The Importance of Sports Coaches
What do you think of when you hear the term ‘sports coach’?
Do you imagine an American football coach, yelling from the sidelines at their team?
Perhaps you think of someone on the track with a stopwatch, timing an elite sprinter during a training session.
While the above scenarios ring may ring true for many of us, they’re not the only reflection of professional coaching, or of the multiple roles that sports coaches often assume.
What is a sports coach?
Sports coaches guide people to achieve their full potential within a range of areas. They can work with professional or elite athletes, either as individuals or as part of a team. Sports coaches can also work with community teams and school groups, with young and even everyday people also able to benefit from regularly utilising a sports coach. Meet a sports coach here.
SPORTS COACH
AVERAGE SALARY
Job Outlook
Sports coaches are always needed, from junior to senior level. Job outlook is projecting strong growth in the next five years
Qualifications
Qualifications for sports coaches vary, with many choosing to do a Certificate IV in Fitness, Diploma of Sports Development or even the Bachelor of Sports Coaching
Gender Employment Share
Full Time Worker Share
Critical roles of a sports coach
It is true that one of the key reasons behind utilising a sports coach is to improve sporting performance. However, sports coaches bring so much more to the role than just achieving results on a scoreboard.
According to the Australian Sports Commission, a sports coach needs to be – among other things – a mentor, teacher, psychologist, physiologist, and confidante. They also need to bring skills such as diplomacy, negotiation, facilitation, organisation, problem-solving, and motivation.
So how does all this translate into day-to-day coaching? Well here are just some of the roles that sports coaches are asked to play:
Assessor and Advisor
Coaches need to be able to assess an athlete’s performance and advise on which areas need to be improved. The advice given by a sports coach may also cover training recovery, working with injuries, nutrition, and developing a positive mental attitude.
Role Model
Coaches must understand that their athletes look up to them, so it is important that they ‘practice what they preach’, have integrity and behave in a way that is respectful to their sport and those around them.
Mentor
Many sports coaches will also find themselves working as guides. The role of a mentor is to guide a less experienced person by building trust and modelling positive behaviour. While coaches need to look after their athletes’ health (physical and mental) and their safety, they will also need to get ‘tough’ with their mentee from time to time.
Cheerleader
One of the most enjoyable aspects of coaching is celebrating success. Whether it be winning a medal, a final, or simply celebrating a new personal best, it’s important for the coach to celebrate alongside their star athletes.
An opportunity to make a difference
Good coaches are not only called upon to improve their athlete’s performance but to also encourage positive thinking, teamwork, resilience, a good work ethic, and respect and love for the game. As such, sports coaches play an integral part in human development, and the influence a good coach can have on their athlete’s life can go way beyond the sporting field.
Don’t think you’re cut out to be a coach but still have a great passion for sports? Perhaps a career in Sports Journalism is in your sights.
Browse Results
Diploma of Counselling
There is a growing need for people who can offer support services to adults and teenagers who may need support and guidance. If you have the desire to help people lead a happier life to reach their full potential, a career as a professional Counsellor...
Diploma of Nursing
Build a meaningful career that makes a difference with the HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing. This nationally recognised qualification provides the essential skills, knowledge, and practical training needed to become a qualified Enrolled Nurse in Australia....
Graduate Diploma in Management
The Graduate Diploma in Management is an online postgraduate qualification that is ideal for busy senior managers, with a potential entry pathway through any of our Graduate Certificates and study that is highly supported, fits into your schedule, and...
Graduate Certificate in Management
The Graduate Certificate in Management is an online postgraduate qualification that is designed for newer and ambitious professionals, with entry possible through management experience alone and a study structure that easily accommodates full-time work...
Associate Degree of Sport Business (NSW Only)
Get a higher education qualification in two years when studying full-time! Based on the Bachelor of Sport Business in terms of content, the Associate Degree of Sport Business offers students the opportunity to get into the workforce quicker or alternat...
Bachelor of Dance Education (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Dance Education is a unique specialist professional qualification and is Australia’s first–being delivered through ACPE! Units are provided by highly qualified and experienced professionals, empowering you with all the knowledge and ski...
Bachelor of Dance Practice (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Dance Practice is a specialised degree that will equip you with the skills and experience to become a professional in the dance industry. The course develops artistry, choreography, performance, educational, business, and organisational...
Bachelor of Education (Physical & Health Education) (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Education (Physical & Health Education) incorporates units in movement and health as well as curriculum and pedagogical studies, equipping you with the requisite skills for entering the teaching profession. If you are keen to pursue...
Bachelor of Health Science (Exercise) (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Health Science (Exercise) offers the perfect career path for those looking to enhance their knowledge and skills through further studies in physiotherapy, exercise physiology, and other health professions. You will come to understand ho...
Bachelor of Sport Business (Leadership)
Turn your passion for sport into a career by immersing yourself in a degree that will broaden your theoretical and technical knowledge, so that you are fully equipped fora management role within the sport industry. The Bachelor of Sport Business (Leade...
Bachelor of Sports Coaching (Strength and Conditioning) (NSW Only)
To address the high demand for sport coaches and professionals in Australia, the Bachelor of Sport Coaching (Strength and Conditioning) is a specialist degree fostering the coaching, administrative, and professional skills necessary for a fulfilling ca...
Certificate III in Community Services (WA Only)
The Certificate III in Community Services is perfect for entry level community services workers who support individuals through the provision of person-centred services. Work may include day-to-day support of individuals in community settings or suppor...
Certificate IV in Fitness
Take the next step in your career and gain the qualification you need to become a Personal Trainer. If you currently work in the fitness industry as a Gym or Group Fitness Instructor, elevate yourself to the next level by studying the SIS40221 Certific...
Certificate III in Fitness
If you’re looking to begin your career in the fitness industry, studying the SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness is the perfect qualification to get you started. Gain all the knowledge and skills you need to enter the industry as a Gym Instructor or Gr...
Personal Trainer Course
Join the fitness industry as a Personal Trainer and turn your love for fitness into a rewarding career by graduating in both the SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness & SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness. Enjoy the flexibility of being your own boss...
Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition)
Clinical nutritionists integrate traditional food wisdom and current scientific evidence to motivate individuals and communities to eat well and live healthier lives. The Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition) is supported by a strong underpin...
Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy)
Naturopathy is a whole medical system combining theory (philosophy and principles) and practise that uses an array of natural therapies to support healing and maintain health. Naturopaths aim to treat the underlying causes of illness and disease. The c...
Certificate III in Community Services (Perth Only)
Are you a natural when it comes to providing guidance to people? Would you like to kick start a career in Community Services? The Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015) is the perfect entry-level qualification for prospective Community Servic...
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing OR Disability) (Perth Only)
If you have a passion for helping those most in need, this qualification is one way you can utilise your knowledge for the benefit of others. Package the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing or Disability) (CHC33021) to save time and gain know...
Certificate lll in Early Childhood Education & Care (Perth Only)
If you love working with children and want to learn more about providing quality education and care in a range of environments, this course is for you. The Certificate lll in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) can provide you with an entry-l...
Latest Articles
Want to read more?
There are so many free childcare courses and subsidies out there! Find out if you can study childcare courses for free, and how funding works in your state.
Jane Bunn is a Channel 7 Meteorologist and Weather Presenter as well as a key ambassador for Women in STEM. Find out how you can become a meteorologist.
Thinking of a career in counselling? Read some advice on what a professional wish they knew before they became a counsellor.
