Coach
PFL clubs are always on the lookout for individuals keen to get involved and coach. Check out the current vacancies across clubland.
Coaching Accreditation
The new AFL Coach Accreditation shifts this focus toward a model of continuous development. This approach ensures that coaches at every stage have access to consistent, evolving resources to enhance their skills for the benefit of all participants—from those just starting out to those playing socially or competing at higher levels
Coach Accreditation Framework
A renewed structure with five distinct accreditation types: Registered, Registered Accredited, Bronze, Silver, and Gold.
Throughout the season it’s important to complete modules, attend events and programs that can earn valuable points to build your Coach Accreditation.
- Registered: < 90 points
You have completed Step one of the three-step accreditation process. Finalise all three to be eligible to coach. - Registered Accredited: 90 points
This is the minimum requirement for you to be able to coach on game day - Bronze: 100 points
You’re beginning your coaching career, at Bronze level you’ll be able to access extra learning modules and video content - Silver: 200 points
You’re growing your impact as a coach. At Silver level, you’ll gain access to extra learning opportunities, exclusive development sessions, and recognition for your ongoing commitment to improving your coaching craft. - Gold: 400 points
The Gold Tier is the top level of coach accreditation – a recognition of excellence, commitment, and leadership in the coaching community. To be a Gold Tier coach, you’ll need to complete the Advanced Coaching Course. You’ve reached the peak of the coaching pathway, demonstrating a deep understanding of the game, a drive for continuous improvement, and the ability to inspire those around you.
How to Obtain Points
Coaches can earn points and new accreditations by actively participating in a variety of learning activities. These activities include but are not limited to:
- Online Modules: Structured courses and learning available on the AFL LMS.
- Face-to-Face Workshops: Interactive, facilitator-led sessions.
- Self-Directed Learning: Independent learning of coaching related topics.
- Practical Coaching: Hands-on coaching practice.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you’ve gained coaching experience, education, or qualifications – either in Australian Football or another sport – you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) within the AFL Coach Accreditation Framework.
RPL allows you to have your existing skills formally recognised and matched to appropriate accreditation level.
To find out more about Recognition of prior learning, log into your coaching profile and select ‘Apply for RPL’ under ‘Coach Hub’ tab.
Points Allocation
Different learning elements within the framework have varying points based on their complexity, duration, and significance. Here’s how points are typically allocated:
- Compliance Modules: 40 points
- Essential Courses: 50 points
- Online Modules: 10 or 20 points depending on the complexity of the module.
- Face-to-Face Workshops: Minimum of 50 points per workshop
- All other learning types/elements: TBC
Retaining Your Accreditation
Points reset to the minimum required for the current accreditation on November 1 each year. This ensures that coaches remain engaged and active throughout the year to maintain or improve their coaching accreditation.
For a Bronze and Silver coach to maintain their current accreditation, they will need to obtain at least 50 points each calendar year. This includes 40 points from compliance modules and at least 10 points from an additional learning element. For a Gold coach, they will need to obtain at least 100 points each calendar year to maintain their current accreditation.
- Bronze: 50 points in a calendar year
- Silver: 50 points in a calendar year
- Gold: 100 points in a calendar year
If a coach does not achieve enough points in a calendar year, they will revert to one accreditation below.
Coach Education Pathway
To become a Gold coach, you first need to complete three Elevate courses or an Elevate Bundle (which is all 3 done in one day) before being eligible for selection into the Advanced Coaching course.
Upon completing the Advanced Coaching Course, coaches will obtain their Gold Accreditation status.
The next offering is the Advanced Coaching Elective, where there are 3 individual offerings available that can apply to participate in.
National Coach Education Pathway Graphic
Women in Coaching
WA Football have developed programs that equip women with the tools, skills and strategies to make an impact in their football community.
Additional Resources
Check out a wide range of coaching resources developed by AFL Play, including a skills series, tackling curriculum, advice on giving and receiving feedback, and more.