Karate WA is taking an important step forward in strengthening the safety, professionalism and integrity of our sport.
From the start of the 2026 tournament season, all coaches wishing to register to coach at any Karate WA tournament will be required to hold a minimum Karate Australia Bronze Accreditation.
This change has been formally approved and forms part of our continued commitment to athlete welfare, child safeguarding, sport integrity and high-quality coaching standards across Western Australia.
Why Bronze Accreditation Matters
The Karate Australia Bronze Accreditation Program ensures that all accredited coaches are trained in:
- Concussion awareness and management
- Essential coaching skills such as communication, motivation and emotional intelligence
- Child safeguarding practices
- Sport integrity, including clean sport principles and appropriate sideline behaviour
These areas are critical in tournament environments, where athlete safety, wellbeing and fair play must be upheld at the highest standard, particularly for junior competitors.
From the start of the 2026 tournament season:
- Only Bronze-accredited coaches will be eligible to register to coach at tournaments
- Coaches must be registered through the online system (per event or season)
- Accreditation credentials will be checked at registration and during tournaments
- Coaches must check-in and carry identification
- Non-accredited or unregistered coaches will not be permitted on the tatami floor
This initiative is about:
- Safer athletes
- Stronger coaching standards
- Greater consistency across clubs
- A professional tournament environment for everyone
How to Get Bronze Accredited
- Visit the Karate Australia Coach Accreditation portal
Access the Bronze Accreditation course online via the Karate Australia website. - Register and Complete the Sports Australia and Sports Integrity online learning modules, including:
- Concussion in sport
- Child safeguarding
- Sport integrity
- Coaching fundamentals
- Upload any required evidence or certifications as prompted in the system. Please note the First Aid and CPR certificates must be uploaded in the system. Opportunities to complete these courses can be found at St John First Aid Training
- Pay the accreditation fee via the online portal.
- Receive your digital accreditation confirmation and expiry date.
You must ensure your accreditation remains current through the date of each tournament you coach at.
Processing times apply — coaches are strongly encouraged to complete accreditation well before the March 2026 tournament season begins.
Thank You for Your Ongoing Support
Karate WA sincerely thanks all coaches, instructors and clubs for your continued professionalism, adaptability and commitment to the welfare of our athletes. Your support of this important initiative reflects the strong values of our karate community and our shared priority of safety, integrity and excellence on and off the tatami. Together, we are strengthening the future of karate in Western Australia, and we appreciate your cooperation as we move forward into the 2026 season and beyond.
