U12 Head Coach Position Description

Position Summary

U12 coaches play a critical role in supporting athletes as they transition from Children’s Ringette into the next stage of their development. This is often the first experience athletes have with more structured team play, advanced skill development, and increased expectations related to teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal responsibility.

This is a volunteer leadership position that plays an important role in athlete development, retention, and long-term engagement in ringette. The successful candidate will be supported by the association through coach development opportunities, program resources, mentorship, and assistance with recruiting assistant coaches, team staff, and other volunteers as needed.

The U12 Head Coach is responsible for leading all aspects of team operations and athlete development while creating a safe, positive, inclusive, and development-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities

Athlete Development

• Develop athletes’ skating, ringette skills, and game understanding through age-appropriate instruction and practice design.
• Teach and reinforce foundational team concepts, positional play, decision-making, and game awareness.
• Promote sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, and personal accountability.
• Foster athlete confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset.
• Ensure all athletes have meaningful opportunities to develop and contribute.
• Encourage long-term participation and enjoyment of ringette.

Practice and Game Leadership

• Plan and deliver structured practices that balance skill development, team concepts, and gameplay application.
• Prepare athletes for games and tournaments through effective coaching and communication.
• Utilize Ringette Canada and Ringette Ontario resources and Long-Term Athlete Development principles.
• Ensure game experiences remain development-focused and age-appropriate.

Parent and Team Communication

• Establish positive relationships with athletes, parents, and team staff.
• Communicate expectations, schedules, and development goals clearly.
• Promote positive spectator behaviour and a supportive team environment.

Team Leadership

• Recruit and support assistant coaches, trainers, managers, and team volunteers.
• Foster a positive and inclusive team culture.
• Comply with all Ringette Ontario, Ringette Canada, and association policies.
• Complete all required administrative and team management responsibilities.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• Strong skating ability and knowledge of ringette fundamentals.
• Previous experience coaching, teaching, instructing, or leading youth.
• Completion of all required Ringette Ontario and Ringette Canada certifications, screening requirements, and Safe Sport training.
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to athlete-centred coaching and Long-Term Athlete Development principles.

Preferred

• Previous playing experience in ringette.
• Previous coaching experience in ringette or comparable team sports.
• Experience working with athletes aged 10-12 years.
• Current First Aid certification.

Success in This Role

A successful U12 Head Coach creates an environment where athletes continue to develop confidence, competence, friendships, and a love of ringette. Success is measured through athlete development, enjoyment, sportsmanship, retention, and the creation of a positive team experience for athletes and families.