sports

Swimming - Staff Selection Criteria

Buenos Aires 2023

This selection policy has been agreed upon by the USA Deaf Swimming (USADS) and the USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF). It provides details regarding the process by which USADS will arrive at staff nominations. These nominations will be submitted to USADSF for consideration and for final selection as a staff on the USA Deaf Swimming roster for the World Deaf Swimming Championships in Buenos Aires, Argentina (hereinafter called the "Games").

1. STAFF POSITION

HEAD COACH
Responsibilities
GENERAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF HEAD COACH

The World Deaf Swimming Championship National Head Coach will be responsible for recruiting, training, and preparing the 2023 World Deaf Swimming Championship National Team. Team member selection is subject to review and approval by the USADS Executive Committee. The Head Coach shall work closely with the USADS Director on the expectations listed below:
● To prepare the team for international and domestic matches,
● To recruit athletes;
● To evaluate and place athletes on the team;
● To organize and collaborate with an Athlete Evaluation Committee during tryouts,
● To provide clinics and training to potential athletes,
● To assist with team sponsorships for uniforms, competition suits, and apparel
● To maintain expressive and be receptive in sign communication skills throughout the term.
Qualifications
● 3 + Years of experience preferred in the field of coaching swimming on both international and domestic levels.
● 3 + Years of experience preferred in competitive swimming on domestic and international levels.
● Experience in coaching deaf and hard of hearing athletes in swimming preferred.
● Ability to communicate in sign language preferred
● After selection as Head Coach, the coach must complete a review of USOC's SafeSport policy and USOC's SafeSport handbook and complete SafeSport training before they can assume any coaching duties
Requirements
● Have a current USA Swimming coaching certification and USA Swimming membership
● Have current basic first-aid, CPR, and coach certification training
● Must provide proof of current SafeSport certification. If the coach does not have a current SafeSport certification, the coach shall obtain one before assuming any coaching duties.
● Meet and comply with all requirements in Section 2.1.
● To be considered for a coaching position by USA Deaf Swimming, a prospective coach shall submit the required application and supporting documents as required under Section 2.2 and Section 6.
ASSISTANT COACH
Responsibilities
GENERAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF ASSISTANT COACH

The World Deaf Swimming Championships National Assistant Coach will be responsible for assisting the head coach with recruiting, training, and preparing the 2023 World Deaf Swimming Championship National Team. Team member selection is subject to review and approval by the USADS Executive Committee. The Assistant Coach shall work closely with the Head Coach and USADS Director on the expectations listed below:
● To prepare the team for international and domestic matches,
● To recruit athletes;
● To evaluate and place athletes on the team;
● To organize and collaborate with an Athlete Evaluation Committee during tryouts,
● To provide clinics and training to potential athletes,
● To assist with team sponsorships for uniforms, competition suits, and apparel
● To maintain expressive and be receptive in sign communication skills throughout the term.

The Assistant Coach shall work closely with the Head Coach to accomplish the above responsibilities as assigned by the Head Coach and USADS Executive Board.
Qualifications
● 2 + Years of experience preferred in the field of coaching swimming on both international and domestic levels.
● 2 + Years of experience preferred in competitive swimming on domestic and international levels.
● Experience in coaching deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes in swimming.
● Ability to communicate in sign language preferred
● After selection as Assistant Coach, the coach must complete review of USOC's SafeSport policy and USOC's SafeSport handbook and complete SafeSport training before they can assume any coaching duties
Requirements
● Have a current USA Swimming coaching certification and USA Swimming membership
● Have current basic first-aid, CPR, and coach certification training
● Must provide proof of current SafeSport certification. If the coach does not have a current SafeSport certification, the coach shall obtain one before assuming any coaching duties.
● Meet and comply with all requirements in Section 2.1.
● To be considered for a coaching position by USA Deaf Swimming, a prospective coach shall submit the required application and supporting documents as required under Section 2.2 and Section 6.

2. SELECTION SYSTEM

2.1 Minimum eligibility requirements for staff to be considered for selection to the roster:

2.1.1 Nationality/Passport requirements:

2.1.1.1 Staff must be a national of the United States at the time of nomination.

2.1.1.2 Staff must hold a valid U.S. passport that will not expire for six months after the conclusion of the Games and 6 months prior to the Games. Except for USA-hosted Games, the staff must possess a valid government-issued identity card.

2.1.2 Have the ability to work effectively with USADSF.

2.1.3 Have strong administrative, communication and organizational skills.

2.1.4 Be responsible for Team's adherence to all rules regarding discipline at the Games.

2.1.5 Fulfill all duties and requirements of the USADSF including attendance at USADSF Games related meetings.

2.1.6 Must be present at all times for the entire duration of the Games.

2.1.7 Possess high level, specific technical and tactical knowledge of the sport.

2.1.8 Have thorough knowledge and understanding of the International Sport Federation (IF) rules and regulations governing the sport.

