FAQs Listing - Site tools

Volunteers

  • How do I become a volunteer?
    If you are interested in becoming a volunteer but are not sure where to start, here are a few options:
    • If you , a family member or friend are already involved with a club, ask someone from the club if they need volunteers
    • If you have skills in a certain area, see if you can use them as a volunteer. For example, if you work in finance you might be able to assist the treasurer of the club (or even become the treasurer).
    • Look up details of clubs then contact them to offer to volunteer.
    • See if your local council knows of any clubs in the area that may need some volunteers.
    • Register with websites that can help match you with an organisation looking for volunteers.
  • Why Volunteer?
    Some of the reasons people volunteer include to:
    • learn new skills
    • share life experiences and skills
    • contribute to society
    • meet new people
    • make new friends
    • give back to the community
    • make a difference
    • gain experience to help find paid employment
    • build self-confidence
    • have fun
    • socialise
    • stay active and engaged with the community

Careers

  • How do I get into the field of Strength and Conditioning?
    All AIS Strength and Conditioning coaches have undertaken university courses in either Exercise Science, Human Movement, Sport Science, Physical education or a related field. TAFE offers a practical pathway into strength and conditioning, but if you want to work as a high level strength and conditioning coach you will need to obtain a university degree during your career. Apart from academic knowledge, you should have a passion for sport and be willing to obtain practical experience in strength and conditioning. Casual work or volunteering with various sports and recreational organisations is a great way to build your knowledge base as well as giving you that vital experience you need to obtain a professional strength and conditioning job once qualified. Initial courses that should be the starting point of your career in strength and conditioning are the Australian Strength and Conditioning Associations level 1 and level 2 courses. These courses give you the basic knowledge required to develop and implement basic strength and conditioning programs for beginner and intermediate level athletes. The Australian Weightlifting Federation level 1 weightlifting and Sports Power license is another desirable qualification. This course provides specific technical instruction on the Olympic Lifts and their variations, which is highly relevant to the field of strength and conditioning.
  • How do I get a job within the AIS Strength and Conditioning department?
    Jobs within the AIS Strength and Conditioning discipline occasionally become available. These positions are advertised on the AIS website as well as in National paper's job guides.
  • What job opportunities exist in Australia for professional Strength and Conditioning coaches?
    There are professional Strength and Conditioning coaches within all major football codes (AFL, Union, League, and Soccer) and teams within Australia, as well as within the SIS/SAS/AIS networks. Some national sporting organisations also employ their own Strength and Conditioning coaches, e.g. Tennis.

Funding

  • How does my sporting organisation become recognised?
    The ASC currently recognises more than 90 organisations as National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) and National Sporting Organisations for people with disability (NSODs). For recognition, these organisations have satisfied the ASC that they have a national perspective and that each is the pre-eminent body taking responsibility for the development of their sport in Australia. The ASC only recognises one NSO/NSOD for each sport. There is a range of criteria that is applied in determining whether an organisation may be eligible for recognition from the ASC. For full details of the criteria, the support that is available to NSOs/NSODs and how to apply for recognition see the recognition section of this site.
  • How does my national sporting organisation/national sporting organisation for people with disability get ASC funding?
    The ASC currently funds more than 60 NSOs and NSODs which it recognises as the pre-eminent body taking responsibility for the development of their sport in Australia. There is a range of criteria that is applied in determining whether an organisation may be eligible for funding from the ASC. For full details of the criteria, the support that is available to NSOs meeting them and how to apply for recognition see the recognition section of this site.
  • How do I get funding for my son who has just made a representative junior team?
    The Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance for young people aged 12 - 18 towards the cost of travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment when competing, coaching or officiating at an official national sporting organisation (NSO) endorsed state or national sporting competition or a School Sport Australia national championships. For further information see: www.ausport.gov.au/participating/schools_and_juniors/juniors/get_involved/local_sporting_champions
  • My tennis club wants to build new courts; what funding is available?
    The ASC does not provide funding for the development and/or maintenance of sporting facilities. State/Territory Departments of Sport and Recreation may provide funding for these purposes.
  • I belong to a regional sporting association and we are seeking funding to run a junior sport program. How can the ASC help?
    The ASC does not fund state, regional or local sporting organisations. All State/Territory Departments of Sport and Recreation offer a range of funding programs and schemes that may be of assistance to state, regional and local sporting organisations.

