Spotlight session: Introduction and Welcome – Kieren Perkins (Australian Sports Commission CEO) 9-9.20am

The ASC welcomes all attendees to the 2025 Coaching and Officiating Conference. We look forward to learning with you over the next three days.

Spotlight session: Welcome to country – Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation – 9.20-9.40am

We thank the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation for welcoming us to the beautiful lands of Wadawurrung Country.

Keynote: Connection to place to connect to others – Jess Skinner – 9.40-10.40am

Jess is a proud Barkindji and Ngāpuhi woman, who made history in 2024 as the first female Head Coach of the Women’s Indigenous All Stars team and the Australian Prime Ministers Women’s National Team. With over a decade of experience in rugby league, including coaching the Jillaroos to victory in the 2022 World Cup, Jess is passionate about promoting her culture and creating pathways for underrepresented groups in sport. We look forward to Jess' insights on the topic of 'Connection to place'. 

The Journey of the Modern Approach – ASC Coaching and Officiating – 10.40-11.20am

The ASC Coaching and Officiating Team will explore the role and impact of the Modern Approach to Coaching and Officiating since its launch in 2022. This session will be speaker led with an opportunity for questions.

The impact of the Modern approach on organisational sustainability – Waterpolo Australia – 11-12pm

Waterpolo Australia will explore and reflect on the impact that the Modern Approach had on the organisation with a specific focus on organisational sustainability. This session will be speaker led with an opportunity for questions.

Modern Coaching in Practice – Australian Sailing – 11-11.40am

Australian Sailing will facilitate an interactive workshop to support attendees to implement modern development practices with a focus on shifting behaviour of coaches in community sport. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with an emphasis on problem solving and collaboration.

Walk and Talk: Helping officials make decisions under pressure – ASC Coaching and Officiating – 11.20-12pm

The ASC Coaching and Officiating team will lead a guided light walk around the grounds GMHBA Stadium to consider and reflect on the topic of “Helping officials make decisions under pressure”. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with an emphasis on discussion and reflection.

Planting the seed: go slow to go fast – Cricket Australia – 11.20-12.20pm

Cricket Australia will share their insights and facilitate an interactive workshop to support attendees to consider and develop community led stakeholder consultation and engagement to support implementation of the Modern Approach. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with an emphasis on problem solving and collaboration.

Holistic approach to coaching and officiating in game development – Softball Australia – 11.40-12.40pm

Softball Australia will share their insights and lead an interactive workshop to support attendees to consider the role of coaches and officials in the context of broader game and sport objectives. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with an emphasis on problem solving and collaboration.

Influencing change through other strategic levers – ASC Participation Growth – 12-1pm

The ASC Participation Growth team will facilitate an interactive workshop to support attendees to consider and develop strategies of a multifaceted approach to change adoption and influencing others. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with an emphasis on problem solving and collaboration.

Building mentoring capability – ASC Coaching and Officiating, Australian Athletics– 12-1.20pm

The ASC Coaching and Officiating team and Australian Athletics will explore the impact of effective mentoring capability within the workforce, exploring the function of mentoring and support required. This session will include both presentation and workshop elements, with an emphasis on building understanding, reinforcing learning and collaboration.

We welcome our sponsor, Coach Mate, who will deliver a short presentation at the start of this session.

Giving officials license to use the Modern Approach – Rugby Australia -  12-1pm

Rugby Australia will explore opportunities to broaden both our perception of the role of officials and the practical role of officials in community sport, emphasising the impact officials can have on participant experiences when the Modern Approach is embedded. This session will be speaker led with an opportunity for group discussion and questions, with an emphasis on challenging mindsets, reinforcing learning and collaboration.

Supporting the volunteer coach and official – ASC Sport Programs – 12-12.40pm

The ASC Sport Programs team will facilitate an interactive workshop to support attendees to consider specific implications and requirements relevant to the experience of coaches and officials in volunteering positions. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with an emphasis on problem solving and collaboration.

Capability of officials in para sports – ASC Para Unit – 12.20-1pm

The ASC Para Unit will explore insights into the need for adaptability and agility amongst officials in para sports to support participant experience, re-enforcing the need for support for officials so that they can reflect the needs of participants. This session will be speaker led with an opportunity for groups discussions and questions. This session will have an emphasis on challenging mindsets, reinforcing learning and collaboration.

