Position Type: 0.2 FTE
Location: Adelaide, SA
Start Date: June 2026
Reports to: Deputy High Performance Director 
Direct Reports: n/a

Background

The Wheelchair Rugby National High-Performance Program is an innovative, open, and driven environment, committed to becoming the smartest, strongest, and most skillful team in the world. Operating within a decentralised model, the program has a significant opportunity to elevate athlete development across both pathway and high-performance programs, building bespoke capabilities that contribute to podium success at LA and Brisbane.

Coaching and the daily training environment are central to our What It Takes to Win (WITTW) and Athlete Development Framework, and represent a key competitive advantage. Historically, performance has been driven through national camps, with less consistency across state-based environments.

There is now a clear opportunity to strengthen coaching capability and deliver consistent, high-quality daily training environments nationally. This includes the South Australian program, where targeted support can enhance athlete capability and establish a stronger pipeline for identifying and developing future high-performance athletes.

Purpose of the Role

This role is responsible for leading and managing the daily training environment for nationally categorised athletes based in South Australia. Operating as a 1–day per week position, the coach will oversee athlete preparation, ensuring alignment with National Program priorities and the consistent delivery of high-quality, individualised performance environments.

The role will focus on coordinating weekly athlete programs, integrating performance services, and delivering targeted on-court sessions that reflect National Skill Development Blocks and priorities. The coach will act as a critical friend to athletes, supporting their ongoing development through structured Individual Athlete Development Plans (IADPs).

While wheelchair rugby experience is not essential, the role requires strong capability in managing high-performance  environments, coordinating multidisciplinary support, and driving athlete accountability and progression.

Key Responsibilities

Daily Training Environment Leadership (SA)

• Lead the South Australian daily training environment for nationally categorised athletes 
• Design and manage weekly training programs aligned to national priorities and individual athlete needs 
• Coordinate performance services (e.g. S&C, medical, recovery) to ensure an integrated approach to athlete preparation 
• Maintain alignment between state-based delivery and National High Performance Program expectations 
• On-Court Coaching & Delivery
• Deliver and oversee structured on-court sessions, including Monday evening team training and Friday morning individual/small group sessions 
• Execute technical and tactical drills aligned to National Skill Development Blocks and program priorities 
• Create engaging, purposeful training environments that enhance decision-making and performance under pressure 

Athlete Management & Development

• Lead the planning, monitoring, and review of Individual Athlete Development Plans (IADPs) 
• Provide regular feedback and guidance to athletes, acting as a critical friend to support growth and accountability 
• Track athlete progress and ensure alignment with national benchmarks and expectations National Program Integration & SASI Partnership
• Work closely with National Program staff to ensure consistency in programming, language, and priorities 
• Work closely with SASI Individual Scholarship program staff to ensure categorised athletes programs are closely linked. 
• Provide updates on athlete progression, training environment effectiveness, and emerging needs 
• Contribute to broader program alignment across decentralised environments 

Key Relationships

• Deputy High Performance Director 
• SASI Para Unit/Scholarship Program 
• National Head Coach 
• State Head Coaches (QLD, VIC, NSW) 
• Strength & Conditioning and Performance Service Providers 
• South Australian Athletes 

Success Measures

• Athlete Progression: Clear development of nationally categorised athletes against Individual Athlete Development Plans 
• Program Alignment: Strong consistency between SA daily training environment and National Program priorities 
• Training Environment Quality: High-quality, purposeful, and consistent weekly training delivery 
• Performance Service Integration: Effective coordination of multidisciplinary support around athletes 
• Athlete Engagement: Positive athlete feedback and strong adherence to training programs and expectations 
• National Contribution: Regular, valuable input into national program discussions and alignment Skills & Qualifications
• Demonstrated experience in coaching or managing a high-performance training environment (team or individual sport) 
• Proven ability to design, implement, and oversee weekly training programs aligned to performance outcomes 
• Strong understanding of athlete development principles, including planning and delivering Individual Athlete Development Plans (IADPs) 
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary performance services (e.g. strength & conditioning, medical, recovery) 
• Ability to build strong relationships and effectively engage athletes, acting as a critical friend to support development and accountability 
• High-level communication and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple athletes and priorities within a decentralised system 
• Understanding of, or ability to align with, a national high-performance framework and coaching  philosophy 

Desirable:

• Previous experience working within a high-performance or talent pathway program 
• Exposure to Paralympic or adaptive sport environments (not essential) 
• Relevant coaching accreditation or tertiary qualification in sport, exercise science, or a related field