REPORTING PERIOD 1 NOV OCT 2017 PRINCIPAL PARTNERS

Transcription

1 REPORTING PERIOD 1 NOV OCT 2017 PRINCIPAL PARTNERS

2

3 CONTENTS OUR PURPOSE... 2 PARTNERS... 2 MESSAGE FROM THE AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION... 3 CHAIRMAN S REPORT...4 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER S REPORT... 8 DISCIPLINE & PROGRAM REPORTS AUSTRALIAN SKI & SNOWBOARD AWARDS...22 PARTICIPATION & SPORT DEVELOPMENT SNOWRACER - AWARD WINNING PARTICIPATION INITIATIVE...28 FINANCIAL STATMENTS...40 SSA BOARD AND STAFF...60 NATIONAL COMMITTEES ANNUAL REPORT 1

4 OUR PURPOSE PURPOSE To support snowsport athletes and develop champions ABOUT Ski & snowboard Australia (SSA) is the nationally and internationally recognised National Sporting Organisation (NSO) for competitive snow sports in Australia. SSA manages athlete pathways, conducts events and programs in Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Freestyle Skiing, Snowboarding, Para-alpine, Para-snowboard and specialty sub discipline activities within each. SSA has the overarching responsibility for the entire national athlete pathway, from entry level PARTNERS PRINCIPAL PARTNERS OLYMPIC, PARALYMPIC AND INSTITUTE PARTNERS RESORT PARTNERS 2 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA through to elite, across all disciplines. To meet this responsibility, SSA engages with many different organisations including ski resorts, Federal & State Governments, State Sporting Organisations, Clubs, sporting institutes and industry peak bodies. STRATEGIC PRIORITIES To increase: Relevance, Revenue, Talent Pool, Capacity ONGOING OPERATIONAL PRIORITIES High Performance Sport and Participation Development Business Development People Development

5 MESSAGE FROM THE AUSTRALIAN SPORTS COMMISSION A competitive sporting spirit has been a natural part of our DNA. One of the most important long-term challenges for our country is to help our children be physically active, to participate in sport and enjoy its lifelong benefits. The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) thanks all of our partner national sporting organisations (NSOs) for your continued hard work and commitment to excellence. All of you understand innately the importance of sport in Australian life. It s much more than a source of national identity and pride, it s the fabric that binds us together - a common language for all, with multiplier benefits in health, education, social cohesion and the economy. The ASC s Sporting Schools program has reached more than 6,000 primary schools around Australia and now includes targeted program for secondary schools. It is vital to ensure physical education is re-emphasised in the national school curriculum. To this end, the ASC has been doing ground-breaking work on physical literacy for young people and we look forward to rolling this out nationally in the year ahead. There were many great sporting events to celebrate during the course of last year the launch of both the AFL Women s competition and the National Netball League with primetime TV coverage, the Richmond Tigers win in the AFL, dominant performances by the Australian Ashes teams in the men s and the women s series, the Matildas winning the football Tournament of Nations and the Socceroos qualifying for this year s World Cup in Russia just to pick a few. Sport has traditionally been our national past-time. A competitive sporting spirit has been a natural part of our DNA. But like any industry, sport faces competition, from other entertainment options domestically or from other nations internationally. At the ASC, we are serious about taking on that competition. We appreciate the willingness of NSOs to embrace this challenge. We commend athletes for their dedicated commitment to training for upcoming Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and, further ahead, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. As the national leadership organisation for sport in Australia, the ASC is excited by the enthusiasm that the Minister for Sport, Senator the Hon. Bridget McKenzie is showing for promoting physical activity for all Australians, and we continue to work with her on a National Sport Plan. This will create, for the first time, a comprehensive blueprint for Australian sport. It is an outstanding initiative and we thank the Minister for her commitment and those that have contributed for to the Plan. Finally, I say a big thank you to the army of volunteers parents, coaches, officials and administrators who contribute their time and services for the good of Australian sport. You bring community strength, passion and great value to the identity, productivity, cohesion and health of our nation. The ASC wishes you every success in the year ahead. We look forward to working closely with you for the common good of Australian sport. John Wylie AM Chair Australian Sports Commission 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 3

