The 4th - 10th March is NSW Women’s Week and we are featuring some of Swimming NSW’s fantastic women. From coaching to officiating to swimmers and staff we have some great women who pioneer and inspire in our sport and in NSW. The first is Debby Tattoli who is a Coach.
- What inspired you to get involved with Swimming NSW, and how has your journey within the association empowered you as a woman in sports leadership?
I have been coaching competitive squads for about 30 years now, starting with juniors and developing with the swimmers over the years. As owner of Swim Schools on the Central Coast, my leadership roles have developed organically from Managing the day-to-day operations of over 150 staff, Coaching all levels through to Nationals and as Trainer and Assessor. Coach education is a passion of mine as I believe anyone can have a wonderful career in coaching if they are able to access the right education, professional development, and mentorship.
- As we are in Women’s Week and you are a woman making waves in the swimming community, what initiatives do you champion to promote inclusivity and gender equality within the sport?
Last year, I was honoured to be able to deliver three Foundation Coaching Workshops to more than 100 enthusiastic and passionate females through the “Her Sport, Her Way” program in Sydney and NSW Country.
PD opportunities with like-minded coaches regardless of gender, continue to foster understanding, respect, and inclusivity. The upcoming SCTA NSW Coaching conference in Newcastle is just one of the many opportunities for coaches to network, learn and collaborate. As a board member of SCTA NSW, I am excited to be a part of this great learning opportunity.
Most importantly, by encouraging a welcoming and supportive environment for all genders.
- How do you suggest we navigate challenges and break barriers to encourage more women to pursue roles in coaching, officiating, or administration within Swimming NSW?
I believe we must start at grass roots and make training available around gender diversity awareness and the benefits of varied viewpoints to swimmers, coaches, and officials. Providing workshops to empower women to not be shy in taking on leadership roles.
The impact of seeing women in leadership positions alongside their male counterparts on female swimmers’ sense of belonging and motivation is huge.
I would also love to see Mentorship programs implemented, pairing aspiring female coaches with experienced mentors to enhance their skills and knowledge.
- As we celebrate Women's Week, could you share a memorable experience or achievement that highlights the strength and resilience of fellow female swimmers, coaches, or administrators in NSW?
I remember chatting to Ursula Carlile about women in coaching at a conference many years ago. Her insight has always stuck with me, that you must believe in yourself as a coach – gender has nothing to do with it! It’s probably the best advice I was ever given and have tried to stay “in my own lane” since then. We all have different strengths and weaknesses and I found that being myself and not overly influenced by trends or expectations has served me well.
Witnessing the increasing number of female coaches on pool deck year by year demonstrates the progress and resilience of women in the swimming community.
- From grassroots to elite levels, how do you envision the future of women's swimming in NSW, and what steps are crucial to ensuring equitable opportunities and recognition for female athletes and leaders in the sport?
I believe the future is bright for everyone in swimming as we grow in understanding and respect for each other. As a coaching community, if we continue to look at each other’s point of view and bounce off each other’s strengths, this will filter down to the swimmers’ perception and culture. We need to encourage females to take on roles that have influence in decision making such as boards and committees.
