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Specialty Coaches Wanted

USA Deaf Track & Field is calling for anyone interested to apply for one of 8 Specialty Coaching positions for the 2009 Summer Deaflympics in Taipei.

Please view the criteria and how to apply section at the bottom.

Thomas Withrow, who has been selected to be the Head Coach for the USA Summer Deaflympics Track and Field Team, will work with USADTF on screening the applications and conduct interviews throughout the summer.

The interview may be done through videophone conference and/or video relay service.

Please consider those important factors before you decide whether or not to apply. Because of the nature of dates the 21st Summer Deaflympics will be held, it may require you to consult your supervisors for approval prior to applying.

The Games will be from September 5 through 16 of 2009. We are planning on having a week of training prior to the Games which means we will train and leave for Taipei on or around August 27.

You may want to ask yourself those questions:

• Can you get off from work for 3 weeks? If so, will you be financially OK during this period? Some schools may dock your pay during the 3 week absence.
• Are you prepared to start working as a specialty coach as soon as this coming Fall? Meaning, you would begin working with current prospects that are likely to be on the Team. Start assisting with various things that athletes may need help with including, but not limited to, fundraising, training, etc.
• Committed to maintain strong communication lines with the Head Coach and athletes.
• The Head Coach is working on a couple of training camps in 2008 and 2009 to get the team together and prepared. You will be expected to attend those camps.

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USA Summer Deaflympics Track & Field Specialty Coaches Criteria

The role of the Specialty Coach shall be to work with the Head Coach in a position to be defined by the Head Coach. The Specialty Coach shall be expected to commit to the general expectation as outlined below. The general expectations are as follows:

• To assist with preparation for the USADTF Trials, if any;
• Participate in one of international competition in 2007 or 2008;
• To assist Head Coach on preparation of the USA Summer Deaflympics Track and Field Team;
• To assist Head Coach on recruiting of athletes;
• To participate with Head Coach on evaluation and placement of athletes on USA Summer Deaflympics Track and Field Team;
• To work closely with Head Coach on clinics and training to potential athletes, if any;
• To maintain expressive and receptive in American Sign Language throughout the term.

• Be at least 25 years old;
• Be a US citizen
• Possession of a valid government -issued identify car
• Possession of a US passport;
• Possession of a USATF Coaching certificate - :Level I, II, or III or equivalent;
• Possession of a valid basic first aid, CPR, and coach’s safety training card;
• Member of the USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF), and the USA Deaf Track and Field (USADTF);
• Awareness of and adherence to the USADSF and USOC Code of Ethics;
• Knowledge of USADSF and USADTF Due Process procedures.