Information for Parents

The quality and conduct of the people working with players matters. All FlightPath coaches and support crew working with junior players will be required to hold current Working with Vulnerable People credentials appropriate to their role. As a minimum standard, all FlightPath coaches will also hold a current Rugby Australia Level 1 coaching qualification, with further development and accreditation encouraged as coaches progress. These requirements sit alongside FlightPath’s expectations around safeguarding, player welfare, appropriate coach-player boundaries, communication and professional conduct.

Winning matters, but it is not the only measure of success. FlightPath focuses on long-term development, including technical ability, game understanding, confidence, leadership, resilience and enjoyment. Every player develops at a different rate. Selection, playing time, position and development opportunities may therefore be considered alongside experience, physical development, wellbeing, attendance, attitude and individual goals.

Parents play an important part in creating a positive rugby environment. We ask parents to support players, coaches, officials and teammates respectfully, encourage effort and development, and avoid placing unnecessary pressure on results or selection. The best support is often simple: help your daughter prepare well, listen to her experience, encourage her to communicate with coaches and allow her to take increasing ownership of her rugby.

We encourage open and respectful communication. If you have a question about your daughter’s development, welfare or participation, please contact the appropriate coach or FlightPath representative. Where possible, we encourage players to begin communicating directly with coaches as they grow older. Learning to ask questions, seek feedback and discuss development is an important part of becoming a more independent athlete.

 The safety and wellbeing of players is our highest priority. FlightPath maintains standards around safeguarding, coach-player boundaries, communication, travel, injury management, concussion, first aid, media and conduct. If you have a concern about your daughter’s safety, wellbeing or treatment within the programme, we want you to raise it.

 Players should not train or play through injuries simply to avoid missing rugby. Parents should tell coaches about injuries, medical conditions or changes that may affect participation. Any suspected concussion must be taken seriously and managed in accordance with applicable rugby protocols. Return to training and competition should only occur when appropriate clearance and return-to-play requirements have been met.

 Some players may be suitable for representative, development or high-performance opportunities. FlightPath may assist players and families by identifying suitable opportunities, helping with preparation, providing feedback and supporting the practical steps involved in trials, selection and travel. Selection decisions ultimately remain with the relevant representative body or programme.

 Where appropriate, FlightPath may participate in or support players attending interstate competitions and development opportunities. Families will receive clear information about costs, travel, accommodation, supervision, safeguarding and expectations before committing to any interstate activity.

 The move from junior rugby into the senior women’s game can be a significant step.FlightPath supports this transition through introductions to senior coaches, training opportunities, mentoring and development planning. Uni-Norths Owls is FlightPath’s principal senior pathway, but players remain free to choose the senior rugby environment that is right for them.