6 CHAIRMAN S REPORT World Championships PyeongChang 2018 In terms of sporting outcomes, the year was a period of record achievement with 39 World Cup and World Championship medals. The spotlight of the OWG provides an insight into our Nation s potential engagement with snowsports. Australians love the Olympics, Summer and Winter alike. Of particular interest was some analysis comparing the audiences of the two most recent chapters. Unsurprisingly, Rio boasted generally larger audiences overall. However, the average age of the OWG fans was almost ten years younger, offering far greater commercial appeal and long-term relevance. The season culminated in our most successful ever Freestyle & Snowboard World Championships in Sierra Nevada (SPA). Scotty James in HP and Brittney Cox in MO were both crowned World Champions with a further three podiums shared by Danni Scott and Dave Morris in AE and Alex Pullin in SBX. Australia enjoyed a significant presence at the Cross-Country World Ski Championships in Lahti (FIN) and our Team always draws the admiration of many of the more established nations for its energy and professionalism. Well done Finn Marsland. On the other hand, a series of unfortunate injuries depleted our numbers at the Alpine World Championships in St Moritz (SWI). Para Winter Athletes SSA continues to take responsibility for the high performance programmes of the ParaWinter athletes which also had a successful season. It was great to see Mitch Gourley claim a World Championship title in Alpine Super Combined and Joany Badenhorst claim the Para Snowboard Crystal Globe. While SSA is confident its specialist skills have enhanced the Para-Programmes, it is even more certain that the collaboration has enriched our organisation and made it stronger. The Challenge of Relevance and Connection In reality, and given the intense visibility of competing sports, many of these outstanding performances go largely unnoticed by the broader Australian community. The greatest challenge facing our sport is increasing our relevance and connection with the Australian public. The more that people care about our performances on the international stage, the greater our claim to a fair share of government funding to meet the community s expectations. 4 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA Each day of the Games offered fans the opportunity to sit on the edge of their seats and cheer on another young Australian athlete with a genuine prospect of success. That s captivating. With a three-medal haul and an array of top six, top ten and best-ever results, our Team did our country proud. We heard humility in success, honesty in disappointment and integrity in the face of probing questions about rivalry. Our Paralympians then turned up to put on their own unique show with four medals in the face of some ill-timed injuries. My most vivid broadcast memory was of young Ben Tudhope s anxious, and finally, elated expressions during Simon Patmore s Gold Medal run in SBX. Ironically, the community may have expected more. We have become accustomed to a Gold medal here and an Aerials medal there. I welcome this. It is the engagement we seek. It reflects that much sought after public care factor. We want to be part of the conversation. Australians Love the Olympics From a funding perspective, snowsports competes on a sport-by-sport basis. Given Australian s Olympic engagement, a rational alternative might be a funding split, first, between Summer and Winter and, only then, between their respective sports. Great Britain allocates 90/10 between the seasons. And when we compare Australia s medal tallies of

