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A. Introduction

This Policy details the process and criteria by which the National Performance Director of Triathlon Australia (TA), in conjunction with the AIS Triathlon Program Manager recommends scholarship holders to the AIS Director.

The AIS triathlon program is an initiative of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), and Triathlon Australia to support TA’s national elite athletes who compete in Olympic distance draft legal triathlons and who have demonstrated performance and the ability to achieve further success in International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championship Series (WCS), World Championships, World Cups (WC) and Olympic Games events; more specifically the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympic/Paralympic Games.

In 2012 three tiers of scholarship will be provided and the level of support will be commensurate with the scholarship type and the needs of the specific athlete to enhance the ability of the athlete to achieve the objectives of the AIS triathlon program.

Paralympic Triathlon:-  In 2012 the AIS will consider up to a maximum of 3 positions for Paralympic athletes aiming to medal at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

B. The AIS Triathlon Program

The AIS triathlon program is TA’s primary support to national elite level athletes who compete in the ITU Olympic distance draft legal triathlons. The aim is to provide a world class daily training environment domestically and internationally with access to the very best coaching, sports science and sports medicine (SSSM), training and competition support and applied research outcomes.

More specifically, the goal is to target and support Australia’s best performed elite athletes with the potential to perform and win at the highest level of competition; Olympic and Paralympic Games, ITU World Championship Series, World Championships and World Cup events.

The program is managed on behalf of ASC, AIS and TA by the appointed AIS Triathlon Program Manager, in consultation with the TA National Performance Director. The AIS Triathlon Program Manager works closely with TA, State Institutes and Academies of Sport (SIS/SAS) and SSO to ensure the AIS Program structure will fit in line with the overall structure of TA HP programs, elite athlete support and development programs and policies.

As the program is a non residential, decentralised program, the AIS Program Manager works closely with the AIS athletes and their established coaches in an individualised case-managed approach to:

• plan annual training and international competition schedules with target and priority outcomes;
  
• provide a program that accommodates the individual training needs of Australia’s most successful and proven athletes within a team environment;
  
• optimise their training and preparation during domestic and international camps as well as in the home training environment;
  
• provide access to AIS resources and expertise to enhance the knowledge and practice of the athletes and their coaches. This is done to facilitate optimal athlete development.

The principle aims of the AIS Triathlon Program are:

1. To identify and develop athletes capable of winning at major international competitions. Preparation for success at the London Olympic Games is the priority.
   
2. To provide athletes with an optimal training and competition environment during domestic and international camps.  This includes world-class coaching, access to excellent facilities/equipment, as well as massage, physiotherapy, nutrition, physiology, recovery and psychology services.
   
3. To assist athletes to develop and sustain the physical, physiological and psychological basis to be able to handle the physical and psychological demands required to succeed at the highest elite level in triathlon. This will be achieved with the support of experts in all areas of sports science and sports medicine and in conjunction with the specialist coaches.
   
4. To direct, support and assist the coaches of AIS athletes enhance their knowledge and skills in all areas of coaching to maximise their athlete’s preparation for success at the elite level of triathlon.
   
5. To examine specific needs of triathlon in race situations and work to optimise training methods and race tactics for the future, using performance analysis, biomechanics, psychology, physiology, nutrition and selected coaching techniques and skills.
   
6. To develop the highest levels of professionalism in all aspects of the sport of triathlon from competition to training attitude, and from dealing with sponsors and the media to business acumen.

C. Eligibility

To be eligible for a scholarship in the AIS Triathlon Program, triathletes must be:

• Citizen or national of Australia;
• Current member of relevant State/Territory Triathlon Association; and
• Hold a TA Professional Licence.

D. Selection Criteria

• A maximum of fifteen athletes will be nominated as AIS tier one, two and three scholarship holders. The AIS is under no obligation to nominate the maximum number.
  
• The AIS scholarship holders will be selected from nominations of athletes who meet the AIS scholarship requirements.
  
• The TA National Performance Director in consultation with the AIS Triathlon Program Manager will consider all applications for scholarships to this AIS Triathlon program.
  
• The TA National Performance Director will then present these recommendations for scholarships to TA CEO for endorsement. Final ratification will be at the discretion of the AIS Director.
  
• To be selected each athlete must be a fit and proper person to participate in the AIS scholarship programs and to represent the AIS and TA.
  
• Each athlete must also display a suitable temperament and suitable levels of self motivation and self discipline to participate in the AIS scholarship programs.

The AIS triathlon program will offer three tiers of scholarship support.  Achieving these standards does not guarantee selection as the athlete needs to adhere to other nomination criteria.

