What You Need To Know If You Are Thinking About Getting Involved As A Coach

There are many reasons why you may want to start coaching or learn more about coaching.

The NSW Athletics Workforce Development Program will help you to confidently contribute to the sport in a role and at a level to which you aspire.

Is Coaching For You?

A passion for learning is the main key to developing as a coach.

You don’t have to have been good at, or even have done athletics yourself.

Where Do I Start?

Some ways to get started in coaching or learn more about coaching include:

• Attend a course, workshop or conference
• Enrol in an online coaching course
• Observe/assist established coaches
• Work with a coaching mentor
• Read about coaching via books, magazines, blogs or websites
• Listen to coaching-related podcasts
• Follow reputable coaches and coaching organisations on social media
• Phone or email Little Athletics NSW or Athletics NSW for advice

Which Course Should I Undertake?

There are many courses and workshops that can be used as a suitable entry point to begin your learning journey:

Community Coaching Essential Skills Course

This online course is free and can be done in your own time. It is a great start to learning about a range of general coaching topics and is a prerequisite if you decide to undertake the  Level 1 Community Athletics Coach course.  This course is a great option for those individuals who are not yet 16 years of age and therefore do not yet meet the minimum age eligibility for some of the other courses/workshops.

Introduction to Teaching Little Athletics Skills Course

Formerly known as Introduction to Coaching Courses, these practical face-to-face courses will show you how to introduce and teach basic Little Athletics event-specific skills to kids. They are ideal if you want to help out at a Little Athletics centre level. They are also a great courses for teachers. These courses pair well with the  Level 1 Community Athletics Coach course whether undertaken before or after attending the Level 1 course.

How to Coach the Fundamentals of Movement Workshop

This 3-hour face-to-face workshop is fantastic if you plan to work with athletes of any age but is particularly useful if your interest lies in helping kids of early primary school/pre-school age.  You will greatly benefit from attending this workshop if you help with a Tiny Tots or On Track program. A mix of theory and practical content is delivered.

Coaching Children 5-12: The Next Generation

This 3-hour face-to-face workshop covers key concepts related to coaching children of primary school age. It will help you learn how to coach with a clear purpose and deliver crucial outcomes that are the sign of an effective children’s coaching program. This workshop pairs well with any of the other courses/workshops listed on this page. A mix of theory and practical content is delivered.

Level 1 Community Athletics Coach Course

This course is necessary if you want to gain Athletics Australia accreditation and be formally recognised as a track and field coach. It is recommended you eventually complete this course if you intend to coach for the long-term and/or would like to coach private groups or squads. Accreditation with Athletics Australia includes public liability insurance if you are coaching outside Little Athletics centre-approved activities. A coaching accreditation is also sometimes necessary to use certain facilities or as a condition of employment as a coach.

There is a formal recognition of prior learning (RPL) process if you believe you are already able to meet the expected competencies of an accredited coach.

Level 1 Run Leader

This course is necessary if you want to become an accredited coach with the Athletics Australia Recreational Running Framework. The course introduces how to lead a recreational run group under the guidance of a Level 2 Intermediate Recreational Running Coach or higher.

Play By The Rules Online Courses

These free online courses cover some of the most important topics in sport, including child protection, harassment and discrimination, and complaint handling. By taking these courses you will upgrade your knowledge and skills, which will help to create safer, fairer and more inclusive environments for all people involved in sport.

More information

All of the above courses/workshops are different and each will add to your knowledge and skills.

For more information about any of the workshops or courses follow the links.

Remember that any type of coaching workshop, course or accreditation is simply the beginning of your development as a coach. It is ultimately through coaching and ongoing to learning that you will continue to develop as a coach.

If you require any further advice, contact Joshua Jacka – Education Coordinator- via email education@lansw.com.au or phone 02 8070 6131.