GETTING STARTED IN COACHING

The quality of coaching is one of the primary reasons why players either continue to participate in Australian Football or give up the game. The AFL together with the State/Territory football organisations recognise that at all levels of the AFL game, the coach has significantly more influence upon players than any other official or person connected with football, hence the requirement for all coaches to be accredited at an appropriate level. 

Coaches must be able to communicate effectively with primary and youth aged children or adults depending on their player group, therefore training in coaching and communication techniques are as equally important as the skills, training sessions and game plans.

The primary years are the golden years of the development of fundamental motor skills and of skill learning specific to sport. Not only is this the most rapid learning phase of their lives in this regard, which if done well can lead to ongoing enjoyment and participation, but a failure to develop such skills during pre-adolescence is a major factor influencing teenage dropout in sport. Coaches also greatly influence the forming and development of personalities of young players in their care.

Who can coach?

Male or females can coach as long as they are 16 years of age or older.

Develops your personal skills

Coaching enables you to develop planning, oraganisational, communication and interpersonal skills, especially when dealing with younger children and their parents. 

Enjoyment and satisfaction

Great joy and satisfaction can be felt when you know you have had a significant part to play in a child's development, not just through football but life skills as well. It is well known that the coach is one of the most influential people in a child's life.

Gatekeepers to participation

Coaches are the main reason why players decide to stay in the game or leave. If we can have quality coaches in the community who can build an learning environment which is fun, enjoyable and rewarding for the players, parents and supporters then they will remain in our great game.

COACH ACCREDITATION (CoachAFL)

The Coach.AFL online platform is designed as a central resource centre for coaches.  It will serve as a national membership database, enable coaches to manage their CoachAFL Membership (including accreditation, ongoing education and compliance) and provide access to a central Online Repository housing quality coaching resources and educational support.

All Coaches must be a member of CoachAFL to be able to Coach at any Football Club at any level. To sign up, visit https://coach.afl/

CoachAFL members will have exclusive access to high quality and consistent information that will:

• Explain the development pathway for coaches of all age groups
• Provide online educational and development opportunities
• Provide accessible resources to guide coaches on their journey
• Ensure aspiring coaches understand the significance of the role they play and how to positively influence the personal development of players of all ages and ability levels
• Ensures coaches understand their obligations

2021 LEVEL 2 COACH ACCREDITATION COURSE

The WA Football Commission are seeking expressions of interests for upcoming level 2 coaching courses. This is a great opportunity for Youth and Senior coaches who meet the below pre-requisites to further their coaching development and achieve Level 2 Accreditation in 2022/23.

Course Pre-requisites 

• Must hold a CoachAFL membership and Foundation Coach accreditation 
• At least 2 years coaching experience at any level of AFL football
• Currently coaching at Youth/Senior level – Year 7 age group and above
• Must have a coaching mentor in place to complete the course 

Below are the months we will be looking at running the courses in 2022/23 – 

• Sunday 12 February 2023 – (Face to Face, Full Day Course) West Australian Football Commission, Tuart College, Tuart Hill
• Saturday 11 March 2023 – (Face to Face, Full Day Course) West Australian Football Commission, Tuart College, Tuart Hill 

Click HERE for an application form.  Further information will be sent to successful applicants after this date.