National Coaching and Officiating Framework

Hockey Australia has launched the first stage of the Coaching and Officiating Framework with an emphasis on aligning the coaching pathway with the current on and off-field officials framework.

The Framework supports the next phase of development of hockey in Australia. With coaches and officials acquiring a broader range of relevant knowledge and skill at the foundation level and then having more flexibility to follow their passion and focus on their chosen field as they progress.

Consultation on the Framework with Member Associations started in August 2020, with Sport Australia providing best practice principles and ongoing support.

This collaboration has ensured that the rollout of the Framework will benefit the hockey community and increase enjoyment and participation at all levels.

There were three separate processes working concurrently with one goal in mind – Officiating, Coaching and High Performance. All three groups landed in similar positions and agreed on guiding principles.

“What is released today is a framework that captures the work of these parties and will provide ongoing support, guidance and the development of Coaches and on and off-field officials into the future,” said Blair Chalmers, Hockey Australia Senior Manager- Participation & Engagement.

“Towards the end of this year, there will be an enhanced Learning Management System that will provide the educational requirements for our community members to meeting the competencies they need to follow the pathway they are passionate about.

“The one framework is a win for the whole of sport.”

The current officiating pathway includes both vertical and horizontal streams, whereas the coaching pathway has traditionally been vertical.

“This new framework follows the lead of the officiating methodology and brings the coaching component in line,” said Liam Dixon, Hockey Australia Manager - Hockey Operations.

“It is about allowing the next generation of coaches and officials the flexibility to find their niche and follow their passion. I am really excited to see Indoor, Goalkeeping and other specialist skills be recognised in our framework and as a genuine pathway as a coach and official.”

The next phase of the Framework will be to release the competencies that sit behind the pillars.

Hockey Australia will then launch a new Learning Management System (LMS) to upgrade the current HockeyEd platform.

The LMS will allow new and relevant content to be shared with all coaches and officials in a timely manner, something which has been identified as lacking with the current platform.  

To assist with the adaptation of new language, the current HockeyEd platform has been updated to reflect the new accreditation naming.

Sport Australia Senior Consultant Workforce, Coaching and Officiating, Cameron Tradell said Sport Australia was pleased to work with Hockey Australia to help modernise its approach to coaching and officiating.

“This framework puts the support, education and training in the hands of coaches and officials so they can provide a quality, safe, inclusive and fun sporting experience,” said Tradell.

“Sport Australia is transforming its coaching and officiating training model to focus on improving the experiences of coaches, officials, and participants so we were very pleased to work with Hockey Australia to provide advice and help workshop their new model.

“We look forward to sharing new resources and content designed to support sports later this year.”

Hockey Australia will provide ongoing education through an Education Series in the coming weeks.

The Roadmap has more information on the Framework roll out.

Hockey Australia is always keen to hear from the hockey community. If you have any questions, comments, concerns or suggestions about the Framework, please email HockeyEd@hockey.org.au.

By doing this, HA can identify general comments and trends of thinking within the hockey community more effectively.

If you wish to discuss the Framework, Liam Dixon is the lead for its development and implementation at Hockey Australia. Please email Liam and he will organise a time to call.