Who is leading? Clarifying roles and responsibilities in embedding the Modern Approach – ASC Coaching and Officiating – 12.40-1.40pm

The ASC Coaching and Officiating team will lead a panel discussion with representatives from across sport to explore how connectivity and clarity across the sporting system support sports in embedding the Modern Approach. This session will be speaker led with an emphasis on exploring diverse perspectives and reflection.

We welcome our sponsor, etrainu, who will deliver a short presentation at the start of this session.

Influencing for impact – ASC Leadership and Professionalism – 12.40-1.40pm

The ASC Leadership and Professionalism team will facilitate an interactive workshop to explore and develop strategies to influence others in adopting change through developing a deep understanding of stakeholder needs and requirements. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with an emphasis on skill development and collaboration.

Officiating people with a disability – Tennis Australia – 1-1.40pm

Tennis Australia will facilitate an interactive workshop for attendees to consider support requirements for officials working with people with a disability. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with an emphasis on storytelling and collaboration.

Creating a culture of safeguarding – Sport Integrity Australia – 1-1.40pm

Sport Integrity Australia will facilitate an interactive workshop to support attendees to consider and develop strategies to influence the workforce to embed safeguarding practices through intrinsic value. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with an emphasis on collaboration and problem-solving.

Finding clues in constraints: Multicultural and migrant women in coaching – Stephen O’Grady – 1.20-2pm

Stephen O’Grady, Queensland Coordinator of Welcoming Clubs, will facilitate an interactive session to support attendees to consider and reflect on the experiences of multicultural and migrant women in coaching positions and the role inclusive development practices has in recruitment and retention. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with a focus on building understanding, reflection and collaboration.

In-situ learning and mentoring in practice – Greg Hunt and Alex Lascu – 1.20-2pm

Greg Hunt, WA Cricket Project Officer and Alex Lascu, WA Cricket Learning and Capability specialist, will facilitate an interactive session to reflect on their experiences leading the implementation of in-situ mentoring for coaches and consider the key behaviours and traits needed for those mentoring others. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with a focus on collaboration, reflection and problem-solving.

Supporting the new coach and official – Dave Reynolds – 1.40-2.20pm

Dave Reynolds, State Coaching Manager at SANFL, will facilitate an interactive workshop to support attendees to consider the specific requirements needed for coaches and officials who are new to their role. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with an emphasis on collaboration and problem solving.

Round table conversations: Helping more people enjoy sport – Rikki Lindsay, Lauren Robinson and Tess Healy – 1.40-2.40pm

Researchers will explore current research and insights with an emphasis on enhancing experiences of people in sport. Topics for discussion include mental-health help seeking behaviours in Australian sports officials, understanding intrapersonal expertise in sport coaches and including autistic people in sport and physical activity. This session will be facilitator led with an emphasis on building understanding and group discussion.

Modern Approach to assessment practices – ASC Coaching and Officiating, Squash Australia, Pony Club Australia and Gene Schembri – 1.40-2.40pm

The ASC Coaching and Officiating team, Squash Australia, Pony Club Australia and Gene Schembri, learning consultant, will explore the role of assessment, considering the role of both assessment of learning and assessment for learning. This session will include both presentation and workshop elements, with an emphasis on building understanding, reinforcing learning and collaboration.

Fail fast, learn faster: Lessons and opportunities in adoption of the Modern Approach – ASC Coaching and Officiating team – 1.40-2.20pm

The ASC Coaching and Officiating team will facilitate a panel discussion with leaders across the sport system to explore challenges faced, road-blocks overcome and opportunities seized in adopting the Modern Approach to Coaching and Officiating. This session will be facilitator led with opportunities for questions, this session will emphasise sharing insights and storytelling.

Round table conversations: Engaging learning for the workforce – Netball Australia, Gymnastics Australia, Swimming Australia – 2-3pm

Leaders will explore development and implementation of bespoke and tailored learning practices with an emphasis on engaging learning facilitation. Topics include developing purposeful online learning experiences, developing problem solving capacity in coaches and officials and operationalising engaging blended learning. This session will be facilitator led with an emphasis on building understanding and group discussion.

