JOB DESCRIPTION & RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
1. POST TITLE: Coach Development Manager
2. ROLE AND PURPOSE OF POSITION
In alignment with IRFU direction, lead and manage the provincial Coach Development
Officers (CDO’s) to improve the quality of coaches and the game of rugby in Clubs and
Schools across all stages of the LTPD programme. The position will also be responsible
for the implementation of Continuing Professional Development initiatives for provincial
development staff.
3. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Munster Domestic Rugby Manager
4. MANAGES
Coach Development Officers
5. EXPERIENCE / BACKGROUND
Proven experience in management and leadership, with LTPD Stage 4 rugby technical
knowledge and experience in tutoring and/or coaching.
6. SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Refer to appendix*
7. RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee and develop a provincial strategy, structures and programmes in conjunction
with the DRM and CRM to implement and deliver quality coaching programmes in
targeted clubs and schools.
- Manage and deliver provincial initiatives to increase Club and School understanding of
the LTPD.
- Working with the IRFU Coaching Department and the Technical Direction, increase the
coaching expertise in Ireland through contributing to resources, identifying coaches
and meeting coach development strategic goals.
- Ensure all activities are conducted within budget and secure maximum value for
money in the most cost-effective manner at all times.
- Management and organisation of all IRFU Coaching courses within the province from
LTPD Stages 1-3, including all administrative requirements (Leprechaun, Mini,
Foundation, Level 1 and Assistant Level 1 courses).
- Creation and management of systems to ensure quality control of IRFU coaching
courses in the province.
- Support the DRM in implementing “Support and Monitoring” programmes for the
Provincial Squads.
- Maintain a working relationship with the AIB League coaches and ensure regular
communication to optimise knowledge exchange.
- Organisation and co-ordination of the Regional Talent Programme in line with IRFU
policy and support of identified Regional Talent Coaches.
- Liaise with the Community Rugby Manager (CRM) and area CRO to promote
succession planning in clubs, to ensure all coaches are on the IRFU pathway and Club
Support Scheme criteria are met.
- Liaise with the DRM and CRM to provide targeted and appropriate education and
continuing professional development to provincial development staff.
- Ensure maintenance of all club coach records (e.g. team coached, courses attended,
accreditation level etc.) as required.
8. WORKING PATTERN
-
The role will require the CDM to discharge their duties under a 5 / 7 working
arrangement, working some evenings during the week and 1 day at the weekend. Core
days will be determined by the Domestic Rugby Manager.
9. PERFORMANCE MEASURES
i) RUGBY:
- Drive development opportunities to increase the number of quality accredited
coaches across Age-Grade and Adult teams.
- Clubs to have an active Coach Development plan.
- Delivery of appropriate Continuing Professional Development initiatives for provincial
development staff.
- Monitoring and assisting identification of player progression through development
pathways.
- Analyse CDO work reports / practices and produce recommendations for
improvements as required.
ii) OPERATIONS:
- Delivery of IRFU national programmes to agreed quantity and quality.
- Implementation of a provincial coaching strategy, in line with IRFU policy, which
increases the level of rugby technical knowledge in coaches and branch staff.
- Delivery of IRFU Player Development programmes to agreed quantity and quality.
- Ensure all programmes operate to both time and budgetary constraints.
iii) PROFESSIONAL APPROACH:
- Maintain high profile within club rugby through club visits, seminars and other rugby
public occasions and conferences.
- Provide early warning of projects and programmes that are falling behind target or
over-running budget.
- Project a positive and professional image of the IRFU at all times.
10. DOUBLE EMPLOYMENT
-
Coach Development Manager is prohibited from partaking in additional employment
with any associated Club or School.
*APPENDIX – Skills and Abilities
ESSENTIAL
SKILLS
 Organisational ability - for self and others.
 Ability to critically review performance process
and deliver a quality outcome.
 Ability to influence others positively.
 Excellent written and verbal communication /
presentation skills.
 Clarity in decision-making.
 Well-developed time-management skills,
including the ability to set and meet deadlines
and to prioritise work.
 Ability to work alone and as part of a team.
 Computer-literate.
 LTPD Stage 4 technical knowledge / experience.
KNOWLEDGE
 Knowledge and understanding of Irish rugby.
 Knowledge and understanding of the Long
Term Player Development model.
 A clear understanding of the needs of club
coaches.
 Applied technical knowledge of rugby which
can be demonstrated in management decisions
across coaching, refereeing and player
development.
QUALIFICATIONS
 First degree or similar-level qualification in
sports or management-related discipline, or
evidence of equivalent practical rugby
experience.
EXPERIENCE
 Management of programmes and people.
 Proven experience in planning, development
implementation and monitoring development
programmes.
 Resource allocation / budgets.
PERSONAL QUALITIES
 Ability to gain the confidence, respect and trust
of others.
 Integrity and Honesty.
 Committed, enthusiastic and motivated.
 Willingness to accept and encourage
constructive challenges.
 Flexible and adaptable to circumstances.
 Ability to work within a team environment.
 Willingness to seek personal development
opportunities.
DESIRABLE
 Project Management skills (lead and support roles).
 Knowledge of the developmental pathways for
rugby players.
 Knowledge of specific preparation needs of players
and coaches.
 Knowledge of the Irish sporting agencies’ structures
and services (ISC, Sport NI, Coaching Ireland etc.)
 Higher Degree in sports or management-related
discipline.
 Significant coaching experience at LTPD Stage 4-5.
 IRFU Level 2 Accredited
 High level sports industry as a player, coach or
administrator.
 Experience of working within a sports organisation.
 Willingness and desire to entertain new ideas and
seize opportunities.
 Ability to think creatively and understand a wider
context.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This position prohibits the involvement of the post-holder in any Club or School in either a
playing or coaching capacity.