Volunteer

Adapted Athletics Athlete Guide Runner Position Description

GENERAL PURPOSE: Under the direction of the Adapted Athletics Director, and Head Sprints Coach, the Athlete Guide Runner serves as an integrated high-performance training and competition partner for a fully visually impaired student-athlete. This role is essential to competitive participation, as the athlete cannot train or compete without a qualified guide. The Guide Runner functions as both a synchronized performance partner and operational support liaison who ensures safety, communication, logistical coordination, and regulatory compliance in all training and competition environments. This is a volunteer position that operates within a high-performance collegiate athletics framework, carries expectations consistent with elite competitive standards, and receives full access to athletic performance resources, including coaching, strength and conditioning, sports medicine, nutrition, sport psychology, equipment, and competition-related travel and expenses.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Functions

• Knows and represents the Adapted Athletics mission, vision and values
• Knows and implements the Adapted Athletics code of conduct
• Demonstrates knowledge of processes, policies and procedures within events, training, and competitions
• Demonstrates knowledge of the various departments and facilities of Adapted Athletics
• Understands the area and layout of the ARC and other Aztec Recreation facilities
• Completes required AR education modules
• Serves as the designated running guide for a fully visually impaired student athlete during training sessions and competitions
• Matches pacing, race modeling, and competitive intensity at a high-performance collegiate level   
• Trains consistently alongside the athlete to ensure matched pacing, endurance, and competitive readiness
• Executes approved guiding techniques (verbal cues, tethering methods, spatial management) in accordance with program and governing body standards
• Participates in scheduled team practices, workouts, and competitions as required
• Maintains constant, clear, and effective communication with the visually impaired athlete during training and competition
• Assists with check-in protocols at meets (call tent, hip numbers/bib numbers, clerking procedures, warm-up coordination, cooldown transitions)
• Identifies and communicates environmental hazards (track conditions, course changes, obstacles, competitors) in real time
• Supports travel execution, including but not limited to boarding pass management, luggage coordination, TSA/security navigation, seating confirmation, assistance with required forms or documentation (when applicable), assisting with food orders and fueling logistics, assisting with hotel check-in procedures and room spatial orientation, supporting restroom access when necessary, supporting transitions between competition venues, practice sites, and lodging
• Maintains familiarity with competition and anti-doping protocols including support and representation during official USADA and WADA interactions with visually impaired athlete
• Works collaboratively with coaches, athletic trainers, and sport medicine staff to ensure athlete safety and well-being
• Complies with all team, department, conference, and governing body policies and procedures
• Attends required program meetings, training sessions, and educational workshops related to athlete guiding and adaptive sport
• Maintains a level of physical fitness appropriate for high-performance collegiate competition
• Commits to training and competition schedules as determined by the coaching staff and competition calendar
• Communicates availability, injuries, or concerns promptly with coaching and medical staff
• Assists in the development and refinement of guiding protocols and best practices
• Provides feedback to coaches and administrators to support the growth of this pioneering program
• Supports recruitment, education, or outreach efforts related to Adapted Athletics Program
• Utilizes Email and Calendar
• Completes tasks as assigned/required

Customer Service and Collaboration 

• Provides a welcoming atmosphere that creates positive student experiences
• Greets all athletes, staff, and students in a timely manner
• Maintains positive and effective working relationships with all athletes, staff, and students
• Informs supervisor of any issues

Safety 

• Ensures all operations are conducted with safety of staff and customers as first priority, and in accordance with the Injury and Illness Prevention Plan and other safety policies
• Adheres to Associated Students’ Code of Safe Practices
• Reports accidents and injuries to supervisor and reviews changes required to avoid reoccurrence
• Ensures completion proper documentation is completed for each accident (employee and/or non-employee) and forwards to supervisor
• Reports maintenance problems and/or broken and unsafe equipment to the appropriate party immediately
• Provides appropriate safety instruction and regularly inspects classroom/program environment and equipment to ensure safety
• Responds to emergencies according to established department procedures

MINIMUM & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum & Preferred Requirements

Education: 

