Bowls Australia’s elite coaching accreditation. A four-day residential program at the AIS in Canberra, once per year.
The Performance Coach Accreditation is Bowls Australia’s most advanced coaching accreditation, built for experienced coaches ready to lead in representative environments. At this level, coaching extends beyond the technical aspects of the sport. It requires the ability to shape strong performance cultures, build trusted relationships, and develop the mental frameworks that underpin success under pressure.
Designed for coaches operating towards the top end of the pathway, this course challenges and refines every aspect of your practice.
One cohort per year. Limited places. Enrolment by expression of interest only.
What you’ll develop
- A clear coaching philosophy grounded in values.
- The ability to create psychologically safe environments where athletes perform under pressure.
- Strategies for seasonal planning, athlete motivation, mental performance, and decision-making in competition.
- Skills to coach Para athletes with confidence and integrity.
- A structured approach to self-reflection, mentoring, and ongoing professional growth.
Who it’s for?
Experienced coaches holding a current Community Coach or Club Coach accreditation, who are coaching top grade Club or representative teams (district, State or higher) and have the endorsement of their state or territory association.
Pre-requisites
To be eligible:
- Member of a Bowls Australia affiliated club.
- Current Community Coach or Club Coach accreditation.
- Aged 18 or over.
- Endorsed by your state or territory association.
To complete the accreditation, you’ll also need:
- Valid Working with Children Check (WWCC)
- Current First Aid Certificate including CPR (HLTAID009 and HLTAID011)
- Completed Sport Integrity Australia education modules (Safeguarding Children and Young People; Competition/Match Fixing; Safe and Effective Coaching of Young Athletes in High Performance Sport)
What’s included?
- Online learning component with 9 self-paced modules.
- A virtual learning seminar.
- Four-day residential at the Australian Institute of Sport that runs alongside Bowls Australia’s High Performance camp – giving coaches direct exposure to the elite environment.
Your outcome
Bowls Australia’s highest coaching accreditation. The expertise, professional network, and practical tools to coach at representative level – and keep growing beyond it.
How to apply
Applications open via a two-stage expression of interest process. Stage one covers your background and coaching experience.
Shortlisted applicants are then invited to respond to questions on coaching philosophy, culture, and aspirations.
Applications are assessed by Bowls Australia and State and Territory Associations. Places are offered based on experience, intent, and suitability.
FAQ
Why has the Performance Coach accreditation been developed?
The new accreditation reflects the Australian Sports Commission’s modern coaching approach – one that goes beyond tactics and technique to address the full picture of what performance coaching requires today. That includes psychological safety, athlete motivation, mental performance, integrity, and the ability to build authentic relationships with athletes who are performing under pressure.
The program has been redesigned in its delivery. The four-day residential at the Australian Institute of Sport takes place alongside a Bowls Australia High Performance camp, to give coaches direct exposure to the elite environment. The addition of mentoring, self-reflection frameworks, and post-course requirements ensures the accreditation translates into long-term coach development.
What’s involved?
The Performance Coach accreditation is delivered as part of a blended learning experience:
- Completion of the online e-learning modules.
- Participation in virtual workshops.
- Attendance a four-day residential experience at AIS.
Coaches will also have access to a coaches toolkit which will include templates, skills, drills and activity ideas to assist with coaching.
Are there pre-requisites?
To be eligible for enrolment into the Performance Coach Accreditation, a Coach must:
- Be a member of a Bowls Australia affiliated bowls club.
- Hold a current Club Coach or Community Coach accreditation.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have been endorsed by their state or territory association.
To be awarded your accreditation, you must:
Completed all required components of the Performance Coach accreditation.
Hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) from the state or territory in which you reside.
Hold a current Australian Nationally Recognised First Aid Certificate including CPR (unit codes: HLTAID009 and HLTAID011).
Have completed the following education from Sport Integrity Australia;
SIA Safeguarding Children and Young People.
SIA Competition/Match Fixing.
Safe and effective coaching of young athletes in High Performance Sport.
What does it cost?
The cost is $2500 per person which includes access to the online learning, access to the virtual sessions plus accommodation and meals at the Australian Institute of Sport.
Depending on your role, the accreditation fee may be tax deductible*.
*Please consult with a registered tax agent for specific financial advice related to your situation.
How do I register?
You need to complete an expression of interest. Please note that the Performance Coach accreditation will run once per year and there will be a maximum of 20 places per course. Dates for 2027 are to be confirmed.
What’s the difference between the Performance Coach and the previous Advanced Coach accreditation?
The Performance Coach accreditation replaces the previous Advanced Coach course which had been in place for a number of years. While the Advanced Coach course provided a solid foundation, the sporting landscape has changed and the new accreditation aligns with modern expectations, providing a more comprehensive and holistic coaching accreditation.
I am a current accredited Advanced Coach – is my accreditation still valid?
Yes, your Advanced accreditation is still valid until the expiry date.
I am an Advanced Coach and want to do the Performance Coach accreditation. How do I go about this?
A ‘bridging’ course is being developed to support Advanced Coaches to transition to the Performance Coach accreditation. This will be available later in the year. All existing Advanced Coaches will be emailed directly with information.