More from this section
Quicklinks
Coaching Framework
Enrol in a Course
Coaching Pre-requisites
Foundation Coach Award
Development Coach Award
Performance Coach Award
High Performance Coach Award
Boat Sweep Award
Recognised Prior Learning (RPL)
Accreditation Validity
Re-accreditation
Helpful Links
Changes to the Coaching Framework
Following a comprehensive review of the SLSA Surf Sport Coaching Framework in 2012/13, SLSA has redesigned the way coaches are recruited, trained, supported, and retained. The result is a contemporary, flexible and purpose-built coach development framework, designed to ensure we are developing great coaches in all coaching environments and in all Surf Sport disciplines.
The new SLSA Coaching Framework has taken over what was formerly known as the Junior Coaching, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 courses. The major change to the coaching framework is that it is now discipline specific.
SLSA Surf Sport Coach training sits under the umbrella of the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS), which covers over 70 different sports throughout Australia and is managed by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC). SLSA has a 5-tiered Coaching Pathway which is outlined below.
Note: The Age Manager qualification is not part of the National Coach Accreditation Scheme.
Enrol in a Course
SLSNSW coaching courses are now accessible to our members at any time through the SLSA Members Area.
Before you enrol in any course, please ensure you have a SLSA Members Area [external] account. If you don't have an account please contact the SLSA IT helpdesk, ithelp@slsa.asn.au. You will need to access this throughout the duration of the courses.
To active your username in the system, please follow the below prompts:
- You will be asked to pay for this course online. Please discuss with your club whether they will reimburse you for the cost of this course.
- Log on to the SLSA Members Area [external]. If you do not have a SLSA Members Area account, or are having troubles logging in, please email the SLSA IT Help Desk ithelp@slsa.asn.au and they will be able to assist you. SLSNSW cannot help with this.
- Once logged in and on the home page of the SLSA Members Area, click ‘Courses'.
- Then select ‘NSW’ (if not automatically selected). You should now be redirected to the SLSA Online Learning Portal.
- The SLSA Online Learning Portal (EtrainU) will activate your username in the system.
- Once you have logged into EtrainU, click on ‘Training Library’ at the top right of the page. Then select SLS – Sport, this will give you a list of available courses.
- Select the course which you would like to complete.
- Pay for the course online.
Coaching Course Pre-requisites
Community Coaching General Principles
The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Community Coaching General Principles (CCGP) [external] is a prerequisite for the Foundation, Development and Performance Coaching Courses and is free of charge. The CCGP online course has been developed to assist coaches to learn the basic skills of coaching, particularly coaches working with children. This course is not sport specific, however you will develop a knowledge and understanding in general coaching topics including:
- The role and responsibilities expected of a coach
- Planning
- Safety
- Working with parents
- Communication
- Group management
- Inclusive coaching practices
This certificate covers module 1 for both the Foundation and the Development courses and is separate to those on the SLSA Members Portal. Once completed, you do not have to complete it again.
This course was previously known as the Beginning Coaching General Principles course. As this course has been superseded, SLSNSW cannot accept this certificate as RPL for any course.
How to log in to complete the CCGP certificate:
- Visit the website here [external]
- Create a login
- Once you have created a log in and are logged in to the Learning Portal, click ‘Browse Learning’
- Click ‘Community Coaching General Principles’
- Complete enrolment and begin the course
- Save a copy of the certificate and submit it with all other completed course certificates
Working With Children Check
A Working With Children Check [external] (WWCC) is a requirement for all coaching and officiating courses.
A WWCC will be undertaken on all Coaches and Officials and must be sighted and uploaded to the individuals SurfGuard at Club Level.
ASADA Anti-Doping Course
As of January 2018, it is a requirement that Development Coaches complete the ASADA Level 1 Sports Anti-Doping Course, and that Performance Coaches complete the ASADA Level 2 Sports Anti-Doping course.
ASADA e-learning [external] is a free and easy-to-use online education tool featuring online courses, videos and learning updates. It provides everyone with the opportunity to learn about the key areas of anti-doping such as prohibited substances and methods, Therapeutic Use Exemptions, doping control and whereabouts.
