Since 2012, Touch Football Australia (TFA) has partnered with Athlete Assessments to embed the DISC framework into its organizational culture. This partnership has proven transformative, equipping TFA staff and officials with tools to enhance communication, teamwork, and leadership. From onboarding new hires to guiding high-performance referees, the DISC framework is not just a tool but a cornerstone of TFA’s development initiatives.
Wayne Grant, General Manager of Participation at TFA, reflects on this partnership and the long-term value it has created:
“It has been a fantastic long relationship with Athlete Assessments and something we are very grateful we entered into many years ago. It began because we have always believed that building strong high-performing teams either on the field or off the field within our staffing group was the key to success.”
Touch Football Australia’s Strategic Approach to Integration
TFA’s DISC journey started as an effort to understand the dynamics of effective teamwork. Over time, it evolved into a common language that permeates the organization. Every new staff member completes their Sports ManagerDISC Profile during onboarding, followed by a virtual 60-90 minute debrief with Bo Hanson, Founder & Lead Performance Consultant of Athlete Assessments.
This onboarding process provides employees with insights into their communication preferences, contributions to the team, and strategies to collaborate effectively. According to Wayne, this sets the tone for inclusivity and growth from day one:
“We think it is a really valuable starting point for new staff to start thinking about the DISC framework and how they will see it in action in the workplace every day. It really shows an intent that we will work with all styles and be inclusive.”
From Framework to Action
For TFA, DISC is more than a theoretical tool; it’s a practical framework that delivers actionable outcomes. Wayne emphasizes that the incremental introduction of DISC, coupled with consistent reinforcement, has embedded it deeply within TFA’s culture:
“We chipped away at it bit by bit as the knowledge of the DISC framework grew within the organization. When different segments saw the benefits others were deriving, it was an easy sell to introduce it into programs like our officials.”
This year, TFA extended the DISC framework to their High-Performance Referee Program, with referees completing their DISC profiles and participating in group debriefs. They learned to link their behavioral preferences to actions and strategies they could take within the context of their role. The initiative aimed to foster better communication and alignment within this critical group.
Touch Football Australia’s Annual Staff Conferences: Turning Insight into Action
A highlight of TFA’s DISC journey is the annual staff conference, where Bo Hanson and Liz Masen deliver interactive sessions. These workshops link DISC principles to TFA’s strategic plan, emphasizing how individuals and teams can align their efforts toward shared organizational goals.
Wayne notes the enduring impact of these sessions:
“Every year, our staff go away with different nuggets of gold from Bo and Liz, myself included. They are experts at changing the relevance of the content, linking it to the changing face of our organization over time. More and more, it has become about actions people can take away and implement within their own teams.”
Consistency in Touch Football Australia’s Development
While some organizations see DISC as a one-time exercise, TFA has found value in its consistent application. Wayne highlights the practical nature of DISC as a key reason for its enduring relevance:
“The DISC framework provides really actionable activities any team or staffing group can implement—it’s not just a theory. I’ve personally seen a few theoretical frameworks in this space, and DISC stands out because it gives you tools to use that will make you a better teammate or leader.”
Touch Football Australia’s Commitment to People Development
TFA’s approach to integrating DISC exemplifies their broader commitment to people development. By fostering an environment where communication, inclusivity, and strategic alignment are prioritized, TFA has set a high standard for organizational growth.
In Wayne’s words:
“We would just like to thank Athlete Assessments for helping us commit to and put into action important elements of our staff induction and development that really make a difference.”
What Winning Looks Like for Touch Football Australia
For TFA, “what winning looks like” goes beyond success on the field. It’s about building a cohesive organization where every individual contributes meaningfully to shared goals. With DISC as a guiding framework, TFA people are all driving in the same direction—towards excellence, connection, and sustained growth.
This partnership between Athlete Assessments and TFA underscores the power of consistency, collaboration, and a people-first approach in achieving organizational success.
Where to from here?
If you would like to explore how Athlete Assessments can contribute to the development of your professional staff, coaches, referees, or athletes, we encourage you to reach out. Our tailored approach means that we can collaborate with you to build a personalized program that is designed to address the areas that matter the most to your organisation and teams.
Contact us for a discovery meeting.
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