13.02.2009

Accredited athletics coaches to bolster sport in Australia

This information is for all coaches regarding the status of accredited athletics coaches from 2009 onwards.

On April 1, 2008 the Athletics Coach Accreditation Framework came into existence, jointly supported by Athletics Australia and its member associations the ATFCA and the Australian Sports Commission.

As part of this framework, it was agreed that all accredited athletics coaches must be a member of either the ATFCA or Athletics Australia via its member associations in each state.

In doing so, membership became one of four compulsory requirements for accreditation and ensured all accredited coaches were insured for professional indemnity, public liability and personal accident.  Current members of the ATFCA now enjoy these benefits.

By December 31, 2009 the sport of athletics will have implemented mandatory accreditation for all coaches.  This means that only accredited athletics coaches will be recognised as coaches by the sport and all clubs, schools and facilities will be advised accordingly.  

For coaches who are not accredited, the process to become accredited is to either complete a coach education course or apply for Recognition of Current Competence with Athletics Australia.

To be recognised as an accredited athletics coach, a coach must demonstrate on a yearly basis:

1.    Their current and ongoing competence.

2.    Their ability to meet the member protection requirements, including the state-based provisions for Working With Children or similar.

3.    Their agreement to abide by the Coaching Code of Conduct.

4.    Membership of either Athletics Australia or the Australian Track and Field Coaches Association.

All current members of the ATFCA meet these requirements. 
 
For coaches who choose to be a member of Athletics Australia via its state-based member associations, the following process should be undertaken:

1.    Register here
Click where it says – ‘Apply to become an Accredited Athletics Coach’

2.    When this process is complete you will be recognised as an Accredited Athletics Coach, insured and registered on the national database of coaches. You will also be listed as an accredited athletics coach with your state association.

3.    Cost is $40.

For coaches who choose to be a member of the ATFCA, the following process should be undertaken:

1.    Register here as per your membership requirements
Click where it says – ‘Membership renewal or register’

2.    When this process is completed you will be recognised as an accredited athletics coach and a member of the ATFCA.  You will be insured and registered on the national database of coaches. You will receive numerous membership benefits including issues of Modern Athlete and Coach and the ATFCA newsletter, discounts on other T&F resources, courses and the National Congress and much more. 

3.    Cost – ATFCA membership fee. 

All members of the ATFCA are recognised as Accredited Athletics Coaches.

Those who choose ATFCA membership do not need to also take out membership with Athletics Australia and as an accredited athletics coach, will be part of the national coaching database and have access to any resources and benefits that are offered to all accredited athletics coaches.

The accredited athletics coach aims to:

•    Recognise accreditation as the compulsory requirement for all athletics coaches.
•    Establish a single national database of all athletics coaches so that communication is enhanced.
•    Ensure member protection for athletics coaches and athletes.
•    Ensure all athletics coaches are insured for their practice.
•    Enhance the ongoing development of coaching skills and knowledge for all athletics coaches.