Polocrosse Canada is inviting applicants for the position of Head Coach. The immediate task is to develop Canada’s Coaching development strategy. Included (see below) is the initial framework approved by Polocrosse Canada.

The Incumbent will also develop an operational plan that includes recruitment of International coaches, training plans & Managing the accreditation of Canadian Coaches. Please respond by June 21, if you are interested in this volunteer position.

The Canada Polocrosse Coaching Development Strategy

Good coaches are essential to the successful delivery of polocrosse.

A good coach will:

• Plan and deliver high-quality practices.
• Keep participants involved and motivated to continue participating.
• Encourage new potential participants to start in the sport.
• Put the participant at the center of the process.
• Provide opportunities and an environment that motivates, controls risk, engenders challenge, enjoyment and above all achievement.
• Grow participants’ confidence and self-esteem.
• Help participants to improve.
• Empower participants, supporting them to make choices and discover their own solutions.
• Recognize and act upon the individual needs of participants according to their background, gender and ability.
• Be responsible for the safety and well-being of the participants, and operate within an established code of conduct.
• Reflect on their own practice and always look for ways to improve their coaching ability.
• Make the sessions fun.

The design, development and delivery of a high-quality program take a great deal of thought and effort.

Polocrosse Canada Minimum Operational Requirements.

(This is from Capri)

• The Release and acknowledgment forms supplied by the insurer will be signed by every person to whom the care and custody, control or use of an equine is relinquished by the insured.
• Accident report forms supplied by the insurance Company will be completed and submitted to the insurer in the event of a known incident involving bodily injury or property damage.
• Photographs of the accident scene, injured person and spectators to assist in the process of loss adjustment.
• Insure the facility and grounds are in good repair and safe for the activity. Including field, fencing, and stabling area.
• Insure that signs are posted warning the public that horses are present.
• Guests using horses must do so only in the presence and under the supervision of the horse owner.
• Coaches must be aged 19 years or over on completion and have a minimum of 5 years riding experience or be certified by one of the following organizations:
  • Canadian Equestrian Federation
  • Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association
  • Canadian Vaulting Association
  • Certified Horseman’s Association
• No instruction may be given to anyone under the age of 4.
• All tack used in instruction shall be properly adjusted for the horse and rider.
• Assistant instructors will only be allowed to instruct while under the supervision of a head instructor and must be at least 16 years old with a minimum of 3 years riding experience.
• All instructors will have a valid first aid certificate and CPR training.
• All instruction will have a ratio of no more than 6 riding students to one head instructor.
• All riders are to wear a helmet designed for equestrian activities that is equipped with a safety chin strap.
• All riders are to wear hard soled footwear with a heel sufficient in height to restrict the foot from passing through the stirrup.
• Riding instruction will include instruction for emergency situations including, controlling a runaway horse, proper handling of reins and pre-ride inspection.
• No stallions, horses under five years of age, or horses with a condition or disposition known to be hazardous to riders will be provided to anyone participating in lessons.

PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW WHEN APPLYING FOR A COACHING C LEVEL CERTIFICATE

• Be recommended by your Club.
• Be a member in good stranding of a Polocrosse Canada and an affiliated club.
• Complete an application form.
• Proof of passing the NCCP “Introduction to Competition Part A”
• Act as an assistant Coach or head coach at a minimum of six practices over a minimum period of six months.
• Maintain a Record of Coaching Practice Book showing the sequence of lessons.
• Be assessed by the head coach while coaching your specific level.
• Be familiar with the contents of the following books.
  • International Rules of Polocrosse
  • Polocrosse a Practical Guide by: Amanda Choice
  • Paul Johnson’s Polocrosse Book by: Paul Johnson’s http://home.earthlink.net/~pjpxmcd/polocrossebook/id1.html
  • Polocrosse - Australian Made, Internationally Played by: Sally Batton.

PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW WHEN APPLYING FOR A COACHING B LEVEL CERTIFICATE

• Be recommended by your Club.
• Be a member in good stranding of a Polocrosse Canada and an affiliated club.
• Complete an application form.
• Proof of passing the NCCP “Introduction to Competition Part B”
• Assistant Coach or head coach at a minimum of six practices over a minimum period of six months.
• Maintaining a Record of Coaching Practice book showing the sequence of lessons.
• Be assessed by the head coach while coaching your specific level.
• Be familiar with the contents of the following books:
  • International Rules
  • Polocrosse a Practical Guide by: Amanda Choice
  • Paul Johnson’s Polocrosse Book by: Paul Johnson’s http://home.earthlink.net/~pjpxmcd/polocrossebook/id1.html
  • POLOCROSSE - Australian Made, Internationally Played by: Sally Batton.

PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW WHEN APPLYING FOR A COACHING A LEVEL CERTIFICATE

• Be recommended by your Club.
• Be a member in good stranding of a Polocrosse Canada and an affiliated club.
• Complete an application form.
• Proof of passing the NCCP “Level 3 Theory”
• Assistant Coach or head coach at a minimum of six practices over a minimum period of six months.
• Maintaining a Record of Coaching Practice book showing the sequence of lessons.
• Be assessed by the head coach while coaching your specific level.
• Be familiar with the contents of the following books:
  • International Rules
  • Polocrosse a Practical Guide by: Amanda Choice
  • Paul Johnson’s Polocrosse Book by: Paul Johnson’s http://home.earthlink.net/~pjpxmcd/polocrossebook/id1.html
  • POLOCROSSE - Australian Made, Internationally Played by: Sally Batton.