Referee as game maker – Scott Russell – 1.40-2.20pm

Scott Russell, Adjunct Lecturer at QUT, will explore the role of officials as more than that of a rule enforcer. This session will be speaker led with an opportunity for questions. This session will have an emphasis on broadening perspectives, challenging thinking and building understanding.

Understanding disconnection: Barriers to working collaboratively – Richard McInnes – 2.20-3.20pm

Richard McInnes, ASC Executive General Manager of Sport and Community Capability, will facilitate an interactive workshop to explore and develop strategies for collaborative ways of working, particularly within and between organisations. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with an emphasis on problem solving, skill development and collaboration.

Embedding reflection in practice – Volleyball Australia – 2.40-3.20pm

Volleyball Australia will facilitate an interactive workshop to consider how organisations can embed reflection in practice for coaches and officials. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with a focus on collaboration, storytelling and problem solving.

Yarning Circle: What is an engaging learning environment? – ASC Coaching and Officiating – 2.40-3.40pm

The ASC Coaching and Officiating team will facilitate a yarning circle around the grounds of Kardinia Park, “Kardinia” is derived from a word in the local Wadawrrung language that means ‘morning’ or ‘new beginning’. This session will explore what makes an engaging learning environment. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with an emphasis on story telling and reflection.

Keynote: Embracing diversity – Danielle Laidley – 3.40-4.40pm

Danielle Laidley, a former AFL premiership player and senior coach, now advocates for transgender awareness and diversity. Her journey from AFL stardom to becoming a leading voice for inclusion is a powerful testament to resilience, authenticity and the importance of acceptance. Danielle will share her story and insights on fostering diverse and inclusive communities.

Spotlight session: Day 1 Summary – ASC Coaching and Officiating - 4.40-5pm

The Coaching and Officiating team thank all attendees for their engagement and contributions on Day 1. We reflect on topics discussed and key learnings from todays conference program.

Spotlight session: Introduction and Welcome – Richard McInnes (Australian Sports Commission EGM – Sport and Community Capability) - 9-9.40am

The ASC welcomes all attendees to Day 2 of the 2025 Coaching and Officiating Conference. We look forward to learning with you today. We spend time this morning connecting with our fellow attendees through a guided connection activity.

Keynote: Values based leadership – Steve Hocking – 9.40-10.40am

Steve Hocking, CEO of the Geelong Cats, has spent decades shaping AFL and AFLW through his visionary leadership. A driving force behind some of Geelong’s greatest successes, including their 2022 Premiership, Steve will explore how values-based leadership drives high performance and builds sustainable success in teams and organisations.

Self-directed activities – All day

On Day 2, we encourage attendees to participate in some of the self-directed facilities on offer. Topics range from operationalising mentoring in community sport to coaching and officiating neuro diverse participants. Space is available to collaborate, problem solve with others and share your reflections on topics of interest.

Human centred design in practice – ASC Coaching and Officiating – 11-12pm

The ASC Coaching and Officiating team will facilitate an interactive session on human centered design and how it can be applied to development opportunities for coaches and officials. This session will include insights and learnings from the development and delivery of the Womens Mentor Program. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with a focus on reflection, collaboration and building understanding.

Walk and Talk: Helping officials make decisions under pressure – ASC Coaching and Officiating – 11.20-12pm

The ASC Coaching and Officiating team and EGM of Sport and Community Capability, Richard McInnes will lead a guided light walk around the grounds GMHBA Stadium to consider and reflect on the topic of “What’s holding us back”. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with an emphasis on discussion and reflection.

Supporting coaches to play more games – Jack Rolfe – 11-12.20pm

Jack Rolfe, Coach consultant, will facilitate a physical workshop on the neighboring Kardinia Park netball courts to explore the role of games in coaching and how they can be used to positively impact participant experience. This session will be facilitator guided with an emphasis on practical application of theory.

Bookings are essential for this session. Please ensure you register through our app to secure a place. Registered attendees will be notified when registrations are open for this session.

Fishbowl: Holistic Development – Anita Keelan – 11-11.20am

Anita Keelan, Head Coach of Pathways at Netball Australia, will share her insights into holistic development and the impact on athlete experience. This session will be speaker led with an opportunity for audience members to participate in the conversation. This session will have an emphasis on discussion and storytelling.

