Job Description/WRU Performance S&C Coach/April 2014

JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title

WRU Strength & Conditioning Coach – National Sevens

Salary

Band 4

Location

National Centre of Excellence

Hours of work Standard working hours will normally be 35 hours per week. This role may require the candidate to work extended hours, evenings and weekends as required, including time overseas.

Responsible to

WRU Head of Physical Performance National Academy Strength & Conditioning Coach

Responsible for

N/A

Contractual Status 2 Year fixed term contract 1st August 2014- 31st July 2016

Role Summary To effectively coordinate all aspects of Strength & Conditioning support to players with reference to the WRU Elite Player Physical Development Model (EPPD) as directed by the Head of Physical Performance and National Academy S&C Coach.

Coordinate and coach all National Sevens players identified by the WRU with the overall objective of preparing these players to train/play with the WRU National Squad at international level.

Lead the National Sevens programs in all aspects of Strength & Conditioning at international campaigns, implementation of all Physical Performance protocols as per National PPD protocols and reference to the Head of Physical Performance.

Key Relationships Head of Physical Performance

National Academy Strength & Conditioning Coach

National Performance Manager

Sevens Head Coach

Sevens Physiotherapist

National Physical Performance team

WRU Medical Team/Physiotherapists

WRU National Analysis team

Key Responsibilities, Tasks and Activities

Overview:

To effectively coordinate the delivery of all aspects of Strength & Conditioning support for National Sevens team players during intensive tournament training camps and when based at Regional centres (West – Ospreys, Scarlets and East – Blues, Dragons) under the direction of the Head of Physical Performance and National Academy S&C Coach.

Coordinate and physically develop National Sevens players identified by the WRU with the overall objective of preparing these players to train/play with the WRU National Senior Squad. This includes working closely with the National Academy S&C Coach to coordinate the development of identified national academy athletes as part of the

Job Description WRU Strength & Conditioning Coach

National Sevens

Job Description/WRU Performance S&C Coach/April 2014

JOB DESCRIPTION

Sevens program.

Establish a Physical Performance Curriculum for Sevens players in all

areas of athletic development under the direction of the Head of

Physical Performance.

Coordinate and run the National Sevens testing battery of strength and

conditioning tests as required throughout the season.

Ability to coach technical aspects of the Sevens physical development

program at a high level, this includes and not limited to running

fundamentals (linear and multi-directional speed), weightlifting and

their derivatives and all basic strength & conditioning field based and

weight training practices

Assist National Academy S&C Coach with service delivery to supported

specific pathway athletes as directed

Achieve harmony between the National Squad and Regional Strength and Conditioning Teams via effective communication as directed by the Head of Physical Performance.

Key Outcomes

Demonstrate a high level of planning and coaching of physical development in all WRU National Sevens group squad players in all the key areas of athletic, functional & technical development (as measured against EPDP & Sevens Physical Development Model benchmarks of testing/assessment)

Demonstrate administrative ability in the performance enhancement area by keeping accurate and up to date records and providing punctual information as requested by the Head of Physical Performance (including GPS and player wellness monitoring)

Establish long term plans for each individual player with regular, timely review periods, rehabilitation programmes and to address any issues that impede the player’s physical development or recovery.

Using WRU National Fitness Database systems monitor and report on trends and developments within all relevant squads.

Assist in establishing a positive professional culture within the Academy and National Age Grade Squads in adherence with the WRU standards & values

Implement and reinforce the WRU Code of Behaviour conduct expected of WRU staff and players

Participate in and lead coach education and curriculum development tasks as required

Develop effective partnerships with Regional management, coaching staff and other external bodies as required.

Ensure maintenance of all WRU issued equipment, commitment to protection of all private athlete information and WRU work resources, and adherence to data protection and research guidelines as outlined by National Academy Strength and Conditioning Coach and HR

Job Description/WRU Performance S&C Coach/April 2014

JOB DESCRIPTION

Inside National Age Group campaigns:

Effectively design and implement a periodised Strength & Conditioning programme for the Sevens

Implementation of all PPD (Strength & Conditioning, Nutrition, Sports Science and recovery modalities) as per the National PPD protocols

Effectively coach Sevens players in all areas of Strength and Conditioning at National sessions

Other:

Duties & tasks as directed by the Head of Physical Performance and National Academy S&C Coach

Continued Professional Development

The WRU are committed to providing CPD for the successful candidate. We expect the successful candidate to undertake available training courses and research to enhance personal knowledge, skills and experience as well as complete specified CPD tasks as directed by and Head of Physical Performance and National Academy S&C coach

Attend relevant training courses/seminars/workshops as required to assist with CPD as directed by the Head of Rugby Performance and Development.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Experience Essential

Minimum of 3 years full-time experience as a Strength & Conditioning Coach

Experience in coordinating strength & conditioning services for national programs

Desirable Experience as a Strength & Conditioning Coach in high level rugby for a

period of 2 years or above

Demonstrated knowledge of physiology and experience with running based athletes (field sports or track athletes)

Skills & Qualifications Essential

A qualification at degree level (or equivalent) in sports science or related area specializing in the area of physical preparation of elite athletes

Desirable

Master’s degree in sports science or related area specializing in the area of physical preparation of elite athletes (especially in applied physiology with running based athletes / players)

UK Strength and Conditioning Association Accreditation, or ability to obtain it within 6 months

National Strength & Conditioning Association - Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist

Job Description/WRU Performance S&C Coach/April 2014

Acknowledgement

Employee Signature: Name: Date:

Line Manager Signature: Name:

Date:

The job description is subject to change pending review by the role holder and their line manager.

Key Competencies Team working & personal impact

Planning & control

Attention to detail

Leading others

Helping others to learn

Communication & influencing

Emotional intelligence. Please refer to the WRU Competency Framework for full details regarding these competencies.