The Swim Australia™ Foundation Coach (SAFC) (formerly known as Swim Australia Teacher of Competitive Swimming) will be competent to deliver basic swimming squad sessions that develop the swimming technique of novice Swimmers – this is generally defined as Swimmers who are recent “Learn to Swim” Graduates and are in the likes of a “mini squad” (usually around 10-years and under) and still acquiring the skills needed to transition into competition.
This Course is endorsed by the peak sporting body in Australia for swimming – Swimming Australia – as the entry level course for the swimming coaching accreditation pathway.
Teachers who have held the SAFC qualification for 6 months or longer are eligible to undertake the Development Coach (previously Bronze) course. Holding current Swimming Australia coach accreditation is the minimum requirement for coaching competitive squads within swimming clubs or other facilities and to be able to coach on pool deck at swim meets.
All enrolled Swim Australia course students are covered by SCTI Insurance for the duration of their course and will receive complimentary Graduate SWIM Membership and Insurance for the length of accreditation (3 years), upon being accredited*
Units of Competency
This course covers the following units within the SIS30521 – Certificate III of Sport Coaching :
| SISSSWM001 | Coach Swimmers up to a competitive level |
| SISSSCO005 | Continuously improve coaching skills and knowledge |
Prerequisites
- You must provide your Unique Student Identifier (USI) number at the time of enrolment. A USI is your individual education number and is required if you are undertaking nationally recognised training. To find or create your USI and further information please visit the website https://www.usi.gov.au/students
- A current Working with Children check
Course structure
After completion of all online Units of Competency you will be provided with a Theory Acknowledgement. You will then be welcome to attend the Practical Induction workshop of your course which focuses on transitioning you from theory to hands on practical.
Once the Practical Induction is complete you will be required to undertake On the Job training under the supervision and direction of a Lead Coach/Teacher of your sourcing. As your confidence and ability grows you will progressively become more involved in the lesson delivery and a Competency Assessment will then determine that you are at the required standard to work independently.
Students have up to 12 months to complete this course but may be accredited sooner should they have completed and submitted all course requirements.
- Online Theory component – approx. 30 hrs
- Face to Face Practical workshop – 7 hrs
- On the job training – approx. 20 to 30 hrs
- Competency Assessment – 1.5 hrs
Course content
- Swim Australia™ Foundation Coach
- Being an Effective Foundation Coach
- Swimming Squad and Group Management Skills
- Biomechanics
- Competitive Strokes
- Session Delivery
Accreditation Requirements
Completion of:
- Online Theory Modules
- Practical Workshop Induction
- On-the-Job Training
- Competency Assessment
- Accumulative Training Record
- A copy of a current Statement of Attainment listing the HLTAID009- Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Current Working with Children Check
- Unique Student Identifier (USI)
- Completion of the Safe Sport Framework
You may enroll in a Swim Australia™ course at 15 years of age but are not eligible to receive the accreditation until you are 16 years of age.
Certification | Accreditation
Students who have successfully completed this course will receive an electronic Swim Australia certificate along with a Statement of Attainment listing the above competencies.
All Swim Australia Teacher/Coach qualifications are valid for 3 years from the date of accreditation.
In addition, newly accredited teachers/coaches will receive complimentary Graduate SWIM Membership and Coach Insurance for the length of accreditation (3 years).