Responsible for Lacrosse Scotland Elite National Team Performance
Term: 4 years with option of seeking re-election for further 2 years
Payment: this is a volunteer position and is unpaid
Commitment: training is based in Scotland with international travel as and when required
Expenses: expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the Lacrosse Scotland Expense policy.
Reports to: Lacrosse Scotland Performance Director
Appointment process: A cover letter and CV to be sent to performance@lacrossescotland.com by 31 January 2025. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview.
Overall summary
Lacrosse Scotland is the National Governing Body of lacrosse in Scotland. Lacrosse is a relatively small sport in terms of player and club base, yet amongst those who play and follow the sport, passion and commitment is extremely high. In 2021, the International Olympic Committee gave full recognition status for lacrosse, which means that lacrosse might be played at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.
Job summary
Reporting to the Performance Director, the Men’s Head Coach (Box) will be responsible for cultivating and delivering a robust and credible programme structure covering, selection, training, coaching and leadership of a Senior National squad, assist the progression of club players to support the Strategic Plan to develop the domestic game and create a performance environment for athletes that will represent Scotland on a European and World sporting stage.
Appointments to be made and managed
Key: Assistant Coach(s), General Manager, Physiotherapist
Suggested: Sports Psychologist, Strength & Conditioning Coach, Video Analysis/Technical Staff
Key relationships
Internal: Board Directors especially Performance, Finance and Development, Fixtures and Club Representatives
External: Extensive network within National and International lacrosse
Duties and responsibilities
Coaching
- Work with the Lacrosse Scotland Performance Director to prepare a vision statement, a programme philosophy, and an operational plan for the Men’s Box Lacrosse Team, including setting the criteria and process of selection and development.
- Actively keep up to date with, and deliver, the most recent and innovative technical, tactical, physical and mental aspects of lacrosse as well as learning from other elite sporting team programmes
- Monitor players’ and the team’s progress and development, providing help and guidance as appropriate (verbal, written and video) to equip them to compete to the best of their ability.
- Maintain national squad training programmes each season (squad training weekends typically take place every 6-12 weeks, in addition to tours, competition weekends and tournaments.
- Maintain and improve Scotland’s rankings at all levels, particularly the European Championships and the World Championships.
Management
- Work closely with an appropriate support team including the General Manager (appointments are subject to review and approval by Performance Director)
- Delegate and oversee the management and operation of each national training event, tour or tournament, including the attendance of all appropriate support staff.
- Delegate and oversee the procurement of all Scotland squad kit and equipment.
- Delegate and oversee technical support including videoing and analysis of matches and practices.
- Ensure that relevant budgets are produced and maintained for the squads during each season, including any events or tournaments taking place in that particular season.
- Provide reports as required by the Performance Director and Lacrosse Scotland Board.
- Deal with and/or be available for press related matters.
- Encourage the development of lacrosse in all forms in Scotland, so as to contribute to a pipeline of locally-based talent.
- Comply with all Lacrosse Scotland policies and procedures along with legal, ethical and social guidelines, ensuring that appropriate governance is adhered to, such as eligibility criteria, anti-doping policies etc.
Person specification
Lacrosse experience
- Minimum Level 2 coaching qualification or equivalent; working towards Level 3 (or equivalent).
- Excellent knowledge and understanding of the rules and regulations of the game.
- Ideally have international or CLA / ALL / NLL (or equivalent) experience as a lacrosse coach and/or competitor.
- Strong organisational abilities and proven demonstrable skills in managing staff and players effectively.
Qualities
- A willingness to promote and grow the programme in line with the Lacrosse Scotland strategic plan.
- Excellent communication skills – written and verbal.
- Able to work independently as well as being part of a team.
- Act professionally, demonstrating integrity and taking accountability.
- Comfortable handling confidential information and sensitive situations.
- Set high standards and strive for continuous improvement in self and others.
Other requirements
- Knowledge and understanding of key frameworks including but not limited to Anti-Doping, Safeguarding and Data Protection.
- Promoting and demonstrating anti-discrimination practices building an inclusive culture across all teams.
Please note that appointment to the post is subject to becoming a Disclosure Scotland PVG Scheme member and completion of a Child Protection and Welfare Certification.