Senior Sports Scientist (P002276) Re-Advertisement at North West University

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Player Conditioning – field and gym / physical preparation of players (Varsity Cup / Senior A team).

• Work with players in the gym in respect of exercising and coaching.
• Conduct fitness tests on the field, determining load and intensity for both Junior and Senior players.
• Test players on a regular basis and determine physical conditioning plan, accordingly. 
• Monitor the Junior players’ testing.
• Prescribe programmes accordingly.

Data Analysis / Observation of players / One-on-One sessions (Varsity Cup / Senior A team).

• Conduct programming in terms of gym work and engage in the interpreting of test results of Juniors players.
• Spot weakness areas and improve accordingly, based on the interpretation of test results.
• Extract and analyse data (GPS data, training volume and intensity) in respect of field work.
• Provide feedback to players and Rugby Institute Management on player's physical conditioning.                      

Programme writing (Varsity Cup / Senior A team / all junior teams) – evaluation and control of players (Varsity Cup / Senior A team).

• Compile gym and fitness programmes for work-out sessions in the gym, as well as field conditioning, speed and agility programmes.
• Evaluate players during monthly testing by conducting daily observations at training sessions.
• Conduct frequent testing according to applicable norms.
• Oversee programmes of Junior players working with the Junior Sport Scientist. 

Administration, Supplementation and Clothing (Seniors and Juniors).

• Manage the income and expenses of supplements, clothing, etc., including ordering and stock control / hand-outs to players.
• Assist the Junior and Senior players with meal plans, dietary guidelines and overall health goals. 
• Assist with the control of supplements for before and after sessions.
• Provide ad-hoc administrative tasks.

Guiding and monitoring of Junior Sport Scientists.

• Check and provide explanation of Junior players’ programmes.
• Oversee the training of Junior Sport Scientists through personal involvement and mentoring Provide monthly feedback to the Head of the Rugby Institute.
• Provide assistance with regards to creating standardised programmes for whole Rugby Institute programme.

Minimum requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Sport Science / Human Movement Science / Biokinetics (NQF level 7).
• A minimum of three (3) years' experience in rugby-related on-field and gymnasium conditioning of Senior High School (U/18-U/19) or Senior Schools Provincial (U/18-U/19), Senior Varsity Cup level players, and/or Provincial Senior level or International.
• Basic Life Support or First Aid (Required within 4 months of employment if not available at recruitment stage).

ADDED ADVANTAGE:

• An honour’s degree Sports Science / Human Movement Science / Biokinetics
• Biokinetics:  HPCSA

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Correct exercise technique knowledge for on-field conditioning.
• Knowledge of evaluation, gym programme and gym equipment.
• Knowledge of the physiological preparation of players.
• Knowledge of modern play styles and requirements that the game places on players.
• Computer skills: e-mail, internet, diary management, and data analysis programmes.
• Mentoring of Junior Sport Scientist.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Motivating attitude toward players.
• Player discipline.
• Control and supervision of players and practice devices.
• Effective conflict management.
• Effective and efficient team functioning.
• Time management.