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Bachelor’s degree in progress or completed in Recreation Therapy, Physical Education, Recreation, Sports  Management, Business, Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, or a related field preferred

Experience:

• Strong endurance running background or demonstrated high-level sprint/middle-distance capability required
• Ability to communicate clearly, calmly, and decisively in dynamic environments
• Willingness to commit to consistent training and competition schedules
• Personal philosophy rooted in service, humility, and team-first mindset
• Openness to learning adaptive sport techniques and working closely with athletes with disabilities
• Prior experience guiding visually impaired athletes preferred (training provided)
• Knowledge of recreational & elite (Paralympic) training practices and principles preferred
• Strong oral and written communication skills required
• Must possess excellent customer service skills
• Experience within the disability sports population preferred
• Preferred experience with sports (volunteer, former/current athlete, coach of youth sports)

License & Certification:

• American Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED certifications are required
• Valid California Drivers’ License and proof of automobile insurance are required if driving program vehicles or individuals

Trainings (Must be completed within 30 days of hire):

• Anti-Harassment Training
• Must complete the California Defensive Driving Course if driving program vehicles or individuals

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Full participation in scheduled practices and competitions
• Reliable availability during competitive season to ensure uninterrupted athlete participation
• Travel commitment consistent with team schedule
• Engagement in training sessions related to adaptive sport and guiding best practices
• Represents the program with professionalism, sportsmanship, and integrity at practices, competitions, and official events
• Must be punctual and regular in attendance: arrive on time and ready for training
• Must meet commitments and complete tasks satisfactorily
• Must be able to work independently and stay focused under pressure in stressful situations
• Must work effectively with other employees/departments
• Must be accurate and pay attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills required
• Must be able to follow oral and written directions
• Must be professional and courteous at all times
• Must be able to work well with different work styles
• Must be able to work efficiently and show initiative

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to handle difficult situations involving participants with patience, good judgment, and with diplomacy is expected
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people effectively and diplomatically
• Must have strong English language skills and the ability to read, write and verbally communicate at a level appropriate to the duties of the position
• Proficient computer skills preferred
• Ability to prioritize workload
• Ability to manage information flow
• Ability to develop positive working relationships

SCHEDULE & WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a part-time volunteer position.  Athlete Guide Runners must be able to commit to full participation in an elite-level schedule of practices and competitions, which may include early mornings, evenings and weekends.

WORK ENVIRONMENT   The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Training and competition activities occur in a variety of high-performance environments, including outdoor track facilities, indoor training venues, weight rooms, and competition stadiums. Conditions may include variable weather (heat, cold, wind, rain), high noise levels from crowds and stadium audio systems, and dynamic, fast-paced surroundings. The role requires sustained physical exertion at elite sprint speeds, precise tethered coordination with a visually impaired athlete, and acute environmental awareness to ensure safety and performance. Exposure to elevated noise levels and high-intensity training environments is expected; appropriate protective measures are utilized as necessary.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position requires elite-level physical performance, including sprinting at maximum velocity, rapid acceleration and deceleration, and sustained high-intensity interval training. Duties involve tethered running in precise synchronization with a visually impaired athlete, requiring advanced proprioception, balance, and spatial awareness. The role demands explosive power, agility, coordination, and cardiovascular endurance consistent with national and international competition standards. Training and competition may require extended periods of standing, dynamic movement, warm-up and recovery activities, and strength and conditioning sessions. Occasional lifting, pushing, and carrying of training equipment (generally up to 50 pounds unassisted) may be required. The position carries inherent risk associated with high-speed track and field activities. 

RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports to the Adapted Athletics Director
• Reports to Head Sprints Coach in absence of Director
• Further interactions may include other full-time staff within Aztec Recreation
• Interfaces with part-time Aztec Recreation staff, Adapted Athletics coaches, interns, and Athletic Training staff

EMPLOYMENT CATEGORY:     Volunteer

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered this position with Associated Students. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current Associated Students employees who apply for the position.

Fingerprinting is required for all employee and volunteer positions that have direct contact with minor children. 

MVR and DMV record review is required for positions that drive university vehicles and/or passengers for program related trips.