home > swim tips > coaches corner >  Coaching For DSST

Coaching For DSST

Introduction

As a coach for DSST, we work with all levels of ability including complete beginners, competent swimmers wanting to improve their style, or competitive swimmers involved in national and international competitions. At the moment, our coaches do not teach aquatic aerobics (even though you may see some of our swimmers practicing during warm-up). DSST members also might include people with special needs, including both physical disabilities and learning difficulties.

Some coaching work may include administrative tasks, development work, and liaising with other organizations and the GLBT community.

Hours and Environment

Our swimming coaches mainly have to work evenings and weekends. This is when all of our workouts take place. Occasionally, we will ask those involved with training competitive swimmers to be present at competitions, which often results in longer working hours and at times travel is needed.

All of our swimming coaches work part-time and are considered independent contactors.

Skills and Interests

To be a swimming coach you should have:

• good verbal communication skillss

• the ability to inspire confidence and motivate

• analytical skills

• perseverance and patience

• in-depth knowledge of and enthusiasm for swimming

• good organizational skills

• the ability to put people at ease, particularly those who may be afraid of or who have anxiety around competition.

Training

The American Swimming Coach's Association run a series of courses for US Master's swimming coaches. These courses and qualifications include:

A. Certification levels are based on the accumulation of Masters points.

B. Masters points are converted to ASCA Units in order to allow Masters coaches to be on the same unit system as all other
ASCA certified members. This is done by dividing the total number of Masters points by 3.

C. To be certified you must have a minimum of 6 months of Masters coaching experience and have passed the Masters School
and Level 1 Foundations of Coaching School.

D. 200 points are required for Level 1. A college graduate with six months of experience plus completion of the Masters
School and Foundations of Coaching School will meet this criteria.

E. Points can be obtained in 5 categories:

1. Education - 350 points maximum
2. Experience - 250 points maximum
3. Masters contributions - 350 points max
4. Club Size and Growth - 150 points max
5. Achievement - 250 points max

F. A minimum of 50 units must be obtained in all categories for Level 4 and Level 5 certification.

G. All levels require the appropriate ASCA certification school, which may be taken in home study or at ASCA clinics. (Occasional waivers are granted on a case by case basis based on experience/academic accomplishments.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only. All of our swimming coaches work part-time and are paid an hourly rate. Salaries recommended by the Board are:

Swim Coach Levels

Level 1 - $ an hour
Level 2 - $ an hour
Level 3 - $ an hour
Level 4 - $ an hour
Level 5 - $ an hour

If you're interested in coaching or for further information, please contact our DSST Board representatives:

Captains