Study the SIS50321 Diploma of Sport to Become a Sports Coach

This initial topic outlines the course structure and guides you through completing the LLN assessment. It explains how to navigate the Learner Portal, access learning materials, complete various assessment tasks, and provides an overview of the process for submitting your work for assessment.     

In this topic, you will develop the knowledge and practical skills necessary to design and deliver structured strength and conditioning programs tailored to a wide range of athletic and performance goals. You will learn how to plan long-term training strategies, instruct key techniques, and tailor programs to suit different sports and individual needs. You will also explore basic fitness testing, coaching principles, and athlete development across various training contexts. 

To complete this topic, you must have access to a community group or sporting organisation where you can coach participants and apply your learning in a practical setting. This access will allow you to practise key coaching techniques, deliver strength and conditioning sessions, and gain valuable hands-on experience to support your development as a fitness professional.

By the end of this topic, you will be confident in designing, instructing, and adapting strength and conditioning programs that enhance athletic performance, support long-term progression, and meet the specific needs of various sports and individuals. Completion of this topic also meets the requirements to become an ASCA Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach, giving you formal recognition and a clear pathway into the high-performance and athletic development space.

Physical Demands
Throughout this topic, you will engage in physical activity and hands-on learning across a variety of training and assessment environments. You’ll oversee multiple fitness tests, which involve setting up equipment, demonstrating protocols, assisting participants, and observing performance, often while standing and moving for extended periods. During training session delivery, you’ll set up and adjust equipment, lead structured warm-ups, demonstrate exercises, monitor participant technique and safety, and make real-time adjustments as needed. You may also help with cleaning or sanitising equipment, support transitions between exercises, and ensure the environment remains safe and well-organised throughout.

What’s Included
Fourteen short knowledge quizzes
Five interactive online tasks
Five hands-on, practical assessments

• You will screen and assess three participants from three different sports. First, you’ll complete a pre-exercise health screen for each person to check for any medical conditions or restrictions. Then, you’ll gather important background information, including the type of sport they play, their training history, any medical concerns, and contact details for their coach or support staff. Finally, you’ll research each sport and complete a sport-specific needs analysis. 
• You will conduct a series of fitness tests (muscular strength, speed and agility, muscular endurance, power and flexibility) on three people, then evaluate and rate each result
• You will complete a risk assessment before delivering training sessions by identifying at least four potential hazards in the environment. For each hazard, you’ll name it, determine who might be affected (e.g., participants, staff, or spectators), and assess the risk rating by considering both the likelihood of it occurring and the severity of its consequences. You’ll list control measures to minimise the risk, assign responsibility for each action (such as a coach, gym manager, or groundskeeper), and identify any residual risk that remains after the control measures are applied. 
• You will deliver a total of 24 training sessions that you designed. Each of your six sessions will be delivered four times, allowing you to reinforce key skills, build participant confidence, and progressively develop performance. In each session, you will lead a structured warm-up, explain the objectives, and demonstrate exercises to participants. You will monitor performance, make real-time adjustments based on participant needs, and use effective communication to motivate and support individuals. 
• You will complete and deliver six practical coaching tasks, all of which must be signed off by an ASCA-accredited coach (Level 1 or higher). These tasks assess your ability to coach key strength and conditioning techniques, including barbell lifts, speed and agility drills, energy system conditioning, flexibility and mobility testing, and youth-specific coaching. 

Learning in this topic directly supports the requirements of:
SISXCAI011 - Develop and deliver a long-term training program
SISXCAI009 - Instruct strength and conditioning techniques 
SISXCAI010 - Develop strength and conditioning programs 
HLTWHS003 - Maintain work health and safety

In this topic, you will learn how to design, deliver, and manage seasonal training and recovery programs for a chosen sport. You will build the skills to coach athletes across different phases of a season, aligning program goals with participant needs and performance outcomes. This includes planning structured sessions, conducting them safely and effectively, monitoring athlete responses, and reviewing progress to make informed adjustments. You will also explore strategies to support recovery, manage training loads, and maintain engagement throughout the coaching process.

To complete this topic, you must have access to a sporting or community group where you can develop and deliver your coaching program in a real-world setting.

