LEVELLING THE DECK

Welcome to our dedicated resource to help coaches, teachers, clubs and swim schools create a swimming community which fosters equality and belonging for all genders. We are here to support our community to raise awareness and support for gender equality, and to celebrate progress!

Levelling the Deck is an initiative of SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia. Learn more about SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia’s Gender Equality Statement, new Framework for Action and Advocacy Framework.

Here is the place to discover more about gender equality

AIS targeting gender equality in coaching by 2023. The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) is proud to announce a $3.9 million funding boost for an Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) coaching program aiming to get more women in high performance coaching roles in Australia. Read on here

For all the progress toward equality on the field, sports administration remains dominated by men. A fairer, more inclusive industry would benefit everyone. We highly recommend reading The business of sports and the quest for inclusion for women article by Mckinsey & Company.

At Levelling the Deck, we support trans and gender diverse swimmers and live by SCTA’s values to be proud and inclusive. Check out the AIS Guidelines for Trans and Gender Diverse Inclusion, and let us know in the comments about how you support transgender and gender diverse people in your club, school, or community! LGBTIQ+ Australians seeking support with mental health can contact QLife on 1800 184 527 or visit qlife.org.au. ReachOut.com also has a list of support services.

Looking to develop professionally? Then explore these opportunities

Elevate Learning Grants Program (AIS) – The purpose of the Program is to invest in education and professional development opportunities for a sport-specific learning experience to improve the ability of the workforce to identify, develop, support and progress talented athletes (i.e. Categorised by the NSO). Round 3 applications open on March 15 2023 and close May 14 2023.

Course in Gender Equity Free at TAFE – This is Australia’s first accredited gender equity qualification, and is designed to prepare individuals and organisations to undertake gender equity work and meet the requirements for organisations outlined in the Gender Equality Act 2020 for Victorian public sector, universities and local councils, and for the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 for relevant public employers in Australia. As part of the Free at TAFE initiative, the Victorian Government is currently waiving course fees for select skill sets. Students who are assessed as eligible for a Government subsidised place will not be charged a tuition fee. The online learning intake is May 2023

GIS launches female-focused scholarship with Women Sport Australia – Global Institute of Sport (GIS) is delighted to launch a new scholarship to enhance leadership and development opportunities for women in Australian sport. The Inspirational Women in Australian Sport Scholarship has been launched for the 2023-24 academic year in partnership with Women Sport Australia (WSA) – the peak national advocacy body for women in sport. Applications close Friday 30 June 2023 

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