekday afternoon/evening practices, select weekend practices, and designated swim meets as needed during the season.
Candidates must have the physical ability to stand for extended periods on pool decks, demonstrate swimming mechanics, lift up to 30 lbs of swim gear, and hold a valid driver's license.

General Duties Disclaimer: This job description outlines the primary duties and scope of responsibility for the Assistant Coach position. Responsibilities and practice group assignments may change as determined by the Head Coach & Program Director.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Tuna Swim Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.