By the end of this topic, you will be confident in designing, delivering, and managing sport-specific training programs that enhance both individual and team performance. You will understand how to tailor training and recovery strategies to meet the unique demands of different phases within a season, effectively monitor athlete progress, and make data-driven adjustments to optimise outcomes. Additionally, you will be equipped to support athlete well-being and maintain motivation, helping to foster continuous development and sustained success throughout the entire training cycle.

Physical Demands
This topic involves active, hands-on coaching and assessment in real training and competition environments. When conducting testing, you will be involved in setting up and preparing equipment, demonstrating test protocols, and providing hands-on assistance as needed. You will spend extended periods standing and moving between stations or individuals to observe performance closely and record results accurately. During training sessions, you will be on your feet for long periods, moving throughout the environment to demonstrate exercises and conditioning drills. You will need the physical endurance to repeatedly perform demonstrations with correct technique, safely adjust and manage equipment, and maintain high energy to motivate and support participants throughout each session.

What’s Included
Eight short knowledge quizzes
Five interactive online tasks
Two hands-on, practical assessments:

• You will design and implement a tailored test battery and schedule for different sports or participant groups, selecting three sport-specific tests that assess key areas such as skills (e.g., agility or ball handling), physiological fitness (aerobic or anaerobic capacity), and biomechanics (movement patterns like jump landings or gait). After conducting these assessments, you will record, analyse, and interpret the results to provide a clear understanding of each participant’s performance and how it relates to their sport’s specific demands.
• You will deliver a total of 24 sessions, designed by you, across three groups and sports. Each group will complete eight sessions: four sport-specific conditioning sessions and four sport-specific skills sessions. This repeated delivery approach allows you to reinforce learning, adapt your instruction, and demonstrate participant progress. In each session, you will clearly explain the program, safely set up and monitor equipment, and demonstrate exercises with correct technique and sequencing. You will tailor activities to participants’ goals, provide ongoing motivation, monitor and adjust sessions as needed, and give clear, constructive feedback. Throughout, you will model appropriate sport-specific behaviours, manage participant conduct effectively, and apply behaviour management strategies to maintain a safe, supportive training environment.

Learning in this topic directly supports the requirements of:
SISXCAI008 - Plan, conduct, and review training and recovery programs 
SISSSCO003 - Meet participant needs 
SISSSCO004 - Plan, conduct, and review coaching programs                                                                       

In this topic, you will develop the knowledge and skills needed to create and manage a safe, compliant, and effective working environment for staff and participants in sport settings. You will explore general workplace safety, risk management, and the unique challenges associated with various sporting environments. You will learn to identify and mitigate risks, provide First Aid and CPR, and enable supervisors to make informed safety decisions that protect everyone involved.

You will also gain a deep understanding of key leadership responsibilities within sport, including establishing and promoting anti-doping policies, maintaining integrity among participants and administrators, and fostering strong, cohesive teams to support organisational success.

By the end of this topic, you will be confident in managing workplace safety through effective risk assessment and compliance with health regulations, promoting ethical practices such as anti-doping and integrity standards, and leading and motivating teams to work collaboratively and efficiently. You will be equipped to make sound decisions that protect the well-being of all participants and staff, foster a positive organisational culture, and uphold the reputation and success of the sporting environment.

Physical Demands
You will be physically active throughout this topic, spending extended periods standing, walking, and moving across various sporting environments such as training grounds, gyms, and competition venues. Tasks may include carefully inspecting equipment to ensure safety and functionality, adjusting or moving gear as needed, demonstrating coaching techniques, and managing materials while setting up spaces for sessions.

What’s Included
Nine short knowledge quizzes
Three interactive online tasks
Eight hands-on, practical assessments:
Module One 

• You will complete a risk assessment for a sporting organisation, either one you’re involved with or have attended socially (with permission). You will identify at least three hazards in the organisation’s environment. For each hazard, you will assess its risk level, determine control measures, assign responsibilities, and establish timelines for action and monitoring. Then, you will write a report that explains how you identified the risks, outlines each hazard and its potential consequences, and describes how the risks will be managed and monitored to keep the environment safe for everyone.
• You will review and evaluate the control measures from your previous risk assessment to confirm they have been implemented and are effectively reducing risk. This includes verifying whether actions were completed, identifying any issues or gaps, and recommending improvements where necessary. You will then write a summary outlining your observations, assessing the success of each control, and recommending any next steps to enhance safety.

