The Advanced Coach accreditation replaces the old Level 2 coaching accreditation. Coaches can no longer reaccredit as Level 2 or Level 3 coaches as this level no longer exists. To reaccredit as an Advanced Coach or become an Advanced Coach course, please contact your state/territory for an application form.
 
What does a coach need to have/obtain before receiving the Advanced Coach accreditation?

1. The coach must be currently in a position or currently seeking a position within the recognised state system (i.e. currently coaching or seeking a position which is either a zone/group/district level coach, state junior coach, state assistant coach, premier level pennant club and/or a development squad coach)
2. Endorsement from your STA to attempt the accreditation (letter of recommendation)
3. Current personal email address
4. Mobile phone with SMS capabilities
5. Access to a video camera
6. Current Club Coach accreditation and attendance at the Competition and Selection Modules
7. Current working with children check. This is state/territory specific. Please check with your Department of Justice (or equivalent) to ensure you can meet all the requirements.
8. Current First Aid certificate. Minimum certificate requirement is course code: HLTFA301C – Apply First Aid. Providers of First Aid certificates conduct this course under different titles, e.g. HLTFA301C is covered under St John’s Ambulance’s ‘Apply First Aid Course’ and Red Cross’s ‘Senior First Aid Course.’ Please check with your chosen provider to ensure you are completing the HLTFA301C course.
 
Below are the competencies that relate to the accreditation:
 
Advanced Coach competencies
1. Display and maintain the professional behaviours and standards expected of an Advanced Coach.
2. Demonstrate positive and inclusive coaching philosophy
3. Identify personal strengths and limitations to develop your own coaching style
4. Demonstrate self evaluation skills and techniques for improving coaching performance
5. Manage a coaching program by creating a support network for stakeholders and players
6. Develop and implement a season, weekly and session plans for a team or an individual
7. Manage the safety requirements of coaching
8. Demonstrate a range of coaching methods and communication techniques
9. Design and execute training drills and activities appropriate the level of players being coached
10. Determine the complexity and organisation of a skill
11. Identify how a skill may be simplified
12. Demonstrate understanding of learning styles
13. Develop activities to improve a player's physical abilities
14. Demonstrate an understanding of anatomy and be able to effectively communicate with health care professionals
15. Identify biomechanical principles that can be utilised to improve the player
16. Apply technique analysis using biomechanical principles and various technologies to instruct the player
17. Take into account growth and development considerations when coaching a range of players
18. Assist players to use correct nutritional strategies to enhance bowls performance.
19. Use basic psychological training skills to assist players prepare for bowls performance
20. Provide basic information to players regarding anti-doping issues
21. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the mechanisms needed to develop a successful team
22. Develop skills necessary to be able to coach different personality styles
 
For more information, contact your state/territory coaching committee.

The Competition Module focuses on the aspects of competitive bowls. Coaches should attend this workshop to gain further information on how to best prepare players for competition, where to find the laws of the sport and conditions of play and understand how to educate players to focus on the elements they can control.

The workshop contains practical on green elements where players can discover what their own shot timeline is and how best to collect statistics.

You do not need to be an accredited coach to attend a workshop – it’s open to players, committee members, selectors and other interested persons.
 
Contact your state/territory coaching committee to find out when the modules will be conducted in your area.

The Selection Module is designed for club coaches, selectors and others who are keen to ensure their club has best practice selection standards.

Coaches should attend this workshop to learn more about benchmarking players, which can assist with selection, while selectors and committee members are advised to attend this workshop to learn how to create a selection policy and a healthy philosophy for their club.

Coaching is an integral part of our sport’s success but it can often be a difficult and daunting task without the right information and guidance, which is why Bowls Australia have developed the official Activities Handbook to assist the bowls fraternity.

The Activities Handbook was designed to create a positive learning environment, enabling activities and games to be carried out safely and therefore enhance the fun of learning the game of bowls.

The handbook is an official Bowls Australia publication supporting introductory and club coaches during their training sessions that perfectly complements the suite of resources also available by Bowls Australia.

Whilst the apparent simplicity of lawn bowls belies the skill and mental application required to play the game well, these activities are designed to be used for a range of players. The handbook contains activities and practical drills coaches can use to liven up training in a fun and involving manner.

National coach Steve Glasson OAM believes the handbook is a great resource for beginner and experienced bowlers alike.

“The handbook is a fantastic tool for all bowlers and I really recommend it,” Glasson said.

“Every bowler can find ways to improve their game and there are so many facets of this book that could benefit even the most experienced bowler.

“I intend to use the book at Australia squad camps to provide a visual guide for the players and it’s a great resource to give to them to take away.

“The handbook really shines when coaching at club level. The tips and techniques found in the book are matched with an abundance of skill tests and drills to help players improve.”

The Bowls Australia Activities Handbook can be purchased from the Bowls Australia e-store or through your State and Territory Association for $19.95.

Click here to purchase the Bowls Australia Activities Handbook from the e-store.