At its annual meeting in Adelaide on Wednesday, the coaches resolved to identify the skill set and experience necessary before an individual is deemed ready to coach at senior AFL level.
The move came after Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson addressed the AFL Commission last month about his concern over the lack of accreditation necessary to coach at senior AFL level.
His presentation came after a year when three coaches were sacked (Mark Neeld, Michael Voss and Scott Watters), one resigned (John Worsfold), one handed over the job as part of a succession plan (Kevin Sheedy) and Essendon coach James Hird was suspended for 12 months.
The AFL is understood to be supportive of the move as recognition grows as to the critical role coaches play in the culture of the club and overall wellbeing of the players. The senior coaching role has expanded significantly as the game has grown.
"AFL coaches are really passionate about implementing a thorough apprenticeship system to help prepare coaches for the rigours of the job," said AFLCA chief executive Danny Frawley.
"Gone are the days when you can coach an AFL team after having just finished playing or working in the media."
Frawley is heartened that the average age of the six new coaches appointed was 43 - one reflection of the growing awareness of the importance of experience.
However, the recent high turnover of coaches has also added significantly to the financial demands on the AFLCA with the coaches association playing a role in helping coaches to transition from the game.
There are now 162 coaches employed in AFL football with the pace of growth placing pressure on the resources available to support coaches.
The AFLCA therefore resolved to examine ways to expand its revenue streams and explore opportunities to grow with the AFL understood to understand the important role it plays in supporting and promoting good coaching practice throughout Australia.
