INFORMATION FOR COACHES AND OFFICIALS
Coaching
Coaches work with surf sport athletes across all of the disciplines of lifesaving. Coaches are fully accredited under the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS) and there are several tiers within the coaching pathway:
Age Manager (nb. not part of the NCAS)
Foundation Coach
Development Coach
Performance Coach
High Performance Coach
Click here for more detailed information on the role of the coach (SLSA information).
How to become a development coach
This STEP-by-STEP guide details the process to be undertaken to become an accredited SLS Development Coach.
Related documents:
Development Coach Assessment Tool - to be completed by a current SLS Development or Performance Coach who is signing off the practical component for a coach in training.
Sweep Assessment Tool - to be completed by a S4 sweep who is signing off the practical component for an S3 or S2 sweep or S3 Sweep who is signing off the practical component for an S1 Sweep.
Coach Reaccreditation Form - Coaches who need to update their accreditation must complete and return this form together with supporting documentation as required to surf.sports@surflifesavingsa.com.au.
RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) process for Foundation Coach and Development Coach
Risk Assessment Form - to be completed prior to each training session.
Coaching Resources
SURF SPORT COACHING VIDEOS
These instructional videos are provided by SLSA and assist coaches in teaching various aspects of Junior Surf Sport.
*Please note: All links will take you directly to the appropriate video on YouTube. To open in a new tab, hold the Ctrl key whilst clicking through.
SWIM
Start
Wading
Porpoise / Duck-Dive
Diving Under Waves
Body Surfing a Spilling Wave
Riding a Broken Wave
BOARD
Beginners Paddling
Improved Paddling
Starts
Drag Start
Carry Start
Bunny-Hop
Board Roll
Popping
Paddling Over a Broken Wave
Buoy Turn
Riding Waves
Catching Chop
Finishes
Drag Finish - Type 1
Drag Finish - Type 2
Carry Finish
SPRINTS
Standing Start
Crouch Start
Acceleration
Running Technique
Finish
Beach Relay - including baton changes
FLAGS
Start
Foot Pivot
Knee Pivot
Run
Dive
JNR R&R
U10 - U13s Two Person R&R
Finishing the R&R
Coach Connect
Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) have launched a one stop shop for all things Surf Coaching. Coach Connect has session plans, tutorials, expert insights, and much more.
View this tutorial to assist with logging in and making the most of the resource.
PDF guides for surf sport activities
PSAR35 Manual 2024-25 for Competition Season Only (Champion Lifesaver/ Champion Patrol)
COVID-19 information
More Information
Contact the Surf Sports department for any coaching or coach accreditation queries.
All documentation relating to courses, accreditation, re accreditation, recognition of prior learning, is available for members on the Members Portal.
Surf Sports Manual- https://sls.com.au/ssm
Officiating Surf Sports Competitions
Officials monitor races and competitions to ensure that the rules are being followed. The officiating pathway follows a similar tiered structure to coaching:
Core Official
Technical Official
Senior Official (By Expression of Interest Only - register your interest by clicking on ‘enrol’ in the course via your SLS Members Area Training Library)
Click here for more detailed information on the role of the official (SLSA information).
How to become an official
This guide will take you through the steps required to become either a Core Official or Technical Official
Please note: you do NOT need to undertake a Core Officials course PRIOR to undertaking a Technical Officials course. SLSSA recommends undertaking the TECHNICAL officials course for most candidates as it allows greater flexibility for roles/carnivals.
NEW OFFICIALS FACE TO FACE WORKSHOPS - 2025-26 dates
#1 - Wed 14 January 2026, 6pm at TBC …CLICK HERE for info & SIGN UP
#2 - Wed 4 February 2026, 6pm at TBC …CLICK HERE for info & SIGN UP
Further officiating leadership training/accreditation
For those Technical Officials who would like to further their training & level of responsibility to become a Chief Judge, Course Supervisor or Referee, the Senior Officials course is the next step. This course is generally conducted once every two years & includes a combination of online coursework + group practical/scenarios. To register your interest, please email surf.sports@surflifesavingsa.com.au
Related documents:
Official Assessment Tool (to be completed by an Officials Mentor as they are signing off the accreditation process)
Officials Reaccreditation Form (to be completed & returned, together with supporting documentation as required, to surf.sports@surflifesavingsa.com.au for any official who is needing to update their accreditation
Officials Electronic Log Book Guide - When Officiating activities have been logged and approved, re-licensing – points will be awarded. These points will accrue electronically.
The electronic logbook provides the ability to record activities and validates your record of success when accreditation is due at the end of a four year period. The electronic logbook is also evidence of experience and ongoing personal development when you apply for officiating positions.
More information
Contact the Surf Sports department for any officiating or officials accreditation queries.
All documentation relating to courses, accreditation, re-accreditation, recognition of prior learning, is available for members on the Members Portal.
Surf Sports Manual- https://sls.com.au/ssm
SLSA Officiating Related Circulars
Circular 13 2024-25 - Call for Senior Official Nominations - Australian Surf Life Saving Championships 2025 and 2026
Circular 15 2024-25 - Shaw and Partners Coolangatta Gold 2024 - Call for Officials Nominations