Assistant Tournament Coach

Potomac Debate Academy is one of the largest debate programs in the United States. Routinely a top competitor at national tournaments, Potomac Debate Academy's mission is to help students of all ages to find their voice. We take pride in providing high quality debate and public speaking services to students in elementary, middle and high school, and are looking for a Assistant Tournament Coach to join our team.

Position Overview

The Assistant Tournament Coach plays a key role in supporting student competitive success throughout the debate season (September–May). This individual will coach and mentor a cohort of 4–6 teams at weekend tournaments, provide strategic and educational support between competitions, and occasionally step into head coaching responsibilities as needed.

This role requires both strong competitive experience and the ability to support students with consistency, professionalism, and care during high-intensity tournament environments.

Responsibilities

• Coach a cohort of 4–6 teams at tournaments throughout the season, providing round prep, observing debates, and offering post-round feedback
• Host individual team office hours for assigned students during the tournament season to review rounds, refine strategy, answer questions, and provide individualized support in preparation of competition weekends
• Track team progress, identify areas for growth, and provide structured post-tournament evaluations outlining strengths, areas for improvement, and clear action steps for continued development
• Contribute to prep materials and tournament planning by supporting file production, drafting tournament briefs, assisting with strategic planning, and managing logistical tasks such as Tabroom data entry, registrations, and related administrative coordination
• Step into Head Coach responsibilities on rare occasions when the Head Coach is on PTO
• Willingness to travel for in-person tournaments 1-2 times per debate season

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years of debate coaching experience required
• Experience coaching Public Forum debate on the national circuit, including students who have qualified to the Tournament of Champions (TOC)
• Excellent communication skills to effectively instruct and motivate students of diverse ages and skill levels
• Experience coaching multiple teams simultaneously
• Comfortable stepping into leadership when needed
• Thrives in fast-paced competitive environments

Time Commitment

• September–May (Debate Season)
• 25–30 hours per week during peak tournament months
• 10–20 hours per week during lighter periods
• Most weekends required for tournament coverage

Join us as an Assistant Tournament Coach and be part of an energetic team dedicated to nurturing young talent. This paid role offers valuable professional growth opportunities within a supportive environment committed to excellence.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $25.00 - $40.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10 – 30 per week

Work Location: Remote