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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Hurdler Coach

💰 $45,000 - $85,000

AthleticsCoachingSportsEducation

🎯 Role Definition

The Hurdler Coach is a pivotal member of the Track & Field coaching staff, responsible for the comprehensive development, coaching, and recruitment of student-athletes specializing in the hurdle events. This role demands a deep technical understanding of sprint and hurdle biomechanics, the ability to design and implement sophisticated training programs, and a passion for mentoring young athletes to achieve excellence both academically and athletically. The ideal candidate will cultivate a positive, high-performance team culture while ensuring strict adherence to all governing body regulations (e.g., NCAA, NAIA, USATF). You will be the primary architect of success for our hurdles squad, identifying and nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Graduate Assistant Track & Field Coach
  • High-Performance High School Head Coach
  • Volunteer Assistant Coach at the Collegiate Level
  • Former Professional or Collegiate Hurdler

Advancement To:

  • Associate Head Coach, Track & Field
  • Head Track & Field Coach
  • Director of Track & Field and Cross Country

Lateral Moves:

  • Sprints Coach
  • Director of Recruiting for Track & Field
  • Jumps or Multi-Events Coach

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Design, implement, and oversee comprehensive year-round training programs for the men's and women's hurdle squads, focusing on periodization, technical mastery, and peak performance.
  • Provide expert, event-specific coaching and technical instruction in all hurdle disciplines (e.g., 60mH, 100mH, 110mH, 400mH), focusing on rhythm, stride patterns, takeoff mechanics, and clearance techniques.
  • Lead the identification, evaluation, and recruitment of academically qualified and athletically talented prospective student-athletes on a national and international level.
  • Utilize advanced coaching techniques, including video analysis and performance data tracking, to provide targeted, individualized feedback and accelerate athlete development.
  • Develop and execute effective meet-day strategies, including warm-ups, race planning, and in-competition adjustments to maximize scoring opportunities.
  • Foster a competitive, supportive, and inclusive team environment that promotes sportsmanship, personal accountability, and the holistic well-being of each student-athlete.
  • Mentor student-athletes on their academic journey, actively monitoring their progress and connecting them with institutional resources to ensure academic eligibility and success.
  • Collaborate with the strength and conditioning staff to create and implement event-specific programs that enhance speed, power, and injury resilience.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for all hurdle-specific communication with athletes, recruits, and the Head Coach.
  • Plan and manage all aspects of team travel for the hurdles group, including transportation, lodging, and meals for competitions.
  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding and unwavering commitment to all NCAA, conference, and institutional rules and regulations, ensuring full compliance in all coaching and recruiting activities.
  • Assist the Head Coach in the overall administration and management of the Track & Field program, contributing to strategic planning and long-term vision.

Secondary Functions

  • Organize and manage official and unofficial recruiting visits, creating a compelling experience for prospective student-athletes and their families.
  • Manage the budget for the hurdles event group, including equipment procurement, travel expenses, and recruiting costs.
  • Assist in the planning and execution of home track meets, including event setup, officiating, and timing system operation.
    Vo-ordinate with athletic training and medical staff to manage the health, injury prevention, and rehabilitation of student-athletes in your event group.
  • Engage in fundraising initiatives, alumni relations, and community outreach activities to promote and support the Track & Field program.
  • Direct and manage summer camps and clinics, providing coaching expertise and generating revenue for the program.
  • Maintain a strong professional network within the high school, club, and collegiate coaching communities.
  • Prepare and submit detailed scouting reports on competing teams and athletes to inform race strategy and preparation.
  • Contribute to the program's social media presence, showcasing team achievements, culture, and recruiting highlights in collaboration with the sports information department.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced Hurdle & Sprint Biomechanics: Expert knowledge of the technical models for short and long hurdles, including stride mechanics, acceleration patterns, and race distribution.
  • Recruiting & Scouting Expertise: Proven ability to identify, evaluate, and successfully recruit elite student-athletes, with experience using recruiting software (e.g., ARMS, Front Rush).
  • Training Program Design: Mastery of annual planning and periodization, with the ability to create and adjust workouts for a diverse group of athletes.
  • Video Analysis Proficiency: Experience using video analysis tools (e.g., Hudl, Dartfish, OnForm) to provide precise technical feedback.
  • NCAA/NAIA Compliance: In-depth knowledge of governing body rules and regulations regarding recruiting, eligibility, and playing/practice seasons.
  • Certifications: USATF Level 1 or 2 certification is highly desirable. Strength and Conditioning certification (CSCS) is a plus.
  • Meet Management: Familiarity with meet management software (e.g., Hy-Tek, FinishLynx, DirectAthletics).

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Communication: Ability to clearly and effectively communicate technical concepts, motivational feedback, and program expectations to athletes, staff, and recruits.
  • Leadership & Mentorship: A natural leader who inspires trust, motivates athletes to achieve their potential, and serves as a positive role model.
  • Organizational Prowess: Superior planning, organizational, and time-management skills to juggle coaching, recruiting, and administrative duties.
  • High Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrates empathy, self-awareness, and the ability to build strong, positive relationships.
  • Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Capacity to think critically and adapt training or race strategies in dynamic, high-pressure situations.
  • Collaborative Spirit: A team player who works effectively with the entire coaching staff, support staff, and administration.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Kinesiology or Exercise Science
  • Sports Management or Athletic Administration
  • Physical Education

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-5+ years of progressive coaching experience with a focus on hurdles and/or sprints.

Preferred:

  • Demonstrated success coaching student-athletes to conference, regional, and NCAA national championship levels.
  • Verifiable track record of successfully recruiting and retaining high-caliber student-athletes who have positively impacted a program.
  • Experience coaching at the NCAA Division I or a highly competitive Division II/III level.
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