Advanced Coach Program
updated September 12 2026
Masters Advanced Coach Program – IS NOW LIVE!!!
Are you a Masters Swimming Coach looking to expand your coaching toolkit, challenge your current thinking, and stay up to date with contemporary coaching practice?
The Masters Swimming Australia Advanced Coach Program has been developed to support committed coaches – who are passionate about giving back to our swim community. This program is designed to deepen and broaden coaching knowledge while offering the flexibility to suit individual interests and availability.
The program offers a diverse range of learning modules delivered in a flexible “pick and mix” format, allowing you to select modules that best align with your interests and coaching goals. Each module can be completed as stand-alone Professional Development modules, or they can be aggregated towards an Advanced Coach Qualification (ACQ).
What is the Advanced Coach Program?
The Advanced Coach Program consists of a structured selection of units of study (modules) that you can use for professional development or can be built towards an Advanced Coach Qualification.
Along with the Club Coach Course, the Advanced Coach Program is hosted on MSA’s coaching platform supported by dita Solutions.
Advanced Coach Qualification
If you want to gain qualification as an Advanced Coach, you can enrol via the Advanced Coach Course and complete a minimum of 9 units of study comprising 3 Mandatory + 3 Core + 3 Elective units. You will also need to register separately for any of the Core and Elective modules that will count towards the Advanced Coach Qualification
Pre‑requisites for Advanced Coach Qualification
To apply for Advanced Coach Qualification, you must:
- Currently hold a MSA Club Coach Accreditation, and
- Be actively coaching adults or mentoring coaches.
Course Structure (modules)
The Advanced Coach Qualification consists of a number of units of study (modules):
- Mandatory Modules
- Core Modules – essential knowledge and skills for coaching adult community
swimmers.- Community Coaching Masterclass series
- Supporting Coaches in Practice
- Mental Health First Aid
- Mental Health e-Learning Program
- Elective Modules – specialist areas that allow you to tailor learning to your interests
and coaching context.- Disability Inclusion for Coaches
- Cold Water Exposure and Hypothermia
- Conflict Management
- Inclusive Coaching Course
- Understanding Asthma
- Creating an LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Club
- CultureWise
- Modules to be released in 2026/2027
- Open Water Swimming Coaches Education Certification Program
- Freestyle Biomechanics – the Science Behind the Strokes
- Transition to Masters
- Modules in development for 2026/2027
- Building Freestyle Fundamentals
- Biomechanics of Good Stroke Technique
- Principles of Programming for Adult Swimmers
- Coaching for Masters Competition
- Advanced Technique Analysis & Correction
- Swimmer Activation & Mobility
more detail
| Module Name | Outline and competencies covered | ACQ Unit Value | PD Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demonstration of Applied Knowledge – Swimmer Case Study | This mandatory module documents your journey with one swimmer over 4+ months. Your case study will provide a focused analysis of your swimmer’s goals, training adaptations, technical development, and performance progression over a defined period under your structured coaching guidance. | Mandatory Core Unit | 5 points |
| Essential Reading unit – Participation Across Life Stages | Sport and physical activity data and insights to inform participation offerings across life stages. | Mandatory Reading | 2 points |
| Essential Reading unit – Understanding MSA Competition Rules | Coaches will have updated their knowledge of the MSA rules of competition for pool and OW swimming. They will understand the basic errors that lead to disqualification in a sanctioned event and how to work with multiclass swimmers. | Mandatory Reading | 1 point |
| Community Coaching Masterclass Series – 7 mini courses | This masterclass series covers 7 different aspects of community coaching common to us all. The courses are designed to build on each other to provide a comprehensive self-assessment of how we all coach and why. Hosted by SWIMAUS. | Core Unit | 5 points |
| Take Charge Mental Health e-Learning Program – MHeLP | MHeLP is a cutting-edge Mental Health eLearning Program developed under the guidance of international mental health and exercise experts. It is a completely free, self-paced course designed for the leisure and community support sectors to equip workers and volunteers with strategies to support themselves and others mental health. Delivered by the Belgravia Foundation. | Core Unit | 3 points |
| Supporting Coaches in Practice | The course is designed around real-world application, contextualised learning and problem-solving that can be more beneficial for you than traditional, formal education offerings. Hosted by SWIMAUS. | Core Unit | 5 points |