Seated time is approx. 30-45 minutes.
Coaching Awards
Foundation Coach Award
This award is aimed at coaches of entry level participants actively participating in a club surf sport environment (recreationally or competitively). This level is generally for Nippers (U8 - U13) based coaching.
Target: Parents of nippers/new club members and people with an interest in coaching.
Duration (theory & practical): A mix of theory and practical education methods. The two-part theory component must be completed prior to the practical course.
The first component is the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Community Coaching General Principles online certificate. The second component is to complete the online modules via EtrainU. The Foundation course modules (2 & 3) you will need to complete on EtrainU are:
- Introduction to Surf Sports Coaching
- Time to Coach
There is no time limit to complete these modules. You do not have to complete this in the one sitting but it is in your best interest to complete them ASAP. The practical component will take approx. 1-3 hours in duration depending on the availability of your Assessor/s.
Enrolment prerequisites: Participants must be 16+ years to enrol in this course. This course is not a prerequisite for the Development course.
Cost: $150 including GST.
Development Coach Award
This award is aimed at coaches who have chosen to specialise in one or more discipline/s to coach participants who are actively competing in a club/branch surf sport environment.
You must complete this course if you wish to coach (sweep) Surf Boats, followed by the Sweep Accreditation Checklist.
Target: Parents of nippers, parents of young athletes, current/ex surf competitors, lifesaving trainers, other sporting code coaches wishing to coach surf athletes.
Duration (theory & practical): A mix of theory and practical education methods. The three-part theory component must be completed prior to the practical course.
The first component is the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Community Coaching General Principles certificate. The second component is to complete ASADA Level 1 Sports Anti-Doping Course. The third step is to complete the online modules via EtrainU.
The Development course modules (2-6) you will need to complete on EtrainU are:
- Introduction to Surf Sports Coaching
- Understanding your athletes'
- Developing your athletes' physical capacities
- Managing your Surf Sport coaching program
There is no time limit to complete these modules. You do not have to complete this in the one sitting but it is in your best interest to complete them ASAP. The practical component will take approx. 1-3 hours in duration depending on the discipline you choose and the availability of your Assessor/s.
Enrolment prerequisites: Participants must be 16+ years to enrol in this course. The Foundation course is not a prerequisite for the Development course.
Cost: $175 including GST.
Performance Coach Award
This award is aimed at coaches who are a specialist within their discipline, striving for a performance based outcome from their athletes.
Target: Ex-surf competitors, NSW accredited coaches wishing to coach surf sports athletes at the performance level.
Duration (theory & practical): A mix of theory and practical education methods. The two-part theory component must be completed prior to the practical course.
Enrolment prerequisites: Participants must be 18+ years to enrol in this course.
Cost: $200 including GST
High Performance Coach Award
This award is reserved for selected coaches who have been identified as leaders within their chosen field. These coaches are talent identified as a part of either the National High Performance Program, or as high performance coaching experts operating outside of this program. Each coach will develop an individual coach performance plan (ICPP) which will ensure SLSA's High Performance coaches are at the cutting edge of lifesaving sport at the highest level. Each HP Coach will be required to attend an annual workshop. This course has not yet been released by SLSA.
Target: High Performance (selected) coaches. This course is offered and run by SLSA, not the State Centres.
Enrolment prerequisites: Participants must be 18+ years to enrol in this course.
Cost: To be advised by SLSA
Boat Sweep Award
You must complete the Development Coaching accreditation as a Boat Coach prior to completing your S2 and S3 Sweep Accreditation Assessment Tool (below). You cannot Sweep until you have completed both the theoretical and practical components of the Development Boat Coach Accreditation. S1 sweeps do not need to complete the Development Coaching accreditation prior to their Sweep accreditation and have various restrictions (below).
Boat Sweep Accreditation Changes:
The Sweep Accreditation Assessment Tool has been developed in conjunction with the Surf Rowers League (ASRL) to make surf boat sweeping current with modern coaching methods.
You must have a current Development Coach Surf Boat accreditation to sweep in a championship event. If this accreditation expires, you are not accredited to Sweep in competition.
