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COACH SELECTION AND EVALUATION PROCEDURES FALCON YOUTH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
Selecting and evaluating coaches is a difficult task. The coach selection procedures proposed below are an effort to create process by which FYFA can select a staff that will work to foster the philosophy of FYFA and maximize the potential of athletes on a given team. Coaches donate an incredible amount of time to FYFA and their efforts are greatly appreciated. The intent of coaching evaluations are not punitive, instead, they are an effort to allow coaches a chance for reflection and an opportunity to set goals to improve coaching performance in the future. The primary purpose of this document is to ensure that FYFA has an objective process by which coaches can be selected and evaluated. A secondary purpose is to create institutional memory within the organization so that when transitions occur there is a record of said process.
TERM OF OFFICE FOR COACHES All coaching positions begin upon appointment and end on December 31st of the calendar year, corresponding to the terms of office of the FYFA Board of Directors. FYFA coaching positions are declared vacant as of December 31st of each calendar year. The coach selection process should begin sometime in November to ensure a smooth and efficient transition of coaching staff. Although coaching positions are volunteer, and individuals are not paid for their time, all coaching positions are considered “Employment-at-will.” FYFA may terminate a coach at any time if there is just cause for removal.
ADVERTISING FOR HEAD COACHES Following the completion of the FYFA season, an advertisement for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the FYFA Head Coach and Assistant Coach positions will be placed on the FYFA website and on the FYFA Facebook page. The EOI will also be distributed via email through the player/parent/coach contact list at the end of each season.
COACH SELECTION COMMITTEE 1. The Coach Selection Committee will consist of FYFA Executive Board members from both the year the coaches are being selected for, and Executive Board members from the previous year. (e.g. If the coaches are being selected for the 2018 season, the committee will consist of past Executive Board members from the 2017 season and current Executive Board members that have been voted into office for the 2018 season).
a. Any member of the Coach Selection Committee will recuse themselves from any or all portions of the process if there is a conflict of interest (e.g. if the coach commissioner is applying for a head coach position, or the spouse of a committee member is applying for a coach position).
b. Any applicant for a Head Coach position may ask a Coach Selection Committee member to recuse themselves from any or all portions of the process by providing written or verbal evidence of a conflict of interest.
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a. After discussing and/or examining the evidence of conflict of interest, a majority of the Coach Selection Committee must agree with the request for recusal in order for a Coach Selection Committee member to be removed from the process.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS FOR HEAD COACHES 1. The FYFA Executive Board will accept applications for Head Coach starting Dec 1st of each calendar year, and will submit said application to the Head Coach Selection Committee.
a. All persons interested in the Head Coach position must complete the Coach’s Application in order to be considered for a Head Coach Position.
i. Note – all Head Coaches, upon selection, will be required to complete a Cori check, Concussion certification, Heads Up Certification, CPR Certification & AED Certification prior to July 15th of the calendar year.
2. The process of Head Coach Selection will be a closed meeting with only the Coach Selection Committee present.
3. The Coach Selection Committee will start reviewing Head Coach applications by December 15th of the calendar year.
4. The Coach Selection Committee may conduct interviewees with prospective Head Coaches by Jan 15th with the goal of completing the head coach selection process by the end of January. Note - Pee Wee Head Coach selection may take longer to complete.
5. Coaching candidates will receive as much notice as possible as to the date of their interview. Candidates unable to attend interview for valid reasons, will be given one alternate date.
a. A head coach that is returning, without a challenger or incidents of complaint on file, if approved by the Executive Board, may not need to interview each year.
6. If a candidate is a returning coach, the Coach Selection Committee will review previous coaching evaluations that pertain to that candidate. Contents of these evaluations shall remain confidential.
7. The Coach Selection Committee will review incident reports that pertain to that candidate*. Contents of these reports shall remain confidential.
8. Upon review of the Head Coach applications, and after interviews are conducted, the Coach Commissioner will make candidate recommendations for the Head Coach positions for each level (Senior, Junior, and Pee Wee).
