What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head Swim Coach position at Cedar Swim Club?
About Cedar Swim Club
Cedar Swim Club is a USA Swimming registered, non-profit competitive swim team located in Cedar City, Utah. Known as the CSC Sharks, we are a family-oriented club focused on helping swimmers grow in and out of the pool through integrity, respect, discipline, sportsmanship, proper stroke technique, effort, and commitment.
Our program serves athletes across multiple ability levels, from pre-competitive swimmers learning the fundamentals to experienced competitive swimmers pursuing personal bests, championship meets, and long-term athletic development.
Position Summary
Cedar Swim Club is seeking a qualified and motivated Head Coach to lead our competitive swim program. The Head Coach will provide overall program direction, coach athletes on deck, supervise assistant coaches, plan training and meet schedules, communicate with families, and work closely with the Board of Directors.
The ideal candidate is organized, positive, professional, and passionate about competitive swimming and youth development. This role requires strong technical knowledge, leadership ability, clear communication, and a commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and athlete-centered team culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Program Leadership and Coaching Lead and oversee all aspects of Cedar Swim Club’s swim program, including competitive groups, pre-competitive development, athlete progression, and team culture.
- Develop seasonal training plans appropriate for each group’s age, skill level, and competitive goals.
- Provide direct coaching at practices and meets, with emphasis on stroke technique, starts, turns, race strategy, endurance, speed, and overall swimmer development.
- Evaluate swimmers, assist with group placement, and help athletes set and work toward individual goals.
- Promote a positive team environment built on effort, accountability, teamwork, sportsmanship, and respect.
Staff Leadership
- Supervise, mentor, and support assistant and junior coaches.
- Coordinate coaching assignments and practice coverage.
- Provide direction on coaching methods, swimmer communication, practice expectations, and athlete safety.
- Ensure coaches remain current with applicable USA Swimming credentials, Safe Sport requirements, and club policies.
Meets and Team Operations
- Recommend and support a seasonal meet schedule that serves swimmers at all levels.
- Coordinate meet entries, relays, event selection, and coach coverage.
- Attend scheduled meets and represent Cedar Swim Club professionally.
- Communicate meet information, expectations, results, and follow-up items to swimmers and families.
- Support hosted meets, team events, parent education, and club growth efforts as needed.
Communication and Board Coordination
- Communicate clearly and professionally with swimmers, parents, coaches, and the Board of Directors.
- Provide regular updates to the Board regarding team progress, swimmer development, coaching needs, meet results, and program challenges.
- Help educate families on swimmer development, training expectations, meet participation, team policies, and USA Swimming requirements.
Safety and Compliance
- Maintain current USA Swimming coach membership and all required certifications.
- Comply with USA Swimming policies, Safe Sport requirements, Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy expectations, background check requirements, and Cedar Swim Club policies.
- Maintain a safe, respectful, and professional environment for swimmers, coaches, parents, and volunteers.
- Promptly report safety concerns, misconduct concerns, or policy violations through the appropriate club and USA Swimming channels.
Required Qualifications
- Current USA Swimming Coach membership in good standing, or ability to obtain and maintain membership before beginning on-deck coaching duties.
- Ability to complete and maintain all USA Swimming coach requirements, including background check, Athlete Protection Training, CPR/AED certification, Safety Training for Swim Coaches, and other applicable education or safety requirements.
- Prior competitive swim coaching experience, preferably with a USA Swimming club.
- Strong knowledge of competitive swimming technique, training principles, meet preparation, and athlete development.
- Ability to work effectively with swimmers of varying ages, skill levels, and competitive goals.
- Strong communication, leadership, organization, and professionalism.
- Commitment to athlete safety, Safe Sport principles, and positive youth development.
- Availability for practices, weekend meets, championship meets, staff meetings, board updates, and team events as needed.
Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be dependable, organized, positive, and professional. They will be able to motivate swimmers, communicate well with families, support assistant coaches, and build a team-first culture that balances competitive excellence with long-term athlete development and swimmer enjoyment.
Work Location: In person