COACHING AMERICAN FOOTBALL
New to football? Let’s help you get started! Read more below how you can get involved!
High quality coaches can bring considerable success to the team on the field and are integral to developing, sustaining and increasing participation across the sport, and providing a platform for the on-going development of the game.
​
The coaching of American football is famously synonymous with a chalk board covered in Xs and Os, but coaching is far more than that. A coach can have many roles and a host of responsibilities encompassing areas such as the tactical, technical, physical and psychological development of the players.
Our community is always in need of coaches for our grassroots programs right up to state and national team representation. There is no better time to get involved. we are pleased TO provide our AFA Coach Membership free of charge and education pathways for American Football coaches across the country.
GET REGISTERED > GET QUALIFIED > GET COACHING
Whether you're brand new to coaching or one of our valued current coaches, the following easy steps will have you on the path to accreditation with AFA.
​
-
Sign up for the American Football Australia Coach Membership via Assemble. It's free to sign up and covers you for 12 months.
-
Coaching under 18's? Have a valid/current Working With Children’s Check and upload it to the registration portal.
-
-
Complete the Coaches Certification Course via USA Football consisting of:
-
Foundational safety
-
Practical coaching & team management
-
Health & safety
-
Abuse prevention
-
​
Once you've completed above, this is your ticket to get on the sideline and help coach your local team!
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION
​We are proud to partner with USA Football to provide education pathways and certifications for coaches for both tackle and flag football. You can sign up for the certification courses via Assemble and receive your unique promo code to complete the courses via the USA Football website.
Cost: $25
Our introductory education course is $25. For new coaches, level 1 can be completed in 2025. For coaches who completed USA Football education in 2024, the level 2 certification should be completed.
Level 1 Tackle Certification
​For new and uncertified coaches in 2025:
-
Principles of Safer Contact
-
Practical Coaching & Team Management
-
Health & Safety
-
Abuse Prevention
Level 2 Tackle Certification
For coaches who have completed the level 1 certification in 2024.
-
Tackling & Blocking: Skills & Drills
-
Health & Safety
-
Abuse Prevention
-
Elective: Effective Practice Planning or Communication Strategies
COACHING DEVELOPMENT
As a coach, athlete development is your responsibility. It’s your job to put athletes in the best position for success, so make sure you’re in the best position too by getting certified and accessing resources with our partners to further your knowledge of the game.
​
Coaching development can help to promote safety in the sport. With proper training, coaches can learn how to teach the fundamental skills of football in a safe and effective manner, as well as identify and address potential safety concerns such as head injuries or improper tackling techniques.
​
As a coach you're also responsible to foster a positive culture within the team and the broader football community. Coaches who are trained in leadership, communication, and team management can help to create an environment of trust, respect, and inclusivity. They can also serve as role models for young players, teaching them important values such as sportsmanship, discipline, and perseverance.
​
Coaches are a central part in advancing the sport of football as a whole. By staying up-to-date with the latest coaching techniques and strategies, coaches can continue to improve their own skills and knowledge, and in turn, contribute to the growth and development of the sport.
Reach Out
Ready to start your journey?
Reach out to us and we'll connect you in with your local state or club to get you started!
“Football is more than just a game. It's a way of life that brings people together, creates a sense of community, and inspires us to be our best selves.”
— Joe Montana