| Open Water Swimming Coaches Education Certification Program | Designed for coaches of triathletes, OWS, multi sports or freestylers, to learn proper swimming techniques and OW race tactics. Coaches will be able to safely coach swimmers in short introductory open water swims as well as escort swimmers in marathon swims such as the Rottnest Channel crossing. This course is designed to assist you with special tips for coaching triathletes and open water swimmers. Note that this course is charged in USD. Delivered by World Open Water Swim Association. NOTE: While the MSA cost for this module is FREE, the actual cost to register for the external course can be significant | Core Unit | 5 points |
| Freestyle Biomechanics – the Science Behind the Strokes | This course is designed to assist you with special tips for coaching triathletes and open water swimmers. It is a 16-Section program covering all aspects of the Freestyle Stroke in detail. Note that this course is charged in USD. Delivered by World Open Water Swim Association. NOTE: While the MSA cost for this module is FREE, the actual cost to register for the external course can be significant | Core Unit | 5 points |
| Standard Mental Health First Aid Courses | This is the full MHFA course and will deem you to be a Mental Health First Aider. It will equip you with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to provide someone with mental health information and support them when it matters most. MHFA is a first-aid life skill with high personal and community value and is delivered by external providers with an online component and a one-day in class component. These courses are delivered by a number of external providers and we suggest that you select the one that best suits you. NOTE: While the MSA cost for this module is FREE, the actual cost to register for the external course can be significant | Core Unit | 5 points |
| ASAPD – Disability Inclusion for Coaches | This course is designed to provide basic skills, understanding and knowledge in a practical real-life framework so you can be a more inclusive coach of people with a disability in sport and active recreation programs and activities. Delivered by Australian Sporting Alliance for People with Disability. | Elective Unit | 2 points |
| Inclusive Coaching Course | This course provides an opportunity for you, as a community coach, to develop your own approach and strategies for inclusion. It includes practical case studies and examples of what it means to be inclusive of all people, what inclusion and diversity means for our sport, and what discrimination means under the law. Delivered by Sport Integrity Australia. | Elective Unit | 3 points |
| Communication Skills | This course has been written in response to feedback from the aquatic industry. It uses relatable characters and scenarios to illustrate key concepts and practical communication adjustments. These are valuable skills for personal and professional contexts. Delivered by Royal Life Saving Society WA. | Elective Unit | 2 points |
| Cold Water Exposure and Hypothermia | This is a great little mini course. It looks at what is cold water and hypothermia. We all need to know what we can do if a swimmer presents with hypothermia and an A-E breakdown of that treatment before help arrives. Delivered by Royal Life Saving Society WA. | Elective Unit | 2 points |
| CultureWise | CultureWise a free and self-paced digital learning program designed to strengthen Indigenous cultural awareness, safety, respect and capability across the leisure, aquatics, recreation, and fitness industry. Delivered by Belgravia Foundation. | Elective Unit | 4 points |
| Creating an LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Club | Currently being re-written by Sport Integrity Aus. This module covers defining what the LGBTQIA+ community is, identifying benefits of LGBTQIA+ inclusion, using LGBTQIA+ inclusive language and changing club culture to be more inclusive of LGBTQIA+. Delivered by Sport Integrity Australia. | Elective Unit | 3 points |
Recognition of current competency & prior learning
You may apply for Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) for both Core and Elective units where you have obtained relevant qualifications externally.
- You must hold a current Masters Swimming Coach Accreditation.
- The mandatory components of the Advanced Coach Program must still be completed.
- A list of currently recognised qualifications is listed in the details below.
- You may also request consideration for RCC for other relevant qualifications not listed subject to the approval of the chair of the National Coaching Committee, requested via the National Coaching Education Coordinator
You may apply for Recognition of Prior learning (RPL) for both Core and Elective units where you have previously obtained the Level 2M Masters accreditation.
- You must hold a current Masters Swimming Coach Accreditation.
- The mandatory reading components of the Advanced Coach Program must still be completed.
- You must provide evidence of coaching or mentoring an average of at least once per week over the last three years.
