Fun 1 Program Lead and Head Coach Position Description

Position Summary

The FUN 1 program shapes the first experience many children and families have with both ringette and organized sport, helping build the foundation for lifelong participation, enjoyment, and community involvement.

This is a volunteer leadership position that plays a critical role in delivering a positive first sport experience for athletes and families. The successful candidate will be supported by the association through coach development opportunities, program resources, mentorship, and assistance with recruiting assistant coaches, on-ice helpers, and other volunteers as needed.

The FUN 1 Program Lead & Head Coach serves as the lead facilitator of our introductory Children’s Ringette program, creating a fun, safe, and welcoming environment where young athletes and their families can begin their ringette journey.

The primary focus of this role is not competition, but rather helping children develop confidence on the ice, learn fundamental skating and ringette skills, build friendships, and develop a lifelong love of sport and physical activity. The Program Lead & Head Coach plays an important role in introducing families to the ringette community, supporting positive sport experiences, and fostering long-term participation and athlete retention.

Participants are typically 4-6 years of age, although older children who are new to skating or ringette may also participate.

Given the developmental nature of the program, the Program Lead & Head Coach must possess strong skating skills and be comfortable demonstrating and teaching fundamental skating techniques to young athletes who are learning to skate and participate in organized sport for the first time.

Time Commitment

• One on-ice session per week (approximately 1 hour)
• Weekly practice planning and preparation
• Communication with parents throughout the season
• Participation in coach meetings, training opportunities, and association activities as required

Key Responsibilities

Athlete Development

• Create a safe, inclusive, positive, and engaging environment for all participants.
• Teach and reinforce fundamental skating skills including balance, stopping, stride development, turning, agility, and confidence on skates.
• Introduce and teach basic ringette skills including ring handling, passing, receiving, shooting, and game awareness.
• Deliver age-appropriate activities that emphasize learning through play, active participation, and skill development.
• Promote sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, and positive behaviour.
• Foster enjoyment and enthusiasm for ringette to encourage long-term participation, athlete development, and retention within the sport.
• Ensure all participants feel successful, supported, and valued regardless of ability or experience level.
• Encourage confidence, independence, and a growth mindset in young athletes.

Practice Planning

• Develop and deliver weekly practice plans that include:
  • Skating instruction and development
  • Fundamental ringette skill instruction and drills
  • Fun games and activities that reinforce learning
  • Small-area games and modified gameplay opportunities
• Progress activities based on athlete readiness and development.
• Utilize Ringette Canada and Ringette Ontario Children’s Ringette resources and age-appropriate programming where appropriate.
• Coordinate scrimmages and informal gameplay opportunities with neighbouring FUN 1 teams when participants are ready and can benefit from additional game experience.

Parent Engagement and Volunteer Development

• Establish positive and supportive relationships with parents and guardians.
• Communicate regularly regarding program goals, athlete development, and upcoming activities.
• Help parents understand the Children’s Ringette philosophy and age-appropriate expectations for athlete development.
• Support parents in developing confidence as sport parents by providing guidance on positive encouragement, sportsmanship, and creating a healthy youth sport experience.
• Encourage parents and guardians to become actively involved as on-ice helpers, assistant coaches, team volunteers, and future program leaders.
• Help cultivate a positive volunteer culture that strengthens the long-term sustainability of the association.
• Serve as a positive ambassador for ringette and the association within the community.

Team and Program Leadership

• Recruit and engage assistant coaches, on-ice helpers, and other volunteers as needed to support program delivery.
• Work collaboratively with the association to identify and onboard additional volunteers; support and resources will be provided by the association when requested.
• Mentor and support new volunteers to help build confidence and capability within the coaching team.
• Work collaboratively with assistant coaches, volunteers, and association leadership to ensure a positive experience for all participants and families.
• Maintain athlete safety and follow all Ringette Ontario, Ringette Canada, and association policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate positive leadership and act as a role model for athletes, families, and volunteers.
• Complete all required administrative, communication, and team management responsibilities associated with the role.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• Strong skating ability with the confidence and competence to demonstrate and teach fundamental skating skills to beginner and developing skaters.
• Demonstrated experience teaching, instructing, coaching, or leading young children in skating, ringette, or comparable sport and recreation environments.
• Completion of all Ringette Ontario and Ringette Canada screening requirements.
• Completion of required coaching certifications and Safe Sport training as mandated by Ringette Ontario and Ringette Canada for Children’s Ringette/FUN 1 coaches.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with both children and adults.
• Commitment to the principles of Long-Term Athlete Development and Children’s Ringette programming.
• A positive, patient, enthusiastic, and encouraging approach to working with young athletes and their families.

Preferred

• Previous playing experience in ringette.
• Previous coaching experience in ringette, skating programs, or other youth sports.
• Proven experience teaching beginner skating skills.
• Experience working with children aged 4-8 years.
• Current First Aid certification.
• Experience mentoring or developing volunteers.

Success in This Role

A successful FUN 1 Program Lead & Head Coach creates an environment where children are excited to come to the rink, develop confidence on the ice, learn foundational skating and ringette skills, build friendships, and leave each session wanting to return.

Success is measured not by wins or losses, but by athlete enjoyment, skill development, family engagement, volunteer growth, and continued participation in ringette. The ideal Program Lead helps athletes and families build a positive first experience in sport, laying the foundation for a lifelong connection to physical activity and the game of ringette.