It is recognised that the implementation of this policy document relies heavily on the accurate identification of athletes and coaches as being elite. The majority of elite athletes within Australia will be either identified as categorised by their National Sporting Organisation (NSO) and appear on a current categorised list and/or will be on scholarship within the National Institute Network across Australian states. The following strategies are suggested for identifying elite athletes and coaches studying at universities within Australia.

For athletes and coaches to access the support identified within the guiding principles outlined above, they must be identified and recognised, or be a member of one of the following organisations as an 'elite athlete' or 'elite coach.'

• Australian Institute of Sport (AIS)
• State and Territory Institutes/Academies of Sport
• AFL Players’ Association, opens in a new tab, opens in a new tab
• Australian Cricketers’ Association, opens in a new tab, opens in a new tab
• Rugby Union Players’ Association, opens in a new tab, opens in a new tab
• Rugby League Professionals’ Association, opens in a new tab, opens in a new tab
• Australian Professional Footballers’ Association, opens in a new tab, opens in a new tab
• Australian Basketballers Association, opens in a new tab, opens in a new tab
• National squad members from Sport Australia funded sports
• Senior/head coaches from State and Territory Institutes/Academies of Sport, national teams from Sport Australia funded sports or participating professional sports.

If an athlete falls outside of these organisations they may submit an application for consideration by the University. The AIS can investigate, verify and make a recommendation where required.