Accreditation
It is recommended all coaches become accredited though the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS). The NCAS is an initiative of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and is a progressive coach education program offering courses at various levels with over 70 sports participating.
Accredited NCAS coaches are recognised by national and state sporting organisations and the ASC. Increasing numbers of clubs and organisations require coaches to be NCAS accredited for employment. As standards for safety and ethical behaviour within coaching improve, it is even more important coaches are trained and accredited.
Accredited NCAS coaches have met a minimum standard of competence. The use of safe and correct techniques, effective communication and group management are essential skills accredited coaches can demonstrate. Accredited NCAS coaches also receive a range of benefits, including discounts on various workshops and publications, and access to regular e-newsletters and information. Coaches in some sports will also receive a coach identification card, and sport specific benefits.
Structure of the NCAS
The levels within the NCAS have undergone some fundamental changes in recent years. The previous NCAS framework required sports to conform to a three-tier structure (Level 1, 2 and 3). The NCAS now has a more flexible approach that allows each national sporting organisation to determine the number and names of levels in their coach accreditation pathway.
To find out the coach accreditation structure for your sport, please contact your national or state sporting organisation.
NCAS training programs include the following components:
- coaching general principles – generic principles of coaching and athletic performance that apply to all sports
- sport-specific – skills, techniques, strategies and approaches to the particular sport
Coaching general principles courses are conducted through state departments of sport and recreation, as well as other delivery agencies authorised by the ASC. Note that completion of the coaching general principles component only, does not provide a coaching accreditation
To enrol in a coaching general principles course, contact your state coaching and officiating centre or enrol in the online Beginning Coaching General Principles course.
How to become an accredited coach
Contact the national or state sporting organisation for the sport in which you are interested in coaching. Most state and regional sporting organisations conduct regular coach accreditation courses.
