New coaching framework up and running around Australia

Level 1 Beginning Coach
Athletics Coach Acccreditation Framework

On May 1-2, 2010, Athletics Australia together with the Australian Sports Commission launched the new Level 1 Beginning Coach program. Forty-five of the key presenters and assessors from each of the states attended the two-day workshop in Canberra, which explained the rationale behind the total framework and the underpinning skills and competencies of the beginning coach. The workshop included the piloting of the practical activities and assessment tasks that are delivered as part of the program.

The design of the Beginning Coach program is based on the following:

1. To develop the coach’s skills and understanding of the fundamental movements that underpin the events of track and field, specifically: running, jumping and throwing.

The Beginning Coach program systematically teaches the basic movements relevant to our sport so that the coach is competent in these skills before they progress to the sport-specific and technical skills. For example, understanding the principles of take-off and landing before teaching long jump.

2. To develop general coaching skills in communication and instruction, safety, organisation and the management of groups to ensure maximum participation in engaging activities.

The Beginning Coach program will enhance the skills of coaches to be able to coach large groups of beginners (often children) in games-based activities that are inclusive, safe, fun and involve maximum participation.

3. To identify the long-term development needs of the participant by promoting early diversification in a range of physical activities.

4. To be accessible and appealing to the first time coach as the entry point to accreditation and ensure the coach is equipped with the skills and competence to assist more senior coaches at club, centre and school level.

5. To practically assess the coach’s capacity to plan, manage and instruct athletics-related activity.

Typically the Beginning Coach will assist club, Event and junior coaches with club, squad and school-level athletes. They would not normally be responsible for their own squad of athletes, rather they would assist more senior coaches and in doing so, learn from those more experienced coaches.

As its name suggests, the Beginning Coach is focused on beginning coaching skills, with a particular focus on managing large groups of often young participants involved in the sport for the first time. The fundamental skill of the coach at this level must be to provide a positive environment that encourages the participant to come back next week!

The broader Athletics Coach Accreditation Framework will encourage Beginning Coaches to continue on the accreditation pathway and develop the skills to be responsible for their own squads of athletes, if they choose to do so.

Once a coach has completed the Beginning Coach program, they have the option to continue their education by undertaking Level 2 programs in:

• Club Coach – working across the disciplines with athletes in clubs and schools, competing in local to state level competition.

• Event Group Coach – working in an event group area with athletes in clubs and schools, competing in local to state level competition.

• Junior Coach – working with athletes under the age of 12.

The content that has been part of the current Level I and II is largely incorporated into the Club and Event Group Coach  programs as described above at what will be the new levels 2 and 3.

Alignment examples:

• The current Level I coach, in the new framework, will be recognised as a Level 2 Club Coach. 
• The current Level II Jumps coach will be recognised as a Level 3 Advanced Event Coach – Jumps.

The Level 2 Junior Coach will be a new program, developed in consultation with the Little Athletics community and the ATFCA (Level IV, Coaching Young Athlete), and  will foucs heavily on the issues related directly to coaching pre-pubescent athletes.

The first offering of Beginning Coach was conducted in Sydney on May 22 with great success. Twenty-two participants were involved and their evaluations show that on the questions:

Overall, how would you rate this program:
The average response was 4.6 on a 5-point scale.

The learning I have received, will give me the confidence to undertake a role as an Assistant Coach:
The average response was 4.3 on a 5 point scale.

Details regarding the total Athletics Accreditation Framework can be found here.

Accreditation update

As you will be aware, Athletics Australia together with the Australian Track & Field Coaches Association (ATFCA) and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), recognise only Accredited Athletics Coaches.

Our message to clubs, schools, parents and athletes is that Accredited Athletics Coaches have demonstrated they have the skills and knowledge required to coach in our sport.

In addition, Accredited Athletics Coaches are fully insured for their coaching practice, have agreed to the member protection including child protection provisions of the sport and have agreed to abide by the coaching code of ethics.

Accredited Athletics Coach card

If you are a currently an Accredited Athletics Coach (either with  Athletics Australia OR the ATFCA) and have not yet received your Accredited Athletics Coach card, please contact  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Your AAC card is valid for 12 months from the time of your registration or membership.

All Accredited Athletics Coaches have an option each year:

Option 1

Register with Athletics Australia as an Accredited Athletics Coach and pay a $40 accreditation fee to Athletics Australia

OR

Option 2

Become a member of the ATFCA, which includes registration with Athletics Australia as an Accredited Athletics Coach. The 2010 ATFCA membership fee is $128, which incorporates the $40 accreditation fee payable to Athletics Australia.

If your 2010 registration OR membership is now due, please make your choice as described above as soon as possible to ensure your accreditation is active.

Michael Poulton
National Coaching Manager
Athletics Australia