Lead Coach - AGUA Special Olympics Team (79057)

OVERVIEW 

Asphalt Green is launching its first Special Olympics Aquatics Team, offering athletes with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to train and compete in a supportive, inclusive environment. 

The Lead Coach will oversee weekly practices, provide individualized coaching based on swimmer ability, supervise volunteer coaches, and collaborate with the Asphalt Green Adaptive Programming and Aquatics departments to uphold Asphalt Green’s mission: sports, fitness, and play for all. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Program Leadership 

• Plan and lead weekly team practices for swimmers ages 8+ with varying abilities and experience levels. 

• Develop seasonal training plans aligned with Special Olympics and Asphalt Green Aquatics standards. 

• Prepare and share practice plans with assistant and volunteer coaches to ensure alignment before each session. 

• Create lane assignments and groupings based on swimmer skills and developmental needs. 

• Maintain a safe, structured, and encouraging environment for all participants. 

• Ensure consistent communication with families, volunteers, and supporting staff. 

Athlete Development & Coaching 

• Provide technical instruction on stroke development, starts, turns, and endurance. 

• Modify drills and pacing for swimmers with diverse sensory, communication, or behavioral profiles. 

• Support each athlete’s progress toward personal and competitive goals. 

• Reinforce team values of inclusion, sportsmanship, and self-confidence. 

Operations & Collaboration 

• Coordinate with the Director of Adaptive Programming and Aquatics leadership to ensure alignment with Asphalt Green and Special Olympics guidelines. 

• Supervise and mentor assistant coaches and volunteer coaches. 

• Maintain attendance, progress, and safety records for all team members. 

• Attend Special Olympics coach training and required certification sessions. 

• Support logistics for competitions, including team travel, chaperone coordination, and meet preparation. 

• Meets typically occur once a month or every other month, all within the NYC area. 

• Travel for off-site meets is covered by Asphalt Green/Special Olympics New York. 

Required: 

• Prior experience coaching swim teams, lessons, or adaptive aquatics programs. 

• Strong understanding of stroke technique, training principles, and swimmer safety. 

• Ability to adapt instruction for swimmers with intellectual disabilities. 

• Excellent communication skills with both swimmers and caregivers. 

• Current CPR/AED certification (or ability to obtain prior to start).  

• Commitment to inclusion, patience, and positive coaching philosophy. 

• Availability for occasional weekend meets or travel events (all local). 

• Special Olympics coaching experience or certification (training provided if not yet certified). 

Preferred: 

• Background in adaptive PE, special education, recreational therapy, or related fields. 

• Experience supervising assistant coaches or volunteers.