2.1.9 Demonstrate ability to establish harmonious relationships with athletes and other Team personnel.

2.1.10 Be in good health and able to withstand the physical rigors of traveling with and working with the Team.

2.1.11 Be listed on USA Deaf Swimming's team roster and must have successfully completed all Games Registration requirements by the stated deadline.

2.1.12 Participate in U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) training as required for position (if applicable).

2.1.13 Successfully completed the U.S. Center for SafeSport awareness training and education program.

2.1.14 Sign a USA Deaf Swimming Code of Conduct for the current year.

2.1.15 Can not participate as an athlete.

2.2 Selection process for candidates to be considered as a staff member for the National Team:

Application Process:
To be considered for a coaching position for the 6th World Deaf Swimming Championship by USA Deaf Swimming, a prospective coach shall submit the following via email to Elizabeth Escobar, Director, USA Deaf Swimming (Email: lizcocker@deafswim.org):
● A letter of interest,
● Resume,
● One (1) letter of reference, and
● Completed Criminal background check with National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI) - http://www.ncsisafe.com.
NOTE: For information on how to register for a criminal background check, email lizcocker@deafswim.org.
● Deadline: January 31st, 2023

Interview Process
● The USA Deaf Swimming Director shall select members for the committee and prepare interview instructions and questions.
● The Selection Committee shall review the resumes and interview each chosen applicant if necessary. The interviews may be conducted in person or via videophone. The Selection Committee shall make a final decision based on the interviews and qualifications.

Approval
● The Selection Committee shall recommend to the USA Deaf Swimming Board of Directors the name of the nominated Head Coach;
● After approving the nominated Coach, the USA Deaf Swimming Board of Directors shall recommend the nominated Head Coach to USADSF for approval.
● The Head Coach will be overseen by the USADS Director and Executive Board.

Submission of Application Packet to USADSF
Upon appointment, all coaches must submit an "application packet" to the USADS President and NSO Team Leader, who will forward those to USADS and the USADSF Games Preparation Chair for final approval. Current USADS coaches are not required to resubmit the information. The Application Packet shall include the following:
● copies of current coaching certificate,
● copies of basic first-aid and CPR cards
● copies of the certificate of completion of the Coach's Safety training program (USOC),
● copies of Passport or confirmation receipt/letter,
● completed USA Team application forms, and
● A non-refundable processing fee of $100, reimbursable by USADS

2.3 Selection Committee:

2.3.1 The USA Deaf Swimming Selection Committee is comprised of the following members:

• Elizabeth Escobar - Director, US Deaf Swimming
• Rene Massengale - Assistant Director, US Deaf Swimming
• Mark Cronk - Executive Board Member, USADS Treasurer

2.3.2 Any member of the selection committee that has a possible conflict of interest must disclose it. If such conflict exists, the selection committee member must recuse themselves from the committee discussions and voting. Further, the committee member shall not otherwise influence other members of the committee in the selection process.

3. REMOVAL OF STAFF

3.1 Prior to entry by name to the USA Deaf Sports Federation, USA Deaf Swimming has jurisdiction over potential nominees.

3.1.1 Voluntary withdrawal. Staff must submit a written letter to the USA Deaf Swimming Executive Director.

3.1.2 Failure to participate in mandatory training and/or competitions.

3.1.3 Violation of USA Deaf Swimming Code of Conduct - MISSING FILE.

3.1.4 If for any reason, USA Deaf Swimming believes that it may not be safe for athletes or other staff to have this individual on the roster between the time of appointment and the event, USA Deaf Swimming retains the right to remove the staff.

3.2 Once staff entries have been submitted to the USA Deaf Sports Federation, the USADSF has jurisdiction over the Team rosters.

3.2.1 Voluntary withdrawal. Staff must submit a written letter to the USADSF Team Leader.

3.2.2 Failure to participate in for mandatory training and/or competitions.

3.2.3 Violation of USADSF Code of Conduct.

3.4 A staff may be removed as a nominee to the roster or from the roster for an adjudicated violations of U.S. Center for SafeSport Code and policies, as applicable.

4. REPLACEMENT OF STAFF

4.1 Prior to entry by name to the USA Deaf Sports Federation, USA Deaf Swimming has jurisdiction over potential nominees.

4.1.1 In the event of unforeseeable vacancies of Head Coach due to human/life events, the Assistant Coach or other nominee selected by the USADS Executive Board will be Head Coach in the event that a vacancy occurs in the Head Coach position for 2023 World Deaf Swimming Championships. The replacement candidate must meet all applicable criteria, responsibilities, and requirements of the position and have a current USA Swimming coaching certification. After submission of the staff roster for the 2023 World Deaf Swimming Championships to USADSF, a vacated staff position will be replaced at the discretion of the USADSF in consultation with the USA Deaf Swimming Director or Team Leader.

