COACH RESPONSIBILITIES
This page outlines the responsibilities of all coaching staff within We Are Tennis and The Tennis Institute. These responsibilities exist to ensure a safe and professional environment, consistent player experience, alignment with our curriculum, clear communication, strong culture and long-term player development.
1. Safety Responsibilities
- Provide a safe coaching environment at all times.
- Monitor court surfaces, nets, equipment and surrounding areas for hazards.
- Manage player welfare during sessions.
- Respond appropriately to injuries and incidents.
- Follow venue emergency procedures, including locating the DEFIB machine.
- Report injuries, incidents and safety concerns to management and record them via the staff portal.
- Maintain appropriate supervision ratios.
2. Player Experience Responsibilities
- Greet players upon arrival.
- Learn and use player names.
- Welcome new players and families.
- Create a welcoming environment.
- Encourage participation and engagement.
- Ensure every player feels noticed and valued.
- Acknowledge players at the completion of sessions.
- Promote enjoyment alongside development.
3. Culture Responsbilities
Promote effort, accountability, concentration, coachability, respect, resilience and sportsmanship. Discourage negative self-talk, excuse making, blaming others, poor sportsmanship and disrespectful behaviour. Coaches are expected to model the behaviours they wish to develop in players.
4. Session Delivery Responsibilities
- Start and finish sessions on time.
- Deliver sessions aligned with the Curriculum Spine.
- Use appropriate progressions and regressions.
- Maximise player engagement and hitting time.
- Maintain appropriate player-to-coach ratios.
- Include competitive elements where appropriate.
- Conclude sessions with a review, reflection or key takeaway… and a high-five!
5. Player Development Responsibilities
Observe technical, tactical, physical and Mental / Management development. Encourage competitive participation, identify strengths and development areas, recognise readiness for progression and raise concerns where support is required. We are developing people, not just players. Ensure players are using the correct equipment ie correct racquet size and promote our sponsor HEAD products.
6. Talent Identification Responsibilities
Identify players with exceptional aptitude, strong work ethic and coachability, readiness for progression, emerging leadership qualities and potential future coaches.
7. Communication Responsibilities
Respond promptly to management communications, report incidents and parent concerns, maintain professional communication and escalate issues when required. Coaches should not promise promotions, alter fees, make policy exceptions or commit the business to decisions outside their authority.
8. Professional Standards Responsibilities
Arrive prepared and on time, wear appropriate coaching attire, present courts and equipment professionally, participate in professional development and represent the business positively on and off court.
9. Continuous Improvement Responsibilities
Seek feedback, reflect on coaching practice, engage in professional development, learn from colleagues and contribute ideas that improve the program.
10. Administrative Responsibilities
- Mark attendance accurately and promptly.
- Monitor class rolls and player numbers.
- Complete player review documentation by required deadlines.
- Submit incident and injury reports via the staff portal
- Report equipment shortages, damage or maintenance issues.
- Maintain coaching notes where applicable.
- Follow lesson plan and curriculum documentation requirements.
- Submit timesheets SUNDAY evenings for MONDAY fortnightly pay cycle.
- Communicate availability and leave requests in a timely manner.
- Review staff portal updates and announcements regularly.
COACHING PHILOSOPHY
At We Are Tennis and The Tennis Institute, our role extends beyond teaching tennis.
We believe tennis is a powerful vehicle for developing life skills, character and confidence.
Our aim is to develop capable players, resilient competitors, disciplined young athletes and great people.
Within We Are Tennis, we foster a love of the game through positive experiences, skill development, participation and enjoyment.
Within The Tennis Institute, we provide a structures, standards-based environment for players committed to pursuing their potential.
The relationships we build and the character we help develop are just as important as the results achieved on court. Every session is an opportunity to positively influence a young person’s development. Every coach contributes to this mission.
And, if there’s anything your’e unsure about, please ask us!