7 33 in Rio and three in PyeongChang something similar here sounds logical. And with a current Government annual allocation of around $100 million dollars to Olympic sports, a modest 10 percent to Winter would more than double our allocation and equip Australia to have a far more influential seat at the commercially valuable international wintersport table. 2. Unification Of course, the more important goal is to increase Federal investment in all Australian sports. Many will be aware of recent discussions between SSA, Snowsports ACT (SACT) and NSW Snowsports (NSWS) regarding a governance merger and the establishment of an SSA Northern Division. On behalf of all Members, I would like to acknowledge and congratulate the performances of all our athletes. The intensity of an Olympic and Paralympic Games also heightens the media s pressure on the Teams and I commend all on how they dealt publicly with success, disappointment and the probing for controversy. The year was a period of record achievement I also congratulate and thank the coaches and support staff, and of course all the athlete families whose contributions make the achievements possible. Major Initiatives Returning to the domestic front, I would like to touch on two important and well publicised initiatives during the past year. 1. Alpine Review Following his appointment in July as SSA Alpine Director, internationally regarded Mick Branch spent the season immersed in the Alpine community, completing a comprehensive review of its athlete pathway. His observations and recommendations were presented to over 30 of the leaders within the Alpine community, including Resort and Race Club representatives, who unanimously endorsed the directions proposed. Two core themes, which are relevant across all our disciplines, resonated. The second well-publicised initiative is the Unification of our Sport. SSA, and its strong regional communities, find themselves on the verge of one of the most significant events in our history; the full unification of the Sport. Just over a year ago, Leadership Groups of these bodies reached an in principal view that this Vision the best way to achieve the Sport s Mission. More recently the membership bases of both SACT and NSWS have endorsed the direction and have voted overwhelmingly in favour of empowering their Boards to undertake a merger with SSA into a single governance entity. The Board of SSA welcomes this emphatic statement by the two Memberships and is now actively working with their Boards on the next steps. These discussions continue to be built upon trust and cooperation and are the natural extension of an Australian Sports Commission (ASC) governance review some years ago. In short, unification will relieve the two SSO s of direct governance responsibilities but preserving their autonomy, both financial and operational, and their activities. This has already happened in Victoria with regional activities channeled through State Discipline Committees and the Victorian Interschools Committee. Further, the Victorian Government now recognises and funds SSA as the State Sporting Organisation. We anticipate similar from the Governments of NSW and ACT. The parties have flagged some sensible qualifications, which will involve public undertakings by the Board of SSA. These include: Firstly, a model that is informed by evidence, providing guidance to best practice to enhance the sport pathway. protection of certain assets such as the Nordic Shelter at Perisher, various SSO Foundations and SSO cash reserves; Secondly, a shift in focus to skill-acquisition and away from competition performance at the junior levels. protection of SSA s Foundation provision, most of which has been generated from Victorian activities; and undertakings regarding regional grass-roots and participation activities ANNUAL REPORT 5

8 All three bodies are in strong financial positions, are well governed and provide good outcomes for their communities. Accordingly, unification has solid foundations and will exploit the potential of our sport with a truly unified vision but a diversity of operations and delivery. The sport will speak with a single, clear voice, particularly when dealing with its valued stakeholders such as our funding partners and resort hosts. It will also provide enhanced integration of pathways for our young athletes. All existing staff will be re-employed and a number of key SSA responsibilities will be decentralized to Jindabyne to take advantage of the proximity to on-snow facilities during winter. The Board of SSA, together with the Boards of NSWS and SACT look forward to further planning for unification especially in the areas of financial transparency, organisation structure and the allocation of operational and financial responsibilities. Operations At the operational level, your Board continues to focus on four strategic priorities: Achieving High Performance Outcomes Sport and Participation Development Organisational Development People Development Let s check each of these off. Achieving High Performance outcomes This goal is driven by our sport system and reflects the aspirational culture of our country. High performance for snowsports continues to be delivered through our valued partnership with the OWIA and sustained athlete performance evidences the success. Most of the funding comes from the ASC. However, our sport benefits uniquely from AOC funding. Global performances are constantly rising and it is pleasing that there is general acceptance within the ASC that our sport is being underfunded having regard to its size, relevance and, most importantly, performance. Additional investment in coaches and pathway support is desperately needed if we are to maintain, let alone improve, our sporting outcomes. Before leaving high performance, I would like to touch on medal tallies. 6 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA Medals are extremely important, not as an end in themselves but, rather, as an indicator of a healthy and productive sport system. Sport and its partners remains the biggest business in town. A Nation with a vibrant sport system benefits from the commercial drivers of sponsorship, tourism, infrastructure-investment, transport, media, communications, clothing and equipment and, in the case of wintersport, an entire Resort industry. A Nation will also enjoy the obvious social returns of health, education, a sense of community and international relevance. Sport must focus on these valuable and more widely understood elements, and not medals, when looking to attract all-important public funding and investment in international sport success. Sport and Participation Development. This underpins our high performance aspirations. The elite level programmes demand a steady supply of young and well-prepared athletes with the talent, dedication and commitment to go the next step. SSA is committed to growing the base of the sport pyramid. This has a knock-on effect, all through the pathway. Programmes such as SnowRacer and SSA Futures, combined with the continued growth of Interschools Snowsports and Little Shredders, connect with communities and increase the appeal and social relevance of our sport. Further, these programmes are only possible through a unique and valued collaboration with all of Australia s Alpine resorts. Organisational Development The third priority is the development of our organisation as a sustainable and well-governed business. As it should, the ASC places profound importance on governance. It recognises the direct link between good governance and successful sporting outcomes. SSA ranks highly among Australia s peak bodies and is committed to ongoing improvement. Further, your Board has placed a high priority on financial stability and to this end continues to channel surplus funds into the SSA Foundation. The Foundation s provisions, sourced mostly from Interschools Licence fees, now exceed $500,000 and provide the sport with enviable

