Coaching Edge Coach of the Year Awards (Regional and State) The Community Club Coach Championship moves Coaching philosophy– David Parkin Learning's from 2010 Using smart kicks Effective backlines 2011 AFL national coaching conference What is AFCA? The Re-Accreditation process (Level 1) Coaching resources The third edition of the coaching edge (pictured left) is now available for download from the AFL website (www..com.au) under the coaching section.

The Coaching Edge is the new electronic coach- ing magazine and is a continuation of the well respected Coaching Update magazine which was first published in 1988 after the VFL as- sumed responsibility for football development across and formed the Australian Foot- ball Coaches Association Victorian branch.

This issue looks at fitness during mid-season, developing players‟ game sense, multicultural- ism in football, what makes an elite athlete, the impact of good kicking as well as interviews

Executive

Brett Fisher (President) | Shawn Wilkey (Executive Officer)

Committee

Stuart McLean | Graeme Hocking | John Myers | Mark Fisher

Brian Cartwright | Leeann Gill | Phil Gould

"It is not what we get. But who we become, what we contribute... that gives meaning to our lives." Anthony Robbins

Shawn Wilkey Executive Officer Tel: 9762 6712 | E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://easternranges.aflvic.com.au The Coach of the Year Awards for season 2010 was held at the Lilydale International on Monday 4 October and saw over 200 guests in attendance. The Awards Dinner gives AFL Victoria the opportu- nity to recognise and thank coaches from across the region for all their hard work during the year. A total of 30 nominations across 5 categories were received acknowledging the coaches for all their hard work.

The nominated coaches were acknowledged in front of the 200 plus attendees for their outstanding contribution to grass roots football and their role in developing junior foot- ballers. The nominated and winning coaches were:

Pictured left, Tim Livingstone, Brian Chamberlin, Michael Scott, Darren Jacobsen, Keltie Blake & Glenn Murray

JUNIOR CATEGORY WINNER Tim Livingstone Park Orchards North Ringwood Parish JFC

NOMINEES Darren Hall North Ringwood JFC Mark Weightman East Ringwood JFC David Dyball Wesburn JFC Bruno Merlino Wandin JFC Craig Clement Donvale Magpies JFC Anthony Clark Chirnside Park JFC Trevor Tippet Heathmont JFC

AUSKICK CATEGORY WINNER Brian Chamberlin Mt Evelyn Auskick

NOMINEES David Nicholas Vermont Auskick Derek Paterson Warranwood Auskick Ollie Hansen Warranwood Auskick Brad Hutchinson Lysterfield Auskick SENIOR CATEGORY WINNER Michael Scott Olinda-Ferny Creek FNC

NOMINEE Travis Marsham Gembrook-Cockatoo FNC

YOUTH CATEGORY WINNER Darren Jacobson Ferntree Gully Eagles JFC

NOMINEES Steve Blakey Warrandyte FC Ryan Cullen North Ringwood JFC Chris West Norwood JFC Ian Birkett Wantirna South FC Kane Powell Coldstream JFC Rob Hubbard East Ringwood JFC Leon Hauler Belgrave JFC Sean Kavanagh Scoresby FC Brad Burns Rowville JFC Andrew Derksen Upper Ferntree Gully JFC Glenn Murray Mithcam FC Brett Anderson Mooroolbark JFC

FEMALE CATEGORY WINNER Keltie Blake Chirnside Park JFC

NOMINEE East Malvern JFC

CONTRIBUTION TO GRASS ROOTS FOOTBALL AWARD Glenn Murray Mitcham FC

Special guest speakers Alan Richardson and Heath Hocking from the Essendon FC entertained the audience on the night with their insights into AFL football and also some funny life stories along the journey.

The Community Club Coach By Luke Rayner

Community football senior coaches who embrace their club in its entirety will reap the rewards.

Previous research suggests coaches are the most influential people at club level in community football and there is no doubt in my mind this is the case. The community coach has many areas of influence including, but not limited to, club culture, values, player/coach/parent conduct, game style, the club‟s medical team, social environment, processes and procedures.

