The Australian Sports Commission has recently released a range of articles, podcasts and webinars outlining what they term The Modern Coaching Approach. These resources highlight the key differences between traditional coaching methods and a more contemporary, athlete-centred model now being encouraged across all levels of sport in Australia.
They have also provided a practical framework—essentially a blueprint—for Community Coaching Essential Skills, made up of eight core modules. I will address each of these individually and add some insights drawn from my own coaching experiences.
It is important to recognise that, at the community level, most coaches are volunteers—often parents or family friends of the participants. They typically receive no remuneration, sometimes not even basic incentives like apparel, yet commit one or two training sessions a week in addition to game day, which may fall on weekends or mid-week. Many have little to no formal coaching background and, in some cases, take on the role simply because no one else is available.
Unlike the professional environment, there is generally less emphasis on results. In many junior sports, outcomes are de-emphasised or not recorded at all. However, this does not diminish the responsibility placed on coaches to create positive experiences for every participant. For some, success may mean winning; for others, it is simply being part of a team, participating, and enjoying the environment.
Let’s now consider the eight Essential Skills and their relevance.
1) Safeguarding Within Sport
This is fundamental, and it is encouraging to see it prioritised. It is strongly reinforced through safe sport training that all coaches should undertake. While contact sports inherently carry a risk of injury, this risk should always be minimised. A useful framework is the risk–reward balance, with activities ideally falling into the low-risk, high-reward category.
For example, teaching tackling in contact sports is essential, but it must begin in a controlled environment—such as starting from the knees, using designated contact zones, or working on softer surfaces. It should never initially involve uncontrolled, full-contact scenarios.
2) Knowing Who You are Coaching
This may seem self-evident, but it is often overlooked. Coaches must align their approach with the needs and abilities of their participants. Some players aspire to higher levels of performance, while others are simply there to enjoy the social environment. A coach’s role is to cater to this diversity and ensure a positive experience for all.
From my own experience coaching schoolboy rugby—from Firsts through to lower grades—the definition of a “positive experience” varies greatly. I recall stepping in to coach a 5th XV after previously coaching the Firsts. At the first session, I asked the group whether they wanted a highly intense, performance-focused approach or a more relaxed, enjoyable environment that still involved meaningful training. We opted for the latter. Training remained purposeful but was delivered largely through games and game-based activities. The result was highly successful: strong participation, improved engagement, and a very enjoyable season for the players.
A similar example comes from observing an Under 6 soccer match involving one of my grandchildren. A child with significant developmental challenges participated by largely remaining in one position yet was consistently supported and encouraged by both coach and teammates. His contribution was valued, and his outcome—simply being part of the team—was every bit as important as scoring a goal.
3) Organisation of Coaching Environments
This includes the effective use of space, equipment and facilities. Preparation in this area is essential. A simple but valuable piece of advice—particularly for younger coaches—is to have equipment organised and sessions pre-planned so that transitions between activities are smooth and efficient.
4) Preparation and Session Planning
Well-designed activities underpin effective modern coaching. Coaches should continuously evaluate what works, what doesn’t, and how sessions can be improved. Thinking creatively and laterally is important here. As Abraham Lincoln reportedly said, “If I had six hours to chop down a tree, I would spend the first four sharpening the axe.” Preparation remains one of the most critical elements of effective coaching.
5) Communication Skills
Effective communication is central to modern coaching. Participants learn in different ways—some visually, some verbally, and many through a combination of both. Similarly, some respond well to consistent positive reinforcement, while others require minimal feedback. Coaches must adapt their communication style accordingly.
Importantly, coaching children is very different from coaching adults. Even highly skilled professional coaches can struggle in junior environments if they are not able to communicate appropriately with younger participants.
6) Who can Coach?
In community sport, sometimes the coach is simply the person who volunteers. Support structures within clubs are therefore vital, and inexperienced coaches should be encouraged and assisted, not criticised. Parental support can also play a key role.
I recently observed a junior rugby league training session where a volunteer parent-coach managed a challenging situation involving a disruptive player. The coach handled it with patience, eventually removing the child briefly from the session. However, the responsibility for discipline ultimately lies with the parent, not the coach. This highlights the importance of shared responsibility in the community sport environment.
7) Meeting the Needs of all Participants
Designing sessions that cater to a wide range of abilities is one of the most challenging aspects of coaching. A “lowest common denominator” approach is rarely effective. Instead, flexibility is required, often involving modifications or progressions within activities to suit different skill levels. Above all, sessions should remain enjoyable while still providing opportunities for development.
8) Reflection and Continuous Improvement
Reflection should be an integral part of coaching practice. During my time with the Wallabies, I reviewed every session, even rating my own performance and identifying areas for improvement. This habit fosters ongoing growth.
I recall once delivering a fitness session in regional Queensland where I had been instructed to make it extremely demanding. Despite careful planning, the session proved far too intense, and the group struggled to complete even the warm-up. It was a valuable reminder that sessions must always be tailored to the group’s capacity.
In summary, the modern coaching approach prioritises participation, development and positive experiences, while still allowing for success in its many forms. At every level, the common thread is enjoyment. Whether coaching children or adults, participants are unlikely to return if they do not enjoy the experience.
For that reason, I would suggest a ninth essential skill: ensuring that fun remains at the heart of everything we do.
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