National Integrity Month 2025

This November, Swimming Australia’s National Integrity Month will recognise and celebrate the contribution of licensed coaches in Swimming.

Coaches have a profound influence not just on performance, but on athlete wellbeing and integrity – three elements that are deeply interconnected and central to the athlete experience.

But everyone has their role to play!

Parents can support their child’s journey by being a STAR Parent – Supportive, Tolerant, Aware and Respectful, while club committes are crucial in setting coaches up for success.

You have a challenging and dynamic role; Early mornings, late nights, weekends, a role that involves managing dreams and aspirations, shaping team culture, navigating challenging situations, and, most importantly, safeguarding children and young people from harm.

National Integrity Month will highlight the positive impact of coaches at every level – from those who generously volunteer their time in community clubs to those working at the highest levels of performance.

You will soon see a range of activities and resources including:

• Committees nominating their local coach hero
• Feature articles
• Sharing stories and videos about coaches on Swimming Australia’s social media channels
• Resources distributed to clubs on how parents must respectfully communicate with coaches
• Resources for coaches on understanding the new Swimming Australia National Coaching Framework
• Tips for coaches on how to protect themselves from harmful behaviours

This November we will be promoting the importance of being a STAR parent and what that means when interacting with coaches, committees and others.

In the resources below, you will find guidelines that explain the expectations of a STAR parent in the Swimming Australia framework.  We encourage you to commit to these positive behaviours by supporting your club and coach and understanding that negative conduct can have a significant impact on everyone, including your child.

We encourage you to support your coach and club this November in a number of ways:

1. Follow Swimming Australia on social media where we will be promoting National Integrity Month
2. Nominate your local hero coach by email at integrity@swimming.org.au and telling us why they deserve recognition
3. When asked by your club, sign the STAR parent acknowledgement form to show your understanding and commitment to your coach and club

Swimming Australia expects positivie behaviours from coaches as well as parents. If you have any concerns about your coach, please do the following:

• For issues relating to the program/selection refer to your coach and/or your Club President
• For issues relating to safeguarding children and young people report to Sport Integrity Australia Protecting Sport Together | Sport Integrity Australia
• For other issues please report to Swimming Australia integrity@swimming.org.au

‘Coaching with Integrity’ will be the theme of the month and we ask you to join with us in thanking the coach or coaches at your club.  You can do this in a number of ways including:

1. Follow Simming Australia on social media where we will be promoting Integrity month
2. Nominate your local hero coach by email to integrity@swimming.org.au and telling us why your coach deserves recognition
3. Use your club facebook account to acknowledge Integrity Month and to thank your coaches
4. Share the upcoming coach recognition video on your club social media platforms
5. Thank your coaches and encourage your members to do the same during National Integrity Month

Tips on how you can support your coach

• Ask parents to sign the STAR parent form in the resources section below
• Place the STAR parent poster in your club environment (see resources section below)
• Report to us any concerns you have about any poor behaviour directed at your coach(es) by members of your club
• Have regular meetings with your Head Coach to check in with them and ask what support they need
• Ensure the coaches you employ are licensed with Swimming Australia
• Be aware of the Do’s and Don’ts in your club environment (See resources below)

See how you can get involved in National Integrity Month.