Fishbowl: Coaching and officiating as a means of social connection – Swimming Australia – 11.20-11.40am

Swimming Australia will share their insights into how coaching and officiating can be used to support social connection. This session will be speaker led with an opportunity for audience members to participate in the conversation. This session will have an emphasis on discussion and storytelling.

Belonging, connection and active inclusion of refugees, migrant communities and First nations – ASC Coaching and Officiating – 11:20-12pm

The ASC Coaching and Officiating team will facilitate an interactive workshop for attendees to develop their understanding of the needs and requirements of diverse populations to engage in sport, specifically how coaching and officiating shapes experiences. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with an emphasis on storytelling, collaboration and building understanding.

Where do I start? Starting from Scratch – Diving Australia – 11.20-12pm

Diving Australia will explore their journey in beginning to adopt the Modern Approach to coaching and officiating. This session will be speaker led with an opportunity for group discussions and questions. This session will have an emphasis on reflection, building understanding and storytelling.

Leading organisational change – Surf Life Saving Australia – 11.20-12pm

Surf Life Saving Australia will explore how leaders can support and influence change within their organisations, specifically elevating the profile of coaching and officiating and building the case for change. This session will be speaker led with an opportunity for group discussions and questions. This session will have an emphasis on practical strategies, building understanding and process development.

Fishbowl: Coach and Official Relationships – Waterpolo Australia – 11.40-12pm

Waterpolo Australia will share their insights into how organisations and individuals can build positive and collaborative relationships between coaches and officials. This session will be speaker led with an opportunity for audience members to participate in the conversation. This session will have an emphasis on discussion and storytelling.

Operationalising communities of practice – Paralympics Australia – 12-12.40pm

Paralympics Australia will facilitate an interactive workshop to explore how organisations can operationalise communities of practice and social learning in a meaningful way. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with a focus on problem solving and collaboration.

Capability frameworks for development of the workforce – ASC High-Performance Coaching – 12-12.40pm

The ASC High-Performance Coaching team will facilitate an interactive workshop to develop attendee understanding on the development and use of capability frameworks. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with an emphasis on problem solving, implementable strategies and collaboration.

Managing requirements of International Federations – American Football Australia – 12-12.40pm

American Football Australia will explore their journey in managing expectations and requirements of International Federations as they work to modernise their approach to coaching and officiating. This session will be speaker led with an opportunity for group discussions. This session will have an emphasis on practical strategies and storytelling.

Developing and implementing a new coaching framework – Basketball Australia – 12-1pm

Basketball Australia will share their insights in developing and implementing a new coaching framework. This session will be speaker led with an opportunity for group discussions. This session will have an emphasis on processes and reflection.

Fishbowl: Meaningful safeguarding development – Sport Integrity Australia – 12-12.20pm

Sport Integrity Australia will share their insights into how organisations can create meaningful safeguarding development pathways to keep people in sport safe. This session will be speaker led with an opportunity for audience members to participate in the conversation. This session will have an emphasis on discussion and sharing insights.

Fishbowl: Bystander behaviour and supporting officials – Meredith McGill – 12.20-12.40pm

Meredith McGill, Community Manager of Spartans Basketball in Brisbane will share insights from her work in addressing bystander behaviour to improve experiences for officials. This session will be speaker led with an opportunity for audience members to participate in the conversation. This session will have an emphasis on storytelling and insights.

Fishbowl: What does it mean to be an inclusive coach? – Disability Sports Australia – 12.40-1pm

Disability Sports Australia will explore inclusive practices in coaching to support more people to enjoy and find belonging in sport. This session will be speaker led with an opportunity for audience members to participate in the conversation. This session will have an emphasis on discussion and insights.

Keynote: The impact of participant centred coaching – Leah Englund and Grace Gaby – 1.20-2.20pm

What keeps participants engaged in sport for over a decade? Great coaching. Leah Englund and Grace Gaby’s 14-year partnership is proof of how trust, connection and participant-centred coaching can keep people in the game. Leah’s coaching philosophy at Zodiacs Gymnastics Club has helped participants like Grace thrive—through injuries, life changes and competitive success. Their story highlights why participant-centred coaching is critical to retention, growth and lifelong participation in sport.