Given this, I believe clubs need to ensure their senior coach is suited to taking on the roles and responsibilities of being a club coach, and can control quality programs throughout the junior and senior levels of the club. Good coaching helps to create the best learning environment, while also maximising the motivation and enjoyment of all players. The senior coach, who is likely to be the best credentialed coach at the club, needs to put time into developing all of the club‟s coaches, providing education, resources and a support network, which will help establish a one-club approach.

I acknowledge many community coaches are already time poor and may be thinking these things are unachievable or just further burdens in an already busy role. However, with thorough planning and creative use of resources, and by engaging fellow coaches and relying on the help of a driven junior coordinator, it can be achieved quite easily.

If you can see the outcomes you want to achieve and use these as motivation, this will drive the process. Think of having one united club, shared core values, game-style principles that are implemented on a staged basis through all age groups with similar messages constantly reinforced, coaches coaching to a playbook of consistent drills and a code of conduct suit- able to all ages. This will help improve the players‟ development, knowledge of our game, transition from age group to age group and love for their club.

Since joining the Torquay Tigers Football Club last season with a vision to be a club coach, we have been able to introduce the following strategies and initiatives that have started our journey to becoming one club with amazing coaches, resources and support: Tigers Way Handbook – a comprehensive ,, coaching guide on club values, game-plan principles, line behaviors, team objectives, drills and skills, game sense and full-ground activities. A living document that is updated regularly with input from coaches at all levels.

Three club coaching seminars in 2009 with more planned for 2010. All coaches from our 16 junior teams and three senior teams attend these nights. I facilitate open discussion on Tigers Way, relevant topics and issues that may have arisen, and encourage the sharing of ideas and support among the coaches.

A minimum two training visits by our senior players to all junior teams. They either take training or participate with the kids. This helps to develop club links, provides variety for the coaches and encourages the kids to come and watch senior football and develop a love for their club.

These are some of the initiatives a club coach can undertake without too much effort. While in its infancy our program is already seeing:

- Improved synergy between our junior and senior ranks. -Improved player transition between age groups. -Improved training methods. -Better knowledge of our game style. -Greater enthusiasm among coaches due to the support programs. -The engagement and motivation of players due to our new strong game-sense focus.

Investing in your coaches at all levels means you are investing in your club as a whole and the environment you are provid- ing for participants. For those that embrace the role of club coach I assure you it will be one of your most satisfying coach- ing achievements.

Luke Rayner is club coach and senior coach at Torquay Tigers Football Club and is an accredited AFL High Performance Coach. This article was written as part of the requirements for the AFL High Performance Coach Accreditation Course

Have you the Moves to Coach an AFL team?

Do you see yourself as a Chef? Maybe a receptionist? Or even doing the muzzle! You probably al- ready have! The Championship Moves ‘real champs look out for their mates’ campaign pro- motes a range of „moves‟ that could be used to keep your mates out of trouble when out on the town.

AFL Victoria has chosen to partner with the Victorian Government to promote the Championship Moves campaign to help the issue of alcohol-related violence. Throughout the football sea- son, AFL Victoria will undertake a variety of activities to help encourage young adult players (in particular the 18 – 24 age group) to look out for themselves and their mates both after the game and when they‟re out on the town.

Alcohol-related violence is a big issue affecting our communities, particularly young people. The statistics reveal the prevalence of the problem, as an average year in Victoria will see 1500 as- saults in licensed premises, 10 - 15,000 people apprehended for public drunkenness, 2000 assaults involving young people affected by alcohol and 759 alcohol-related deaths.

Over the coming months, AFL coaches and AFL Victoria Development Managers will be making presentations to community coaches to request their support by taking these important messages back to players and club officials. Coaches are encouraged to get involved and with the support of the AFL Coaches Association through , ten opportunities to be an AFL coach for a day are being offered to community coaches. By doing a presentation at your club you can register for this fantastic opportunity to spend a day at an AFL club to further enhance your coaching knowledge and understanding of the game.

In as much, it is clear to see the misuse of alcohol is having a major impact on our society. Closer to home, this is also an issue that affects the AFL football community.

