Coach Applications for International Badminton U16 Shonai 2026

Coach Applications for International Badminton U16 Shonai 2026

USA Badminton (USAB) is now accepting applications for the Coach position for the International Badminton U16 Shonai 2026 (July 25-26, 2026 in Shonai, Japan).

USA is allotted one (1) U16 Boys’ Singles player and one (1) U16 Girls’ Singles player, and one (1) Coach for this tournament. The athlete selection for this tournament was held in conjunction with the 2026 Bintang OLC on March 13-15, 2026.

Application Form: https://form.jotform.com/260627409829163. Only applications received through the form will be considered.

Application deadline: Friday, April 21, 2026, 12 PM (NOON) Pacific Time.

View the full Coach Selection Procedure here.

If you have any questions about the tournament, please contact Esther.Lin@usabadminton.org and InternationalEntry@usabadminton.org.

Job Responsibilities and Expectations for the Coach position

The selected coach is responsible for providing strategies and techniques to allow the athletes to reach their highest level of competition and for motivating them to develop sportsmanship, game appreciation, and self-esteem.

The selected coach may also take on roles as Coach and Team Manager, if needed; responsibilities include coordinating with local organizers, booking practice courts, managing media relations, and similar duties.

This is a volunteer position with long and unpredictable hours. The tournament organizers will provide a stipend for airfare and cover (4) nights of hotel (check in on July 23, 2026; check out on July 27, 2026). The coach will cover the difference in the airfare and all other fees. USAB will not be funding this position.

Commitments for the selected individual

• Once the coaching position is assigned and the applicant has accepted, they are expected to fulfill their responsibilities; failure to do so may adversely affect consideration for future assignments.
• All applicants are expected to be able to use basic communication technology, primarily WhatsApp and Email.
• Within two weeks after the end of the tournament, the assigned individuals should collaborate to prepare and submit a detailed report to USAB’s Athlete Services Manager.
• Assigned coaching staff are expected to act independently of all current or previous affiliations with clubs, players, or businesses and to manage any conflicts of interest that may arise during competition.

Who Can Apply

Minimum Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must have, within a week of the application deadline and throughout the tournament, the following criteria (not listed in priority):

• USAB Compliance
  • Be a current USAB member in good standing.
  • Have a current green light NCSI background check on file.
  • Have completed SafeSport Training within the past calendar year.
• Possess a valid passport that does not expire until at least six months after the conclusion of the International Badminton U16 Shonai 2026.
• Meet all health, entry, and visa requirements established by the host country.
• Have a current season USAB Coaching Pass (2025-2026) at the time of application, and apply for the 2026-2027 USAB Coaching Pass once the application opens.

Applicants must:

• Possess a high level of specific technical and tactical knowledge of the sport.
• Have the ability to manage large groups of athletes.
• Have the ability to manage conflicts of interest.
• Be able to deal with emotionally charged situations with integrity and in a professional manner.

Additional Criteria:

• Have the ability to work effectively with USAB.
• Have thorough knowledge and understanding of the IF and CF rules and regulations governing the sport as necessary for the position.
• Demonstrate ability to establish harmonious relationships with athletes and other team personnel.
• Be in good health and able to withstand the physical rigors of traveling with and working with the Team.
• Take an anti-doping course/workshop as required by the tournament organizers or USA Badminton.

USAB prefers that the Coach:

• Be BWF Level 1 or above certified.
• Be the personal coach as designated by at least one athlete who is selected for the International Badminton U16 Shonai 2026 tournament.

Selection Process

The High Performance Committee (HPC; previously known as the High Performance Advisory Group, HPAG) will review the identified pool of candidates for the Coach position and evaluate individuals based on the requirements above, as well as the criteria below. 

The HPC will rank up to five (5) candidates for this position. The coach will be selected based on the following factors, which are listed in no particular order:

• Be a current personal coach of an athlete selected to compete in the International Badminton U16 Shonai tournament, but be able to manage conflicts of interest that this may create.
• Experience working with elite athletes.
• Experience coaching at BWF international individual or team competitions.
• Standing of competing athlete(s) of personal coaches based on ranking and past results, including the 2026 YONEX USA Badminton Junior National Championships.
• Ability to work with multiple athletes.
• History of traveling internationally with athlete(s).
• Proven ability to work in collaboration with USAB and other team staff.

USA Badminton High Performance Committee (HPC) consists of USAB:

• Coaching Director, Board of Directors – Jamie Subandhi
• CEO/interim CEO, or designated USAB staff member – John Ruger/Justin Rogers
• Director of Para-Badminton – Yuko Kawasaki
• USAB Team USA AC Representative, Board of Directors – Eva Lee Waller
• USAB Alternate Team USA AC Representative, Board of Directors – Paula Lynn O. Cao Hok