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NATIONAL COACHING ACCREDITATION SCHEME
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The Australian Track and Field Coaches Association initiated its Coach Accreditation scheme in 1974. Since the inception of the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme by the Australian Coaching Council in 1980, the ATFCA scheme is the only one endorsed by the Australian Coaching Council for Track and Field Athletics. The scheme is recognised by all Athletics Bodies in Australia. The Scheme is made up of a very basic introductory course, the Introduction To Coaching course and five Levels of Accreditation, Level I, Level II, Level III, Level IV and Level V. Level V - Senior Coach, is the highest level of accreditation offered by the ATFCA.
2006 saw the commencement of the new coach accreditation scheme endorsed by the Australian Sports Commission. As coaches renewed their membership during 2006, their level of accreditation was given reciprocal accreditation
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Coaches involved in the scheme gain increased status, improved coaching skills, and confidence resulting in long term benefits for them, their athletes and their athletics clubs. The courses offer opportunities for coaches to acquire a greater knowledge of coaching which will ensure that athletics talent is nurtured and developed. Courses are largely practical, with emphasis on better organisation of practice, appropriate methods of skill learning and development, correcting techniques, appropriate conditioning methods, and performance analysis.
REACCREDITATION
Coaches needing to update their accreditation at the end of the four year period please refer to the following two documents:
COACHING ATHLETES WITH DISABILITIES
The techniques and methods used for coaching all athletes are basically the same. However, there are some additional coaching techniques and considerations that should be applied to athletes with disabilities. Segments on inclusive coaching is included in the Level I Course. In Level II, IV and Level V the Association offers separate specialist strands for coaching athletes with disabilities.
NATIONAL COACHING CONGRESS
2009 NATIONAL COACHING CONGRESS
Click here to download Program - (Draft only)
2009 Congress Report and Presentation notes will be available for purchase online soon.
The 2007 National Coaching Congress was a great success, held in Adelaide, South Australia. Some feedback from the Congress:
"Congratulations to the ATFCA and the Congress organising committee. A thoroughly enjoyable and informative experience. Looking forward to the next one!! The presenters were particularly great with the international ones giving their different ideas and stories about coaching. The networking and catching up with other coaches was great. Could offer sessions twice to allow the chance to attend a few that you might have missed out on"
"The quality of presentations were extremely high and of excellent value. As a Level I coach, much of them were targeted above my level of expertise, however, I learnt a much higher appreciation of my events. More trade displays would have been good. Didier’s session on intensifying speed/producing speed was for me the single most significant session."
"The networking opportunity is best. Other coaches were very approachable and helpful. Fantastic for a beginning coach."
"This was an excellent opportunity to: learn new things, reinforce already held ideas and challenge some of the ways of approaching coaching and preparation."
The Congress Report from 2007 is available and can be purchased via the web or by calling the National Head Office on 07 5597 4499.
COACHES WITH OVERSEAS QUALIFICATIONS
Coaches with overseas qualifications who are currently coaching in the Australian athletics community may apply to the ATFCA Board of Management for reciprocal accreditation for their overseas qualifications. This is presented to a Committee to assess their suitability and the level of recognition to be granted.
NATIONAL LEVEL V ACCREDITATION COURSE
Level V is the highest qualification currently available to Australian coaches. This can be referred to as "Senior Coach"; therefore a coach at this level must exhibit an extensive coaching experience, have an excellent 'coaching eye' and a high standard of knowledge of Sports Science Theory and Training Theory related to their chosen event.
'Coaching eye' can be referred to as “possessing the image of an ideal skill model derived from correct kinesiologic knowledge” against which the skill of an individual athlete’s technique is compared. This quality is of invaluable use when linked with a national team.
Coaches wishing to apply must meet the Australian Coaching Council’s Accreditation guidelines, as follows:
(a) The applicant must have held their Level IV accreditation for at least three years, and have been an active athletics coach at a National level throughout this period, producing/training athletes that have approached the IAAF qualifying standards for Junior/Senior National teams. Candidates need to have been linked with these nationally ranked athletes for longer than 12 months.
(b) The applicant must show an extensive coaching experience, particularly at senior level, with athletes in State or National Squads. Coaches with athletes at the uppermost level in the Junior and U/23 area will also be recognised.
(c) The applicant is able to qualify as a Level V – "Senior Coach" in one of the following areas/events:
(i) Sprints & Relays (100, 200, 400m)
(ii) Hurdles (100, 110, 400m)
(iii) Steeplechase (iv) Middle Distance (800, 1500m)
(v) Long distance (3, 5, 10km, cross-country)
(vi) Marathon
(vii) Long Jump
(viii) Triple Jump
(ix) High Jump
(x) Pole Vault
(xi) Shot Put
(xii) Discus
(xiii) Javelin
(xiv) Hammer
(xv) Combined Events
(xvi) Athletes with a Disability
(xvii) Race Walking
(d) Should a candidate wish to cover two events simultaneously, this is possible, but the candidate would need to fulfil all criteria for both events.
