ATHLETICS COACH

EDITORIAL
Message from the General Manager
As 2016 draws to a close it provides cause
to pause and reflect on the year that was.
We have more coaches, conducted more
accredited education courses, conducted more
professional development sessions and the
opportunities for coaches will only continue to
increase going forward.
Also this year the Athletics Coach Advisory
Group was reconvened and has provided
experienced counsel that is assisting with
the coaching component of the Athletics
Australia Strategic Plan. I would like to take this
opportunity to thank those members that have
given their time so generously to assist the sport. The group consists of: Adam Bishop
(CEO Athletics SA); Benita Willis (QLD Aths and Recreational Running Facilitator);
Dennis Goodwin (President, ATFCA); Duncan Tweed (CEO, Athletics NSW); Sharon
Hannan (Facilitator, Mentor, High Performance Athletics Coach); Kirsteen Farrance
(School Sport Australia) and Ralph Newton (Little Athletics Australia).
Whilst thanking people, I of course would like to thank the full team within the Program
Development Department. However, it is appropriate to single out Jill Taylor, Kylie
Italiano, Kathleen O’Connell, and Leana Joyce, for the tireless and quality work they do
in striving for the current and future coaches of our sport in all its forms. I am grateful
to the Member Associations and facilitators for providing opportunities for supportive
learning environments at the frontline of the sport that nurture and support participant
and athlete engagement. Thank you also to the network of formal mentors and the
many more informal mentors there to support coaches out in the field.
Athletics Australia is also appreciative of the support and leadership that we receive
from the International Association of Athletics Federations and the Oceania Athletics
Association, these are key relationships that keep our offerings at the cutting edge of
excellent practice.
www.athletics.com.au
www.athletics.com.au
6
6