Reframing Participation Through the Eyes of Players, Parents, and Volunteers
Following his sold-out presentation at the 2025 Sport Industry Conference, SportWest has secured Andrew O’Loughlin for this unique professional development opportunity before he returns to the east coast.
This two-part series is designed to take sport administrators out of the office and into the game—exploring the moments that can make or break the sport experience from the view of the participant.
What You’ll Gain
- Empathy for the emotional highs and lows of the sport experience.
- Greater understanding of the ‘Moments that Matter’ for players, parents and volunteers – and how they impact participation and retention.
- A practical toolkit with strategies to support implementation in your role.
- An identified action list to work on in the lead up to the scheduled check-point discussion** in four weeks.
- New connections and a peer learning network.
- A refreshed perspective.
- The chance to experience Wheelchair Basketball, coached by six-time Paralympian, Shaun Norris OAM.
Places are limited.
This workshop is presented in partnership with the WA Government as part of the True Sport Initiative. A special thanks to Basketball WA for their delivery support of the practical experience.
Part 1: Thursday 30 October | 10.15am-1.30pm | Sport HQ Precinct
Get in the Game - Experience Wheelchair Basketball: Come dressed ready to get active and experience sport from the 'new participant perspective. Apply your skills in a 1-hour wheelchair basketball session, with your coach, six-time Paralympian, two-time World Championship Medallist, Australian Men's Wheelchair Basketball legend and Perth Wheelcat, Shaun Norris OAM.
Facilitated Classroom Workshop: Transition to SportHQ for a 90-minute workshop, exploring the ‘Moments that Matter’ across the sport experience. Together you will identify key opportunities of impact for coaches, volunteers, participants and the club community. Before the day is out, consolidate your learning and identify actions to implement over the four weeks leading up to Part 2.
Part 2: Thursday 27 November | 2.00pm-3.00pm | Teams (online)
Online Check Point Accountability Discussion: Re-group with the workshop participants for this peer learning discussion where participants will have the opportunity to share learnings, successes, and the challenges experienced on the implementation journey.
Who should attend: This two-part professional development opportunity is open to SportWest Members from State Sporting Associations with interest in:
- Sport Development
- Community Participation
- Volunteering
- Coaching and Officiating
- Competitions and Logistics
- Communications and Marketing
Please note as places are limited, there is a maximum of two participants per SSA. You must be available for the entire program to register.
Cost: SportWest members FREE
Registrations Close: Sunday 26 October 2025 unless sold out earlier.
You will have the option join the waitlist and be notified if a spot becomes available or if future workshops are scheduled.
Further information will be sent directly to registered participants.
Meet your Facilitator: Andrew O’Loughlin
Andrew O’Loughlin is a leading advisor in sport experience design, helping sport leaders get more people involved, more often, and for longer. As Director of Sport Experience Design Co., Andrew has worked with many international, national and local sports, clubs and local government organisations, through to global brands like Nike, Red Bull, and with major events including World Cups and professional sports leagues, from the BBL to the AFL.
He currently consults to a range of clients across many sports from athletics to AFL, swimming to cycling, tennis to volleyball and everything in between, with industry peak body Vicsport along with Victoria University’s Sport Business School. Andrew brings a rare mix of practical insight, human-centred design, and sport system strategy - connecting the dots between data, delivery, and deeply human moments in sport
Meet your Coach: Shaun Norris – Australian Wheelchair Basketball Legend
Western Australian-based athlete Shaun Norris is a history-making veteran of Australian wheelchair basketball. With over 18 years as a key member of the Australian Men’s Wheelchair Basketball team, Norris has represented his country in six Paralympic Games, earning a Gold Medal in Beijing 2008 and Silver Medals in Athens 2004 and London 2012.
Known for his fierce competitiveness, tactical intelligence, and technical skill, Norris has evolved from a high-scoring shooting guard into a versatile playmaker and respected team leader. Basketball Australia describes him as a player defined by authenticity, leadership, and an unwavering work ethic which also saw him achieve World Championship Golds in 2010 and 2014.
As a proud Perth Wheelcat, Shaun continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of athletes and will coach you for this sport experience, challenging you to apply your sports knowledge and skills in a new setting.
Terms and Conditions:
- Open for registrations from SportWest State Sporting Association Member Organisations – maximum of two per SSA.
- Free to attend but must be available to participate in both part 1 and part 2 (dates below):
Part 1: Thursday 30 October - Immersion Experience and Workshop on Thursday 30 October (half day in person)
Part 2: Thursday 27 November - Online check point webinar and discussion (1hour online)
- Once workshop reaches capacity, you can register interest to be placed on the waitlist and notified should a position to attend become available.