Club Coaches

Interested Coaches

So you're interested in coaching a UConn Club Sport Team

Thank you for your interest and support in our program. All UConn Club Sports are student run organizations that compete on varying intercollegiate levels. Team members, demands of the sport, and the conference that they compete in usually determines how competitive the team is and the corresponding expectations of the coach.

The Team/Coach Relationship

Unlike coaching at other levels, coaching a Club Sport Team at UConn is somewhat unique in that...

• UConn Club Sports are student led organizations. This means that decisions about the team – often including practices, games, etc. - are made by the student members.
• You are hired directly by the team members, not the University or any other entity.
• You will have a great opportunity to influence the growth and development of the team – on and off the field.

Time Commitment

The time commitment varies from team to team and is dependent upon the student membership and their level of competition. On average most teams practice 2-3 times per week for about 2 hours at a time and compete on the weekend, home and away.

Expectations of Coaches

While teams are student led, they still hold high expectations of their coaches. In general:

• Teams are looking for someone to help them develop their skills, and increase their knowledge of the game.
• Teams will also rely on the coach for the facilitation of the practices, and games; and also for your assistance in enforcing practice/playing standards.
• You are expected to always employ safe teaching/coaching techniques, and instruct the team so that they are practicing and competing in the safest way possible.
• Teams will expect you to hold CPR and First-Aid certifications. The UConn Club Sports Program offers free CPR and First Aid Training in the beginning of the Fall Semester.

The UConn Club Sports Council and Funding

The UConn Club Sports Council is the governing body for 41 clubs on campus. It is currently supported by a staff that includes a full-time Coordinator and a part-time graduate assistant in addition to undergraduates that serve in various positions. The UConn Club Sports Program partially funds member teams in good standing. The Team Officers are responsible for applying for funding and some things to know are:

• Coaches are not authorized to commit or financially obligate the Team in any way.
• Funding from the Club Sports Council is only available for the following types of expenses; Entry Fees, League Dues, Officials, Home Event Supplies, Facility Time and Team Equipment.
• Teams must fulfill certain requirements, attend meetings and stay in constant communication with the Club Sports Office to remain in good standing and be eligible for funding.

Coaches Funding

Student members of the different club sports teams hire their coach(es) directly and are also responsible for the coach’s salary. Any payments for coaches should be agreed upon between the team and coach in advance and should be written into an agreement between the two parties. Teams can apply for funding for coach’s pay through the Undergraduate Student Government (USG). However, an application for funding from USG does not constitute a commitment of funds. Additional information to keep in mind includes:

• The Undergraduate Student government limits the amount of funding available per coach per semester.
• Clubs can apply for funding with the Undergraduate Student Government in the BEGINNING of the season.
• Coaches will receive payment at the completion of services and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the written agreement between the Team and Coach.
• If the Undergraduate Student Government does not grant funding or only partially funds this expense, the team will have to pay the coaches salary though other sources.
• Under no circumstances is the University responsible for the payment of compensation related to coaching.

Risks

Coaches have requested additional information about safety issues and risk associated with participation in, and coaching of a club sport team. Here is some general information about various risk management strategies in place to help address some of these issues:

• All admitted UConn Students must have health insurance.
• All UConn Club Sports participants must sign an Assumption of Risk and Player Conduct Form and supply us with their Emergency Contact Information.
• Each Club is supplied with a First Aid kit by the Club Sports Program. Additional supplies are available throughout the year from the Club Sports Office.
• Each club must have (at least) 2 members that are CPR and First Aid certified.
• We recommend to Teams that their coaches be CPR and First Aid certified.
• The Club Sports Program offers free CPR and First Aid training sessions to captains and coaches.
• There are AED’s located in many of the facilities where our Club Sports Teams practice and compete.
• Student Supervisors (CPR and First Aid certified) are present at the 'high risk' games to ensure that injured participants will be cared for in the safest and quickest time possible.
• All facilities are maintained by the University; and rules are posted at each site.
• Campus Police and EMT have a 3 minute response time to all on campus locations.
• Team Officers have required SOLID training, and corresponding risk management meetings.

Final Suggestions

Before agreeing to coach a Club Sport Team, we suggest the following:

• Meet with the Team captains/leaders to discuss:
  • Their expectations of you as a coach (e.g. attendance at practices, games, communication, etc.)
  • Your philosophy of coaching and competition
  • All remuneration/compensation issues for coaching
  • Time period for you to serve as their coach (i.e. specific start/end dates)
• Don't agree to anything that is not in writing and signed by at least two appropriate Team representatives (e.g. Captain, President, Treasurer).
• Seek appropriate comfort that funding is available and has been fully approved prior to signing an agreement.