Assistant/Forwards Coach
Division II Senior Women’s+ Rugby
Portland Women’s Rugby Football Club (“PWRFC”) is seeking an Assistant/Forwards Coach beginning August 2023. This is an unpaid volunteer position, though related expenses such as coach training and certification, coach registration, and mileage are reimbursed up to $1,000 per year. Previous coaching experience is not required, but candidates with relevant experience will receive priority.
Team Background
Located in Portland, Maine, PWRFC was established in the late 1970s and recently merged with the Portland Rugby Football Club, the local men’s team, to create an overarching 501(c)(3) nonprofit called Portland Rugby Football Club. Selected accolades over the past decades include: winning the women’s title at the First National Invitational Championship in 1977; being one of the first 5 women’s teams in the New England Rugby Football Union (“NERFU”); winning 5 New England Championships; placing 5th in the USA Rugby DII National Championships in 2011, being awarded (with Portland’s men’s team) NERFU’s inaugural Club of the Year Award in 2023; and otherwise being a perennial top finisher in NERFU’s DII.
Position Responsibilities
- Work with the Head Coach to plan and execute two practices a week for the Fall and Spring seasons, ensuring that practice plans are designed to grow and develop safety, skills, and an understanding of rugby.
- Fall competitive season (~13 weeks, mid-August to November)
- Spring player development season (~6-10 weeks, mid-March to May)
- Practices are usually Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6 – 8 pm. The Assistant Coach is expected to attend most if not all practices.
- Attend home and away games on weekends, which will require travel around the Northeast.
- Provide clear instruction and development for many different experience levels.
- Have knowledge of USA Rugby Laws, playing styles including 1-3-3-1, and coaching methods.
- Work specifically with Forward players during split Forwards/Backs practice time.
- Work with the Head Coach to ensure rosters and match reports are submitted as required by NERFU.
Position Expectations
- Treat players and other teams with respect.
- Have a growth mindset.
- Effectively communicate with other Coach(es), Captains, and players.
- Ability to provide constructive feedback and encouragement individually and collectively to players of all skill levels and positions.
- Ability to work effectively with the PWRFC Executive Board, assisting when needed on development and planning.
- Work closely with Captains regarding team growth and goals.
Preferred Qualifications
- USA Rugby Level 1 (formerly Level 200) certification or higher
To Apply:
- Send a cover letter and resume to portlandmainerugby@gmail.com.
- Please include “Rugby Assistant Coach Position” in the subject line.
For more on PWRFC check out the following:
