Coach Development Strategy Update
Key Pillar 1: Transition from a compliance-based to a value-based education model
By adopting a coach education framework that reflects best practices in adult education and sports development.
Personalised Learning Journeys
Tailored education pathways that align with individual coaching aspirations, skill levels, and the needs of their athletes.
How we achieved this in 2023/24:
- Redesigned the coach accreditation framework to allow flexible entry-points based on the skills, training environment, experience, and objectives of the learner.
- Streamlined the recognition of prior learning process to ensure coaches were better recognised for their previous experience and education.
How will we refine this in 2025/26:
- Redesign the Level 3 Performance Coach pathway to enable a more coach-driven selection of the modules they complete to gain the accreditation.
- Introduce micro-credentials within specific skill areas that can be stacked towards larger credentials or accreditations.
Practical Application
Emphasis on experiential learning, peer mentoring, and hands-on workshops to bridge theory and practice effectively.
How we achieved this in 2023/24:
- Launched the Club-Connect program, providing a structured 5-stage experiential learning program connecting coaches with community clubs.
- Delivery of 22 structured event-specific practical workshops, integrated into the Performance Coach program or available as standalone upskilling workshops.
- Inclusion of the Practical Assessment Tool as a key assessment item for coaches gaining their accreditation.
How will we refine this in 2025/26:
- Expand the Club Connect program by offering a fully online mentor training process and promotion directly to clubs who will be able to source their own mentee athletes (e.g., senior athletes, parent volunteers).
- Increase the availability of event-specific workshop offerings with the assistance of the Event Group Panels.
- Enhance the Practical Assessment Tool by offering bespoke versions based on the training environment of the coach.
- Introduce a structured Peer-Review process of higher level accreditations, where learners receive feedback from their fellow participants based on active observation in their regular training environments.
- Establish ‘Coach in Residence’ programs under the leadership of system employed coaches.
Modern Delivery Methods
Integration of online modules, interactive tools, and blended learning approaches to ensure accessibility and flexibility for all coaches.
How we achieved this in 2023/24:
- All 6 accreditation courses now include extensive self-paced online modules to be completed at the coaches' own pace.
- Creation of over 90 mini-courses available for all coaches on the Athletics Learning Centre.
- Gamification of learning with small awards and recognition for coaches based on the education they complete.
- Online repository of resources (articles, session plans, videos etc.) on Coach Athletics created.
- Live virtual webinar series offered throughout 2024 to all coaches (Target Talent Program) and a High Performance Town Hall series aimed at High Performance coaches.
- Weekly ‘Peer-Reviewed Research Summary’ series shared on common social platforms to provide microlearning options for coaches.
- Community Forum established, inviting coaches to share their challenges and solutions on the most commonly asked questions by coaches.
How will we refine this in 2025/26:
- Incorporate more interactive elements, such as scenario-based learning, decision-making exercises, and adaptive content tailored to a coach’s progress.
- Increase the number of mini courses on topics that receive the most votes from the Annual Coaching Survey.
- Create a tiered rewards system, where coaches earn badges for completing specific learning pathways, which can be displayed on their profiles.
- Release guidelines and suggestions for coaches to integrate AI safely and effectively into their coaching practice.
- Use analytics to track course engagement, completion rates, and learner outcomes, then refine content based on insights.
Ongoing Professional Development
Establishing a culture of continuous learning through modular courses, advanced certifications, and opportunities to engage with cutting-edge sports science and coaching techniques.
How we achieved this in 2023/24:
- Launched the Coaching CPD pathway, to allow coaches to specialise and be recognised for further education that is relevant for their coaching environment.
- Launched the Mandatory Annual Update course to be completed by all coaches online.
Key Pillar 2: Develop an inclusive coaching workforce
By increasing opportunities for underrepresented groups, offering region-specific education programs, and promoting equity in access to resources.
Opportunities for Underrepresented Groups
Actively recruit and support women, Indigenous Australians, individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds, and coaches in regional or remote areas through targeted initiatives and mentorship programs.
How we achieved this in 2023/24:
- Launched the Women in High Performance Sport Program.
How will we refine this in 2025/26:
- Establish Women and Girls in Coaching Network.
- Develop specific resources for working in remote communities.
- Delivery of more online education sessions hosted by national leads with priority access given to regional and remote coaches.
- Establishment of a women and girls coaching recruitment strategy.
- Delivery of a Women in Coaching conference.
Key Pillar 3: Provide a stronger membership and development proposition
Offering coaches access to a broad suite of CPD resources, priority registration for workshops, and tools tailored to enhance coaching outcomes.
Comprehensive CPD Resource
Provide access to a robust library of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) materials, including videos, articles, and interactive modules covering technical, tactical, and interpersonal coaching skills.
How we achieved this in 2023/24:
- Published over 250 video resources and over 100 articles on the Athletics Coaching Hub.
- Launched over 80 self-paced online modules on the Athletics Learning Centre.
- Ran and promoted over 50 workshops nationally, through our state associations, and partner organisations.
How will we refine this in 2025/26:
- Develop new resources for specialised areas like para-athletics, mental health in athletes, and cutting-edge sports technology applications.
- Explore cross-sport education and mentor/peer-learning opportunities for athletics coaches.
- Increase visibility and awareness of available resources.
Coach Recognition
Celebrating milestones and recognising contributions to athlete and sport development.
How we achieved this in 2023/24:
- Launched the Community Coach of the Month Award to celebrate leading national-level coaches.
- Launched the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Badge accreditations, awarded to coaches based on the number of CPD points obtained.
- Launched the ‘Champion Makers’ series to celebrate High Performance coaches.
- Launched the Coaching Honour Roll to recognise long-serving coaches.
- Re-designed and improved the Find a Coach platform to help coaches promote their services and qualifications to athletes.
- Launched the Coach Pass system for accessing major Athletics Australia and State Association events.
How will we refine this in 2025/26:
- Introduce a Platinum Badge for coaches achieving the highest CPD point thresholds or significant milestones (e.g., coaching at the Olympic level).
- Host an annual gala to celebrate all recognised coaches, including awards presentations, a coaching hall of fame induction, and networking opportunities.
- Add new features and redesign of the Find a Coach system.
- Introduce a Mentor of the Year recognition program to celebrate coaches who contribute to developing others through mentorship.
- Work with new and existing partners to enhance the membership benefits of accreditation.
Priority Access to Workshops
Enable members to register early for high-demand workshops, webinars, and practical sessions led by leading experts in athletics coaching and sports science.
How we achieved this in 2023/24:
- Creation of a National Coach Education calendar with AA/MA and partner organisation events listed.
- Accredited coaches given priority access to high-demand events, such as the Endurance Edge and Target Talent Program workshops.
How will we refine this in 2025/26:
- Member-only pre-registration periods to be established for all AA education events.