(e) Candidates are expected to complete the entire Level V course in a 12 month period unless alternative arrangements have been agreed to.
As this course has been submitted to the ASC for accreditation, it is expected that there will be an initial intake early in 2007.
NATIONAL LEVEL IV ACCREDITATION COURSE
In Level IV, candidates will need to choose from one of the following groups: Sprints/Hurdles/Relays, Middle & Long Distance Running, Race Walking, Jumps, Throws, Multiple Events, Coaching the Young Athlete or Coaching Athletes with a Disability. Coaches must have extensive experience of coaching late adolescent or senior athletes at a State Level in the particular discipline group. Candidates for the Coaching Young Athlete (aged 10-15) group must have extensive coaching experience across a broad range of events with children in this age group having undertaken Level II courses in a numer of areas. Candidates for the Coaching Athletes with Disabilities group must have extensive coaching experience with at least one group of athletes with disabilities.
Coaches who already have an accreditation at Level IV are able to undertake Level IV in another event group if they have previously undertaken the Practical Level II course. If this is not the case, they are encouraged to do so before applying for the Level IV area. All applicants for Level III/IV must have undertaken the Level II course in their desired area.
This course will be conducted over a 4 day residential period held in various states. Where the courses are held will be dependent on the number of coaches who wish to undertake that particular event group area. One course was held in 2008. Courses for 2009 were cancelled (subject to numbers). The next will be the 5th National Level IV course held on the 11 - 14 November 2010 at the Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra. All Event groups are offered and will be run if sufficient interest is shown. Price is $650.00 (includes GST, meals and accomodation) and Closing date for the Course is 22 October 2010.
NATIONAL LEVEL III ACCREDITATION COURSE
The Level III course was designed to give the committed coach a broad background in the Sports Sciences and to enable them to study and learn in their own time, ensuring that such knowledge gained can be applied throughout this learning process. Applicants must be current financial members of ATFCA and be coaching on a regular basis, and must have completed Levels I and II (Basic Level I and Level I Specialist course). Coaches should have held their Level II accreditation (Specialist Level I) accreditation for at least 12 months and be at least 18 years of age.
Coaches who wish to pursue this Level need to apply on the designated application form listing their experience and event coaching group performances for consideration by the Quality Control Committee. The Committee will objectively consider all applications and accept those coaches that they consider have the necessary experience.
As this course is purely theoretical, applicants will not need to specialise in a particular group, although it is essential that you indicate which event group you would like to undertake in Level IV. After successfully fulfilling all requirements of Level III, coaches may then progress to Level IV which is essentially a practical course with special theory elements included.
Applicants, on being accepted into the course, will undertake assessment units in 11 theoretical areas which they will complete from home based study. Assignments will be linked from unit work in the Australian Sports Commission Manual, "Better Coaching". This course should take a period of 6-8 months to complete depending on the coaches availability to commit to their study.
There will be a regular intake of new participants for the Level III course in 2009. First course intake closes at the end of April and the second at the end of September 2009. Please ensure application forms are received by the ATFCA head office well before these dates.
Click Here Download Application Form for LIII Coaching Course
NATIONAL LEVEL II ACCREDITATION COURSE
On completion of the Level I course coaches who wish to advance further and undertake Level II, will be required to specialise in one or more specialist areas. Choices can be made from the following groups: (a) Sprints, Hurdles and Relays; (b) Endurance Running and Walking; (c) Jumps; (d) Throws and (e) Coaching Athletes with Disabilities.
Theory elements of Anatomy and Physiology, Biomechanics, Growth and Development, Drugs in Sport and Women in Sport will be conducted along with further development of the technical model of the event group. This 14 hour course will be held over a two day period. An exam given to participants at the completion of the course will need to be completed and returned within two weeks.
NATIONAL LEVEL I & II ACCREDITATION COURSE
The Level I course is designed for novice coaches and covers most events on the track and field program. The course focuses on the essential elements of the processes of coaching and on the development of the basic technical model for young and novice athletes. The events of Hammer, Pole Vault and Steeplechase are not covered in Level I. A multiple choice exam will be handed to participants at the completion of the course to return within two weeks.
The Level I course requires participants to read compulsory chapters from the "Beginning Coaching" text published by the Australian Sports Commission. These chapters along with other materials will also be examined during the course. The 16 hour course will be held over a two day period.
On completion of the Level I course coaches who wish to advance further and undertake Level II will be required to specialise in one or more specialist areas. Choices can be made from the following groups: (a) Sprints/Hurdles/Relays; (b) Endurance Running and Walking; (c) Jumps; (d) Throws and (e) Coaching Athletes with Disabilities.
Theory elements of Anatomy and Physiology, Biomechanics, Growth and Development, Drugs in Sport and Women in Sport will be conducted along with further development of the echnical model of the event group. This 14 hours course will be held over a two day period. An exam given to participants at the completion of the course will need to be completed and returned within two weeks.