The Victorian Government is implementing a range of measures such as tougher liquor license regulations and increased bans and fines for disorderly behaviour and possession of weapons. Yet, what is really important is personal responsibility and how young adults react in potentially violent situations and this is the focus of the Championship Moves campaign. They are a series of „moves‟ a mate can pull to keep his friend away from trouble. There‟s the move known as the „water boy‟ (giving a mate a bottle of water); the „muzzle‟ (cover your mate‟s mouth if he‟s shouting off at someone) and the „receptionist‟ (using a fake phone call to get him out of trouble).

In reality, there are plenty of moves – most of them not rocket science. But if a mate applies one of these tactics to avoid trouble – to avoid a fight – then he has done his mate a great favour.

If you would like to conduct a Championship Moves session at your club please contact Steve Teakel - AFLV Coaching Development Manager - [email protected] and provide your name, postal address, contact number, club name and age group we will send out a coaches infor- mation pack which includes a DVD and presentation notes.

A 15 minute presentation by you as the coach may be the difference – creating a team that looks after each other both on and off the field!

For more information on the campaign, visit championshipmoves.com.au Coaching Philosophy David Parkin

Introduction 3. Plan, prepare, perform As we formulate a philosophy for living our lives, over time coaches should be Planning must be the key ingredient for all developing a "system" for conducting their aspects of football. If you plan well for eve- coaching. Your athletes/footballers should rything, then there is a better chance of clearly understand the truths, principles, preparing adequately and performing opti- attitudes and values you bring to their mally. I have always believed the emphasis environment as a coach. should be 3:2:1, i.e. three hours of plan- ning, for two hours of preparation, for one This "system" should provide clear guide- hour of performance - not the other way lines for consistency, trust, cooperation, around. Planning must be equally stringent 6. Feedback systems understanding and expectation, as it re- for the individual player as it is for the team. lates to discipline, teamwork and commu- Very few individuals (coaches and ath- nication between all parties. Over a long 4. Fitness, skill and game sense letes) have the capacity to self reflect period (25 years plus) a number of ele- accurately re their performance. We all ments became significant platforms which My attitude to preparing footballers for the have biases and blind spots when evalu- have underpinned my coaching during that most challenging and demanding game in ating our roles. As a coach you need: time. the world, has changed, as the game has An accurate, immediate feedback changed. By the nature of the games de- system for your footballers. If Obviously your 'system'/philosophy can mands, it's the most difficult game to get possible during (via the runner and should change over time. But often right, when training the body, the tech- and quarter breaks) the game, coaches get themselves into difficulty niques, the strategy and the mind. When- and obviously following the per- when they haven't firmed up their ap- ever, wherever it's possible, the coach formance. If you want players to proach, or they unexpectedly change their should attempt to reproduce 'game type' improve they must start with a 'system'. preparation (being careful to control aggres- very accurate / realistic view of sion with competitive activities). We obvi- themselves. That usually has to 1. Motivation vs. inspiration ously need to train specific physical parame- come from an outside source. ters. Technique and skill at times need con- Little change will occur without Inspiration comes as an externally imposed centrated work, but above all we need not feedback of quality. influence, which has minimal impact in to be doing 'mindless drills', and focus our terms of choices in behaviour, intensity of attention on 'game sense' activity. Football- To set up your own system, i.e. that behavior and the sustainability of that ers need to spend lots of time in situations mentor, or critical friend, or coach behaviour. Inspiration is most often short which are pressured (in terms of time and director, where you can receive lived. When a challenge requires sustained space), to win possession, make good deci- consistent, relevant feedback as to force and application over time, inspiration sions, and execute effective disposal. the effectiveness of your own per- may assist to kick start us, but motivation formance as a coach. Obviously this produces the perseverance required. 5. Leadership can happen on a week to week ba- sis, both in training and on game Motivation, on the other hand is principally A critical component in terms of coach effec- day. At the end of each season all based on the intrinsic needs of people, i.e. tiveness. Most of us believe (due to person- coaches (and those support How important is the outcome for the ality and experience) that we need to use staff who service the needs of play- doer? Once the footballer has made up his the same style of leadership with all people, ers) should be subjected to a review mind as to the desirability of this outcome in all places, at all times. My experience by the athletes with anonymous for him (he is in control of his motives, not suggests differently. You need to adopt your type questionnaires. the coach) then the coach can assist him style / approach according to the maturity / to achieve it. When athletes/footballers are experience of the individual / group. Young, 7. Honesty is the best policy dependant on the coach for his so called inexperienced athletes need some real di- motivation, then he's in trouble. Coaches rection and control. But as the player be- Honesty really does build trust between need highly motivated players to work comes more confident, educated, experi- player and coach. Sometimes it's difficult with. This is where recruitment of the right enced and competent, they need to be far to convey information which will not be people is so critical. The "wanting" is al- more involved in the coach / player relation- pleasant for the athlete. But the one ways basic to success. ship. Successful teams in the finish, always universal truth I have learnt, that whilst have a strong leadership group, who want the truth may hurt, people of quality deal 2. Continual improvement to take ownership over the dynamics of the with it extremely well. Lies, innuendo processes which are in place. The coach and half truths, very few people can han- Even if you're the so called 'best in the needs them to become far more democratic dle. Remember though, you aren't al- business', coaches need to be looking for in their approach to the important issues of ways right. Be careful to acknowledge better ways of doing all things. Improve- 'team'. Mature coaches give up some power privately and publicly when you are ment means 'change'. Change for many to the group. They realise that group em- wrong. people creates stress/anxiety. But if you powerment in most cases produces greater view change and stress as a stimulus and commitment through ownership challenge (not a handicap), you can keep up with, and often ahead of the pack. The fact is, in the competitive world of Austra- lian Football, if you're reproducing exactly what you did previously, then the best you can do is come a good second. Why? Be- cause someone has already taken your bench mark and added something better and different to it. 8. Measuring success 12. More is not better 14. Passion and fun

