Rowing ACT is excited to announce a new initiative for Female Rowing Coaches in the ACT – HerCoach, a scholarship for female coaches to upskill through accreditation and professional development. Through grant funding under ACT Government’s Women’s Coaching and Officiating Support Program, Rowing ACT will be running a scholarship for female or non-binary rowing coaches in the ACT
Submit an application to be part of this program now! Applications will close Friday 6th February 2026, with the program expected to commence Late February and will run through 2026.
Program Detail:
The HERCoach – Women’s Coach Development Scholarship Program focuses on upskilling female coaches, as well as broadening local coach development opportunities.
All scholarship holders will receive:
- Funding to upskill their National Rowing Coaching Accreditation (NRCAS; Levels 1, 2 and 3)
- Personal and professional development sessions related to coaching and broader leadership skills
- Inclusive of a DISC Profile Questionnaire through Define Potential
- Mentor circle of female coaches through Define Potential, a local Canberra company
- Individual Coach Development Plan aligned with the AIS Model (Coach Development)
Stage 1 – Foundation / Emerging
Up to six (6) Individual scholarships worth up to $750 in value each
Emerging and aspiring female coaches within the ACT Rowing community will be offered a full scholarship to achieve Level 1 or Level 2 National Rowing Coaching Accreditation, in addition to participation in the mentoring program offered to all scholarship holders.
Through the WCOSP, RACT will cover the costs of coaching accreditation for these coaches. This will increase the number of female coaches locally and upskill existing local rowing coaches. This stage focuses on educating coaches and supporting them through their national accreditation, noting that an often-cited barrier to coaching is the cost of coaching accreditation.
As part of Stage 1, coaches are asked to participate as a volunteer coach in an ACT club or school program to ensure the skills each coach gains benefit the broader community.
Prerequisites: Any female coaching in or interested in coaching rowing in the ACT over the age of 18 years may apply.
Stage 2 – Development / Established
Two (2) Individual scholarships worth up $2,000 in value each
Two female rowing coaches wanting to progress their coaching will receive a scholarship for coach-specific professional development and accreditation. This must include achievement of their next level in the NRCAS scheme to Level 2 or Level 3. Once coaches have enrolled or achieved their accreditation, they will be offered a list of Development Courses to choose from to a maximum of their remaining funding.
The successful Stage 2 coaches will work directly with ACT Interstate Rowing Teams, expanding the skillset, knowledge and experience. There are up to four (4) opportunities for interstate team coaching, with Stage 2 coaches able to nominate coaching preferences for rowing crews or teams, subject to RACT approval.
Coaches will work directly with the ACT’s Performance Pathways Lead Coach during the interstate team period to maximise opportunities to engage with a variety of coaches and support team members during this period. Stage 2 gives a direct introduction into the coaching performance pathway to encourage female coaches to remain in the pathway. In addition to direct coaching opportunities, Stage 2 coaches will have access to professional development opportunities to create more skilled coaches for the community.
Prerequisites: Female rowing coaches must hold a current NRCAS Level 1 Accreditation, meet criteria set for ACT Interstate team coaches and be over 18 years of age at the commencement of the program.
Stage 3 – Performance / Elite
Individual scholarship worth up to $2500 in value
A female coach wanting to progress through the performance pathway will be offered a scholarship for the next stage of their NCRA and their choice of professional development courses. As part of the Stage 3 Scholarship, the successful coach will receive targeted development and mentorship with ACT Performance Pathways Program Lead Coach through assistant coaching opportunities (tailored role to be scoped and defined to fit in with participant’s development goals). The coach will be situated in the Rowing ACT Performance Pathways Program and have access to the support staff at the ACT Academy of Sport as additional resources for development and education.
Stage 3 offers a direct pathway for a female coach to gain insights and experience in high performance rowing coaching. Further to Stage 2, the Stage 3 scholarship ensures a clear and formal pathway for female coaches into the high-performance coaching realm.
Rowing ACT will cover costs associated with coaching within the program, as well as the successful applicants’ next accreditation level and professional development courses.
Prerequisites: Female rowing coaches must hold a current Level 1 NRCAS accreditation, and meet requirements specified by the ACT Academy of Sport. Coaches may be required to participate in an interview process for Stage 3 in addition to their written application.