Head Coach – Debate

Job Purpose Statement: The job of head coach is done for the purpose of providing education, leadership, supervision and organization of the assigned building interscholastic team.

Coaching Required Attachments:

• Resume
• 3 Coaching reference Forms and/or Letters
• First Aid/CPR Card

Position to begin employment in the 2026-27 school year.

Qualified candidate will have previous experience in participating and/or coaching Debate & Speech at the high school level. Ideal applicant will have knowledge of WIAA regulations.

Must be able to hold a Type II driver’s license and CPR/First Aid training.

Position will work after school and weekends for practices, games, and tournaments.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in planning and running debate practices.
• Provide individual and group coaching on research, argumentation, and delivery.
• Supervise students at tournaments and assist with travel logistics.
• Review student speeches and give constructive feedback.
• Help manage team communication and resources.
• Support a positive, inclusive team culture.
• Experience in debate (as a coach or competitor) preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Availability for after-school practices and weekend tournaments.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students and staff.

The Olympia School District is committed to increasing the diversity of staff in our schools. Candidates who can contribute to this goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths and experiences in this area.

Essential Functions:

• Provide direct leadership and organization for the assigned sport/activity.
• Provides direct ongoing supervision of all athletes and mangers before/during/after all practices/conditioning sessions, games, travel and other school-sanctioned events.
• Develops appropriate objectives for the assigned sport/activity.
• Develops a written copy of duties and expectations.
• Maintains current knowledge of WIAA, state, league and district rules and regulations related directly to the assigned sport/activity, student participation and parent/community involvement.
• Manages the sport/activity budget, equipment and supply inventory, orders all necessary equipment and ensures all equipment and facilities are maintained in a safe condition.
• Arranges for and manages all equipment repair and maintenance as required by manufacture, insurance provider and district.
• Reports, verbally and in writing, to the building and district Athletic Director any equipment and/or facility found to be in an unsafe condition.
• Continually teaches and emphasizes safety procedures and precautions to all athletes and assistant coaches.
• Reports all injuries using the OSD Accident Report Form and established process.
• Assumes direct responsibility clearing all athletes who are returning to play after an injury through the building Athletic Director.
• Monitors student compliance with all provisions of the OSD Athletic Code Policy 3000), OSD Student Rights and Responsibilities (Policy 3000), Building/Team Rules and Regulations, and WIAA Rules and Regulations.
• Immediately reports all violations or suspected violations of established rules and regulations to the building Athletic Director.
• Attends all league meetings directly related to the assigned sport/activity as directed and approved by the building Athletic Director.
• Organizes and conducts, in coordination with the building Athletic Director, parent meetings prior to the season and provides ongoing parent communication throughout the season.
• Organizes awards and recognition for athletes/participants.
• Communicates results of each game/match to appropriate media.

Other Functions:

• Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.
• Participates in various meetings (e.g. parent conferences, professional development, hearings, site meetings, etc.) for the purpose of receiving and/or providing information and/or meeting credential requirements.

Job Requirements-Qualifications:

• 
  Experience: Prior experience as an Assistant, Head or Approved Volunteer Coach in the designated sport/activity.
• 
  Licenses, Certifications, Bonding, and/or Testing:
• • Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance.
  • Current First Aid/CPR Certification.
  • Current WIAA/OSD-approved training in "Head Injuries/Concussions".
  • Holds, at a minimum, WIAA "Continuous Training Level" status; WIAA "Experienced" or "Preferred" Coaching Standard is preferred.
  • Successfully passed WIAA Rules tests and/or WIAA Officials test for specific sport.
  • 
    For swim/diving coaches: Red Cross Safety Training for Swim Coaches or Lifeguard Certification (U.S. Diving Safety Certification for Diving may be substituted for diving coaches) is required.
  • 
    For Pole Vault coaches: "Pole Vault Coaching Training" is required.
  • Additional training as required by the Olympia School District.
• 
  Skills, Knowledge and/or Abilities:
• • Ability, by use of required skills, to motivate student athletes, communicate with individuals and groups from varied educational and cultural backgrounds; work cooperatively with other coaches, administrators, staff, and support personnel; organize and manage assigned aspects of the assigned sport/activity; and support District/building philosophy/goals and objectives for student activities.
  • Abilities to stand and walk for prolonged periods, perform a variety of specialized and responsible tasks, maintain records, establish and maintain cooperative professional working relationships with students, parents, other school personnel and meet schedule and established deadlines.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Olympia School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Auxiliary aids and services will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities. The following employee(s) have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Title IX Officer – James Whitehead, (360) 596-8545, [email protected]; Executive Director of Elementary Education – Autumn Lara, (360) 596-8534, [email protected]; Section 504 and ADA Coordinator (Students) – Ken Turcotte, (360) 596-7530, [email protected]; ADA Coordinator (Staff) – Starla Hoff, (360) 596-6185, [email protected]; Affirmative Action Officer and Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator – Scott Niemann, (360) 596-6185, [email protected]. Address: Knox Administrative Center, 111 Bethel St NE, Olympia, WA 98506.

The Olympia School District will provide reasonable Accommodations to enable persons with disabilities the opportunity to apply for open positions and to participate in District interview procedures. Persons with disabilities or are in need of translation services are asked to notify the Human Resources Office at least three days prior to the date on which the requested accommodation is needed. Human Resources Officer: Voice: (360) 596-6185 or TDD: (360) 596-7537 or FAX: 360-596-6181.