It's not always possible, but to be able to We have reached the stage in our football Passion for your sport is essential for confirm, or question or reject your meth- education to understand that in preparing coaching success. Footballers must sense ods, it's necessary to come up with per- to play this demanding game, 'more is not your love for the game, and the role you formance indicators. These can only be necessarily better'. In fact, rest and recov- play. It's a very demanding task. No one validated on the basis of objective meas- ery are equally as important as strength denies the need for a very committed ap- ures. Find systems and processes which can and power training. How much is enough proach. But if this prevents us from having deliver constantly your key performance and how much is too much is the question some real fun, i.e. laughing with and at indicators. They give credence to your a football coach must continually ask. Edu- each other, then we have a problem. En- methods, and confirm your improvement or cate your footballers to understand and courage joking relationships. otherwise. Footballers will confidently give read their bodies. The doctor, fitness advi- themselves over to a game plan when you sor and coach, is often only as good as the 15. Attitude can provide the evidence of its effective- honesty and accuracy of his player's under- ness. standing of themselves when they commu- We know that talent (how we choose our nicate. The first AFL Club to educate their parents), and preparation are really essen- players to understand themselves in an tial for athletic / football success. But I'm honest and accurate way in relation to in- convinced that the attitude which a foot- 9. Individual vs. team jury/illness, plus fitness levels and current baller brings to his competition is by far the form, will take an enormous advantage. most important ingredient for immediate One of the ongoing dilemmas for coaches and long term success. It's amazing that if of Australian Football. It's easy to hide be- 13. Lifestyle balance you want it enough, it will often overcome hind 'the team' in coaching, i.e. working in a lack of talent and preparation. generalities - one shoe fits all concept. But My belief is that both player and coach the reality is that your success as a coach is need to plan and commit to the principle. By David Parkin more dependant on your ability to coach Unless both can have a blockading tech- individuals within the team. All teams are nique, football can become a very, all con- made up of at least twenty two (AFL) indi- suming and often debilitating experience vidual players. It's your capacity to deal (especially when things aren't happening as with them as individuals, as well as a coop- you would wish). This means having a erative, sacrificial and cohesive unit, which small, but sincere, commitment to estab- will make your coaching successful. In the lishing something beyond football. I would finish you will win or lose as a team. But recommend this to all professional football- the individual worth of each member should ers and coaches. The research is starting to never be underestimated indicate that not only do you play (coach) better, and have a longer career, but you 10. Team life – sacrifice give yourself a better chance of making a successful transition to normal life when it's All things being equal, it's the team whose all over. Coaches must be sincerely inter- members are prepared to not only work ested in their footballers, beyond their ca- with, but for each other, that wins. This pacity to just produce good football. If you requires a high level of commitment to sac- are committed to developing the whole rificial acts, i.e. individual players are sin- person, the benefits and returns are signifi- cerely committed to making sacrifices so cant. Create an environment where people their mates can be more efficient and effec- want to be. tive. Like all inputs that are critical for team success, these sacrificial acts need to be recorded, recognised and rewarded. Like all important football behaviour it must be consistently reinforced or it drops away. The coach needs to, in conjunction with the team, work out a system or method to record, recognise and reward this kind of behaviour.