Yarning Circle: What is holistic coaching? – ASC Coaching and Officiating – 2.20-3.20pm

The ASC Coaching and Officiating team will facilitate a yarning circle around the grounds of Kardinia Park, “Kardinia” is derived from a word in the local Wadawrrung language that means ‘morning’ or ‘new beginning’. This session will explore what makes an engaging learning environment. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with an emphasis on storytelling and reflection.

Adoption of the Modern Approach – AFL – 2.20-3pm

The AFL will share insights from their journey in the adoption of the Modern Approach, the motivation for change, challenges faced along the way and what this change means for the sport. This session will be speaker led with an opportunity for group discussion, this session will have an emphasis on sharing and reflecting insights.

Culture change and creating respectful environments – ASC Equity, Diversity and Inclusion – 2.20-3.20pm

The ASC Equity, Diversity and Inclusion team will explore insights and strategies to support coaches and officials in creating respectful environments in sport. This session will be speaker led with opportunities for group collaboration and discussion. This session will have an emphasis on sharing insights, building understanding and collaboration.

Facilitation in Practice – Swimming Australia, Bowls Australia, Sport NSW and ASC Coaching and Officiating – 2.20-3.20pm

The ASC Coaching and Officiating team, Swimming Australia, Bowls Australia and Sport NSW will explore the impact of effective facilitation, operational requirements and building capability. This session will include both panel and workshop elements, with an emphasis on building understanding, reinforcing learning and collaboration.

Supporting coaches to play more games – Jack Rolfe – 2.20-3.40pm

Jack Rolfe, Coach consultant, will facilitate a physical workshop on the neighbouring Kardinia Park netball courts on the role of games in coaching and how they can be used to positively impact participant experience. This session will be facilitator guided with an emphasis on practical application of theory.

Bookings are essential for this session. Please ensure you register through our app to secure a place. Registered attendees will be notified when registrations are open for this session.

Keynote: Storytelling for Influence – Ann Oodong – 3.40-4.40pm

Ann Odong’s groundbreaking career as a media manager and advocate has redefined women’s football in Australia. From founding The Women’s Game to leading the Matildas’ media strategy, Ann’s influence has been profound. Her keynote will highlight the power of storytelling to elevate women’s sport, amplify underrepresented voices and create lasting change.

Spotlight session: Day 2 Summary – ASC Coaching and Officiating 4.40-5pm

The Coaching and Officiating team thank all attendees for their engagement and contributions on Day 2. We reflect on topics discussed and key learnings from todays conference program.

Spotlight session: Introduction and Welcome – ASC Coaching and Officiating - 9-9.40am

The ASC welcomes all attendees to Day 3 of the 2025 Coaching and Officiating Conference. We look forward to learning with you today. We spend time this morning connecting with our fellow attendees through a guided connection activity.

Keynote: Motivated to officiate and inspire – Delfina Shakespear – 9.40-10.40am

A high-performance Match Official in the A-League and ACT Australian of the Year - Local Hero Finalist, Delfina is a trailblazer in officiating and gender equity advocacy. She balances her career as a Program and Strategic Policy Manager in the APS with her leadership roles in sport, championing inclusivity and fair play for women and girls. We look forward to Delfina's insights on the topic of Motivated to officiate and inspire’. 

Self-directed activities – All day

On Day 3, we encourage attendees to participate in some of the self-directed facilities on offer. Topics range from brainstorming workforce requirements to support innovation to the role of empathy in connection. Space is available to collaborate, problem solve with others and share your reflections on topics of interest.

Walk and Talk: Coaching and Officiating in 2035 – ASC Coaching and Officiating – 11-11.40am

The ASC Coaching and Officiating team will lead a guided light walk around the grounds GMHBA Stadium to consider and reflect on the topic of “Coaching and Officiating in 2035”. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with an emphasis on discussion and reflection.

Redesigning sport experiences for women and girls – Football Australia, Our Watch and Katherine Owen – 11-12.20pm

Football Australia, Our Watch and Sydney University researcher Katherine Owen will explore ways in which the industry is currently supporting and could enhance support to foster positive experiences and equity for women and girls. This session will include both speaking and workshop elements, with an emphasis on building understanding, reinforcing learning and collaboration.