9. Following the Coach Commissioner recommendations, a simple majority vote of the Coach Selection Committee will select the Head Coach for each level (Senior, Junior, and Pee Wee).
a. In the case of the tie vote for the Head Coach position, the current FYFA Coach Commissioner will serve as the tie-breaker to select the Head Coach.
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i. If there is a conflict of interest with the current Coach Commissioner, (e.g. the Coach Commissioner is a candidate for Head Coach), the current FYFA President will serve as the tie-breaker to select the Head Coach.
10. The Coach Selection Committee will notify all coaching candidates of the results via email or phone call within 1 week of completion of interviews.
a. Note – The Head Coach position is contingent upon passing the CORI check, and the completion of Concussion certification, Heads Up Certification, CPR Certification & AED Certification prior to July 15th of the calendar year. If the candidate for Head Coach fails the CORI check, or fails to demonstrate proof of any of the aforementioned certifications by July 15th of the calendar year, the position of Head Coach will be rescinded and an alternate candidate will be selected for the Head Coach position.
*Any prior actions within FYFA, as a coach of another sport, or as an individual in the community (e.g. improper conduct with parents/players, improper conduct with coaches, improper conduct with officials or opponents, etc) will be taken into consideration and could potentially disqualify an applicant from coaching.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS FOR ASSISTANT COACHES 1. The FYFA Executive Board will accept applications for Assistant Coaches starting Dec 1st of each calendar year.
a. All persons interested in an Assistant Coach position must complete the Coach’s Application in order to be considered for the position.
i. Note – all Coaches, upon selection, will be required to complete a Cori check, Concussion certification, Heads Up Certification, CPR Certification & AED Certification prior to July 15th of the calendar year.
2. Once a Head Coach is selected for a team, the FYFA Executive board will submit Assistant Coach applications to that Coach.
3. The Head Coach is welcome to seek potential Assistant Coaches and encourage those individuals to submit applications for the position.
4. Head Coaches may start reviewing Assistant Coach applications as soon as they are named to the Head Coach position, and should finalize the recommendations for Assistant Coaching Staff by June 1st of the calendar year.
5. While the Head Coach of the team will select the Assistant Coaches for their team, the FYFA Executive Board must approve all selections.
6. FYFA suggests that a Head Coach select approximately eight (8) assistant coaches for each team (Senior, Junior, Pee Wee). However, a Head Coach has the ability to utilize as many or as few coaches as they deem appropriate for their team.
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SELECTION CRITERIA FOR FYFA COACHES
• Head coaches must be at least 21 years of age or older. • Assistant Coaches must be at least 18 years old or older. • An individual does not need to have children enrolled in the FYFA program to serve as a coach.
In order to determine the best choice for Head Coach, the Coaching Selection Committee may evaluate prospective coaches in each of the following areas (In alphabetical order): Ability to Relate to Players: The Coaching Selection Committee will evaluate whether the prospective coach genuinely takes an interest in the success of all the athletes on the team. Every athlete on the team deserves to receive positive constructive coaching.
Acquired Licenses: Qualifications or certifications beyond football are recognized as valuable. These certifications or qualifications will be given value based upon the degree and extent to which they apply and are valuable to the FYFA program and the coaching position. The forms of certifications or qualifications that may be valuable include referee certifications, coaching certifications for football, certifications from other sports, EMT or paramedic certifications, etc.
Adhering to FYFA Philosophy: A prospective coach’s coaching philosophy will be considered when evaluating a coaching application. In particular, the focus will be upon having a coaching philosophy consistent with or appropriate for the coach position and the FYFA program as a whole.
Agreement with Coaching Expectations: Can the prospective coach commit to the expectations of FYFA in relation to practice dates and times, and game dates and times. Does the prospective coach understand the role of the coach within the FYFA program. Will the prospective coach comply with the requirements of the position?