11. Goal setting

Whilst it can be very time consuming, the coach should have a clear picture of what the team and the individual members want to achieve. Knowing people's motives can enhance the manner in which we communi- cate and direct people's behaviour. Goals can become lighthouses along the way, and specific markers to judge the degree of improvement and success we achieve. Take time with your footballers to understand why they are playing the game.

Learnings from 2010

The 2010 Toyota AFL Grand Final Replay edition of the AFL Record featured an article titled 'Day One Year Zero' that analysed the drawn grand final. The article takes a sneak peak at the factors that might interest AFL clubs in 2011 and provokes thought for coaches at community level as they look for the edge for next season. As the article ex- plains "many elements of a premiership team‟s winning formula influence the shape of the next season". The following is a summary of the findings from the arti- cle's analysis of the match: The utility is a coach's dream Analysis of the drawn Grand Final raises factors for The performance of Brendan Goddard in the drawn grand final has coaches to consider in 2011. highlighted the value of utilities who have the ability to play in any position on the ground. Elite utilities offer great flexibility to a coach. You can't underplay the importance of winning centre clearances The Saints and the Magpies preparedness to press up as they move the ball forward aims to ensure it stays in their respective attacking halves. Players who can win centre clearances are invaluable, as a quick clearance and surge inside 50 helps forwards trap the ball. The centre clearance puts pressure on the opposition‟s defensive structure, with players forced to fight one-on-one, without the support the third man zoning off or tracking across can provide. The era of two specialist ruckmen might be over The omission of Ben McEvoy from St Kilda‟s team as a tactical response to Collingwood‟s - ruck combination signalled the end of clubs playing two ruck specialists. With high interchange rotations, clubs can no longer afford to have two players in one team who each play only 50 per cent of the game. St Kilda highlighted that one impact of the structural change is that it makes experts at the third-man up tactic more im- portant than ever. Good teams have on-ground coaches Team leaders need to understand the game-plan and the structures implicitly so they can instinctively make changes on the ground according to any situation that arises. If you watch the good teams, their leaders (, ) are pointing and shouting at every stoppage to ensure teammates are in space. Pure inside-50 numbers mean little In the drawn grand final, Collingwood dominated the inside-50 count (62-35), but it did not translate on the scoreboard. Poor delivery inside 50 can just result in easy turnovers. was able to intercept forward entries on multiple occasions. Similarly, bad kicking is bad football as the Pies who missed seemingly easy shots at goal would have been told. What more can clubs do about goalkicking? Goalkicking woes reappeared for Collingwood at the most inopportune time of the year – late in the second quar- ter of the grand final. Refining and all the simulation in the world can‟t prepare you for game-day – wind, dis- tance, sun, state of the ground, state of mind and the state of the game all come into play. The importance of sports science is only increasing It was said in the lead-up to the grand final that the fitness coaches for Collingwood and St Kilda – David Butti- fant and David Misson – had roles to play every bit as important as any of the players or other coaches at their respective clubs. Ahead of the replay, they became even more critical. Using the boundary to set up attacks works Of the 19 goals scored during the drawn grand final, only one came as a result of running through the centre of the ground. The kick-to-handball ratio might get back to 'normal' High pressure on the ball-carrier and receivers through defensive structures and team-orientated defence are eliminating the effectiveness of handballing to break the lines and sides are reverting to long kicks to drive the ball forward and gain distance. How to react to the loose man in defence Conventional theory would suggest there are probably three ways to react to a loose man in defence. Man them up with an attacking player who they will have to concentrate on, assign a defensive forward to quell their influ- ence, go head-to-head and have your own loose man. All three tactics were implemented in the drawn grand fi- nal, with varying success.