General

  • How is a Strength and Conditioning coach different to my personal trainer or my public gym instructor?
    There are a number of differences between a Strength and Conditioning coach and a Personal Trainer/Gym Instructor. Firstly the qualifications into these careers are different. There are many different pathways you can take to become a Personal Trainer/Gym Instructor. This can be done through TAFE or a private organisation like The Australian Institute of Fitness. To become a Strength and Conditioning coach it is recommended that you complete a university degree in human movement or sports science and also complete the Australian Strength and Conditioning Associations courses (up to level 3). Secondly the focus of the job is different. Personal Trainers/Gym Instructors deal with the general public who are looking to increase fitness and improve aesthetics by losing weight and toning up. The Strength and Conditioning coach works predominately with fit, healthy, athletic people with a goal of improving performance.
  • What does a typical day in Strength and Conditioning involve?
    A typical day in Strength and Conditioning involves: - Designing and delivering targeted conditioning programs. These programs could be field, track, pool or gym based. - Assisting and monitoring athletes during their training sessions. - Meeting with each sports Head Coach, Physiotherapist, Doctor and other service providers to discuss planning and periodisation of athletes training programs and upcoming competitions.
  • Can I do work experience with the AIS Strength and Conditioning department?
    Work experience is not available with the AIS Strength and Conditioning department.
  • Can I do my ASCA level 1 and 2 supervised coaching hours with the AIS Strength and Conditioning department?
    The AIS Strength and Conditioning department is unable to assist you with your ASCA Level 1 and 2 supervised coaching hours. It would be best to contact your local sporting clubs to build up these hours.
  • Can AIS Strength and Conditioning write a program for my son to make him fitter, faster and stronger for his club soccer team?
    No, the AIS Strength and Conditioning department cannot write a program for anyone who is not on AIS scholarship.

    The Australian Strength and Conditioning Association is a good source to find a Strength and Conditioning coach in your local area. See also our resources page for readily available sources that you can purchase to increase your knowledge.

  • Can I access the AIS gym to do my own training?
    The general public does not have access to the AIS Strength and Conditioning facility. However, there is a second gym located onsite, Swim and Fitness, which offers memberships to the public.

QandA

  • Who do I contact to do a sport specific coaching or officiating course?
    There are more than 70 National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) with courses approved under the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS) and over 40 in the National Officiating Accreditation Scheme (NOAS). Your National Sporting Organisation (NSO) is responsible for managing these courses. State and regional associations, or sometimes local clubs, run the courses. Contact your national or state sporting organisation to find out what courses are run by your sport.
  • Who do I contact to do a coaching or officiating general principles course?
    State coaching and officiating centres and sport education agencies are registered with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) to conduct coaching general principles courses. In addition the ASC has released an online Beginning Coaching General Principles course. The online course takes approximately six hours to complete and can be done in your own home and at a pace that suits you. The Beginning Coaching General Principles course is available from the (ASC’s) online learning portal.

    Remember that a general principles course is just one component of accreditation within the National Coaching and Officiating Accreditation Scheme (NCAS and NOAS). Contact your National Sporting Organisation to find out the sports specific requirements for accreditation within your sport.
  • I am a new coach/official for children, where can I find information?
    Start at the Tools and Tips pages for coaches and officials. You can also contact your national sporting organisation (NSO) to find out more about programs they offer for coaches or officials.
  • Can you suggest any courses or ongoing education for coaching/officiating that I could do?
    Contact your national sporting organisation (NSO) for more information on programs they offer and your state coaching and officiating centre for details of upcoming courses.
  • What courses, events or conferences are coming up?
    Check with your state and national sporting organisation and your state coaching and officiating centre for more information.
  • Should I take out insurance and who do I contact to get covered?

    It is important for coaches and officials to ensure they have insurance coverage to minimise the risk of personal loss through legal action. When purchasing insurance compare policies carefully as they vary greatly in their cover and their price.

    Check with your national or state sporting organisation or club about what insurance coverage you might already have as a member, or an accredited coach or official.

    If you cannot access insurance through your national or state sporting organisation, you can contact the insurance brokers below. Please note that none of their policies have been examined by or are endorsed by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC).