Once selected, athletes may be de-selected or moved between scholarship tiers upon formal review following the domestic competition season:

(i)  Week beginning 30th April, 2012

Selection decisions as well as allocation of funding and support services will be adjusted following these reviews based on the following review criteria:

(i)  Performance (against respective criteria listed below);
(ii) Continuance Improvement (based on athletes willingness and demonstrated efforts to address identified areas of development); and
(iii) Adherence to compulsory AIS scholarship requirements (listed below).

Tier one AIS triathlon scholarship:

A tier one scholarship will only be offered to athletes who have demonstrated the ability to podium in World Championship Series (WCS) events by achieving a minimum of one top 3 result in an ITU WCS race for 2011.

Tier one athletes will be provided with flexibility with their program and must continue to demonstrate to the TA National Performance Director, AIS Triathlon Program Manager, and the AIS Director’s satisfaction:

• The ability to podium at ITU World Championship Series Events;
  
• A commitment to work with the TA National Performance Director and AIS Triathlon Program Manager to identify and develop specific areas of individual development;
  
• Be supported by a minimum level 2 and/or higher credentialed TA acknowledged triathlon coach, or, agree to be case managed by the AIS Triathlon Program Manager;
  
• A commitment to communicate, as an individual, and maintain training information and competition schedules/performance with the TA National Performance Director and AIS Triathlon Program Manager;
  
• A commitment to participate in agreed and planned AIS and/or TA activities such as the athlete training camps, media and promotional activities;
  
• A commitment to provide training data to the AIS Triathlon Program Manager and/or AIS SSSM service providers, particularly if one is using training tools such as AIS supplied SRM and/or GPS;
  
• A commitment to support the AIS in requests to use their name as an AIS scholarship holder, attend media and promotional activities as agreed;
  
• The ability to fit in, and work together, in a team focused and supportive environment particularly when the time counts – Olympic and World Championship competition; and
  
• Abide and follow all AIS polices including the ASC Anti-Doping Policy, TA Anti-Doping policy and ASC Code of Conduct.

Tier two AIS triathlon scholarship:

A tier two AIS triathlon scholarship will be offered to athletes who have demonstrated consistent high quality performances in ITU WCS events by achieving a minimum of two top 10 results in ITU World Championships Series races in 2011.

Tier two athletes must continue to demonstrate to the TA National Performance Director, AIS Triathlon Program Manager, and the AIS Director’s satisfaction:

• The ability to achieve a minimum of a top 5 result in a WCS events in the next 12 months;
  
• Be supported by a minimum level 2 and/or higher credentialed TA acknowledged triathlon coach, or, agree to be case managed by the AIS Triathlon Program Manager;
  
• Be directed by the TA National Performance Director and/or AIS Triathlon Program Manager - in consultation with their home based coach on matters - pertaining to competition and training schedules, attendance at compulsory AIS training camp/base activities, athlete induction and performance reviews;
  
• Communicate as an individual and maintain training information and compulsory and up to date competition schedules/performance with the TA National Performance Director and AIS Triathlon Program Manager;
  
• Provide compulsory training data to the AIS Triathlon Program Manager and/or AIS SSSM service providers, particularly if one is using training tools such as AIS supplied SRM and/or GPS;
  
• Fit in and work together, in a team focused and supportive environment; and
  
• Abide and follow all AIS polices including the ASC Anti-Doping Policy, TA Anti-Doping policy and ASC Code of Conduct.

Tier three AIS triathlon scholarship:

A tier three AIS triathlon scholarship may be offered to athletes who have demonstrated consistent performances by achieving a minimum of one of the following criteria:

(i) a minimum of three top 25 results in ITU World Championship series races in 2011,
(ii) a podium at the 2011 ITU World Para - triathlon Championships
(iii) a member of the TA/AOC Olympic shadow team that have shown the ability to proceed to tier 2 athletes within the next 12 months.

Tier three athletes must continue to demonstrate to the TA National Performance Director, AIS Triathlon Program Manager, and the AIS Director’s satisfaction:

• The ability to achieve a minimum of Tier 2 status within 12 months;
  
• The ability to maintain the level of performance in ITU Para – Triathlon ITU World Championship races
  
• Be supported by a minimum level 2 and/or higher credentialed TA acknowledged triathlon coach, or, agree to be case managed by the AIS Triathlon Program Manager;
  
• Be directed by the TA National Performance Director and/or AIS Triathlon Program Manager - in consultation with their home based coach on matters - pertaining to competition and training schedules, attendance at compulsory AIS training camp/base activities, athlete induction and performance reviews;
  
• Communicate as an individual and maintain training information and compulsory and up to date competition schedules/performance with the TA National Performance Director and/or AIS Triathlon Program Manager;
  
• Provide compulsory training data to the AIS Triathlon Program Manager and/or AIS SSSM service providers, particularly if one is using training tools such as AIS supplied SRM and/or GPS;
  
• Fit in and work together, in a team focused and supportive environment; and
  
• Abide and follow all AIS polices including the ASC Anti-Doping Policy, TA Anti-doping policy and ASC Code of Conduct.

