Male Coach1

Swimming coaches in Australia have a three-tier education and accreditation system which allows coaches to grow and develop by undertaking online modules and in-person workshops, completing time on the job and receiving mentoring.

Accredited coaches must agree to a Code of Behaviour, satisfy the working with children requirements, hold membership of SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia and undertake ongoing professional development.

International courses and course attendees from overseas have a modified set of requirements, but must meet the Australian requirements to coach in Australia. It is expected that all coaches from Development level or above will mentor lower level coaches and that one potential role of any coach is to assist, under guidance, higher level coaches.

Coaching prerequisites

The prerequisite for entering the coaching pathway is gaining a Swim Australia™ Teacher of Competitive Swimming (SAT CS) accreditation or similar.  This can be gained via attendance at a SAT CS course or through application for SAT CS Recognition of Current Competency (RCC).

Swim Australia™ Teacher of Competitive Swimming will be competent to deliver basic swimming squad sessions that develop the swimming technique of novice Swimmers – this is generally defined as Swimmers who are recent “Learn to Swim” Graduates and are in the likes of a “mini squad” (usually around 10-years and under) and still acquiring the skills needed to transition into competition.

This Course is endorsed by the peak sporting body in Australia for swimming – Swimming Australia – as the entry level course for the swimming coaching accreditation pathway.

Teachers who have held the SAT CS qualification for 6 months or longer are eligible to undertake the Development Coach (previously Bronze) course.  Holding current Swimming Australia coach accreditation is the minimum requirement for coaching competitive squads within swimming clubs or other facilities and to be able to coach on pool deck at swim meets.

Swimming Australia Coach Accreditation Levels

A Development (previously Bronze) coach creates experiences that focus on the benefits of developing skills and increasing fitness. Their enthusiasm and encouragement provide extra motivation for participants to develop a love of swimming and sustain this interest over their lives.

An Advanced (previously Silver) coach brings out each swimmer’s ability by identifying individual needs and planning and implementing suitable training programs based on individual swimmer needs. They implement support systems that develop the individual swimmer’s physical and psychological fitness and maximises their performance.

A Performance (previously Gold) coach develops people and structures to sustain success in swimming. They do this by balancing data and information with intuition and experience to make accurate evidence-based decisions under pressure. They trust their swimmers to take responsibility for their own performances, and they welcome feedback. More information on the new education courses and related accreditation levels can be found here.

Swimming Australia Coach Accreditation is valid for three years and will require renewal.

Renew Your Coaching Accreditation

Click here for step by step instructions and a renewal application form

Contact Swimming Australia

For further details about coach education, please contact:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 03 9910 0700