    Sportscover - Tel: 03 8562 9100
    Marsh Insurance Broker - Tel: 1300 300 511 (swimming, personal training and sporting associations)
    Sportsnet Australia Pty Ltd Insurance Brokers - Tel: 02 9486 3100

  • How can I update my coaching or officiating accreditation?
    Contact your state or national sporting organisation to confirm the re-accreditation requirements and what updating opportunities are available. You can also refer to the updating information on the website.
  • How do I check my accreditation status and update my personal information?
    Check in with your national sporting organisation, or if you have access to Sports Accrediation Online, you can confirm your accreditation status and change your details.
  • Is there a minimum age to become an accredited coach or official?
    The minimum age for accreditation within the National Coaching and Officiating Accreditation Scheme (NCAS/NOAS) is specified by each national sporting organisation (NSO).
  • Can I find out more about your resources before I purchase them?
    Check out the Australian Sports Commission's (ASC) online publications catalogue. For more detailed information contact ASC Publishing, Tel: 02 6214 1795 or email: pubs@ausport.gov.au
  • Where can I find information about coaching and officiating in Australia?
    The National Sport Information Centre (NSIC)has information on coaching or officiating resources, research and publications. In addition, the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) publishes a range of coaching books and other resources visit ASC Publications online catalogue or, Tel: 02 6214 1795 or email: pubs@ausport.gov.au.
  • Where can I get information, advice and assistance about ethical issues in sport?
    There is information on a range of ethical issues on the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Ethics in Sport website. The Play by the Rules website also provides extensive information and online training in this area.
  • I want to become a professional coach. How do I find out about vacant coaching positions?
    There are not a high number of full time paid coaching positions available in Australia. You should contact your state or national sporting organisation about opportunities for employment in coaching in your sport. State and regional institutes and academies of sport and some educational institutions also employ coaches in some sports.

1. AIS Athlete Scholarships

  • How can I apply for an AIS athlete scholarship?
    The selection criteria used for each scholarship varies based on the sport, but will usually require current (or pending) Australian citizenship and national championship-level performance.

    The AIS offers scholarships in the following sport programs:

    Athletes with a Disability

    Australian Football

    Basketball

    Beach Volleyball

    Canoeing – Sprint

    Canoeing – Slalom

    Cricket

    Cycling

    Diving

    Football – Men

    Football – Women

    Gymnastics

    Hockey

    Netball

    Paralympic Alpine Skiing

    Paralympic Swimming

    Rowing

    Rugby League

    Rugby Union

    Sailing

    Softball

    Squash

    Swimming

    Tennis

    Track and Field

    Triathlon

    Volleyball

    Water Polo

    Winter Sports

    The AIS supports national level athletes. The selection criteria can vary between sports but in general AIS scholarship holders are competing at national championship level and demonstrate the ability or potential for sporting success at elite level.

    The athlete development pathway is accessed via programs offered by state sporting organisations. The pathway includes involvement in intensive training programs and selection for state squads and teams to compete in national championships (including under age championships) and participation in national development squads all are usually observed by AIS coaches and high performance coaches in their sport.

    There is a very strong base of support for state athletes through the State Institutes and State Academies of Sport (SISAS) Network. They often assist talented athletes. As a first step, you should contact your local institution or academy of sport about athlete scholarships in your state.

  • My sport is not listed as an AIS sports program, how can I apply for a scholarship?
    Scholarships are only available in sports programs currently supported by the Australian Institute of Sport.

    There is a very strong base of support for state athletes through the State Institutes and State Academies of Sport (SISAS) Network. They often assist talented athletes. As a first step, you should contact your local institution or academy of sport about athlete scholarships in your state.
  • Can I pay to come to the AIS?

    Athletes cannot pay to come to the AIS. Potential AIS athletes must follow the athlete development pathway. Please see the How do I apply for an athlete scholarship at the AIS?

