Overview
Entry to the Level 4 High Performance accreditation is by application only.
The Level 4 High Performance Coach accreditation is designed for coaches working with high performance athletes who are targeting major international competitions.
The primary objective of a High Performance Coach is to prepare athletes for successful performances at international competitions. This is achieved through effective coordination of high performance support services, collaborating with athlete representatives, and implementing best-practice coaching principles for elite athletes.
Opportunities for High Performance Coaches include head coaching roles in senior athletics clubs and/or employment as a High Performance coach in Athletics (or other sports). Additionally, they may pursue roles as secondary school Sports Directors.
Requirements
To gain a Level 4 High Performance Coach accreditation, a coach must also meet the following criteria:
– Be 25 years or older.
– Hold the Level 3 Performance Coach accreditation.
– Be the current primary personal coach to an athlete who has been selected for a recent major international competition (including but not limited to World Athletics U20 Championships, World Para-Athletics Championships, World Athletics Championships, Paralympic Games, Olympic Games, World Athletics Indoor Championships, World Athletics Cross Country Championships, World Athletics Road Running Championships, Commonwealth Games).
– Have a minimum of 5 years coaching experience (at any level).
Desirable Criteria:
– Be currently coaching an athlete in the National Athlete Support Structure (NASS).
– Be currently completing the AIS High Performance Coach program.
– Be nominated by the AIS as an ‘Identified Coach’ in a target event group.
– Be a part of the ‘Elite Athlete to Coach Transition’ program.
– Be part of Athletics Australia’s ‘Women in High Performance Coaching’ program.
Course Structure
The components of the Level 3 Performance Coach accreditation are listed below.
Please note: it is recommended to complete the accreditation in the following order, however this is not required.
Part 1: High Performance Mentoring Program
Successful completion of Athletics Australia’s 12-month High Performance Mentoring Program, including approval from the candidate’s assigned mentor.
Part 2: Core High Performance modules
Completion of the following Core High Performance modules:
– Coach Wellbeing
– Eating Disorder in Sport
– Applied Strength and Conditioning for Track and Field
– Applied Event-Specific Biomechanics
– Planning and Load Management
– Working with Athlete Representatives
– Town Hall Education Sessions
Part 3: Individual Coach Development Plan
Development of an Individual Coach Development Plan and participation in relevant formal and informal education to develop identified areas for improvement.
Part 4: Community Coach Development
Engage in community education (for example, delivering courses, presenting seminars, or creating educational content).
Additional Requirements
Applicants must also be willing and able to commit to the following responsibilities:
– 10 hours per month dedicated to formal coursework and mentoring.
– 10 hours per month dedicated to informal mentoring and personal reflection.
– Be open to the support and guidance provided through the relationship with their mentor.
– Participate in all core aspects of the program, either virtually or face-to-face.
– Agree to update their mentor on progress towards personal targets within a framework of ongoing personal review.
– Keep a reflective journal/workbook to be shared with their mentor and designated/agreed members of Athletics Australia’s High-Performance Staff.
– Adhere to Athletics Australia’s quality coaching and ethical practices.