Boccia is a unique sport, specifically designed to include people with significant physical impairments including the most severely affected. Boccia was originally played by athletes with cerebral palsy, but now includes athletes with other impairments that affect motor skills. The sport is contested at national and international levels, having made its Paralympic debut in 1984. Australia first started participating at a Paralympic level in 1988 and most recently celebrated success with two silver medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

The National High-Performance Coach’s key focus is to ensure sustained success and growth on the world stage through inspirational leadership and a modern coaching philosophy. Reporting to the High-Performance Manager (HPM), this role will focus on achieving success at the LA 2028 Paralympic Games and build a foundation that can maximise success across all classifications at the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games.

The ideal candidate may not have prior experience or knowledge of Boccia; however, they should possess a strong curiosity and a willingness to learn. They will be able to transfer their existing expertise to foster an environment where athletes can achieve their full potential both on and off the field.

Key Responsibilities of this role will include:

• Lead high-performance athletes within the Daily Performance Environment (DPE), domestic camps/competitions, and international events.
• Review and enhance the Individual Performance Planning (IPP) process to ensure effective support and training design.
• Support talent development coaches in creating and reviewing individual development plans (IDP) for emerging athletes and supporting athletes to meet KPI’s.
• Play a leadership role in the development of athlete training plans and structures based on evidence-based practices.
• Shape annual and quadrennial campaign plans, aligned with BA’s Integrated High Performance Strategy LA2028+.
• Contribute to BA’s coach development workshops and support system-wide performance improvements.
• Ensure all financial activities supporting the high-performance program are accurately recorded and tracked against the budget.
• Contribute to the continued evolution of key BA documents such as What It Takes to Win (WITTW), National Athlete Categorisation Framework (NACF) and Athlete Development Framework (ADF).
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Represent Boccia Australia at national and international forums and events.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Strong leadership skills with experience in high-performance environments.
• Ability to work effectively both autonomously and in a team.
• Minimum 2-3 years’ experience in high-performance sport (desirable).
• Knowledge of international high-performance best practices and emerging coaching trends.
• Experience in values-driven, high-performing teams (desirable).
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience incorporating performance analysis into training plans.
• Understanding of athlete welfare, mental health, and wellbeing in high-performance settings.
• Skilled in administration, reporting, and planning with strong computer skills

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Preferred applicants may be the subject of police record checks and working with children checks

Why Join Us?

If you are passionate about making a positive impact in the sports community and have the experience to help elevate boccia in Australia, we encourage you to apply.