Expression of Interest – Women in Coaching and Officiating Working Group

Empower, Inspire, Lead: Women in Coaching and Officiating Working Group

We are calling on coaches and officials to be part of an important initiative to drive change in athletics coaching and officiating. The Women in Coaching and Officiating Working Group will provide valuable insights, shape development pathways, and advocate for more opportunities for women and girls in the sport.

Why Join?
This group will influence key areas such as:
✅ Enhancing coach education and development programs
✅ Improving mentoring and career progression opportunities
✅ Addressing barriers to participation and leadership
✅ Increasing recognition and support for female coaches and officials

What’s Involved?
Members will meet every three months, starting mid-2025, to discuss and advise on strategies that will shape the future of coaching and officiating in Australia.

How to Apply
The application process is quick and simple—just 10–15 minutes. All accredited members (coaches, officials, and athletes) are encouraged to apply.

📝 Submit your Expression of Interest by Friday, 28th February 2025.

For more information, contact Nicolai Morris at Nicolai.morris@athletics.org.au.

Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive coaching environment for women and girls in athletics.

Women in Coaching and Officiating Working Group Terms of Reference

1.     Purpose

·       The Australian Athletics (AA) Women’s Coaching and Officiating Working Group (Working Group) exists as a consultative group to provide insights and advice to inform and guide initiatives to support and enhance the participation, development, and progression of women and girls in coaching and officiating within Australian Athletics. 

2.     Authority

·       The Group is advisory in nature and has no delegated decision making authority.

·       The Group is administered by the AA Coaching and Officiating Project Coordinator for its function and performance.

3.     Role of the Group

The Working Group will provide advice, insights, and recommendations in relation to the following areas of women and girls in coaching and officiating:

·       Education;

·       Professional development;

·       Development pathways;

·       Wellbeing and experience;

·       Challenges to inclusion and progression;

·       Recognition and advocacy

4.     Group Membership, Composition, and Size

·       The Working Group will be made up of between eight (8) and ten (10) members.

·       Appointment to the Working Group is on a voluntary basis

Appointment will be determined by an AA Panel. In determining the composition of the Working Group, the AA Panel will give consideration to an applicant’s knowledge in the following areas:

·       Coaching and/or officiating experience;

·       Diversity and intersectional inclusion and equity, particularly in relation to gender;

·       Coach and/or officials pathways;

·       Contemporary Safeguarding, wellbeing and ethical considerations in sport;

·       Professional development, education and/or mentoring in sport;

·       Stakeholder engagement and advocacy;

5.     Meetings and Processes

·       The Women’s Coaching and Officiating Advisory Group will meet four (4) times per year in March, June, September, and December

·       Teleconferencing and videoconferencing facilities will be made available where meetings are not conducted in person

·       The AA Coaching and Officiating Project Coordinator will provide administrative support to the group, including the circulation of any reading material.