In addition, all athletes must:

1. Submit a competition plan for the period 1 January 2012 to 31st December 2012.  If changes are made to this plan, inform the TA National Performance Director and/or AIS Triathlon Program Manager immediately.
   
2. Attend all compulsory AIS activities (i.e. AIS Induction and Performance Review meetings)
   
3. Immediately inform the TA Medical Director, NPD and/or AIS Triathlon Manager of any illness or injury that impacts on the athlete's ability to train (>3 consecutive days) or compete.
   
4. Demonstrate a commitment to excellence and a positive attitude to the sport of triathlon, as well as to the AIS triathlon program. Athletes are expected to contribute to the positive culture of the group and the embrace the philosophy of using the team (other athletes, coaches and support staff) to strive for continual improvement and optimal performance of each individual and Australia’s elite triathlete’s as a team.
   
5. Possess a suitable attitude with a high work ethic, self-motivation and self-discipline to participate in the AIS scholarship program. Athlete’s commitment to maintaining health, fitness and injury prevention and/or management programs.
   

The AIS reserves the right to, at any time, amend alter or withdraw any clause in the AIS Triathlon Program Selection Policy, for any legitimate purpose in the best interest of the AIS, TA and the sport. The TA National Performance Director, AIS Triathlon Program Manager, the AIS and TA shall not be responsible or liable in any way to any person as a result of such amendment(s).

Funding and Support

Tier One, Two and Three Scholarship Recipients funding and support will at the total discretion of the TA National Performance Director in consultation with the AIS Triathlon Program Manager.  The amount of support provided is commensurate with the Tier of scholarship and may be reviewed throughout the year on an individual basis dependant on athlete performance and needs of the program:

• Tier one athletes will be eligible for consideration for the Direct Athlete Support (DAS) program through the ASC
  
• Travel and accommodation support to approved National events. Note, when requested, all AIS athletes will be expected to stay together as a team at designated National events.
  
• Sports Science and Sports Medicine support – at the AIS during AIS camps and up to a reasonable amount when in the home environment. This will include support from sports science, sports medicine (including physiotherapy and massage), Nutrition, Psychology, Strength and Conditioning, and other approved services. Athletes will be expected to participate in directed testing, at races and camps, geared towards enhancing performance.
  
• Support to camps, clinics, seminars including travel and accommodation. (Note: Where meals are not provided, athletes may be responsible for their own food / meal expenses).
  
• Travel, accommodation and meal allowance to a level commensurate with Tier of scholarships to attend the AIS Triathlon Training Base in Aix Les Bains and approved International events. Incidentals and any additional travel will not be covered. 
  
• AIS race uniforms and other AIS clothing.
  
• The TA National Performance Director and/or AIS Triathlon Program Manager may deem access to any other reasonably approved kind of support that is seen as needed or necessary.

The AIS Triathlon Program will endeavour to provide some funding for travel and/or accommodation for approved coaches (min Level 2 Triathlon coaching accredited) of Tier One, Two and Three scholarship holders at selected activities.

All those selected as tier one, two and three scholarship holders of the AIS Triathlon Program shall have the AIS as their primary support program. It is a requirement that a TA High Performance / AIS contract is signed agreeing to this effect. A policy on sponsorship and the wearing of AIS uniform and logos is part of the AIS contract and at the discretion of the TA NPD.

All athletes are assessed and monitored by individual performance measures and must participate in performance reviews with the TA National Performance Director and/or AIS Triathlon Program Manager. All athletes will be assessed for the period ending 31st December, 2012.

Athlete Contract

All AIS Program scholarship holders will be required to sign an athlete contract with the AIS. The Contract outlines in detail the benefit and obligations as well as the athlete code of conduct. All athletes must abide by the conditions in this contract.

It is a further requirement that all coaches involved with athletes or receiving any benefits from this agreement must also sign a special TA/AIS/SIS code of conduct agreement.

Nomination for Inclusion in the Program

The AIS and TA will circulate this Selection Policy to its State & Territory Triathlon Association members and will list the Policy on the AIS Triathlon and TA websites. All athletes and coaches will be responsible for ensuring they are fully aware and understand the Policy and its contents and any such changes to the Policy should they occur.