Whether you are new to Bowls or have years of involvement, there is a clear pathway to help you to play an active role in delivering safe, welcoming and high-quality experiences across Australia.
In partnership with State and Territory Associations, Bowls Australia offers nationally recognised coaching accreditations that support every stage of the journey – from social participation to club-level coaching to performance environments.
Coaching Pathway
- Start Here: Bowls Host
- Develop Players: Community Coach
- High Performance: Performance Coach
Bowls Host
For those starting out on their journey, consider becoming a Bowls Host.
Perfect for volunteers and staff running barefoot and social bowls experiences.
Barefoot bowls is one of the best ways for families, friends, teammates, and colleagues to come together, celebrate, and experience the joy of our sport. A great Bowls Host makes people feel welcome, relaxed, and part of the fun.
You don’t need to be an experienced bowler – the course equips you with the tools you need to confidently welcome newcomers, explain the basics, manage safety, and deliver enjoyable sessions that encourage participants to return.
Community Coach
The Community Coach accreditation has been designed for new and existing coaches to deliver inclusive, player-centred sessions that keep people engaged in the sport.
Perfect for coaches helping players develop skills and compete at club level.
These coaches recognise that participation is driven not just by performance, but by positive experiences.
Community Coaches focus on creating positive environments while helping players improve accuracy, confidence and decision-making on the green.
This accreditation builds practical coaching skills, session design capability and the confidence to lead meaningful coaching experiences within clubs and community environments.
They are also to help players become “more accurate more often”.
Performance Coach
The Performance Coach accreditation has been designed for existing, experienced coaches. This is an updated, modernised version of the current Advanced Coach course and reflects the adoption of the Australian Sports Commission’s modern coaching approach and what it takes to win and win well.
Perfect for experienced coaches working in representative and elite environments.
The Performance Coach accreditation is Bowls Australia’s highest coaching qualification. The course combines online learning with a four-day immersive residential experience at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra. Delivered alongside a Bowls Australia High Performance camp, the program provides direct insight into elite preparation and performance environments.
This opportunity takes place once per year – places are limited and through an expression of interest process.
Why become a Bowls Australia-accredited coach?
Practical tools and resources you can apply immediately at your club
Nationally recognised accreditation
Supported by State and Territory Associations
Aligned with Australian Sports Commission coaching standards