Confirmed courses in 2010 will be listed on our website early in 2010 so that all coaches will be aware of what is available. To find out further information and what is happening in your state please contact the following people:
New South Wales
Level I: TBA
Level II: TBA
Details from:
Level I: TBA
Level II: TBA
For further information on courses in this area please contact Bill Jacob, 18 Lachlan Place, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2650.
Ph: 02 6926 3239
Rural NSW
Level I: 22nd-23rd May 2010 Wangi
Level II: 22nd-23rd May 2010 Wangi
Rural NSW - Details from:
Additional courses may be considered if sufficient expressions of interest are received.
Northern Territory
Level II: TBA
Details from:
Cherry Harvey, PO Box 41606, Casuarina NT 0811. Ph: 0448 655 362
Queensland
In Queensland two orgnaisations provide the Level I & II coach education courses. In the great Brisbane Metropolitan area courses are provided by Queensland Athletics and in areas outside of Brisbane by Sports Credentials Pty Ltd.
Application forms and dates for all Level I & II can be found by visiting the Queensland Athletics wesite at www.qldathletics.org.au.
You can also contact the providers directly with any questions in regards to the timing and locations of courses. For Metropolitan courses please contact:
Brisbane Courses
Level I: 30th May 2010
27th June 2010
Level II: TBA
Details from:
Tim Klar at Queensland Athletics on Ph: 07 3343 5653
or
Regional Queensland
Level I: TBA
Level II: TBA
For all courses outside Queensland Metropolitan area please contact:
Mrs Sharon Hannan, Sports Credentials (Licensed Provider)
PO Box 4306, Ashmore, QLD 4214. Ph: 07 5594 9329, Fax: 07 5594 9381
South Australia
Level I: TBA
Level II: TBA
Teachers Course and Introductory Course - upon request
Details from:
Barb Stephens, 3/1a Darebin Street, Mile End, SA 5031 Ph: 08 8352 2554/0418 809 408
Tasmania
Level I: TBA
Level II: TBA
Specific Details from:
Darrel Harington, 81 Balook Street, Lauderdale, TAS 7021 Ph: 03 6248 7145
Victoria
Level I: TBA
Level II: TBA
Details from:
Athletics Victoria, Olympic Park, Swan Street, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Ph: 03 9428 8195
Western Australia
Level I: TBA
Level II: TBA
Venues for all courses TBA - Details from:
Brad Walsh, 117 Paramatta Road, Doubleview, WA 6018 Ph: 08 9446 2767
Australian Capital Territory
Level I: TBA
Level II: TBA
Details from:
Alan Bishop, 47 Mannheim Street, Kambah, ACT 2902 Ph: 02 6231 0601
LEVEL I BASIC COURSE BY CORRESPONDENCE DELIVERY
THIS COURSE IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE. For further details contact the National Office on 07 5597 4499. A correspondence version of the Level I Basic Course is available, primarily intended for persons residing in remote areas and having difficulty attending a normal course, who wish to become accredited as coaches. The course consists of eight correspondence lessons that cover the 23 units of the Level I Basic Course Curriculum. The ninth and final assignment is the final assessment. Upon successful completion of all the correspondence papers and examination, arrangements will be made for an ATFCA Assessor to carry out a practical assessment. For the purposes of study all candidates will receive the following resource materials - ‘Coaches Resource Folder'; ATFCA ‘Coaching Manual'; ATFCA ‘Orientation to Coaching' Handbook; ‘IAAF Handbook'.
Should you have any interest in participating in this course, please call the National Office.
INTRODUCTION TO COACHING COURSES
(formally the Orientation to Coaching Course)
The Introduction to Coaching Course is directed towards parents, teachers and other interested people who have little or no experience of Track and Field Athletics. The 8 hour course covers all event groups on the Track and Field program. The course is designed for beginner coaches who coach young athletes within the 5 to 15 years age range, providing training for them to coach under the guidance of an accredited coach.
Australian Capital Territory
Details from:
ACT Little Athletics Association, PO Box 47, Ainslie, ACT 2602 Ph: 02 6247 1296
New South Wales
Details from:
Northern Territory
Details from:
Cherry Harvey, PO Box 41606, Casuarina, NT 0811 Ph: 0448 655 362
Queensland
Details from:
Shannon Russo, Queensland Little Athletics Assn Ph: 07 3255 9436
Full details of upcoming courses can be found on the QLAA website www.qlaa.asn.auQLAA, PO Box 6037, Fairfield Gardens, QLD 4103
South Australia
Details from:
Viv Wilson, 10 Eurimbla St, Parafield Gardens, SA 5107 Ph: 08 8283 0252
Tasmania
Details from:
Darrel Harington, 81 Balook Street, Lauderdale, TAS 7021 Ph: 03 6248 7145
Victoria
Details from:
Shane Bertrand, VLAA, Unit 2, 95 Salmon Street, Port Melbourne, VIC 3207 Ph: 03 9676 3633
Western Australia
Details from:
Allan Savage, 46 Jacaranda Drive, Ballajura, WA 6066 Ph: 08 9429 1550
For a course application form and for up to the minute information, please contact your State ATFCA branch
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