Download the complete version of the Day One Year Zero article from the 2010 Toyota AFL Grand Final Replay edition of the AFL Record Using smart kicks

Australian football is continually evolving and now more than ever, keeping possession of the ball when kicking is crucial. Kicking situations within a match require players to adapt their kicking tech- nique to the situation they find themselves in. Some kicking situations within a match will mean the player may not have time to grip the ball effectively, may have to kick off one step or may have to kick a low flat ball that requires no follow through. The AFL Record noticed at least seven types of kicks commonly used in the game that were showcased in the drawn 2010 Toyota AFL Grand Final. It underlines the fact today‟s players are becoming better skilled in all as- pects of the game.

1. The kick over a teammate’s shoulder running into space Sam Fisher kicks across his body

Justin Koschitzke kicked to running with the flight at the seven-minute mark of opening term. This style of kick, into an open forward line with teammates running toward goal into space, was seen regularly this season. 2. The dribble kick Eight minutes into the match and used the outside of his foot to dribble the ball through for a goal from 20m out. The dribble kick, where the ball tumbles along the ground through a vacant goalsquare, became a feature of football in 2010. 3. The drop punt

Alan Didak had a set-shot at goal from the boundary line at the 11-minute mark of the first term. The execution from the tight angle was rare – a skill only a few such as Didak and Hawthorn‟s can commonly execute properly – but the drop punt remains the most common kick in the game.

4. The torpedo

Dale Thomas attempted a torpedo at the 13-minute mark of the first quarter that tumbled through for goal. Collingwood‟s and used the torpedo to effect during the season and the ‟ kicked a goal at three-quarter time in round six to signal the kick had returned.

5. The kick to a leading forward

Sam Gilbert ran through the corridor about 13 minutes into the second quarter and kicked to a forward leading to space on the fat side of ground. This common kick was rare on Saturday, as the pressure on the ball-carrier was so great.

6. The kick on the non-preferred foot

Nick Dal Santo was forced on to his right foot often; however, ‟ left foot kick in the last 10 seconds of the game when under intense pressure to clear the ball from half-back to the wing was vital. It came not long after a desperate kick around his body that he executed by swinging his body so he could kick off one leg.

7. The kick off the outside of the foot

Alan Didak cleared the ball from the centre at the 25-minute mark of the opening term using the outside of his left foot, rather than screwing the ball around the body. Didak is brilliant on both sides of his body but there is an emerging trend that sees some players more comfortable using the outside of their strong foot rather their non-preferred. To view AFL match footage of these seven kicking techniques, or to download the AFL Smart Kicks PDF visit: http://www.aflcommunityclub.com.au/index.php?id=423 Effective Backlines

An effective backline is not just about shutting down the opposition forwards. A team relies on the „back six‟ to create scoring attacks and create turnovers.

Modern football has seen the development of backlines that are de- termined to maintain their shape and structure regardless of the way their opposition set up.

The modern backline is willing to double and triple team key for- wards to ensure one-on-one contests are limited and when in at- tack dictate the speed of the game by moving the ball slowly or quickly depending on the momentum and state of the match.

There is a fine balance between defence and attack and an effective (St Kilda) has the ability to create scoring opportunities from defense backline will have a combination of players striving to create turn- overs and striving to create scoring opportunities.

The top two sides from 2010 have a mix between defensive and attacking players in their backline. Collingwood use Na- than Brown in a more traditional defensive role and Heath Shaw and Ben Johnson play a more attacking role. Similarly, and Steven Baker fill traditional defensive roles for St Kilda whereas Sam Fisher, Brendan Goddard and Sam Gilbert play attacking roles.

