The 2010 National Coaching and Officiating Conference opens today at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium.

This annual two day conference, run by the Australian Sports Commission, aims to promote discussion and debate, analysis of issues affecting coaching and officiating development, and discovery of new approaches that can positively influence coaching and officiating for all levels of sport – from community to high performance. It will focus on the systems and strategies used to develop and support coaches and officials.

Attending the conference will be:

• CEOs and coaching and officiating directors
• sport development managers of national or state/territory sporting organisations
• individuals who work in state/territory departments of sport and recreation in the areas of coaching and officiating
• individuals managing coaches and officials at professional sporting clubs
• individuals delivering higher education for coaches and officials.

Keynote presentations

Professor Carol Dweck from Stanford University will deliver a keynote presentation on the ‘growth mindset’: the belief a person’s basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Dweck will argue that teaching a growth mindset increases motivation and productivity, creating a love of learning and resilience essential for great accomplishment.

Australian management consultant Avril Henry will explore the rationale for undertaking a deliberate workforce planning approach, as well as the key factors organisations need to consider when undertaking this process. Henry’s presentation will also investigate the general principles of workforce planning and knowing your workforce, including generation differences.

Bill Sweetenham will present a keynote on creative and innovative leadership. As the National Performance Director of British Swimming, Sweetenham created an environment for Britain’s swimmers to succeed: through his leadership British Swimming won 18 world championship titles, broke more than 200 domestic records and produced its best ever Commonwealth Games, world championship and Olympic results.