QandA

  • Can I pay to come to the AIS?
    The AIS selects scholarship holders on sporting aptitude and potential. There is not a fee-paying option for entry to the AIS. Each AIS Sport website has information about how scholarships are selected for that sport. Go to the AIS Sports section of this website and select the sport(s) you are interested in.
  • Can the AIS help me get a job in sport Australia?
    For more information about working at the AIS see Job vacancies
  • I am really good at a certain sport. How do I get chosen for the AIS?
    The AIS supports national level athletes. There is a very strong base of support for state athletes throught the State Institues and Academies of Sport (SISAS) Network that often assist talented athletes. As a first step, you should contact your local institution about athletes scholarships in your state.
  • I am a coach, how can I come and work/study at the AIS?
    For more information about working at the AIS see the Jobs at the AIS section of this website. Australian sporting associations may also have opportunities for coaches in Australia. These organisations can be contacted throught the sports directory on this site.
  • Can I come to the AIS to study for a sport-related career?
    The AIS is not a tertiary institution. For information on sport-related courses in Australia go to our courses database section of this website.

2. Advice

  • Can the AIS provide me with a training program?

    The Australian Institute of Sport does not to provide personal training programs. It is recommended that you contact a coach or fitness centre in your local area that may be able to develop a training program for you.

    National or state sports organisations may be able to direct you to relevant coaches in your sport.

    You might also like to search:

    • The SportScan Database. Use keywords such as soccer, training , season. This database includes references to sport science, coaching and administration articles held by the National Sport Information Centre.
    • The National Sport Information Centre (NSIC) Catalogue - lists journal articles, books and videos produced in Australia on sport and related topics.

    After identifying articles from the database, copies of the full paper can be requested through our Document Delivery service.

  • Can the AIS give me advice on sport psychology?

    The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) does not offer personalised sport psychological services to non-scholarship holders.

    The Australian Psychological Association offers a service called "Find a Psychologist”. This service will assist you to locate a qualified sport psychologist in your local area.

    You might also like to search :

    • The SportScan Database. Use keywords such as soccer, training, season. This database includes references to sport science, coaching and administration articles held by the National Sport Information Centre.
    • The National Sport Information Centre (NSIC) Catalogue - lists journal articles, books and videos produced in Australia on sport and related topics.

    After identifying articles from the database, copies of the full paper can be requested through our Document Delivery service.

  • Can the AIS give me advice on sporting products?

    The Australian Institute of Sport does not to provide product advice.

    National or state sports organisations may be able to direct you to relevant products used within their sport.

  • Can the AIS give me advice on nutrition?

    The Australian Institute of Sport does not provide personal nutrition advice. Sports Dieticians Australia lists sports dieticians who may be able to provide the personal advice you are seeking.

    You might also like to search:

    • The AIS Nutrition webpage, which has numerous factsheets
    • The SportScan Database. Use keywords such as soccer , training , season. This database includes references to sport science, coaching and administration articles held by the National Sport Information Centre.
    • The National Sport Information Centre (NSIC) Catalogue - lists journal articles, books and videos produced in Australia on sport and related topics.

    After identifying articles from the database, copies of the full paper can be requested through our Document Delivery service.

3. Jobs / Careers / Work Experience

  • How can I get a job at the AIS?

    Detailed information concerning employment including current job advertisements can be found in the Jobs section on the ASC website. We do not accept unsolicited resumes or CVs.

    Many sports positions in Australia are advertised in major Australian newspapers and sports employment agencies.

  • Can I do work experience or a work placement at the AIS?

    Work placement opportunities at the AIS are not available for school students or students enrolled in overseas universities.

    There are a limited number of placements/scholarships offered to undergraduate students and postgraduate students enrolled in Australian universities.

    Aquatic Testing Training Research Unit

    Coaching

    Movement Science - includes Biomechanics, Performance Analysis, Skill Acquisition

    Performance Psychology

    Physiology

    Sports Medicine

    Sports Nutrition

    Strength and Conditioning

  • I am a coach. Can I do work experience alongside an AIS coach?

    AIS scholarship coach placements are offered only to participants of the National Coaching Scholarship Program. Placements are not available to other Australian students or coaches from overseas.

    The National Coaching Scholarship Program offers a structured, intensive learning program over a two year period. Scholarship coaches undertake an educational component which may include postgraduate coaching qualifications or other appropriate courses.

    The National Coaching Scholarship Program provide opportunities for potential and current elite Australian coaches to develop skills and knowledge to coach effectively in high performance programs.

    Applications are made through national sporting organisations.

  • Can I study at the AIS for a sport-related career?
    The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) which includes the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) is not an educational institution and does not offer courses.
  • Can the AIS give me advice on what sport courses I should study?

