From a Volunteer Position: Lessons on American College Sports Economics

I have spent more than a decade observing American college sports programs, and I can tell you this: the most modest job postings often reveal the most about the power structure of the system. Bryant University's recent announcement for a Volunteer Assistant Diving Coach position is not just a routine hiring notice — it is a window into the economics of American college sports, where mid-major programs must navigate with limited resources. Bryant University, located in Smithfield, Rhode Island, is an NCAA Division I program but belongs to the "mid-major" group — not Power Five. They compete in the America East Conference, a mid-tier conference where swimming and diving programs typically have modest budgets. This position requires no elite competitive experience, mentions no specific coaching certifications, and most importantly — no salary is stated. This is a volunteer position, a model increasingly common in the NCAA system. Based on my analysis, this position reflects three important structural trends. First, the NCAA limits the number of "countable coaches" in each program. Volunteer coaches are a legal way to add staffing capacity without violating this limit. Second, mid-major program budgets typically do not allow for paid assistant positions. Third, volunteer positions create a talent pipeline for young coaches seeking to build NCAA experience. The most interesting aspect of this announcement is the emphasis on NCAA rule compliance. The position includes recruiting support — a high-compliance-risk area. From my experience tracking NCAA violations, recruiting violations often stem from lack of training, not malicious intent. A volunteer coach engaging in recruiting without NCAA rules training could inadvertently violate rules about contact periods with prospective athletes. The contact person is Katie Cameron — most likely the head coach of Bryant's swimming and diving program, although the announcement does not specify her title. Candidates must submit a resume and a brief statement of interest. There is no information about start date, no specific certification requirements, no description of advancement pathways. This is the blind spot I want to emphasize: the lack of detail in this job posting could signal an urgent staffing need. When a program posts hastily, it is often because someone just left or because the program is in transition. I have seen many similar cases — a hastily posted volunteer position often signals coaching staff instability. Technically, this position requires diving instruction competence — a specialized skill set including movement mechanics, board technique, and most importantly, spotting safety skills. Unlike swimming, where technique can be adjusted gradually, diving requires absolute precision from the start — a small technical error can lead to serious injury. However, the announcement does not mention any certification requirements such as USA Diving coach certification or CPR/first aid. From a systems perspective, this position is a small data point in a larger trend: American college sports programs increasingly rely on unpaid labor to operate. This is especially true in mid-major programs, where budgets do not allow for full coaching staffs. The consequence: young coaches must accept unpaid work to gain experience, and programs must accept risks in training quality. I remember once mispronouncing a Mexican diver's name at an international competition — I said "Paola Espinosa" as "Paola Espinoza" three times before radio listeners called in to correct me. From that, I learned that meticulous attention to the smallest details reflects respect for the sport. Similarly, a job posting lacking details about certifications, development pathways, and specific expectations may reflect a lack of investment in training quality. The question is: is the volunteer coach model sustainable? From a financial perspective, it helps programs save costs. But from a quality perspective, it creates a paradox: those with the least experience are entrusted with training athletes who need the best guidance. This is not unique to Bryant — this is a systemic issue across the NCAA. However, I also see opportunity in this challenge. Volunteer positions, despite being unpaid, remain gateways into the NCAA system. Many successful head coaches today started in similar positions. They learned how to operate within regulatory frameworks, how to build relationships with athletes, and how to manage time under pressure. These are skills that cannot be learned from books. For potential candidates, I advise: ask questions before submitting your application. Ask about advancement pathways, about the possibility of future compensation, about the head coach's specific expectations. Do not accept a volunteer position without understanding what you will receive beyond experience. And request NCAA rules training before engaging in any recruiting activities — this protects both you and the program. For Bryant, I recommend: be transparent about expectations, provide safety and compliance training, and consider the possibility of a small stipend for recruiting-related travel expenses. A program that invests in its coaches — even volunteers — will attract higher-quality candidates. This job posting, though small, opens a larger conversation about how we value labor in sports. When a system relies on unpaid labor to operate, it sends a message about value. The question is: do we accept that message?