Position
The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries
values the role of the coach and understands the influence that the
coach has on the sporting environment. The department expects that State
Sporting Associations (SSA) will have a strong focus on attracting and
retaining coaches through the implementation of a coaching pathway.
Purpose
Every coach has the right to perform their role in a respectful,
appreciative and supportive environment. SSAs, in partnership with
coaches, need to ensure that policies and practical frameworks are in
place that supports such environments. The department promotes the
active involvement of well-trained, skilled and informed people
delivering coaching services at community level through to supporting
elite athletes.
Background
As role models in their communities, coaches play a crucial role in
the development of players, sport and general participation. Coaches
have a range of responsibilities including:
- Accessing best practice strategies and information in relation to their sport;
- Delivering material that is relevant and appropriate to players’ development level;
- Creating fun and safe environments; and
- Being inclusive, regardless of ability, gender, age or ethnicity.
The department supports all Western
Australian coaches to have a range of skills to perform the role of
coach to maximise athlete development and increase the likelihood of
lifelong involvement of individuals within physical activity and
organised sport.
The following factors are considered
to be key components for the effective development of coaches within the
WA sport and recreation industry:
- Access to quality learning and development opportunities in a
variety of inclusive ways (e.g. face to face, electronic, by
correspondence and print). Many of these opportunities are provided
through the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme and supported by the
relevant state and national sporting organisations.
- Coaches should be supported by other stakeholders involved in
the delivery of the sport, namely parents, spectators, players, club
administrators and officials to perform their role.
- The industry must remain flexible and inclusive in facilitating
innovative strategies in the recruitment, development and retention of
coaches.
- Coaches should be appropriately recognised and rewarded for the valuable role they fill within the community.
- The quality of education for coaches and officials relies on
trained presenters, assessors and mentors to deliver, assess and develop
coaches and officials.
Implementation
The Department is committed to offering a range of resources and
professional development opportunities that support the development of
coaches within the sport and recreation industry in WA.
A Coaching and Officiating Strategy has been developed to respond to
industry needs which consists of a consolidation of various planning
documents, action plans and research relating to strategies, projects
and events for the development of coaches and officials state-wide. The
strategy has been endorsed by the Coaches and Officials Advisory
Group, which comprises of representatives from a range of SSAs, working
in the area of coaching and officiating.
Contacts
Team Leader, Organisational Sustainability
Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries – Sport and Recreation
Telephone 61 8 6552 7300
Endorsed
01 February 2015
Review
01 February 2017