Please contact Chiara Nowland, cnowland@surflifesaving.com.au, for a list of who can accredit you as a sweep and where.
Note: This tool is for new Sweeps only, current Sweeps will remain as status quo. Current Sweeps that hold their level 1, 2 or 3 Coach Award will automatically obtain an S3 award after their coach reaccreditation.
For further information regarding the new Sweep Accreditation Assessment please carefully read through the Accreditation Assessment Tool below.
Sweep Accreditation Pathway
Clinics and Development Pathways
Surf Boat Rowers Clinics
Surf Boat Clinics are planned and scheduled in conjunction with the SLSNSW Surf Boat Commission Panel members. These are targeted towards beginner to intermediate level rowers who wish to enhance their rowing, providing athletes with the opportunity to be coached by some of NSW best coaches.
Sweep Schools
Sweep Schools are planned and scheduled in conjunction with the SLSNSW Surf Boat Commission Panel members. These clinics are targeted towards S1 sweeps who aspire to sweep in competition. The clinics also may provide an opportunity to have your sweep or coaching accreditation signed off.
Information for both Surf Boat Rowers Clinics and Sweep Schools will be distributed through Club Mail and SLSNSW Circulars.
Recognised Prior Learning (RPL)
How to apply for RPL
If a candidate feels they already have the required competencies in any of the courses, they can apply to have these skills recognised to acquire their coaching accreditation without completing the theory components. You must have considerable prior knowledge to be approved. Please complete the RPL forms below and send them to Chiara Nowland, cnowland@surflifesaving.com.au.
Accreditation Validity
All SLSA coaching accreditations are valid for four years.
Note: Do not let your accreditation lapse; you may have to complete a new course under the new framework if you do not get this information to your State Centre in time.
Re-accreditation Updates
There are 5 steps involved in the re-accreditation process which are outlined on the re-accreditation form below.
Helpful Links and FAQ
To download a list of current SLSNSW assessors please click here.
SLSNSW is currently looking for more assessors. If you are a skilled, experienced coach and would like to be involved please contact Chiara Nowland, cnowland@surflifesaving.com.au.
What will happen to my current Junior Coaching, Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 Coaching accreditation?
You will keep your current coaching accreditation until you need to reaccredit yourself before it expires. The reaccreditation form asks you which level best suits your coaching ability. Our SLSA trained Assessors will sign off on your reaccreditation paperwork. If you are unsure of who is a NSW Assessor, please leave this section of the reaccreditation form blank when submitting to SLSNSW. Your reaccreditation forms will be sent back to you if not completed correctly.
What will happen to my current Junior Coaching, Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 Coaching accreditation?
You will keep your current coaching accreditation until you need to reaccredit yourself before it expires. The reaccreditation form asks you which level best suits your coaching ability. Our SLSA trained Assessors will sign off on your reaccreditation paperwork. If you are unsure of who is a NSW Assessor, please leave this section of the reaccreditation form blank when submitting to SLSNSW. Your reaccreditation forms will be sent back to you if not completed correctly.
What happens when I complete the course?
Please send all completed paperwork to Chiara Nowland, cnowland@surflifesaving.com.au. Once all information is received, this will be processed to your surfguard profile and the award is valid for 4 years. Please allow 3-4 weeks for your accreditation to be processed. You can check if you have been given the award by logging into the SLS Members Area or by contacting your Club administrator.
Please note that the course is not complete until all online theory modules and practical is finalised and signed off by an assessor.
IT Troubles
If you are having IT issues, please email an SLSA representative at support@interactiontraining.net and mention that you are trying to enrol for a coaching course in NSW and need access to the Members Portal. If you have any questions regarding the EtrainU platform please contact Chiara Nowland, cnowland@surflifesaving.com.au.
The SurfGuard helpdesk is open during the following hours:
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (AEST)
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (AEST)
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (AEST)
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (AEST)
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (AEST)
- Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm (AEST)
The helpdesk is closed on public holidays.
SurfGuard Help: 1300 724 006
Support Ticket Desk: support.sls.com.au
Email: surfguardhelp@slsa.asn.au
Who can I talk to if I have more questions?
Chiara Nowland, SLSNSW Sports Officer (02) 9471 8028