Creating scores

Each team requires players in their backline who are able to create scoring opportunities. These players are transition players who can take the ball from defence to attack quickly and need to: Have clean hands around the scrimmage Have precise, long penetrating kicking Be good decision makers Break the lines with strong run from behind

Examples:

Heath Shaw (Collingwood) Sam Gilbert (St Kilda) James Kelly () ()

Creating turnovers Each team requires players in their backline who are able to create turnovers. These players hold their structure and are not dictated to by the opposition. They need to: Have speed and agility Read the play well and make good positioning to mark the ball in the defensive 50m Have a more defensive mindset Have versatility to play on different types of players Have good game sense

Examples:

Nick Maxwell (Collingwood) Jason Blake (St Kilda) Harry Taylor (Geelong) / (Western Bulldogs)

An effective backline also relies on constant pressure on the ball carriers up the field. It is important that a midfield is able to ensure that forward entries are made under pressure to give defenders a much greater opportunity to win the ball back and create a scoring opportunity on the counter attack.

This article is based on the presentation made by Sean Wellman (Assistant Coach, ) at the 2010 National Coaching Conference held at AAMI Stadium in Adelaide in January. 2011 AFL National Coaching Conference

Friday Jan 28th – Sunday Jan 30th 2011 7pm Friday - 4pm Sunday Etihad Stadium, Docklands, Melbourne

The 2011 AFL National Coaching Conference attracts over 400 coaches from across Australia. The conference program is aimed at giving Australian Football coaches an opportunity to access the most up-to-date coaching methods and practices.

AFL Umpire Coach PD Program National Conference

The AFL Umpire Coach Professional Development Program National Confer- ence will once again be held in conjunction with the AFL National Coaches Conference. Bringing coaches and umpire coaches together for this week- end reinforces the umpiring is everybody‟s business campaign.”

Cost - conference packages

Accredited coach

Whole conference $350 Includes Saturday night dinner

Friday only $90 Does not include Saturday night dinner

Saturday only $220 Does not include Saturday night dinner

Sunday only $165 Does not include Saturday night dinner

Non-accredited coach

Whole conference $380 Includes Saturday night dinner

Friday only $130 Does not include Saturday night dinner

Saturday only $245 Does not include Saturday night dinner

Sunday only $185 Does not include Saturday night dinner

Special programs

Includes Saturday night dinner. (Umpire Coaches must be part of the AFL Um- Umpire coaches conference $175 pire Coach Professional Development Program)

Dinner

Saturday Dinner Only $100

Conference program

Conference brochure which includes a draft program will be available in mid-November. The conference program will provide the latest information about the art and science of coaching Australian Football, presented by some of the top coaches and specialists in the game. It will include practical sessions and formal presentations from experts on their areas of coaching. The program will also outline physical and skill-development techniques for players, high-performance management planning, as well as team and coach development. There will be sessions for all coaches from junior levels through to senior coaches, high-performance managers and fitness specialists. The program format will again include seven outstanding keynote addresses and 36 optional presentations and workshops spread over six sessions.

To register please visit: http://www.aflcommunityclub.com.au/index.php?id=428

The purpose of the Australian Football Coaches Association (AFCA) is to:

 Support, develop and promote an extensive coach education program to enable all coaches to achieve a minimum Level One Accreditation under the guidelines of the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme;

 Enhance the professional recognition of coaches by the public, media and football administration;

 Coordinate the development and maintenance of a coaches register at all levels of Australian football;

 Act as a reference point for the clubs seeking coaching information for distribution through recognised coaching branches;

Support the professional development of all coaches through the provision of regular coaching seminars, confer- ences, coaching e-newsletters and a range of resources to develop the coaching throughout Australia.

The AFCA also provides its members with:

Level One Re-accreditation Eligibility Level One coaching accreditation expires after four years. If you are actively coaching and have been a member of AFCA over a four year period this automatically makes you eligible for Re-accreditation. Once Re-accredited you will receive a new four-year accreditation of Level 1, 2 or 3.

National Coaching Resources E-newsletters are distributed monthly during the season offering a wide variety of information including articles on coaching, Victorian and National information (meetings, special topic courses, annual conferences, etc.) Members have the opportunity to submit articles for publication. Advertisements provide information on equipment, books, videos and football programs.

Regional Coaching Newsletters 2 issues are produced regionally each year offers articles on coaching, skill development, motivation, drills, all with a local flavour. Members are encouraged to submit articles, drills and skills for publication.