4.2 Once staff entries have been submitted to the USA Deaf Sports Federation, the USADSF has jurisdiction over the entries. The staff will be replaced at the discretion of the USADSF.

If the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD), USADSF or Games Organizing Committee (GOC) requires different replacement procedures within a certain time period before the Games or after official nomination of the Final Roster to the USADSF, such procedures for replacement shall be followed.

5. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

5.1 USA Deaf Swimming will retain the approved Selection Procedures and all supporting documents, forms, and all data from the selection process for six months past the date of the Closing Ceremony of the Games.

6. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

6.1 In addition to the USADSF Code of Conduct, the following documents are required to be signed by the staff as a condition for nomination to the World Deaf Swimming Championships and are included as attachments:

*

7. PUBLICITY/DISTRIBUTION OF PROCEDURES

7.1 The USADSF approved Selection Procedures (complete and unaltered) will be posted/published within ten (10) days of approval by the USA Deaf Sports Federation Board of Directors.

7.2 Information shall be published:

7.2.1 on the USADSF website (http://www.usdeafsports.org/sports/SW/criteria-staff).

8. DATE OF NOMINATION

8.1 The selection of staff form will be submitted to USADSF on or before 01 Apr 2023.

8.2 The newly appointed staff will be announced publicly only after USADSF approves the selection.

9. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

9.1 All staff have a right to obtain due process. Refer to USA Deaf Swimming's procedures below:

Internal Grievance Procedure

a. Any member of this organization may file a written grievance in the form of a complaint with the USADS Director pertaining to any matter within the cognizance of USA Deaf Swimming or alleging a violation of any provision of this Constitution, the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act, USA Swimming Code of Conduct, or the USA Deaf Swimming Bylaws. Any such grievance must be filed within fifteen (15) days of the alleged grievance or offense.
b. Each complaint shall be signed under oath and include detailed, factual information regarding the alleged grievance or complaint.
c. Upon receipt of a complaint, the Director shall refer it to the Executive Board. Every effort will be made to resolve the complaint at this level through informal means.
d. In the event that the member filing a complaint is not satisfied with the resolution of the matter by informal methods, he/she may request a hearing, whereupon the USADS Director shall, within fifteen (15) days, appoint a panel, consisting of three (3) members of the General & Executive Board, none of whom shall have in interest in the subject matter of the complaint to hear evidence, making findings of fact, and adjudicate the issues raised. At least one of the Executive Board members appointed shall be an active athlete. The appointment shall include the designation of one (1) of the selectees as the chairperson.
e. Fair notice and an opportunity for a hearing shall be accorded to any amateur athlete, coach, trainer, manager, administrator, or official before this Association declares such individual ineligible to participate in any amateur athletic competition.
f. At any hearing conducted pursuant to paragraph (d) of the Article, all interested parties shall have the right to counsel, to present evidence in support or in opposition to the complaint, to cross-examine witnesses, and to present such factual or legal claims as will support their positions. A summarized record of the proceedings shall be made by the hearing panel to USA Deaf Swimming Executive Board. The rules of evidence shall not be strictly enforced; instead, rules of evidence that are generally accepted in administrative proceedings shall be applicable. The hearing panel shall expeditiously conduct the hearing and report its findings of fact and conclusions in writing to the Association and all interested parties.
g. The decision of the hearing panel may be appealed to USADS by written notice to the President by certified mail within fifteen (15) days from the receipt of the decision.

**Submission of Written Grievance: Written grievances shall be submitted to the USADS Director at lizcocker@deafswim.org.

9.2 If the selection criteria and the grievance procedures were not followed properly, see STAFF GRIEVANCES AND COMPLAINTS.

10. INTERNATIONAL DISCLAIMER

10.1 These procedures are based on ICSD, as applicable, and/or FINA rules and regulations as presently known and understood. Any change in the selection procedures caused by a change in ICSD, as applicable, and/or FINA rules and regulations will be distributed to the affected staff immediately. The selection criteria are based on the latest information available to USA Deaf Swimming. However, the selections are always subject to unforeseen, intervening circumstances, and realistically may not have accounted for every possible contingency.

If any force of nature, or force majeure, should cause the altercation or cancellation of any of the selection events listed in this document, these selection procedures will be revised, pursuant to their resubmission to the USADSF.

11. STAFF GRIEVANCES AND COMPLAINTS

11.1 If a staff has questions regarding their opportunity to apply that are not answered by USA Deaf Swimming, they may contact the USADSF Executive Director, . If the Executive Director does not respond within 3 business days, the complaint may then contact the USADSF President, Jeffrey Mansfield at mansfield@usdeafsports.org.

12. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

12.1 This document certifies that USADS individuals on the Selection Committee understand the standards/criteria set by ICSD, IF, and/or USADSF and have incorporated those standards/criteria into the Selection Procedures. These individuals certify that the information provided herein regarding Staff Selection Procedures represents the method approved by USA Deaf Swimming.

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