    The AIS does not provide recommendations or advice about particular courses or institutions. However, you will find information on careers in the sporting industry on our website and the Australian Sport and Recreation Courses List may help you to find courses in areas such as administration, coaching, fitness, sports science etc.

    Please note that we cannot guarantee that this information is current. You will need to approach universities or providers directly for details about their courses.

4. Grants and Funding

  • How do I get funding assistance for my son/daughter who has just made a representative junior team?

    The Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance for young people aged 12 - 18 towards the cost of travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment when competing, coaching or officiating at an official national sporting organisation (NSO) endorsed state or national sporting competition or a School Sport Australia national championships. Please see the Local Sporting Champions program website for further information and application form.

  • I am not eligible for the Local Sporting Champions program funding. What other grants and funding are available?

    Australian Sports Commission (ASC) funding is generally not available for individuals or for state, regional and local sporting organisations. The ASC generally only provides direct funding to national sports organisations. Details of ASC funding programs can be found on our website.

  • My club wants to build new facilities what funding is available?

    The ASC does not provide funding for the development and/or maintenance of sporting facilities. State/Territory Departments of Sport and Recreation provides funding for these purposes.

  • I belong to a regional sporting association and we are seeking funding to run a junior sport program. How can the ASC help?

    The ASC does not fund state, regional or local sporting organisations. All State/Territory Departments of Sport and Recreation offer a range of funding programs and schemes that may be of assistance to state, regional and local sporting organisations.

  • How does my sporting organisation become recognised by the ASC?

    The ASC currently recognises more than 85 organisations as National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) and National Sporting Organisations for people with disability (NSODs). For recognition, these organisations have satisfied the ASC that they have a national perspective and that each is the pre-eminent body taking responsibility for the development of their sport in Australia. The ASC only recognises one NSO/NSOD for each sport. There is a range of criteria that is applied in determining whether an organisation may be eligible for recognition from the ASC. For full details of the criteria, the support that is available to NSOs/NSODs and how to apply for recognition see the recognition section of our website.

5. Research and School Assignments

  • Can you help me with my assignment?

    Unfortunately we do not have the staff resources to provide material to the large number of individual students who contact us. It is suggested that you check the resources available in your school or public library including the expertise of your librarian.

    The finding sport information area on our website has been designed to assist you to locate information on specific sports played in Australia or sports topics of interest to students and teachers.

    You might also like to search :

    • The SportScan Database. Use keywords such as soccer, training, season. This database includes references to sport science, coaching and administration articles held by the National Sport Information Centre.
    • The National Sport Information Centre (NSIC) Catalogue - lists journal articles, books and videos produced in Australia on sport and related topics.

    After identifying articles from the database, copies of the full paper can be requested through our Document Delivery service.

  • Can I contact an AIS scientist / coach / athlete about an assignment or research topic?
    Members of our staff are not available to help with school or university student assignments, research, surveys or interviews. Whilst they would like to help you, their time is committed to servicing AIS athletes, national athletes and coaches. It is suggested that you check the resources available in your school or public library including the expertise of your librarian. The Finding sport information area on our website has been designed to assist you to locate information on specific sports played in Australia or sports topics of interest to students and teachers.
  • Can I participate in an AIS study as an athlete, coach or scientist?
    The AIS sometimes runs advertisements in local newspapers or via our website asking for volunteers to participate in research projects; however, for the large majority of projects, the AIS uses either AIS or national team athletes because the efficacy of the research needs to be assessed on elite sports performance.
  • I have an area I would like to research, can the AIS assist me?
    If you have an area of research that you are interested in pursuing, you are best to contact your local State Institute or State Academy of Sport (SIS/SAS Network) and speak to the scientist concerned with your discipline of interest located there. Proposals for research are usually recommended by this network to allow those scientists and staff working directly with athletes and sport to identify critical areas of need.