Coach of the Year Awards Each year all AFCA members are eligible to be nominated for Coach of the Year awards in Auskick, Junior, Youth, Senior and Female categories for the Eastern Region. Each year a Coach of the Year Gala dinner is held and suc- cessful coaches are eligible for State Coaching Awards. The Victorian Branch of AFCA selects outstanding individuals for his or her dedication and service to the sport of Australian Rules Football in the categories of Auskick, Junior, Youth, Senior and Female levels.

Coach Education An accredited program of coach education courses is provided to all coaches. Level One coach education programs offer an introduction to coaching – role of the coach, planning training sessions, organisation, skills and drills, fitness for football, etc. These courses are aged group specific, tailored to the needs of the coaches and players they are coaching. As the coach continues to develop his or her coaching, Level 2 and 3 courses are conducted to advance their coaching knowledge.

Coach Education Program A variety of seminars and workshops are provided on a regional basis to continue the updating of coaches knowl- edge and understanding of new developments in the game of Australian Rules. These are facilitated by AFL Assis- tant Coaches and Regional Talent Squads including the Eastern Ranges FC.

Coaches Information and Resource Centre Access to a coaching video and book library is available to all members. Information and advice is also available on current resources and equipment.

For more information please contact Shawn Wilkey (details inside cover).

Accredited Coaches can continue their accreditation status by complying with and completing a Re- accreditation Application Forms/Policy which, if successful, permits the coach to an extended four year ac- creditation period without attending another coaching Accreditation Course and the associated cost and time.

The AFL will inform the coach on the impending expiry of his/her accreditation period. Coaches are then en- couraged to make sure they reaccredited 6 month prior to the expiry of there current accreditation period, no guarantees for re accreditation can be made to coaches who do not comply with this Policy.

UPDATING POLICY As part of the Australian Coaching Council (ACC) Accreditation Scheme, Australian Football has developed an Updating Policy which will guide you in maintaining your status as an Accredited Coach with the AFL, and thus remaining listed on the National AFL Register.

THE PROCEDURE When you receive your AFL Accreditation Certificate after completing a course, the “update clock” starts. This is indicated by adding four years from the due date shown on your certificate. Basically, the Updating Policy requires you to complete a variety of activities over a four year period which will earn the right to re- main accredited by extending the date a further 4 years.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DO NOT UPDATE? Coaches who do not complete the Updating requirements as specified by their National Sporting Organisa- tion, in Australian Football‟s case the Australian Football League (AFL), are removed for the AFL‟s active coach register and considered to be non accredited. This may also contravene many local leagues‟ Coach Registration Policies.

AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL REQUIREMENTS The onus is on you to maintain your accreditation and to keep records in a “log book”. During the four year period, you will be required to: - Be a member of the Australian Football Coaches Association (AFCA) – Ac- tively coaching a team (verified by a club official on club letterhead) for the 4 year period

PROCESS OF RE-ACCREDITATION If you are currently coaching and accredited at Level 1, as an AFCA member you are eligible for re- accreditation. Re-accreditation enables the coach to a further four years accreditation without attending an- other Level 1 coaching course conducted by AFL Victoria. Re-accreditation will only be awarded to coaches who meet the requirements outlined earlier under „Australian Football Requirements”. Coaches who believe they meet the criteria set for re-accreditation should contact their regional AFCA branch seeking a „Re- accreditation Application Form‟ within one month of expiry of their current accreditation. After completing the „Reaccreditation Application Form‟, coaches should return it with registration fee to their regional AFCA branch where it will be assessed and notification of successful application or otherwise will be then for- warded back to the applicant. The requirements for Level 2 (Youth/Senior), Auskick Leader or Level 3 coaches are a little more involved as outlined previously and are monitored and deliberated on by the State Director of Coaching and the regional AFCA branch representative. If you are a Non-Current coach, you should contact your nearest AFCA branch to discuss this matter further.

To download a Re-accreditation Form please go to the coaching section of the Eastern Ranges website www.easternranges.aflvic.com.au or call Shawn Wilkey on 9724 9488.

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