Course Information
GETTING STARTED
The first step to becoming an accredited Australian Athletics coach is to enrol in an entry-level accreditation course. Australian Athletics is the accrediting body for coaching courses within Australia. These courses are approved by the Australian Sports Commission’s National Coaching Accreditation Scheme.
Under the Australian Athletics Coach Accreditation Framework, there are two pathways for coaches to follow. The Track and Field pathway and the Recreational Running pathway. The Track and Field Framework focuses on the events within the traditional track and field setting. The Recreational Running Framework is focused on road running and the recreational running community.
TRACK AND FIELD ACCREDITATIONS
Level 1 Youth Coach
Program Overview
The Level 1 Youth Coach accreditation is designed for coaches who want to work with athletes aged 3-12 years old and want to be involved in the early stages of athlete development (Fundamentals I and Fundamentals II in Australian Athletics’ Training and Competition Guidelines for Children and Adolescents.
The primary objective of a Youth Coach is to utilise a games-based approach to develop fundamental movement skills (such as running, jumping, and throwing) and foster physical literacy in an encouraging environment.
This accreditation is most suitable for athletes transitioning to coaching, Assistant Coaches, Little Athletics Coaches, and Primary School Teachers. For more information, please click on the link below.
Level 2 Development Coach
Program Overview
The Level 2 Development Coach accreditation is designed for coaches interested in working with athletes aged 12+ years old, who want to be involved in the Introduction to Training and Training I (General) stages of development (outlined in Australian Athletics’ Training and Competition Guidelines for Children and Adults).
The primary objective of a Development Coach is to teach athletes the technical model of Track and Field events and develop biomotor abilities.
Development Coaches offer structured, coach-led practices, designed to improve performance and prepare athletes for local, regional, and state level competitions. This accreditation is primarily aimed at Club Coaches, Secondary Teachers, Little Athletics Coaches, Private Athletics Squad Coaches, Masters Coaches, and Senior Athletes.
For more information, please click on the link below.
Level 3 Performance Coach
Program Overview
The Level 3 Performance Coach accreditation empowers coaches to guide athletes aged 15+ through the Training II (Specific) stage of development, as outlined in Australian Athletics’ guidelines. This program equips coaches to prepare athletes for national and international success by mastering skills in biomechanics, recovery, nutrition, plyometrics, strength and conditioning, sport psychology, and periodisation.
With a focus on competition, the program also emphasises supporting athletes to balance the demands of training with their social, psychological, and cognitive development.
You’re an ideal candidate for the Level 3 Performance Coach program if you work with senior athletes aged 15+ who are targeting national-level competitions and beyond. Whether you’re a Senior Club Coach, leading a private squad, a Specialist HPE Teacher, or part of a Performance Support team, this program is designed for those passionate about taking their athletes to the top. If you’re committed to helping athletes achieve their best while navigating the challenges of training, competition, and life balance, this program is your next step in coaching excellence.
For more information, please click on the link below.
Level 4 High Performance
Program Overview
The Level 4 High Performance Coach accreditation is designed for coaches working with high performance athletes who are targeting major international competitions.
Entry to the Level 4 High Performance accreditation is by application only.
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.
This accreditation is aimed at current and future Personal Coaches to NASS supported athletes.
For more information, please click on the link below.
RECREATIONAL RUNNING ACCREDITATIONS
Level 1 Recreational Running Coach
Program Overview
The Recreational Running Coach accreditation program is a Nationally Recognised Accreditation designed for coaches operating in running clubs, public training groups, and private squads.
The accreditation recognises that an individual has the appropriate skills and knowledge to coach novice to intermediate runners in running events up to Marathon-distance.
The program covers the core skills of run coaching, including leading a group, planning a variety of suitable running sessions, and writing a campaign program.
For more information, please click on the link below.
Level 1 Recreational Running Coach
Level 2 Advanced Recreational Running Coach
Program Overview
The Advanced Recreational Running Coach (Level 2) is a Nationally Recognised Accreditation designed for coaches leading running clubs or private coaches working with runners looking to achieve higher levels of running performance at target events.
The accreditation recognises that an individual has the appropriate skills and knowledge to coach intermediate and advanced runners to achieve target performances at endurance races.
The program covers advanced skills of run coaching, including technique development, periodization, plyometrics, functional movement training, and energy availability.
For more information, please click on the link below.
Level 2 Advanced Recreational Running Coach
Athletics North Queensland currently runs the Level 1 Youth Coach Course, Level 2 Development Coach Course, Level 1 Recreational Running Course and the Level 2 Advanced Recreational Running Course.