Head High School Debate Team Coach

The ideal applicant will have a strong understanding of debate rules, regulations, strategies, and techniques. Additionally, the candidate must be capable of fostering a high-energy, positive team culture that aligns with the mission of the school.

Job Type

This is a seasonal, stipend appointment with no benefits.

Reports To

Athletic Director

Responsibilities

The Head Coach is responsible for teaching and training high school students in the sport of debate. This role includes leading the development and continuous improvement of the debate program at Girard College. The Head Coach must oversee the program in the best interest of Girard College students, while adhering to the policies and regulations of the Penn-Jersey Athletic Association (P.J.A.A.), the Metropolitan Philadelphia Athletic Association (M.P.A.A.), the Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association (P.A.I.S.A.A.), and the practices and procedures of the school administration.

Required Skills

• Ability to lead, monitor, and coordinate regular training, practice, and preparation sessions for the debate team.
• Strong ability to motivate and instruct students in debate skills while promoting respect, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly convey team expectations to students, families, administrators, faculty, and staff.
• Consistently model respectful, sportsmanlike behavior in both practice and competition settings.
• Ability to recruit academically qualified and motivated student debaters to participate in the program.
• Ability to work effectively within a school environment and build positive relationships with administrators, teachers, parents, and students.
• Capacity to address and resolve issues that may arise with individual students, the team, or coaching staff in a timely and professional manner.
• Willingness to travel with the team to local and regional competitions and manage logistics.
• Commitment to upholding the mission, values, and academic expectations of Girard College.

Required Duties

• Organize, promote, and conduct open tryouts for new and returning team members.
• Design and implement a structured training and competition schedule aligned with student academic responsibilities.
• Collaborate with the Athletic Director and academic staff to monitor and support student academic performance.
• Assist in scheduling debate competitions and coordinating team participation in local, regional, and national tournaments.
• Prepare and manage the annual program budget, including recommending purchases for debate materials, resources, and uniforms.
• Maintain current certifications in First Aid, CPR, and AED (as required by the school).
• Exhibit professional coaching behavior during practices, competitions, and all team-related activities.
• Evaluate individual and team performance and provide regular feedback to promote growth and improvement.
• Uphold all Girard College policies and procedures, including the school’s code of conduct and academic expectations.
• Enforce team conduct policies during travel and represent the school positively at all events.
• Ensure all debate activities align with Girard College’s mission and follow the rules of applicable debate leagues or associations.
• Report any violations of school or league policies to the Athletic Director.
• Manage team equipment and supplies, including distribution and collection of materials and uniforms.
• Coordinate transportation and logistics for off-campus competitions; assist with post-travel responsibilities such as meals or materials return.
• Recommend, train, and evaluate assistant coaching staff as needed.
• Maintain appropriate professional conduct with students, officials, and spectators.
• Ensure all team activities and decisions reflect non-discriminatory practices.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required by the Athletic Director.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a minimum of three years of experience coaching debate teams at the high school level. The candidate must have completed the PIAA coaching education requirements at the time of hire. Additionally, the candidate should possess excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrate a willingness to collaborate with student-athletes, administration, faculty, and staff.

Hours

• In-Season: The debate season lasts 8 to 10 weeks and may extend to 12 weeks if the team advances to postseason tournaments. Coaches are expected to be available for two hours per day, Monday through Friday, for team practices, and on Saturdays as needed for competitions. Attendance at all scheduled home and away tournaments is required.
• Off-Season: Coaches are expected to facilitate off-season workshops, practice sessions, or enrichment activities for students, with prior approval from the Athletic Director.

Required Certifications:

1. Pass FBI fingerprint check.
2. PA child abuse history clearance.
3. PA criminal background check.
4. Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.

Salary : $3,200