Athletes Changing Coaches
Navigating a Coach Change: A Clear and Respectful Transition Process for Athletes and Coaches
The decision for an athlete to change coaches is one of the most significant choices they can make in their athletic career. It affects not just the athlete’s performance and well-being but also has a profound impact on their current and prospective coaches, other athletes in the training squads, and the overall coaching network. When handled well, a coach transition can be a smooth step forward in an athlete’s career for all parties. However, when done poorly, it can lead to a decline in performance, loss of enjoyment in the sport, damaged relationships, and a breakdown in trust between coaches that can have long-term consequences for the sport as a whole.
Throughout my career, I’ve seen both ends of the spectrum. In some cases, a well-managed transition has ensured continuity in an athlete’s development, strengthened professional respect between coaches, and maintained a positive training environment for all involved. Unfortunately, I’ve also witnessed situations where poor communication and mismanagement have led to fractured relationships, strained reputations, and an unwillingness among coaches to collaborate in the future—all of which ultimately harm the athletes we are here to support.
This guide is designed to create a clear and respectful process that prioritises the athlete’s best interests while protecting the professionalism, rights, and dignity of all coaches involved. It acknowledges an athlete’s right to seek new coaching opportunities and guidance while ensuring that transitions are handled in a way that fosters respect, accountability, and ongoing cooperation within the coaching community. The guide also offers a mechanism for coaches to raise issues, where they feel that the process has not been followed or the code of conduct has been breached.
By following these guidelines, we can create an environment where athletes, coaches, and the broader athletics community continue to thrive.
Step-by-Step Process for Changing Coaches
Changing coaches is a major decision that should be handled with care, professionalism, and respect. Following the structured process below ensures a smooth transition for the athlete while maintaining strong relationships between all parties involved.
Tap each step for more details.
Athlete-Coach Discussion
Athlete:
'Thank the coach for their support.
Be clear on your reasons for leaving.
Don’t put off having the hard conversation.
Coach:
Respect the athlete’s decision
Actively listen to what they are telling you and avoid interrupting.
Coach-Coach Discussion
Be respectful both ways
Be open and clear on exactly how the athlete approached the new coach and what was discussed.
Try to ensure ongoing dialogue between coaches.
Don’t put off the hard conversation.
Make written notes of any key points that come up in conversation.
Coaches are not permitted to accept the role of coaching a new athlete until they have consulted the athlete’s current coach, and the athlete has also informed their current coach.
Your Responsibilities Under the Coach Code of Conduct
Not undermine the confidence of an athlete working with another coach.
Under no circumstances must a coach pursue, either covertly or overtly, an athlete that is presently engaged in a formal coaching relationship with another coach.
Not accept the role of coaching a new athlete until they have (a) consulted the current coach and (b) the athlete has informed their current coach of their intention to change coaches.
Recognise an athlete’s rights to consult with other coaches and advisors, including sports medicine / sports science professionals.
Respect the right of an athlete to change coaches and not obstruct an athlete from moving to another coach.
Reporting a Breach of the Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct breaches can be reported confidentially to Australian Athletics in writing or by registering for a callback via the form below.
What If It’s The Athlete Who Doesn’t Follow the Policy?
Coach transitions should be handled openly and respectfully. Athletes should speak with their current coach before moving on (Step 2), and we encourage communication between the old coach and new coach to support a smooth transition (Step 5).
If an athlete tells you they do not want you to contact their previous coach, this should not be ignored or brushed aside. Instead, it is a sign that the conversation needs to slow down and be handled with care.
Start by exploring the athlete’s concerns. There may be a simple reason, such as discomfort, uncertainty, or a wish to manage the conversation in their own time. In other cases, there may be unresolved tension, a wish to train under both squads, or a more sensitive issue behind their hesitation.
A new coach should reinforce the importance of respectful and transparent transitions. This includes encouraging the athlete to speak with their current or previous coach before any formal coaching arrangement begins.
Where appropriate, the new coach can explain why coach to coach contact is helpful. For example, it may support continuity in training, help clarify recent workload, or ensure the transition is handled respectfully. In many cases, this conversation helps the athlete feel more comfortable with the process.
If the athlete still refuses, the coach should proceed carefully. In most cases, it would be inappropriate to contact the previous coach against the athlete’s explicit wishes unless there is a clear welfare, safety, or integrity concern that makes this necessary. In these situations, the coach may need to pause and consider whether it is appropriate to formally take the athlete on until the transition has been handled properly.
Good practice for the new coach
Encourage the athlete to have the conversation with their current coach first and explain that it is a requirement of your coaching accreditation for athletes to follow the established coach-transition process.
Explain why open communication supports a respectful transition.
Avoid contacting the previous coach behind the athlete’s back in ordinary circumstances.
Avoid accepting the athlete if the transition has not been handled honestly.
Seek advice if there are welfare or safeguarding concerns.