Women in sport

  • Cash prizes and inequality - is it allowed?
    Example - the Fastpaddle Canoe Association conducted an open division canoe competition. On the day, the first male who crossed the line received a cheque for $3000. The first female received an empty envelope and was told she would receive a cheque once the association had worked out its budget. The prize money later allocated to her was $200. When queried, the association explained that the higher percentage of prize money pool being allocated to men was due to the men having greater representation in the event. Although the Fastpaddle Canoe Association is likely to be a voluntary body and therefore exempt from the Sex Discrimination Act, it is worthwhile pointing out to them that the basis of prize money allocation is discriminatory. This practice does not encourage women to enter the competition and thereby increase the prize money pool.
  • Can girls play on a boys team?
    Example - a local rugby club conducts an under 12 competition. The Touchdowns enter a team; however, other teams are surprised to find that L Smith and K Jones are girls. These teams complain to the association claiming that their players would be intimidated by having two girls in the opposing team and would be apprehensive about full tackles for fear of hurting the girls. As a result, the club's executive decides that the girls cannot play in the competition. This appears to be discriminatory. Discussions could be held with the club executive about grading players into teams according to their ability and not on the basis of their sex. If this is not successful, an enquiry could be made as to the possibility of lodging a complaint. Again, the "voluntary body" issue would have to be considered.
  • As a coach, what advice can I give to a player in care who is opposing a pregnant player?
    People's perceptions about pregnancy often lead them to believe that pregnant women are more vulnerable to injury than they actually are, particularly in the first trimester (the first three months) of pregnancy. You, as a coach could recommend that participants obtain relevant medical information about the risk and benefits of playing when pregnant to ensure that they are aware of the facts of the situation. This can apply to anyone engaged in sport or physical activity who has difficulty accepting pregnant women on the field of play: Education may be the key to better attitudes.
  • Should an organisation formalise its guidelines about pregnancy in sport by having women sign a disclaimer, release or indemnity if they wish to continue to play while pregnant?
    It is a good idea from a legal perspective. The more the organisation does to protect itself and its participants, the more likely it is to avoid liability. Administrators should obtain legal advice about the form and wording of documents to be used for these purposes.
  • How can a sporting organisation best protect itself against potential claims for injuries to pregnant women or their foetuses that occur in sport?
    Sporting organisations should advise pregnant women who wish to continue playing sport that there may be risks, and that they should obtain medical advice about their health, and about whether to keep playing and for how long. They can do this by including such information in the registration form for that sport or competition, and by displaying a similar notice in a prominent place where participants will see it. Sporting administrators may ask participants to sign a release that will indemnify the administrator and the sporting organisation if claims are made for injury that occurs during sporting activity. However, the obligation to take reasonable care to prevent injury or harm to participants cannot be removed, and agreements of this sort cannot always protect the organisation or its administrators. Agreements that seek to absolve organisations from liability for injuries in respect of pregnancy alone maybe discriminatory, too, and could then attract other litigation. Other ways in which sporting organisations can protect themselves against such claims include ensuring that their insurance is up to date and that it provides appropriate cover. Appropriate cover means; they have taken reasonable steps to ensure that rules of the game are followed, and that the playing environment is safe for all players, their policy documents clearly outline their position on pregnancy in sport (for example, a club may have a policy that pregnant women should continue to play if they wish to and if medical advice supports that choice).
  • Why should we be trying to increase the number of women coaches?
    First, women represent an untapped resource in many sports. Although female athletes constitute as much as 50 per cent (and sometimes more) of the membership of many national teams, the percentage of women who coach at that level is significantly lower. With so any women having a successful high performance competitive experience, the fact that so few enter coaching means there is a huge loss of knowledge and potential coaching expertise for any sport. Second, it is well documented that women have different life and leadership experiences, values and attitudes. One of the reasons that corporations have focused on advancing women into leadership roles is to assure themselves that they have a full range of perspectives available to confront business challenges. Sport, too, should be more active in tapping into the experience and expertise that women can bring to coaching. In addition to increasing the number of women coaches, we should examine our models of coaching. Accepted ideas about leadership are changing. The traditional view of leadership was founded on male-oriented values of rationality (everything must be based on reason), competition (only the strong survive) and independence (every man for himself). These assumptions have shaped the culture of many of our organisations, including sport. When we simply try to fit women into this existing leadership (coaching) model, they often are isolated, receive little support, have limited opportunities and do not stay around, thereby perpetuating the prevailing thinking that women can't take the pressure. We need to look at coaching differently. We need to ask some hard questions and then develop models of coaching that can accommodate both men and women.
  • Does it really matter if the coach is a man or a women? Shouldn't you just hire the best coach for the job?
    "Best" is a word that can get us into a lot of trouble. How we define the word varies according to our own experience, values and attitudes. There are also commonly held assumptions about what makes an effective leader. These assumptions are changing, as are society's ideas about which qualities make the best leader or coach. Of course we want the best coaches working with our teams and clubs. They are the ones who have the most appropriate experience, skills, qualifications, values and attitudes for the particular coaching context.
  • Where is it written that female athletes must be coached by female coaches?
    There is obviously no rule that states that female athletes must be coached by female coaches. Coaches who have worked with both genders will say that they coach girls and women differently than they coach boys and men. Why is that? The life experiences of girls and women are different from those of boys and men; it is generally accepted that females have a different psychological makeup. If we agree that effective coaching is as much about mental preparation as it is about physical preparation, then the need to understand how an athlete approaches her sport mentally is evident. Growing up as a female provides women coaches with a unique empathy with the thinking and feeling processes that girls and women bring to competitive sport and that can be a significant advantage. So women coaching girls and women can be a very positive experience.
  • Are special programs for women coaches really not just discrimination in reverse?
    When people talk about "reverse discrimination", what they are saying is that the status quo is fine for now and that change will come naturally and slowly overtime. Their fear is that speeding up the process will take opportunities away from those currently benefiting from the system. To target certain groups and offer them special measures is the proven way to eliminate imbalances supported by outdated traditions. Those currently receiving the benefits must learn to share the existing resources and programs. Since we are seeking a sport system in which all persons have opportunities to participate, it is women and other currently marginalized groups who need assistance.
  • Should I wear a sports bra while exercising?
    An unsupported 12B bust can bounce up to 8cm and a 16DD bust to 19cm during high impact exercise like running, which can contribute to back pain. Not wearing a sports bra may also lead to tearing and dragging on the coopers ligaments which are tiny tissues that give breasts shape, sometimes resulting in permanent damage such as breast sag. To minimise or prevent these issues always wear a supportive sports bra when exercising as this is just as important to your body as the right footwear. Australia's leading sports bra manufacturer, Berlei undertakes a program of ongoing research and development with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and has a range of sports bras with varying support factors to suit a range of activity levels. For more information visit Berlei's website (see related links).

