Head Coach Middle School Cross Country

Head Coach Middle School Cross Country

Position Summary/Goal: The Head Coach will facilitate and enhance communication and collaboration between and among the Erie School District, parents, students, and community stakeholders. The Head Coach will promote a positive school culture, foster academic excellence, and exemplify good character for student-athletes. The Head Coach is expected to serve as a positive role model, mentor student-athletes, and embrace all concepts of good citizenship.

Term of Employment

12-month position

Schools/Location

• All 3 middles schools- one team

Reporting Relationships

• High School Varsity Cross Country Head Coach
• Building Principal
• Assistant Athletic Director

Qualifications

• Knowledge of cross country training principles, running mechanics, conditioning, and athlete development.
• Demonstrated ability to teach, motivate, and mentor middle school student-athletes.
• Understanding of age-appropriate training methods and injury prevention strategies.
• Ability to develop and implement practice plans that promote skill development, fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
• Ability to support the transition of student-athletes into the Erie High School Cross Country program.
• Must hold or obtain FBI, Criminal History, and Child Abuse Clearances.
• Working knowledge of Erie School District policies, procedures, and organizational structure.
• Must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Must complete all Coaching Education requirements of the PIAA.
• Possess a thorough understanding of all PIAA and NFHS rules appropriate to the sport.
• Experience working with student-athletes in an urban educational environment preferred.
• Urban student experience a plus.

Special Requirements

• Work Environment: School and office with frequent travel between schools, parks, meet locations, and various locations within the Erie community.
• Must complete all Coaching Education requirements of the PIAA and PDE.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Must monitor grades and conduct of student-athletes.
• Implement the program philosophy created by the Varsity Cross Country Coaches.
• Attend all season practices, meets, and team functions.
• Create weekly practice plans and forward to the High School Varsity Coach by Monday morning each week during the season.
• Conduct practices a minimum of three days per week and emphasize skill development, conditioning, and sportsmanship.
• Maintain and review transportation schedules for away meets, if applicable.
• Instruct athletes in the rules, regulations, equipment, and techniques of cross country.
• Assess skills and development of athletes and keep the Head Varsity Coach informed of athlete progress.
• Participate in parent nights, banquets, awards programs, and other team activities.
• Host a parent meeting before the first competition.
• Maintain positive communication with athletes, families, community members, and district administration.
• Collect and inventory uniforms and equipment.

Professionalism

• Must possess the ability to be a team player.
• Must be cooperative, service-oriented, and promote these characteristics with the team.
• Represent Erie's Public Schools with the high level of ethical behavior and professional standards.

Off-Season

• Attend and work program fundraisers, if applicable.
• Attend off-season camps, clinics, and leagues—attend clinics, workshops and meeting of the athletic department.
• Organize voluntary off-season conditioning opportunities in accordance with PIAA regulations.
• Assist with athlete recruitment and retention within the program.

Evaluation

High School Varsity Head Coach, Building Administrator, Athletic Director, and/or Assistant Athletic Director.