Module Two 

• You will meet with three participants in a single 30-minute session to educate them about anti-doping issues and develop tailored support strategies for each participant. During the session, you will identify each athlete’s sport and competition level, explore any relevant drug-related concerns, and clearly explain key information using the digital resources and substance table provided. Working collaboratively with each participant, you will develop an individualised strategy to reduce the risk of drug use, outline steps for implementation, and discuss how you or others (e.g. coaches or support staff) can support them going forward.

Module Three 

• You will deliver a 30-minute integrity information session to three participants, focusing on the three integrity in sport issues you identified. In the session, you will educate participants about the significance of each issue, its impact on individuals and sporting organisations, and strategies for managing them effectively. You will explain why each issue matters, provide relevant context and examples, share useful resources, and check participant understanding through questions or discussion. 
• You will develop, implement, and review strategies to support the integrity of three participants in sport. In your first meeting, you will discuss each person’s integrity concerns, identify their needs, and create a practical support strategy aligned with organisational policies. After three weeks, you will meet again to review progress, gather feedback, and suggest any adjustments. Each strategy and review outcome will be documented for future reference.
• You will demonstrate sports integrity behaviours over four weeks within a real sporting environment, such as a club, team, or competition setting. Throughout this time, you will apply relevant integrity standards—such as fairness, respect, and accountability—during training sessions, meetings, and events. You will also consult with at least two stakeholders to identify potential integrity risks. Each week, you will reflect on your behaviour and decision-making, documenting one example that shows how you upheld sports integrity. 

Module Four

• You will plan, deliver, and reflect on a 20-minute simulated coaching session to demonstrate leadership, coaching, and mentoring behaviours. During the session, you will actively role model professionalism, support, and commitment while communicating goals, expectations, and participant roles. You will encourage ownership, creativity, and respectful communication among participants, sharing relevant organisational or team information as appropriate. Throughout the session, you will provide effective feedback, monitor participants' performance, and motivate them to support their own development. 
• You will visit a local sporting organisation and participate in at least three training or operational sessions to observe and practise core leadership behaviours. During the sessions, you will observe how leaders make decisions, delegate tasks, communicate effectively, monitor performance, provide constructive feedback, motivate others, and plan activities. When invited, you will also demonstrate these behaviours yourself to support the team. 

Learning in this topic directly supports the requirements of:
SISSSCO008 - Apply anti-doping policies  
SISSSCO011 - Manage integrity in sport  
SITXHRM009 - Lead and manage people
BSBOPS504 - Manage business risk

In this topic, you will develop practical coaching skills focused on enhancing athlete performance through effective goal setting, focus strategies, and soft skills essential for success in competitive environments. You will learn how to guide participants to optimise their mental and physical performance, applying sport psychology principles in real-time coaching situations. This hands-on approach requires access to a community group or sporting organisation within your chosen sport. Please note that your sport selection may depend on availability and access to suitable groups, rather than personal preference.

By the end of this topic, you will be confident in coaching participants in sport competitions, effectively applying sport psychology principles to enhance focus, motivation, and resilience. You will be equipped to support athlete development by fostering goal-setting skills, managing performance pressures, and adapting your coaching approach to meet the individual needs of athletes across diverse sporting environments.

Physical Demands
This topic involves active, hands-on coaching in real training and competition environments. You will be on your feet for extended periods, moving around fields, courts, or other sporting spaces to observe, instruct, and support participants. Expect to repeatedly demonstrate drills, guide athletes through performance strategies, and manage physical behaviours in real time. You will also be responsible for setting up and packing down equipment, overseeing safety, and ensuring the environment is organised and suitable for the session.  

What’s Included
Seven short knowledge quizzes
Two interactive online tasks
Two hands-on, practical assessments:
Module One 

• You will deliver three individual sessions to a participant in a real training or competition setting, each using a different sport psychology strategy. Each session must run for at least 10 minutes and demonstrate your ability to explain, apply, and adapt psychological techniques to support the participant’s performance. You will help them apply mental skills, monitor progress, provide relevant guidance, and suggest further support or referral if needed. After each session, you will complete a post-session evaluation to assess the effectiveness of the strategies used.

