1. Introduction

This form has been prepared to help determine if a coach is suitable to participate in the AIS ASPIRE Coach Program.

Key capabilities from the AIS HP Coach Development Framework identified as important for an early-career high performance (HP) coach are:
  • Continuous learning
  • Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
  • Mission, Vision and Values (Passion)
  • Psychological Safety
  • Understanding the Individual
  • Communication
There are five parts to this application process.
  • Part 1: Personal Details
  • Part 2: Coach Details (including athlete competition results)
  • Part 3: Video submission upload
  • Part 4: Letter of Application
  • Part 5: Character Reference
Considerations for you before you apply:
  1. Print the application form in advance and ensure you are across what is expected for each section.
  2. Refer to the AIS HP Coach Capability Framework and ensure you understand how this links to the application form.
  3. Attend one of the Application briefing sessions to support you. Thursday 23 July 2026; 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm AEST OR Tuesday 28 July 2026: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm AEST
  4. If in doubt, apply!
  5. Consider asking your athletes, peers and colleagues for feedback about you and your coaching.
  6. Prepare your video submission by considering the key questions and making notes. Be authentic!
Other considerations:
  • What do I really want to achieve from my participation?
  • Am I ready to commit to the program and prepared to follow up with some online sessions after the program?
  • Do the demands of my work and personal life allow me to devote the time needed to attain my learning goals and participate fully?
  • Am I prepared to share my experiences, concerns and/or issues with other coaches?
  • Am I comfortable requesting and receiving feedback and constructive criticism?
  • Am I prepared and willing to take substantial responsibility for my own learning and development?
NOTE: The application form could take up to 45min - 1hr to complete and needs to be completed in it's entirety and cannot be saved when partly completed.

Eligibility
Applications must be submitted by the individual coaches. It is recommended that NSO/Ds and SSO/Ds support coaches with this application process.

To be eligible to apply for the Program, the following criteria must be met by the coach:
• Identify as a female aged 18 years and over
• Is an Australian citizen or has been granted permanent residence status
• Is a resident of and coaches in Victoria or Tasmania
• Has coached at the State or National level within an Olympic, Paralympic or Commonwealth Games sport
• Aspires to coach in the High Performance landscape
• Is willing to engage in all facets of the ASPIRE Program, including a Core Driver / Motivational profile, Self Evaluation Tool and all learning activities
• Can demonstrate and articulate the following capabilities through the application process:
  • Continuous learning
  • Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
  • Mission, Vision and Values (Passion)
  • Psychological Safety
  • Understanding the Individual
  • Communication
• Has a demonstrated commitment to ongoing training and development (i.e. continuous learner)
• Is available to attend the ASPIRE Coach Program on 2-4 October 2026, Melbourne, VIC.

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