Officials as leaders of change: Safety and concussion management – AIS and Rugby Australia – 11-12pm

The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Performance team and Rugby Australia will explore the critical role that officials play in enhancing participant experience. This session will be speaker led with an opportunity for collaboration and questions. This session will have an emphasis on sharing insights, application and strategies for implementation.

Modern officiating in practice: Guiding Coaches and Officials for united success - Aden Kittel and Jacqui Jashari – 11-12pm

Aden Kittel, Deakin Lecturer and Jacqui Jashari, International and All Australian netball umpire will lead interactive activities focused on adaptability, participant-centred approaches and fostering positive sporting experiences, equipping them with tools to thrive in community sport. This session will be facilitator guided with an emphasis on practical application of theory.

Bookings are essential for this session. Please ensure you register through our app to secure a place. Registered attendees will be notified when registrations are open for this session.

Modern Coaching in Practice: Participant driven experiences – Shane Pill – 11-12.20pm

Shane Pill, Flinders University Lecturer, will lead an interactive and practical workshop which focuses on applying modern coaching principles in real-world settings, emphasising how coaches can put participants in the driving seat of their experiences in sport. This session will be facilitator guided with an emphasis on practical application of theory.

Bookings are essential for this session. Please ensure you register through our app to secure a place. Registered attendees will be notified when registrations are open for this session.

The power of purpose – ASC Leadership and Professionalism – 11.20-12.20pm

The ASC leadership and Professionalism team will facilitate an interactive session to consider the impact of autonomy in defining ones purpose as a coach or an official. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with an emphasis on developing practical tools, sharing insights and collaboration.

Transformational leadership: Empowering others as leaders of change – Bowls Australia – 11.20-12pm

Bowls Australia will explore how individuals and organisations can empower others to become leaders of change to drive lasting and whole of sport impact in embedding the Modern Approach. This session will be speaker led with an opportunity for group collaboration and questions. This session will have an emphasis on sharing insights, developing strategies and reinforcing learning.

Missing conversation panel: Who really owns coaching and officiating? – ASC Coaching and Officiating – 11.20-12pm

The ASC Coaching and Officiating team will explore with representatives from across sport the impact and importance of ensuring coaches and officials have autonomy and input on their development. This session will be speaker led with an opportunity for questions. This session will have an emphasis on sharing insights, challenging perceptions and storytelling.

Modern reward and recognition practices – Cricket Australia – 12-1pm

Cricket Australia will explore insights and the impact that reward and recognition practices which create both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation have on the experience and development of coaches and officials. This session will be speaker led with an opportunity for group collaboration and questions. This session will have an emphasis on challenging mindsets and collaboration.

Aligning workforce development to trends in participation – PGA – 12-1pm

The Professional Golfers Associations (PGA) will facilitate an interactive session to support attendees to consider and apply trends in participation to development of the workforce. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with an emphasis on building understanding, implementable strategies and collaboration.

What’s your why? Embedding intrinsic motivation in recruitment and retention strategies – ASC Coaching and Officiating – 12-1pm

The ASC Coaching and Officiating Team will facilitate an interactive session to support attendees to consider how intrinsic motivation to coach and officiate can support recruitment and retention strategies. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with an emphasis on challenging perspectives, collaboration and implementable strategies.

Officials: The missing link in performance environments – ASC Pathways Team – 12.20-1pm

The ASC Pathways Team will share insights on the impact officials have in enhancing athlete outcomes in performance environments. This session will be speaker led with an opportunity for collaboration and questions. This session will have an emphasis on challenging mindsets, developing understanding and reinforcing learning.

Bringing research to life – Deakin University – 12.20-1pm

Major Partner, Deakin University, will explore with coaches from across sport how the system can collaborate to create fit for purpose research which is embedded in practice. This session will be speaker led with an opportunity for questions. This session will have an emphasis on sharing insights, challenging perceptions and discussion.