- Complete one Elective module of your choice
more detail
| Qualification / Competency | Recognition |
|---|---|
| Swimming Australia Advanced Coach Qualification | 3 Core + 3 Electives |
| Swimming Australia Open Water Swim Certificate | 1 Core |
| SCTA Swim Australia Teacher | 1 Core |
| SCTA Swim Squad Fundamentals | 1 Core |
| SCTA Teacher of Adults & Adolescents | 1 Core |
| AUSTSWIM Teacher Towards Competitive Strokes | 1 Core |
| AUSTSWIM Teacher of Adults | 1 Core |
| AUSTSWIM Teacher of Aquatics – Access and Inclusion | 1 Core |
| Surf Life Saving Performance Coach Course | 1 Core |
| Triathlon Australia Development Coach Qualification | 1 Core |
| Artistic Swimming Australia Level 1 & 2 Coaching | 1 Core |
| Water Polo Australia Development Coach Qualification | 1 Core |
| Certificate IV in Personal Training | 1 Core |
| Diploma of Coaching | 1 Core |
| Physical Education Teacher | 1 Core |
| Mental Health First Aid Certificate | 1 Core |
| Royal Life Saving Foundation Coach | 1 Core |
| Royal Life Saving Development/Performance Coach | 1 Core + 1 Elective |
| Royal Life Saving Bronze Medallion | 1 Elective |
| Surf Life Saving Bronze Medallion | 1 Elective |
| ASCA Strength & Conditioning Level 1+ | 1 Elective |
| MSA Technical Officials Certificate | 1 Elective + Core MSA Rules Reading module |
| MSA Level 2M Coach | Case Study + 3 core + 2 elective |
Professional Development Only (No ACQ Qualification)
If you want to upskill without applying for Advanced Coach Qualification, you may complete any module as a stand‑alone professional development activity at your own pace at any time.
Modules may be used to:
- Refresh or extend coaching knowledge
- Explore new areas of interest
- Support mentoring and leadership development
- Meet ongoing professional development expectations for reaccreditation
Advanced Coach Program
The Advanced Coach Qualification (ACQ) course, and Core & Elective modules to aggregate towards your ACQ
Coach Professional Development
The Club Coach workshop, and all the Core & Elective modules from the Advanced Coach Program as individual Professsional Development
FAQs
How much does it cost?
$95 to access your ACQ Training Record, where required units are tracked and assessed toward qualification PLUS the cost for each module that you choose to count towards qualification.
These individual modules (that may also be completed as Professional Development) have costs that vary depending on the provider and assessment requirements, ranging from FREE to $350 (e.g. Mental Health First Aid).
However, most modules are below $50.
Do I need to complete the program all at once?
No.
Modules may be completed at any time and in any order.
If you are applying for the Advanced Coach Course, you will have two years from registration to complete all requirements for qualification.
Can I start with one module only?
Yes.
Any module may be completed as a stand‑alone professional development activity or built towards Advanced Coach Qualification (within 2 years).
Do I need to apply for qualification straight away?
No.
You may complete modules first and then enrol in the Advanced Coach Qualification Course to aggregate your PD modules towards Advanced Coach Qualification within 2 years.
What if I want to just upskill but not apply for Advanced Coach Qualification?
All units can be done in isolation by any coach as Professional Development at any time without applying for ACQ.
Is this program suitable for volunteer coaches?
Yes.
The program has been specifically designed with all Masters coaches in mind, including volunteer coaches, offering flexibility, choice and affordability.
Where do I access the Mandatory Swimmer Case Study template?
This template is available once you enrol in the Advanced Coach Qualification Course. It is a thorough template to guide you through the elements that you will need to cover in your mandatory Swimmer Case Study as part of the Demonstration of Applied Knowledge – Swimmer Case Study module. It is also available here
When will my Advanced Coach Qualification expire?
Advanced Coach Qualification will follow the same expiration timeframe as the Coach
Accreditation of 3 years. You will only need to re-accredit for the highest level of qualification
that you hold with MSA.
What will I need to do to re-accredit as an Advanced Coach?
You will need to provide evidence of ongoing coaching or mentor coaching as well as
complete Professional Development within the 3 years. The National Coaching Committee is yet to release the Professional Development points required to maintain Advanced Coach Qualification.
