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Towards Competitive Strokes and Coaching (Australia)
Towards Competitive Strokes & Coaching (TCSC)
A new prerequisite course available from 17 October 2025
Your pathway to becoming a licensed Australian swim coach
To coach on pool deck in Australia, it’s important that you hold your Australian Swim Coach Licence. To obtain your licence, you’ll need to:
- Complete a Swimming Australia-approved prerequisite course (such as our TCSC Course)
- Complete the Development Coaching Course
The TCSC pre-requisite course is more than just a step into coaching - it’s your chance to build a strong foundation for success.
With a focus on stroke technique, advanced learn-to-swim progression, and the fundamentals of coaching, the course prepares you for success on the pool deck.
Who is eligible?
Anyone aged 16 years or older can register for this course. It will suit:
- Swimming teachers ready to deepen their technical expertise and extend into higher levels of learn to swim teaching.
- Aspiring licensed swim coaches who need the required certification to enrol in the Development Coaching Course and begin their coaching career in Australia.
- Anyone! Parents, Students, Active or Former Athletes - If you have a keen interest in learning more about swimming technique and you are considering a career in the aquatic industry, this prerequisite course provides an excellent opportunity to learn.
Note: You do not need to hold an AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety qualification to enrol. Computer/internet access required only for participants undertaking the trainer-led online version.
Course Description
Developed in collaboration with Swimming Australia, the AUSTSWIM Towards Competitive Strokes & Coaching (TCSC) course is designed to extend your knowledge and skills beyond Learn to Swim.
It is the recognised prerequisite for entry into the Swimming Australia Coaching Pathway, beginning with the Development Coach Course.
Whether you are an experienced swim teacher looking to advance your technical understanding, or someone interested in taking the first step toward coaching, this course will help you:
- Build a deeper understanding of stroke technique and coaching fundamentals
- Develop insight into athlete progression and development
- Strengthen your communication and rapport-building skills on the pool deck
Please note: This is not a teaching or coaching qualification. It is a non-accredited course and does not include units of competency.
Cost
- $315 – Face-to-face delivery (one-day, 6-hour course)
- $315 – Trainer-led online delivery (available on request for regional and remote areas)
Professional Development Hours
This course provides the equivalent of 6 hours of professional development toward AUSTSWIM licence renewal.
View full course information below.
Course details
Benefits:
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Recognised prerequisite course for the Swimming Australia Coaching Pathway
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Deepens understanding of competitive stroke technique and coaching principles
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Enhances confidence in teaching higher levels of Learn to Swim
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Builds a foundation for athlete development and performance
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Includes contemporary content on safeguarding and safety in sport
None — open to all participants aged 16 years and over.
The course is delivered as a one-day, trainer-led session (six hours).
- Theory only — no practical in-water session
- Participants complete an online quiz (100% pass mark required)
- The quiz must be completed on the same day as the course
- Candidates receive an email of completion on the day, followed by a Certificate of Completion
To support regional and remote participants, AUSTSWIM can offer a trainer-led online version of this course on request.
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The four competitive strokes – freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly – each stroke will be covered in depth
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Starts and turns for each stroke
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Safety in sport – understanding the fundamentals
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Safeguarding children and young people
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Introduction to coaching – key principles and techniques
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Understanding athlete development
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How swim competitions and the competitive system work
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Best-practice teaching of diving
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Communication and rapport-building skills
AUSTSWIM is committed to quality education that supports the aquatic industry and promotes safe participation for all. The AUSTSWIM Learning Philosophy is built on inclusivity, professionalism, and continuous development.
For full details about enrolment conditions, please see:
AUSTSWIM Course Terms and Conditions
Click here to see a copy of the AUSTSWIM Terms and Conditions.