Module Two 

• You will deliver a one-hour coaching session during a community-based competition, using a game plan you’ve developed. Throughout the session, you will demonstrate your ability to manage the game plan, respond to participant behaviour, and apply effective coaching and communication skills in a live sporting environment. You will also be expected to access relevant resources, manage risk appropriately, and complete essential post-competition tasks to reflect on and support athlete performance.

Learning in this topic directly supports the requirements of:
SISSSCO016 - Coach participants in a sports competition
SISSSCO007 - Apply sport psychology principles

*** Please note that if you are enrolled to study the Diploma online, you must organise your First Aid and CPR externally prior to commencing study.

Unit of study required: HLTAID011 Provide first aid

All Modes of Study

 Virtual Classroom (Online/Blended)

Face-to-Face Classrooms (Campus-Based) - Only available for ESOS International Students

Certification & Registration

SIS50321 Diploma of Sport is Nationally Recognised Training (NRT). Information on this training package can be found at https://training.gov.au
FIT College RTO:31903 CRICOS:03926G

Upon completion of this course, you'll receive:

•  Diploma Certificate: SIS50321 Diploma of Sport
• Academic Transcript of Completed Units

Industry groups with registration relevance:

•   ASCA Level 1 S&C Coach (You will need to provide completed course content for learning recognition)
•  National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS)
•  Australian Sports Commission (ASC)

Education Pathways

Vocational Education & Training (VET)

There are also many complementary qualifications in health and fitness, such as SIS30321 and SIS40221, Certificate III and IV in Fitness, which combine the scope of practice in exercise with coaching and strength and conditioning.

University & Higher Education

A bachelor's study in coaching is a direct academic pathway. Other common university pathways that align with streams include sport and exercise science and exercise physiology.

Industry Specific

As a sports coach, you are likely to specialise in a specific sport and should consider pursuing the qualifications offered within the peak bodies of your sport and passion. An example of this is studying tennis coaching with Tennis Australia.   

Career Opportunities

Your direct Career pathway from Diploma of Sport – Coaching completion is to work as a coach within a sport of your preference. You can find employment with clubs or independently.
Combined with strength and conditioning or personal training qualifications, you can coach sport and work in the physical training and exercise aspects of sport.

If you are an international student exploring pathways in Australia, a range of Sport Coaching roles is also listed with the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), including tennis coach, swimming coach, and football coach, among others. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list

Entry Requirements

There are no entry requirements for the SIS50321 Diploma of Sport (Coaching).

However, students should have an interest in sports coaching as a career

Required General Resources:

• Access to a computer or device that can connect to the internet
• Internet access with a broadband plan suitable for online study
• Smartphone, camera, video camera, or device that can take pictures & record videos

Access to a Sport for Practical Activity

Students must:

• Select one or two sports to work with for the duration of the course
• Be able to access a local club where they can do observations and coaching practice
• Be able to attend coaching and training sessions in these sports and have approval from the coach and club to participate
•  Use examples from these sports when the course requires written responses that are sport-related

Course Assessment

Every qualification, unit of competency or skill set completed at FIT College will require students to undergo a number of written and/or practical assessment tasks. The assessment tasks are designed to confirm that the student can meet all elements and performance criteria indicated in the curriculum. By completing each assessment task to the standard indicated, students are ready and eligible to perform those elements in the workplace.

English & LLN Requirements

All Students

All domestic students must demonstrate core competency in language, literacy, and numeracy.

ESOS/CRICOS Additional International Student Requirements

In addition to other LLN requirements, international students may be required to achieve a minimum test score in one of the following English language tests:                                                            
                                                            
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic:

• 5.5 overall score with no band scoring less than 5.0

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-Based Test:

• 50 overall score with a minimum score of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Paper-Based Test:

• 530 minimum test result.

Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE):

• 162 overall score with no less than 154 in any component

Pearson Test of English: Academic (PTE:A):

• 42 overall score with no less than 36 in the communication band"

Payment Options

Interest-free payment plans and full payment options are available. Course costs can be reduced with promotions and on short-term plans. Courses must be paid for before a certificate is issued.

ESOS/CRICOS Additional International Student Payments

International Students are required to pay for their course in advance, before the course commences. Payment can be made in full, or prior to each Semester or Term.