Coaching Experience: Football coaching experience will be considered a major factor in coach selection. In addition, experience outside of FYFA will be considered together with other coaching experience beyond football. The lack of coaching experience or proof of extensive coaching experience of an applicant will neither rule out nor guarantee a coaching position.
Coaching Seniority: The Coach Selection Committee will take into account the prospective coach’s history of working productively for the association. Prospective coaches that have worked for the organization on various levels will most likely be vested in the overall success of the athletes representing FYFA. In addition, these coaches understand how administration, coaches, support staff, members, etc. all work together to promote athlete success.
Coaching Style: Every coach has a different style. Some choose to coach during the game and some choose to coach mostly during practice and let the players play during games. Some coaches actively correct their players while they are on the field and while they are in the huddle, and some focus on team strategy. The Coaching Selection Committee will evaluate the prospective coach’s coaching style and whether that style is consistent with the philosophy of FYFA.
Communication Skills: In addition to knowledge of youth football, FYFA coaches are expected to have interpersonal skills that will enable them to effectively deal with players, parents, and officials during the season. Having effective communication skills is imperative to the success of the athletes. Positive effective communication fosters an atmosphere of confidence. Approved 1.21.2018
Demonstration of Integrity and Sportsmanship: The Coaching Selection Committee will evaluate whether the prospective coach has conducted themselves with the highest degree of sportsmanship and has previously treated opponent players, coaches and officials with respect and courtesy. Has the prospective coach taken a proactive approach to communicating and enforcing rules, regulations, policies and procedures and made the effort daily to reinforce rules and regulations? To build strong foundation of trust with other coaches, athletes and parents, it is necessary to make ethical-decision making a priority at all times.
Knowledge of the Game: Does the prospective coach demonstrate proficient knowledge of the sport? Has the prospective coach proven their ability to train and prepare athletes for competition? Is the prospective coach able to communicate technical, tactical and strategic information to athletes and other coaches?
Leadership Style: As a team leader, a coach plays a significant role in helping players obtain high levels of performance and success; therefore, a coach should possess skills to help athletes accomplish such daunting tasks. The Coaching Selection Committee will evaluate the prospective coach’s leadership style and determine whether this leadership style is consistent with the FYFA philosophy.
Motivational Skills: The Coaching Selection Committee will evaluate whether the prospective coach actively motivates the athletes to perform to the best of their abilities. Has the coach demonstrated a genuine, honest, trusting and caring relationship with the athletes?
Playing Experience: Experience playing football during high school or college will be considered as a factor in coach selection. The lack of playing experience or proof of extensive playing experience of an applicant will neither rule out nor guarantee a coaching position.
NOTIFY APPLICANTS NOT SELECTED FOR COACHING POSITIONS 1. Thank you letters should immediately be sent to candidates who were not selected for a coaching position to alert them that a candidate was selected.
2. The following sentences might be used in the rejection letter, depending on the situation:
• We were impressed with your credentials and experience. (Do not say this unless you are sincere.) • We have offered the position to an individual who we feel is better suited to the position. • We appreciate your interest volunteering for FYFA. • We invite you to volunteer in additional ways... • We will maintain your materials on file in case the candidate selected is unable to complete the requirements of the position.
CONTESTING THE HEAD COACH SELECTION If an individual was not selected for the Head Coach position, and would like feedback on the selection process, that individual may submit a request for feedback, in writing, to any member of the current FYFA Executive Board. The current FYFA Executive Board will schedule a time for the Coaching Selection Committee to meet with the individual to provide the requested feedback.
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CONTESTING AN ASSISTANT COACH SELECTION If an individual was not selected for an Assistant Coach position, and would like feedback on the selection process, that individual may submit a request for feedback, in writing, to the current FYFA Coach Commissioner. The current FYFA Coach Commissioner will schedule a time for the current Coach Commissioner and the Head Coach to meet with the individual to provide the requested feedback.
