Australian Sports Commission hosts its third successful Coaching and Officiating Conference

The Australian Sports Commission has held its third successful Coaching and Officiating Conference which was marked by two new world-leading courses, seven keynote speeches and more than 80 sessions. The three-day event saw more than 450 people come together at GMHBA stadium in Geelong from 18th to 20th March.

Director of Coaching and Officiating at the ASC Katie Foulkes said the conference highlighted the vital role coaches and officials can play in creating safe, welcoming, inclusive and fun sporting environments and experiences which is a key aim of the Play Well Strategy.

Foulkes noted “this conference enabled people from more than 60 different sports across the region to reflect, collaborate and learn about the modern approach, and how it can reshape the sporting experience to meet people’s needs.

Softball Australia’s General Manager for Game Development, Clare Walker found the opportunity to meet with respected industry peers and hear diverse perspectives on the impact of sport invaluable.

Walker advised “It reinforced how integral it is to incorporate inclusivity and respect into coaching and officiating practices, ensuring that everyone feels seen and valued.”

The conference heard keynote speeches from Barkindji (Aboriginal) and Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Hine (Māori) woman and NRL coach Jess Skinner on connection to place, Geelong Cats Chief Executive Steve Hocking on values-based leadership and former AFL coach Danielle Laidley.

Walker added "Danielle’s willingness to speak vulnerably about her journey with gender dysphoria and the broader impact of embracing diversity was truly inspiring. Her story was a powerful reminder of the strength found in diversity and authenticity.”

Community basketball official Cathi Trefort-Budby described the conference as an amazing and unforgettable experience enthusing “I’m super excited to get to work on everything I’ve learnt and reach out to the connections I’ve made.”

Trefort-Budby received a Suncorp scholarship to attend, recognising her work to ensure all basketball players in her community of Narrogin in Western Australia can play the game in a format that suited their skills.

“Regardless of your demographic, you can get out there and just have fun in a safe space. Sport isn't just about the game, it's about the barriers you can also break down without the player even realising,” Trefort-Budby said.

The ASC also unveiled two new world-leading online training courses targeted at facilitators of group learning and coach developers and mentors who support coaches on the job.

Foulkes continued “a number of sports are already integrating the Facilitation Essential Skills course into their workforce training approach, to help make group learning engaging, interactive and supportive.

“This is all part of the ASC’s commitment to providing ongoing learning and development to support the sector and ensure that everyone can find a place in sport.”

The Facilitation Essential Skills and Supporting Coaches in Practice courses can be accessed for free through the Australian Sport Learning Centre. Each course contains six modules and takes around two hours to complete.

Image top. The seven recipients of the Suncorp scholarship to attend the 2025 conference (from left): Jess Broadhurst, Garth Plank, Samantha Wyborn, Aija Bruvere, Cathi Trefort-Budby, Saket Angrish and Tom Gellatly.Image below: Softball Australia’s General Manager for Game Development, Clare Walker, runs an interactive workshop focused on a holistic approach to coaching and officiating within game development. Credit: ASC.