9 flexibility. The Unification of the sport provides the opportunity for a conversation around consolidating the reserves of the sport for the good of all. People Development The final priority is the development of our people, including the provision of rewarding career paths, experience and training. Sport bureaucracies, especially their size, can be controversial. SSA s investment in people is heavily weighted to athlete services, especially pathway management, from entry level, through development and, naturally, high-performance programmes. Athletes, coaches, Clubs, State Sporting Organisations and even Resorts are all working even more closely with SSA toward a truly National approach for our sport. The future looks very bright. In concluding, I would like to thank the army of volunteers who support the activities of SSA. In particular, I would like to thank all the National Discipline Committees, which really are the engine-rooms of our sport. I would also like to acknowledge the contributions of the various State Associations and Committees that work seamlessly with SSA and offer a common message to our communities. I make special mention of the Members of the SSA Board. All give up their time and talent freely and make invaluable and constructive contributions to the sport s direction. Your Directors recognise the importance of a wholeof-sport focus, the provision of leadership and the acceptance of the associated accountability for decisions taken. Finally, I would like to thank Michael Kennedy and all of SSA s Management who are the real drivers of the support we are able to provide to young athletes, their coaches and families. The SSA Management Team positions itself as the sport s experts. The most valuable form of support is the advice and guidance provided to our athlete community, their families and coaches. Kenno and his sport-management team are one of the most admired, and definitely one of the most experienced, in the country. Many of their initiatives often set the benchmark for others but always contribute to the vision of your Association. In summary, it is a good story and is easy to appreciate why we are proud of what we do. Dean Gosper President Ski & Snowboard Australia 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 7

10 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER S REPORT Welcome to the Annual Report for Ski and Snowboard Australia (SSA), in what was quite simply a stand out year for the organisation. Our sport continues to grow and develop into a genuine leader within the Australian sports system, from grassroots participation initiatives through to the strong operations of our high performance programs. SSA continues to deliver innovation within the sport and develop strategic partnerships with organisations that help us to achieve our vision of Supporting snowsport athletes and developing champions. High Performance The pre-olympic and Paralympic season gave everyone in Australia good reason to be optimistic about our prospects in PyeongChang. The Freestyle & Snowboard World Championships in Sierra Nevada, Spain proved to be our most successful yet with two World Champions crowned, five medals in total and a further eight Top 10 results. Scotty James and Britt Cox cemented their Olympic podium credentials by taking out the Men s Halfpipe and Women s Moguls World Championship titles. Danni Scott and Dave Morris (Aerial Skiing) along with Chumpy Pullin (SBX) were magnificent in achieving podium results. Para athletes Mitch Gourley (Alpine) and Joany Badenhorst (Snowboard) were stand out performers during the international season. Mitch claimed his maiden World Championship title winning gold at the Para Alpine Super Combined. Joany once again dominated and cemented her position as one of the athletes to beat in PyeongChang by winning the Para Snowboard Crystal Globe with several podium results along the way. A cornerstone of SSA high performance program is the close working relationship we enjoy with key high performance partners, in particular the Olympic Winter Institute (OWIA). The OWIA continue to operate high performance programs on behalf of SSA in AIS designated Tier 1 sports Aerial Skiing, Mogul Skiing, Park & Pipe and Ski Cross. 8 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA We are fortunate that the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) make a direct financial contribution to the high performance programs via their funding support of the OWIA. SSA works closely with the OWIA both operationally and strategically to maximise the prospects for success. We are fortunate that both the New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) and the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) continue to play such an important partnership role in the delivery of our high performance programs. For the Para-winter sports programs at both the elite and development level, SSA continued to manage and develop those programs throughout While the partnership between SSA and the Para snow sports is in the early stages, it is clear that the integration of the Para programs into the broader SSA sport pathways has already seen many benefits. The support and partnership SSA has in place with the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) is very strong, and SSA look forward to working closely together beyond PyeongChang. The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), which underpins the majority of high performance funding to the OWIA/SSA programs, has acknowledged that snow sports remains underfunded against its performance profile and targets. A key focus and priority for SSA is to further promote and work towards achieving parity of high performance and performance pathway funding support against other Olympic sports with similar performance profiles. Participation & Sport Development The 2017 southern winter season was one to remember, with the best snowfall in over 15 years resulting in Australian resorts attracting record visitation as well as fantastic conditions for training and competition. The domestic competition calendar featured hundreds of events across all resorts, disciplines and levels of competition.