Where do I purchase the Advanced Coach Qualification Course that is the major component of the Advanced Coach Program?
https://msa.ditaplayer.com.au/catalog/category/advanced-coach-qualification-course
(You need to be logged into dita / log into dita)
Where do I purchase the Core Modules that are components of the Advanced Coach Qualification Course?
https://msa.ditaplayer.com.au/catalog/category/advanced-coach-qualification-course
(You need to be logged into dita / log into dita)
Where do I purchase the Elective Modules that are components of the Advanced Coach Qualification Course?
https://msa.ditaplayer.com.au/catalog/category/advanced-coach-qualification-course
(You need to be logged into dita / log into dita)
Will the competency associated with each module expire?
Yes. Each module in the ACQ expires after 3 years. This may differ from the requirements if the module links to an external course e.g. Mental Health First Aid
My module opens with a blank screen. What should I do?
Each module is designed to open with a Welcome screen. On occasion, however, sometimes the screen is blank. This can be because of a slow or interrupted internet connection or other technical glitch. Simply click on the blue menu item for the module on the left hand side of the screen.
Getting Help within MSA
If you need help with the online component or any other questions about the accreditation course contact your State/Territory Coach Educator or the Coach Education Co-ordinator.
At any point, you can reach out to the MSA National Coaching Education Coordinator at coach.education@mastersswimming.org.au and they will find the right person to help you with your questions or concerns.
MSA Coach Education Co-ordinator: coach.education@mastersswimming.org.au
NSW: coach.education@mastersswimmingnsw.org.au
QLD: coaching@mastersswimmingqld.org.au
TAS: megan.stronach@utas.edu.au
VIC: coach.education@mastersswimmingvic.com.au
WA: coach.education@mswa.asn.au
If you need help with any technical issue on the dita platform, contact dita support at support@ditasolutions.com
Getting Help for external courses/modules
| Module Name | External Organisation | External Organisation Support |
|---|---|---|
| Demonstration of Applied Knowledge – Swimmer Case Study | N/A - MSA module | Refer "Getting Help within MSA" above |
| Essential Reading unit – Participation Across Life Stages | MSA module that links to content on the Australian Sport Commission website | Refer "Getting Help within MSA" above |
| Essential Reading unit – Understanding MSA Competition Rules | N/A - MSA module | Refer "Getting Help within MSA" above |
| Community Coaching Masterclass Series – 7 mini courses | SWIMAUS Learning Centre | learning.coaches@swimming.org.au |
| Take Charge Mental Health e-Learning Program – MHeLP | Belgravia Foundation | info@belgraviafoundation.org.au |
| Supporting Coaches in Practice | SWIMAUS Learning Centre | learning.coaches@swimming.org.au |
| Open Water Swimming Coaches Education Certification Program | World Open Water Swimming Association | https://www.openwaterswimming.com/team-wowsa-support/ |
| Freestyle Biomechanics – the Science Behind the Strokes | World Open Water Swimming Association | https://www.openwaterswimming.com/team-wowsa-support/ |
| Standard Mental Health First Aid Courses | Multiple sites | Search for Support or Contact Us links on the external site |
| ASAPD – Disability Inclusion for Coaches | SWIMAUS Learning Centre - Australian Sporting Alliance for People with Disability | learning.coaches@swimming.org.au |
| Inclusive Coaching Course | Play By the Rules | https://www.playbytherules.net.au/contact-us |
| Communication Skills | Royal Life Saving Western Australia | Learning website is: https://royallifesavingwa.app.axcelerate.com/learner. Support at: training@royallifesavingwa.com.au |
| Cold Water Exposure and Hypothermia | Royal Life Saving Western Australia | Learning website is: https://royallifesavingwa.app.axcelerate.com/learner. Support at: training@royallifesavingwa.com.au |
| CultureWise | Belgravia Foundation | info@belgraviafoundation.org.au |
| Creating an LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Club | Play By the Rules | https://www.playbytherules.net.au/contact-us |
| Understanding Asthma | Royal Life Saving Western Australia | Learning website is: https://royallifesavingwa.app.axcelerate.com/learner. Support at: training@royallifesavingwa.com.au |
Testimonials
“I think it is a very thorough and comprehensive course offering lots of options. The case study is an excellent project – I really enjoyed doing it. It takes a lot of time to do it properly.
The other core units also take lots of time and thought – so are very worthwhile inclusions.
The elective units are pretty quick to do but were informative.”
Anne
September 2026
“The Mental Health eLearning Program was a module that sits in my area of knowledge, it was a really well set out and good refresher.”
Julie
August 2026
more to come
