Working with an Accredited Coach
What Roles do Accredited Coaches Perform?
Accredited Athletics Coaches are individuals who have been accredited by Athletics Australia and their State Athletics Association to deliver training to Track and Field athletes and recreational runners.
Accredited Coaches are trained and qualified to perform the following roles:
Support and Motivate: Understand the motivations of athletes and create the right training environment to meet the athletes' objectives.
Plan and Adjust Training Programs: Create short and long-term training plans to assist athletes to achieve performance objectives at target events or competitions.
Monitor Technique and Provide Feedback to Athletes: Provide meaningful feedback to athletes based on the optimal technical model of their chosen event/discipline.
Advise: Use principles of training to provide evidence-based advice to athletes on a wide range of sport-related issues.
Refer: When appropriate, direct athletes to relevant support specialists (e.g. Physiotherapists, Dietitians etc.).
Why Choose an Accredited Coach?
When choosing an Accredited Athletics Coach, you can have confidence that:
They hold professional qualifications recognised by Athletics Australia, State Athletics Associations, and the Australian Sports Commission. This education equips them with a strong foundation in coaching principles, sports science, and athlete development.
They are fully insured under the Athletics Australia Coaching Insurance Policy.
They agree to abide by and are held to the standards of the Athletics Coaching Code of Conduct, including the Child Protection policy and are aware of their responsibilities as an Accredited Coach.
They hold a Working with Children Check or have a valid exemption according to the requirements of their State or Territory.
They have completed an annual coaching update and have access to the latest resources to ensure that they remain up-to-date.
They follow best practices in body composition assessment, athlete data collection and storage, and athlete wellbeing.
You have a process for raising any concerns regarding the coach's conduct to Athletics Australia or your State Athletics Association.
How Much Should You Pay an Accredited Coach?
Each coach will set their own fees and charges, according to the experience, equipment, facilities, and services that they offer.
In your initial consultation with a new coach, ensure that you understand their fee structure and any other costs that may be associated with training. These may include:
Club fees
Facility fees (including parking)
Squad apparel
Travel fees (e.g. squad camps, National competitions etc.)
To assist coaches, parents, clubs, and athletes make an informed choice, Athletics Australia publishes Coach Payment Guidelines. These are general recommendations based on the average cost of Track and Field coaching around the country.
Athletics Australia Coach Payment Guidelines
The following recommended training fees apply to coaches who offer private coaching to athletes.
Private Coaching (one-on-one)
Annual: $600 - $2400
Monthly: $150 - $400
Per Week: $30 - $80
Squad Coaching
Annual: $150 - $1000
Monthly: $15 - $100
Per Week: $5 - $20
Athletics Clinics (schools, clubs, or commercial enterprises)
Per Session: $50 - $120 per hour
Employing Athletics Coaches - Fair Work Obudsman Rates
Employers of Accredited Athletics Coaches may use payment rates determined by the Fair Work Ombudsman depending on their industry.
The Fair Work Obudsman has set payment guidelines for various industries, such as sports coaches working in schools and coaches employed by a National or State Sporting Organisation.
Note that lower rates may apply for coaches younger than 21 years of age or trainees.
Educational Services Award
Coaches working in a School may be paid according to the 'Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award' MA000076. The two cateogories most relevant to Track and Field Coaches are Assistant Coach (Level 3.2) and Sports Coach (Level 4.2).
Educational Services Hourly Pay Rates (as of July 2023)
Fitness Industry Award
Coaches working in the Fitness industry or at a venue at which operations in the fitness indutry are conducted may be paid according to the Fitness Industry Award (MA000094).
Fitness Industry Hourly Pay Rates (as of July 2023)
Sporting Organisations Award
Coaches who are employed by a National or State Sporting Organsation may be paid according to the Sporting Organisations Award (MA000082).
Sporting Organisations Hourly Pay Rates (as of July 2023)
What do the Accreditation Levels Mean?
Each Accredited Athletics Coach holds a level of accreditation, which reflects the coaching education courses that they have attended and the coaching competencies that they have demonstrated to possess.
Each level of accreditation focuses on a different level of athlete development.
Level 1 Youth Coaches specialise in working with athletes up to 12 years of age, developing athletes’ foundational movement skills.
Level 2 Development Coaches specialise in working with athletes 12 years and above, developing the technical model of their event group and preparing their athletes to compete in regional and state-level competitions.
Level 3 Performance Coaches specialise in working with athletes 15 years and above, developing mastery of the technical model of their event/s and using principles of sport science to facilitate optimal performance at National and International-level competitions.
Level 4 High Performance Coaches specialise in working with system supported athletes, managing a High Performance team and helping their athletes to achieve success at major international competitions.
Recreational Running Coaches specialise in coaching runners 18 years of age and older, helping them to participate in and perform to their best at events from 3km to marathons.
Coaches may hold multiple levels of accreditation, indicating that they have demonstrated the knowledge and competency to work with athletes at various levels of the sport.
Coaches may also hold Bronze, Silver, or Gold badges. These are awarded to coaches who have undertaken additional training and completed further Track and Field coaching education.
How Do I Report an Accredited Coach?
If you have any concerns regarding an Accredited Athletics Coach, your first point of contact will be your State Athletics Association.
For general enquiries about Accredited Coaches contact Athletics Australia.