Swimming Australia, upon advisement from the Coach Accreditation Review Committee has decided to not re-register the Green Coaching course with the National Coach Accreditation Scheme (NCAS) administered by the Australian Sports Commission.

The link between learn to swim instruction and junior swimming coaching is an essential part of the coach development pathway. Swimming Australia has offered ASCTA the challenge of course delivery in this area and has transferred the Green course content to ASCTA to commence delivery of Junior Squad & Assistant Coach courses early in 2008.

Why the Change?

ASCTA is in a great position to deliver the new course as an extension of their swimming teacher qualifications. The Junior Squad & Assistant Coach course will better represent and depict the level of the qualification held by the Coach. The name change will also help educate Swim Clubs and guide those coaches qualified at the entry level of coaching to operate within their qualification parameters.

The ASCTA Junior Squad & Assistant Coach course will qualify the coach to exactly the same competency as previously offered by the Green coaching course, being to:

• Coach junior swimmers (i.e. swimmers 12-years and younger) who are in the early stages of the competitive swimming development; providing coaching/instruction for stroke development and delivering appropriate training programs. and/or
• Assist a suitably accredited and licensed BRONZE Coach or above in the delivery of more complex competitive swimming programs for age-group (i.e. 13-18 years) and open swimmers.

Effect on current Green accredited coaches

Coaches working within the scope of the qualification as depicted above, will not be required to make any immediate changes. The Green NCAS accreditation will remain in place for its four year duration. Upon renewal the coach may opt to transfer to the ASCTA Junior Squad & Assistant Coach qualification or complete the BRONZE coaching requirements.

What does this mean for Swimming Clubs?

The BRONZE course adds greater depth to a coach's knowledge and introduces a number of skills required to coach independently in a range of situations typical of the Swim Club environment.

It is recommended that your CLUB coach should have the BRONZE accreditation as a minimal level of accreditation to adequately coach your club team.

Swimming Australia in conjunction with ASCTA has put together the attached information flyer to help answer your questions and clarify the pathway to CLUB coaching.

ASCTS FAQ_brochure - changes to green accreditation.pdf

SAL FAQ_flyer - changes to green accreditation.pdf