Water Polo Coach

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under the general supervision of the Aquatics Coordinator, the Water Polo Coach provides instruction, leadership, and motivation to participants in the YMCA water polo program. The coach is responsible for creating a positive, inclusive, and safe learning environment in which participants can develop fundamental water polo skills, improve their confidence and comfort in the water, and learn teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.

The program will initially focus on recreational participation and skill development, with opportunities for progression into a more competitive environment as the program grows.

The Water Polo Coach is responsible for maintaining appropriate supervision of participants, following YMCA aquatics safety procedures, and promoting a safe and engaging experience for all participants.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Coaching and Program Instruction

• Plan and conduct water polo practices in accordance with YMCA program guidelines, established schedules, and applicable safety procedures.
• Organize structured practices that promote skill development, participation, and age-appropriate learning.
• Introduce participants to fundamental water polo rules, positions, movements, strategies, and game concepts.
• Demonstrate and teach basic water polo skills, including ball handling, passing, shooting, positioning, and team formations.
• Adapt instruction to participants' abilities, experience, and developmental needs.
• Encourage participation, sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, and positive behavior.
• Provide constructive feedback and motivational support to help participants build confidence and improve their skills.

Participant Supervision and Safety

• Maintain appropriate supervision of participants during practices and related program activities.
• Follow YMCA aquatics safety procedures, emergency action plans, and participant supervision requirements.
• Monitor participant behavior and activity, address unsafe conditions promptly, and communicate safety concerns to the Aquatics Coordinator.
• Respond appropriately to accidents, injuries, emergencies, and other incidents within the scope of training and certification.
• Complete required incident, accident, and other program reports accurately and promptly.
• Follow YMCA child abuse prevention policies, professional boundaries, reporting requirements, and applicable participant protection procedures.

Program Administration and Equipment

• Maintain accurate attendance, participation, and progress records as required.
• Communicate information about aquatics programs, schedules, and related services, and refer participants to appropriate programs when needed.
• Set up, organize, clean, and store program equipment before and after practices.
• Inspect equipment for visible damage or safety concerns and promptly report issues to the Aquatics Coordinator.
• Attend required staff meetings, in-service sessions, and trainings as scheduled.

Customer Service and Teamwork

• Build positive, professional relationships with participants, families, members, and coworkers.
• Respond to questions and concerns in a courteous, timely, and professional manner and refer matters outside the scope of the position to the appropriate supervisor.
• Promote teamwork and cooperation among Aquatics staff and other YMCA departments.
• Demonstrate YMCA values and support departmental goals in interactions with internal and external customers.
• Follow established policies, procedures, work practices, and safety requirements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• Previous water polo playing experience required.
• Previous water polo coaching or instructional experience required.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to demonstrate and teach fundamental water polo skills and techniques.
• Ability to organize and conduct structured practices appropriate to participants' skill levels.
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain positive, professional relationships with participants and families.
• Ability to maintain appropriate participant supervision and follow established aquatics safety procedures.
• Ability to work independently within established program guidelines and seek supervisory assistance when appropriate.
• Ability to maintain accurate program records and complete required reports.

Required Licenses and Certifications

• Current CPR/AED certification for the Professional Rescuer, or the YMCA-approved equivalent required by the organization.

Any additional lifeguarding, first aid, or aquatic safety certifications required by the YMCA for the assigned duties must be maintained as applicable.