Softball Australia is calling for expressions of interest for the positions of Team Manager with the Under-14 Boys and Under-14 Girls squads, for the 2023 Easter Classic Tournament, hosted by the Auckland Softball Association in New Zealand. 

The tournament will be held from Friday 7 April 2023 – Monday 10 April 2023, however the team will travel into Auckland the afternoon/evening of Wednesday 5 April and depart the evening of Monday 10 April after the tournament has finished. 

For more information on the Easter Classic tournament, please see the following link: https://www.softballauckland.org.nz/Play-Softball/Tournaments/The-Easter-Classic  

There are three Team Manager positions to be filled. This is a volunteer position. The costs associated with travel, accommodation and uniforms will be covered by Softball Australia. 

Please see the position description below. This position is best suited to people with experience with providing pastoral care to young people.  

Applications must be submitted to Team Logistic Coordinator, Dane Norton via email dane.norton@softball.org.au no later than COB Thursday 23 February 2023 and must include: 

• A copy of the applicant's resume 

• A covering letter (no more than 1 page) which describes how your experiences would set you up for success in this role. Note, please read the position description below to fully understand the role.   

Team Manager

2023 Easter Classic, New Zealand  

Position Description

The focus of this role is the support for an Under-14 squad for a tour to Auckland, New Zealand to compete in the 2023 Easter Classic tournament, hosted by the Auckland Softball Association.  

The role of the Team Manager is to: 

• Provide support to the Head Coaches in all areas of off-field activities, 

• Formulate and implement rules for the welfare and conduct of all members of the travelling teams while touring overseas, 

• Provide pastoral care to athletes where required, 

• Liaison with parents of players during the tour, as required,  

• Ensure that all members of the squad observe the obligations entered into when signing the Softball Australia player and officials’ agreements. 

Key position criteria and personal attributes 

Personal 

• Effective time management and administration skills, 

• An innovative and energetic style, 

• An acceptance of irregular and long hours of work, 

• Well-developed interpersonal skills, 

• Sound judgment in the application of disciplinary rules in situations of stress, 

• Sport acumen, 

• Knowledge of the standards and demands of high-performance sporting environment, 

• An understanding and empathy for the needs of young athletes 

• Demonstrated success in managing individual differences and group dynamics, 

• Ability to coordinate simultaneous streams of activity under pressure, 

• Ability to identify potential challenges and move quickly to neutralise them, 

Responsibilities 

The Team Manager will: 

• Assist Softball Australia staff in planning for Easter Classic, NZ 2023 

• Assist in ensuring the health and safety of young athletes who will be travelling to compete in the 2023 Easter Classic tournament, 

• With the assistance of the Head Coaches, other support staff and the athletes, develop set rules for travelling teams, 

• Ensure that the team rules are observed by all members of the staff and teams, 

• Bring to the attention of the Head Coaches any serious breach of the team rules and, together with the Head Coaches, determine the necessary disciplinary action, 

• Ensure that adequate procedures are implemented for the care of team uniforms and equipment while the team is on tour, 

• Ensure that all team members are aware of daily schedules when on tour, 

• Assist with the coordination of alternative travel and accommodation arrangements to meet emergencies which may arise when on tour, 

• Conform with Softball Australia Policies and Regulations, 

• Attend and supervise off-field activities for the squads/teams, 

• On arrival at the Easter Classic, contact the host staff and officials and comply with their requests concerning registration and housekeeping arrangements, 

• At the conclusion of the tournament, prepare a report addressed to the National Pathways Manager, drawing particular attention to challenges experienced during the tour and steps taken to respond to them, 

• Arrange for the counselling of any player if required on tour. 

Key Performance Indicators 

• Adherence to the approved plans and budgets for the squad/team 

• The smooth running of all administrative aspects of the program 

• The interpersonal relations of the Team Manager with other members of the team staff and players 

• The off-field team behaviour, particularly as perceived by host organisations visited by the squads/teams, 

• The quality of the working relationship with Softball Australia staff and other Australian team administrators 

• Feedback from Australia's competitors in competition on all aspects of team behaviour 

• Feedback from players and other team officials at the event 

• Feedback/review from Softball Australia staff and others involved in the 2023 Easter Classic tournament. 

Essential Criteria 

• A current/valid Working with Children’s Check or equivalent, 

• A current First Aid certification, 

• Previous experience managing travelling teams at State or International level, 

• Previous experience working with young children. 

Applications must be submitted to Team Logistic Coordinator, Dane Norton via email dane.norton@softball.org.au no later than COB Thursday 23 February 2023.