COACHING EVALUATION PROCESS
1. Directly following the end of the season, the current FYFA President (or designee) will distribute a Coaching Evaluation Survey to all Regular Members of the Association.
a. Regular Members will be given a deadline for completion of the survey, preferably sometime before Nov 15th of the season, if possible.
b. Regular Members will be assured that the responses in the survey are anonymous, and individuals do not need to provide their name unless they choose to do so.
2. Upon reaching the deadline of the Coaching Evaluation, the current FYFA President (or designee) will compile the results and share them with the current Executive Board.
3. The current Executive Board will reach out to each of the Head Coaches (Pee Wee, Junior & Senior) and share the results of their evaluations with each individual coach.
4. The current Executive Board will schedule a time to debrief the season and discuss the coaching evaluations with each of the Head Coaches (Pee Wee, Junior & Senior).
a. These meetings must take place prior to December 1 of the season being evaluated, so current coaches have a time to reflect on their coaching evaluations prior to submitting an application for head coach for the upcoming season.
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JOB DESCRIPTION ~ FYFA HEAD COACH
PRIMARY FUNCTION OF THE HEAD COACH:
The Head Coach is the primary leader on the field, both on game day and during practice. The Head Coach is responsible for all the safety and activity that involves the children and coaches. The Head Coach is the final authority for all matters pertaining to the proper execution and implementation of the youth football program as it is outlined in the FYFA By-laws, Participant and Family Handbook, Coaches Handbook, and SAFL Handbook.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE HEAD COACH:
• Adhere to the FYFA Bylaws. • Adhere to coaching philosophies, requirements, and guidelines set forth by FYFA and the SAFL. • Assemble and manage a coaching staff. • Run pre-season coaches meetings for your team to assign responsibilities & coordinate the multiple facets of the game. • Regularly attend FYFA Board meetings. • Hold a pre-season parent meeting. • Establish lines of communication with parents and/or guardians of team members. • Plan, organize, implement, and direct all team and individual practice and game activities. • Regularly attend and be on time at all practices and games or delegate the responsibility to an Assistant Coach when necessary. • Delegate responsibilities to Assistant Coaches as needed. • Ensure player equipment is properly fitted and well maintained. • Instruct athletes in individual and team fundamentals, strategy, skill development, and physical training necessary for them to realize a degree of individual and team success. • Coordinate development of winning attitudes, sportsmanship and citizenship. • Teach skills in developmentally appropriate stages. • Plan & execute player rotation during games, appropriate for the age group being coached. • Provide a safe environment for practice and games by checking the condition of fields and equipment each day. • Examine all fields prior to each game for unexpected hazards. • Be responsible for the children until they are turned over to a parent or guardian before leaving the field/gym. • Provide proper first aid when injuries occur and call 911 when an emergency occurs. • Report any problems with fields, equipment, player behavior, parent behavior, or officials to the FYFA Executive Board. • Abide by all officials’ decisions. • Be accessible by phone or email.
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REQUIREMENTS FOR HEAD COACH POSITION:
Applicants must:
• Be 21 years of age or older.
• Possess previous experience as a football player or football coach.
• Demonstrate strong organizational and leadership skills consistent with the FYFA philosophy
• Exhibit strong communication skills.
• Display the ability to relate to players and families
• Demonstrate integrity and sportsmanship
• Possess strong motivational skills
CONDITIONS OF HIRE:
• All Coaches will undergo and pass a CORI check prior to July 15th of the calendar year.
• All Coaches must agree to complete Concussion certification, Heads Up Certification, CPR Certification & AED Certification prior to July 15th of the calendar year.
• All Coaches must agree to comply with all SAFL and FYFA By-Laws.
• All Coaches must sign and abide by the Coaches Code of Conduct and Ethics, and the FYFA Coaches Handbook.