Modern Coaching in Practice: Participant driven experiences – Shane Pill – 12.40-2pm

Shane Pill, Flinders University Lecturer, will lead an interactive and practical workshop which focuses on applying modern coaching principles in real-world settings, emphasising how coaches can put participants in the driving seat of their experiences in sport. This session will be facilitator guided with an emphasis on practical application of theory.

Bookings are essential for this session. Please ensure you register through our app to secure a place. Registered attendees will be notified when registrations are open for this session.

Yarning Circle: What is holistic coaching? – ASC Coaching and Officiating – 1-2pm

The ASC Coaching and Officiating team will facilitate a yarning circle around the grounds of Kardinia Park, “Kardinia” is derived from a word in the local Wadawrrung language that means ‘morning’ or ‘new beginning’. This session will explore the question of “How do we actually work together”. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with an emphasis on storytelling and reflection.

Debate Club: Technology V Tradition and the future of technology in development – 1-2pm

The ASC Coaching and Officiating Team will facilitate an interactive debate style workshop to support attendees to explore how technology can shape enhancement of development and support of the workforce. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with an emphasis on challenging perspectives, discussion and collaboration.

We welcome our sponsor, Play Book Coach who will deliver a short presentation at the start of this session.

Truth telling: My experience in Sport – ASC Equity, Diversity and Inclusion – 1-2pm

The ASC Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Team will facilitate a truth telling session with First Nations athletes on their experience in sport. This session will be speaker led with an emphasis on storytelling and reflection.

Lessons from outside the industry: Communication in high-pressure, high-reward environments: Trevor Matthews – 1-2pm

Trevor Matthews, Advanced care paramedic, will facilitate an interactive workshop for attendees to consider the role of communication and connection with others in high-pressure, high-reward environments. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with an emphasis on skill development, implementable strategies and storytelling.

What you know: Developing your coaching practice – ASC Coaching and Officiating – 1-1.40pm

The ASC Coaching and Officiating team will facilitate an interactive workshop to support attendees to consider how they can identify and address gaps in knowledge to support participant experience. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with an emphasis on collaboration, implementable strategies and problem solving.

Connection under pressure – Claire Polosak – 1.20-2.20pm

Claire Polosak, High-performance Cricket official, will facilitate an interactive session to support attendees to consider the role that connection with others plays in the moments that matter. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with an emphasis on storytelling, reflection and collaboration.

Modern officiating in practice: Guiding Coaches and Officials for united success - Aden Kittel and Jacqui Jashari – 1.20-2.20pm

Aden Kittel, Deakin Lecturer and Jacqui Jashari, International and All Australian netball umpire will lead interactive activities focused on adaptability, participant-centred approaches and fostering positive sporting experiences, equipping them with tools to thrive in community sport. This session will be facilitator guided with an emphasis on practical application of theory.

Bookings are essential for this session. Please ensure you register through our app to secure a place. Registered attendees will be notified when registrations are open for this session.

Influence of culture on participant experience – Positive Environments Squad and PowerHouse Rugby Club – 1.40-2.20pm

The Play Well Positive Environments Squad and Melbourne based PowerHouse Rugby Club will facilitate an interactive workshop to consider the role that culture plays on participant experience, focusing on how coaches can play a role in creating positive club culture. This session will be facilitator guided and attendee led with an emphasis on collaboration, storytelling and implementable strategies.

Keynote: Community, mentoring and long-term development – Richard Colman – 2.20-3.40pm

A Paralympic champion with medals across multiple Games, Richard Colman is more than an elite athlete—he’s a leader in mentoring, sport development, and inclusivity. From coaching in Victorian communities to making history as the first person in a wheelchair to umpire an AFL match, Richard has dedicated his career to ensuring sport is accessible, inclusive, and built for long-term participant success.

Spotlight session: The Modern Approach: Where to from here? – ASC Coaching and Officiating – 3.40-4pm

The ASC Coaching and Officiating team explore what’s next as the system connects with each other to embed the Modern Approach to Coaching and Officiating.

Spotlight session: Day 3 and Conference Summary – Richard McInnes (Australian Sports Commission EGM – Sport and Community Capability) - 4-4.20pm

On behalf of the Australian Sports Commission, Richard McInnes’ thanks all attendees for their engagement and contributions over the last three days. We reflect on topics discussed and key learnings from the event.