CLUB COACH PROGRAM

Athletics West recognises quality coaching is essential to the growth and sustainability of our sport. Athletics West provide accredited coaching courses through affiliation with Athletics Australia.

Athletics West Club Coach Program will provide community coaches throughout our state-wide network of clubs and centres the opportunity to advance their coach education. Coaches selected for the program will be provided with development opportunities, including progressing their accreditation level with a return commitment to coach a minimum of 6 sessions during the 2023-24 season at their local club/centre.

Purpose

With over 360 accredited athletics coaches in WA, the purpose of this program is to activate and expand the existing expertise, connect more coaches to their local clubs and ultimately provide higher quality coaching for clubs/centres and athletes of all levels throughout the state.

The legacy of the program will be enhanced technical knowledge and soft skills in coaches, providing best practice support networks to further build the athlete and coach talent pool across the state.

Program Objectives

The objective is to activate and expand the existing coaching expertise from within 360 accredited athletes’ coaches in WA.
Create positive experiences and connect accredited coaches to local clubs and centres.
Increase access to higher quality coaching for clubs and centres and athletes of all levels in the metropolitan and regions.
Encourage community members to pursue the coaching pathway and provide a ‘kick start’ to the coach’s long-term development.
Contributes to the sustainability of clubs, with addressing the ongoing challenge of securing coach expertise at a local level.

Participant Eligibility and Nomination

Nominations can be made in two ways:

Athletics West affiliated clubs and centres | can submit one (1) nomination for an existing Club/Centre coach for inclusion in the program (no minimum accreditation). If a Club/Centre wishes to nominate further applicants, they can do so but will be required to pay $100 contribution.

Club/Centre Nominate Here

Individual Accredited coaches | can apply for inclusion in the program. The coach can nominate their local Club/Centre or seek assistance from Athletics West to connect with a Club/Centre ((minimum Level 1 Community Athletics Coach accreditation).

Individual Coach Nomination

To be eligible for selection, nominees must be:

A minimum of 16 years old
Hold a current Working with Children Card (or willingness to obtain)

From nominations, Athletics West will select up to twenty-five (25) participants in the program based on the following criteria, applicants must be able to demonstrate:

How progressing their accreditation level will positively benefit the sport of athletics
Commitment to long term development in coaching
Responsibility for their own coach education development

Upon selection, participants will attend Athletics Australia Accredited Coaching Course (Level 1 or Level 2) and be linked with a local club or centre, if required. AW will cover the cost of a course in return for coaching hours at an affiliated AW Club or Centre.

Program Inclusions

Athletics West to cover cost of Level 1 or Level 2 Coach Accreditation Course
Public liability and personal accident insurance under national insurance policy
Travel support for regional based coaches to attend metro-based course.
Development opportunity at State Development Program/ Squad sessions
Connection to a to local club or centre network (where not existing)
Eligibility to be considered for casual employment opportunities at local school or clubs and other community programs.
Recognition on Athletics West website
Access to Athletics West Coach E-News
Access to Athletics Australia’s extensive online learning portal with a catalogue of courses, webinars, readings, and professional development opportunities

Participant Responsibilities

Completion of accredited coach education course components including pre course work and post course tasks
Comply with the Athletics Australia Coach Code of Conduct
Completion of Sport Integrity Australia Anti-Doping Fundamentals Course
Completion of Play by the Rules Child Protection modules.
Plan and deliver a minimum of six (6) of training sessions at an Athletics West affiliated club or centre in line with the Athletics Australia Coaching Framework. This may also include liaison with the club/centre, parents/guardians to determine needs and ensure appropriate delivery.
Opportunities to attend and support athlete participation at local, centre and state competitions and other development activities.