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JOB DESCRIPTION ~ FYFA ASSISTANT COACH
PRIMARY FUNCTION OF AN ASSISTANT COACH:
The primary goal of the Assistant Coach is to assist the Head Coach in providing a positive learning environment and instill the knowledge and the basic fundamentals for the game of football in each player. Assistant Coaches carry out any and all assignments and duties delegated by the Head Coach. Assistant Coaches assume all authority, responsibility and teaching obligations in the event the Head Coach is not available. RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN ASSISTANT COACH:
• Adhere to the FYFA Bylaws. • Adhere to coaching philosophies, requirements, and guidelines set forth by FYFA and the SAFL. • Attend all meetings, functions, practices and games as assigned by FYFA or the Head Coach. • Set an example of positive attitude and teamwork. • Prepare to meet coaching responsibilities for skill instruction and supervisory duties. • Establish lines of communication with parents and/or guardians of team members. • Regularly attend and be on time at all practices and games. • Instruct athletes in individual and team fundamentals, strategy, skill development, and physical training necessary for them to realize a degree of individual and team success. • Coordinate development of winning attitudes, sportsmanship and citizenship. • Teach skills in developmentally appropriate stages. • Provide a safe environment for practice and games by checking the condition of fields and equipment each day. • Communicate with other coaches, referees, and/or parents in a non-confrontational manner. • Ensure player equipment is properly fitted & well maintained. • Assist with coaching and supervisory duties as assigned by the Head Coach. • Examine all fields prior to each game for unexpected hazards. • Be responsible for the children until they are turned over to a parent or guardian before leaving the field/gym. • Provide proper first aid when injuries occur and call 911 when an emergency occurs. • Report any problems with fields, equipment, player behavior, parent behavior, or officials to the FYFA Executive Board. • Abide by all officials’ decisions. • Be accessible by phone or email. • Other responsibilities as assigned.
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REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSISTANT COACH POSITION:
Applicants must:
• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Possess previous experience as a football player or football coach.
• Display the ability to relate to players and families
• Demonstrate integrity and sportsmanship
CONDITIONS OF HIRE:
• All Coaches will undergo and pass a CORI check prior to July 15th of the calendar year.
• All Coaches must agree to complete Concussion certification, Heads Up Certification, CPR Certification & AED Certification prior to July 15th of the calendar year.
• All Coaches must agree to comply with all SAFL and FYFA By-Laws.
• All Coaches must sign and abide by the Coaches Code of Conduct and Ethics, and the FYFA Coaches Handbook.
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Falcon Youth Football Association Coaches Application
If you are interested in coaching for the Falcon Youth Football Association, please complete this form to be considered. Application to be completed online.
First Name: Last Name: Address: City, State Zip: Home Phone: Cell Phone: Email Address:
Position you are applying for:
_____ Head Coach only _____ Head Coach, but if not selected for Head Coach, I am still interested in working as an Assistant Coach. _____ Assistant Coach only
Playing level you would like to coach:
_____ Pee Wee (3rd & 4th Grade) _____ Juniors (5th & 6th Grade) _____ Seniors (7th & 8th Grade)
Did you coach last season?
_____ Yes, please list the level in the other box. _____ No _____ Other:
All Coaches must undergo and pass a CORI check prior to July 15th of the calendar year they wish to coach. Are you willing to undergo a CORI check?:
_____ Yes _____ No
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All Coaches must agree to complete Concussion certification, Heads Up Certification, CPR Certification & AED Certification prior to July 15th of the calendar year they wish to coach. Are you currently certified in the following (please check all that apply):
_____ Concussion certified _____ Heads Up certified _____ Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) _____ Automated External Defibrillator (AED) _____ First Aid
If you are not currently Concussion certified, Heads Up Certified, CPR Certified & AED Certified, and/or if any or all of those certifications will lapse prior to or during the calendar year you wish to coach, are you willing to be trained prior to the beginning of the season?
_____ I currently maintain Concussion certification, Heads Up Certification, CPR Certification and AED Certification and those certifications will remain current for the duration of the season (proof of the certifications must be shared with the Coach Commissioner). _____ Yes I am willing to become certified before the beginning of the season. _____ No - I am NOT willing to become certified before the beginning of the season.
