Community sport coaching undergoes biggest transformation in more than 40 years

Sport Australia has unveiled a modern coaching approach that focuses on the participant, their individual needs, aspirations, and motivations to play sport – a move which will see community coaching in Australian sport undergoing its biggest transformation in more than 40 years.

Developed in collaboration with the sport sector, the new coaching approach is about educating and empowering coaches to create safe, fun, and inclusive environments where participants, volunteers and community sport can thrive.

Australian Sports Commission Chief Executive Kieren Perkins advises “we know that in 2022, Australians engage with sport in a different way, and the national coaching model developed in the 1970s doesn’t meet today’s expectations.

“Our new approach will help Australia’s half a million community coaches reach their full potential and deliver the best possible experience for everyone involved. The new approach will reshape the sporting experience and encourage more people to play, coach and enjoy sport.

“We are now working closely with over 40 sports to help them revolutionise their coaching approach and developing a range of new offerings to support coaches at all levels.

“For Australia to succeed in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032, we must reimagine sport and the environment coaches create is central to this.”

Rather than focusing only on skill development, winning, and moving up through coaching accreditation levels, Sport Australia’s new approach involves ongoing learning and development for coaches. This enables them to continually improve their skills for the benefit of participants, whether they are learning a new sport, playing socially or wanting to compete at a higher level.

Water Polo Australia have embraced the new approach and have restructured their accreditation process to ensure their participants’ needs, motivations and aspirations are at the centre of everything they do.

Water Polo Australia Chief Executive, Richard McInnes notes “one of our biggest priorities is to support and strengthen our coaching workforce. To achieve this, we have removed the outdated accreditation processes, removed the cost barrier for learning and made our content available to all coaches. 

“Evaluating coaches is also no longer about passing a test, it’s about their ability to create positive, engaging environments for their players which ultimately drives retention and growth and ensures our sport will thrive.” 

Australian basketball great Carrie Graf says the new approach to coaching will be a game-changer for Australian sport adding “Over the last 20 years, the way we coach hasn't changed a whole lot, but the participants we engage with as coaches have.

“They have changed a lot in how they think, how they consume information and how they expect information to be delivered.”

In another huge step forward, community coaches across the country will soon have access to free online education which will play a pivotal role in strengthening their essential skills. 

Sport Australia Director of Coaching and Officiating Cam Tradell advises “In the coming weeks we will be launching the first in a suite of online courses we have developed to help community coaches across the country deliver a whole new sporting experience.

“The free course, that will be available on our Australian Sport Learning Centre, will support coaches connect with their participants on a much more individual level, adapt to different coaching environments and increase motivation levels.”

More information about the new approach can be found at www.sportaus.gov.au/coaching/