6. Products and Services

  • How can I promote my product/service which I think would be of interest to the AIS?
    If you send an email with sufficient information about your product or service, it will be forwarded to the appropriate division. The AIS receives many emails promoting products and services. Staff will contact you only if they are interested in obtaining more information.

Q and A

  • What information can be found on the Clearinghouse for Sport?

    Clearinghouse members have access to a range of online services and licensed resources, including:

     

    ·         Full text electronic journals and research databases

    ·         Digital image files, and video and audio recordings

    ·         Current awareness and alerting services

    ·         Digitally archived Australian sports publications and reports

    ·         Research and references services

    ·         Discussion forums and other online social collaboration tools

  • What is the purpose of the Clearinghouse for Sport?
    To facilitate the exchange of best practice and promising practice information and ideas across the sport sector and all levels of Australian governments.
  • Who can access to the Clearinghouse for Sport?

    Access to secure areas of the Clearinghouse website is restricted to Australian sport sector members.

    Who can I call or email if I need help? You can contact any of our Australian Sport Information Network (AUSPIN), staff based around the country.

  • I am travelling overseas from Australia — do I need a visa?
    This depends on the countries you plan to visit. Contact the embassy or high commission of the relevant countries to find out more. Information on visa requirements is also available through the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (see bottom of this page).
  • What kind of visa do I need to travel to Australia?
    It depends on the country that has issued your passport. Visit the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship (see bottom of this page) to find out more.
  • Which vaccinations do I need to travel overseas?
    This depends on the countries you plan to visit. Find out more on the World Health Organization’s international travel and health pages (see bottom of this page).
  • Which currencies do I need for overseas travel?
    It depends on the countries you will be visiting. World currencies and current conversion rates are part of Oanda’s travel currency tools and resources (see bottom of this page).
  • How do I find out about other international sporting organisations?
    Contact details for sporting organisations around the world are listed on the International Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Federation websites (see bottom of this page).
  • Where can I get travel advice and assistance?
    www.smartraveller.gov.au - The Australian Government's travel advisory and consular assistance service.