T-Shirt Size:
_____ XS _____ M _____ XL _____ S _____ L _____ XXL _____ Other:
FOOTBALL AND COACHING EXPERIENCE
Please describe your personal experience in football, including number of years & participation level.
Please describe your coaching experience, including number of years, level and areas of expertise.
Please include your most successful coaching moment and your least successful coaching moment.
Briefly describe your coaching philosophy and include why you would make a good coach for the team you have requested to coach.
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If you were a coach previously, after having reviewed your coaching evaluations, what would you do differently in the upcoming year, if you were selected, to improve your coaching performance and impact on the athletes?
Practices begin around August 1st and run Monday - Thursday each evening. Once school starts, practices are held Tuesday - Thursday each evening. Please list your availability as a coach:
_____ I am available for all practices _____ I am not available for all practices – please explain:
Games vary and most weekends will have one JV and one Varsity game. Please list your availability as a coach:
_____ I am available for all games _____ I am not available for all games – please explain:
Thank you for your interest in coaching for FYFA!
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Falcon Youth Football Association Coaches Code of Conduct and Ethics Contract
As a Coach in Falcon Youth Football Association, I understand that I am a leader and a role model for players, parents, other FYFA Volunteers, and our community. FYFA expects me to create a safe, enthusiastic learning experience and, to a reasonable degree, competitive environment for all those involved. As an FYFA Coach my responsibility is not to judge talent, but to discover and develop talent. The players must be taught sportsmanship and fair play, and these teachings should always govern their behavior while at practice and at games.
ALL COACHES REQUIREMENTS:
• I agree to adhere to the FYFA Bylaws, coaching philosophies, requirements, and guidelines set forth by FYFA. • I agree to read, comprehend, and abide by the most current SAFL and USA Football Tackle Rules and Regulations. • I agree to provide a safe and positive environment for my players and their families. • I agree to teach fundamental skills/techniques to ensure safety and proper player development. • I agree to develop the skills of all players, regardless of talent, relationship, athleticism, or capabilities. • I agree to conduct myself as an example and in a professional manner at all times and understand that profanity, obscenity, vulgar gestures, harassment, use of alcohol, use of nicotine, use of illegal drugs, verbal abuse or physical abuse is strictly prohibited for ANY player, coach or volunteer. • I agree to teach players to play the game fairly, safely, by the rules, and in a sportsmanlike manner. I understand that teaching and using unnecessarily rough or illegal tactics against an opposing player is unacceptable behavior. • I agree to demonstrate, emphasize, and teach good sportsmanship, fair play, and teamwork. • I agree to accept decisions of the game officials on the field and league officials as being fair and called to the best of the official’s ability. • I agree that I will not permit or encourage “sweating down” tactics in order for a player to make ball carrier weight. • I agree I will not allow ineligible player to participate in a game. • I agree to comply with the "Minimum Play Rule" (MPR) during all games, regardless of the score. • I agree to treat each player, opposing coach, parent and commissioner with respect and dignity. • I understand that I am responsible for the actions of my players, their parents and fans during all FYFA events including but not limited to practices and games. • I agree to report any important issues, concerns, or incidents involving players, coaches, parents, or observers to the FYFA Executive Board in a timely manner, so that proper action and resolution may be achieved. • I understand that the term for the position of FYFA Coach begins upon appointment and ends on December 31st of the year. I understand that there are no guarantees for coaching positions in future seasons. • I understand that any violation of the following Coaches Codes of Conduct and Ethics could result in disciplinary action by the FYFA that may result in warnings, suspension, or expulsion from FYFA, depending on the severity of the violation. • I agree to uphold all policies rules and regulations regarding FYFA.
I fully understand and completely accept the standards of behavior outlined in the Coaches Code of Conduct and Ethics. I realize that if at any time my behavior becomes non-compliant with any of the above standards, I will be subject to disciplinary action.
My signature below will serve as my public acknowledgment of my unconditional agreement with each standard contained in this document.
Coach Signature: ______Date: ______
Print Name: ______