The Australian Swim Coach Licence is the national credential for anyone coaching swimming in an Australian swimming environment. It provides a clear, consistent standard across the country and ensures every coach has the knowledge, support, and protections required to coach with confidence.
The licence is built around SPLASH, the six pillars of the Swimming Australia National Coaching Framework (SANCF). SPLASH guides what coaches learn, how they develop, and the expectations they uphold throughout their coaching journey.
Support, Wellbeing and Connection
The licence ensures every coach is supported through national insurance, development opportunities, and a community that values wellbeing and connection.
Key Enablers: Coach Connect (online coaching network and professional development series) and Blocks to Brilliance, a mentorship program launching in 2026.
Professional Learning and Education
Ongoing learning is embedded into the licence, giving coaches access to SPLASH Hub modules, endorsed learning blocks, and national development opportunities.
Key Enablers: A growing suite of Learning Recognition Modules – from Open Water and Communication Skills to Understanding Classification – plus access to The Swim Vault and The Training Pool within the SPLASH Hub Resource Library.
Licencing and Compliance
The licence streamlines compliance requirements and ensures every coach meets national standards for safety and professionalism.
Key Enablers: Clear navigation of Sport Integrity Australia requirements through Swim Central – Learning and Licencing, supporting both new and experienced coaches.
Adherence to Positive Conduct
All licenced coaches commit to behavioural standards that support safe, respectful, and positive coaching environments.
Key Enablers: The SPLASH Hub Integrity Helpdesk, providing guidance, tools, and role-clarity resources for coaches.
Safeguarding Children and Young People
Safeguarding sits at the centre of the licence, with clear expectations, required checks, and accessible education.
Key Enablers: Contextualised safeguarding resources in SPLASH Hub and a compulsory Body Empowerment module completed at licence activation.
Holistic Development
The licence supports coaches to develop not only technical capability but leadership, communication, planning, and athlete-centred coaching practice.
Key Enablers: New tools such as Managing Coach Wellbeing, are available through the SPLASH Hub for all licenced coaches.
SPLASH provides the structure, and the licence brings it to life. Together, they underpin a national system that supports coaches to deliver safe, positive, and high-quality experiences for every swimmer.
