Lead Australia on the International Stage – Apply Now to be part of the 2026 APA Head Coaching Team

The Australian Powerlifting Alliance is recruiting Head Coaches and Assistant Head Coaches for our 2026 international teams. These are volunteer leadership roles that provide a unique opportunity to prepare, lead, and support Australian athletes on the world stage.

Events in 2026

We will appoint one Head Coach and one Assistant Head Coach for each of the following international events:

• Bench Worlds
• Open Worlds
• Sub-Junior and Junior Worlds
• Asian, African, and Pacific Championships
• Commonwealth Championships
• Oceania Regional Championships
• Any other IPF calendar International Events Australia may be invited to will be assessed on a case by case basis. 

If athlete registrations increase above an agreed threshold, the Assistant Head Coach may be promoted to Co-Head Coach, with a new Assistant Head Coach appointed. The same individual may be appointed to multiple Head Coach or Assistant Head Coach roles in a single year, provided they are successful through the recruitment process.

Mandatory Training Requirements

All successful applicants must complete:

• Child Safeguarding Workshop – delivered as an APA-hosted workshop with options to join online or in person. Costs are fully covered by APA.

  • Dates: Thursday 12 February 2025
  • Location: TBC - RSEA Park Moorabbin or online
    
  • Time: 11am - 4pm (extact timing TBC - please consider the 11am start when booking your flights to Melbourne)
  • Cost: free - APA will provide catering

   

• IPF Level 2 Coaching Course – mandatory for Head Coaches and Assistant Head Coaches.
  • Dates: 9–11 January 2026
  • Location: City Strength, Sydney
  • Time: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm daily
  • Cost: $775 per coach (includes catering). Paid directly by the coach.
    

The IPF Level 2 Coaching Course is an IPF-mandated qualification. APA does not control the pricing, had no say in the scheduling of the training dates, and does not receive any portion of the course fee.

Places for the IPF Level 2 Coaching Course are strictly limited and will be allocated based on the strength of applications. Priority will be given to coaches appointed to the 2026 International Head Coach and Assistant Head Coach roles, as well as to emerging coaches identified as having potential to step into these positions in the future.

Please note: applicants for the Head Coach and Assistant Head Coach roles who do not complete both the IPF Level 2 Coaching Course and the APA Child Safeguarding Workshop will not be eligible for appointment.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking experienced, values-driven coaches who can:

• Lead and support Australian teams at the highest level of international competition.
  

• Deliver strong preparation, strategy, and game-day leadership.
  

• Uphold APA and IPF standards, including the above mandatory training.
  

• Promote and enforce APA’s Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy.
  

• Mentor and support coaching teams to build APA’s long-term capability.
  
  

Essential requirements include:

• Current WWCC, National Police Check, and Play by the Rules: Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport course
  

• Attendance at the APA Child Safeguarding Workshop.
  

• Completion of the IPF Level 2 Coaching Course (January 2026).
  

• Demonstrated knowledge of IPF rules and competition protocols.
  

• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills under pressure.

Support and Reimbursement

While these are volunteer positions, APA provides reimbursement to ensure coaches are not out-of-pocket for essential international costs:

Head Coach – flights, accommodation, transfers, IPF event expenses, and two APA coaching uniforms.
Assistant Head Coach– $2,000 reimbursement, IPF event expenses, and two APA coaching uniforms.

Key Dates

• Applications close: Sunday 30 November 2025

• Shortlisting: 1– 12 December 2025
  

• Interviews: Week of 15 December 2025
  

• Appointments confirmed: Week of 22 December 2025

How to Apply

• Read the full position descriptions here:
  

  • Head Coach Position Description
    

  • Assistant Head Coach Position Description
    

• Submit your application via the APA Coaching Application Form here

If you wish to be considered for a place in either of the 2026 IPF coaching courses, make sure you apply using the links below.

IPF Basic Coaching Course - all international coaches from 2027 onward
 16–18January 2026
 Apply here
This course is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. You will need to pay at the time of application to secure your place.

IPF Level 2 Coaching Course - All Head Coaches from 2026 onward
 9–11 January 2026
 Submit your EOI here

Places are limited to 18. Priority will be given to appointed 2026 Head and Assistant Coaches, followed by other applicants based on the strength of their EOI. If you are offered a place, APA will issue an invoice and payment will be required within 7 days to confirm your enrolment.

 Be part of shaping the future of Australian powerlifting. Apply today and help lead our athletes to success in 2026.