11 Interschools competitions continue to be the single biggest driver of participation in the competition pathway for snow sports. Significant athletes numbers are participating in regional, state and national Interschools competitions. Close to 19,000 entries, 7,000 participants and around 750 schools from Victoria, New South Wales, ACT, South Australia and Queensland participated. These numbers continue to be the envy of many sports around the country, with Interschools remaining one of the largest organised snow sport competitions in the world. SSA continues to deliver innovation within the sport As part of the organisation s commitment to developing the sport s pathway, several new initiatives and strategies were implemented. Brad Wall finished his role in June after serving for six years as Alpine Program Director. Brad moved to the USA with his family to take up a role with Bourke Mountain Academy. Following a comprehensive expressions of interest process, SSA was pleased to announce former National Team Coach and US Ski Team coach Mick Branch as the new SSA Alpine Director. Mick comes to the role with an enormous amount of experience and knowledge having coached US Ski Team athlete to gold medal performances at the Olympic level. He has a deep understanding of the Australian alpine pathway and our potential as a nation to produce world cup skiers. Mick commenced the role in July and spent almost the entire season immersed in the alpine community completing a comprehensive review of the alpine pathway. This review and subsequent observations culminated in a presentation to the Alpine Leaders forum in late October, where 33 representatives from Australia s ski racing clubs and major ski resorts, unanimously endorsed and supported the recommendations for change. While the recommendations are wide-ranging, the core theme is a model that is informed by evidence and provides guidance to best practice and strategy to enhance the athlete pathway. SSA is confident that these learnings have a whole-of-sport relevance and the collective team is committed to progressing this important work in In November the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) recognised SSA for its leadership in community sport by presenting its inaugural ASC Excellence in Participation award for the Snowracer initiative. Ski and Snowboard Australia was singled out for our Snowracer initiative, a centralised platform for information, resources and engagement for snow sports competitions across all levels. The new look Snowracer program introduced a range of initiatives including a further expansion of the live timing system, live scoring for freestyle and snowboard events and the most comprehensive consolidated winter event calendar in Australia. SSA expect to continue the development and enhancement of the Snowracer platform and experience into the future. In partnership with the ASC s Sporting Schools initiative, SSA s Little Shredders program continued to expand with an increased number of primary schools taking advantage of this unique offering during Little Shredders is an off-snow program aimed at teaching children the basics of snow sports without actually visiting the slopes. Every Little Shredders participant receives a Golden Ticket which can be redeemed for two days free lift, lesson and hire at any Australian Resort. This is the single biggest national participation initiative ever supported by the Australian resort network, and we thank Colin Hackworth and the members of the Australian Ski Areas Association (ASAA) for their ongoing support and trust. Governance Over the past 12 months, discussions between SSA, NSW Snowsports and Snowsports ACT have progressed regarding the movement towards a unified governance structure. These discussions have been built upon trust and cooperation and are the natural extension of an Australian Sports Commission (ASC) governance review some years ago. Unification will involve the merging of the assets and liabilities of each of NSWS and SACT into SSA, relieving the two SSO s of direct governance responsibilities but preserving their autonomy, both financial and operational, as well as their activities. This has already happened in Victoria with regional activities channeled through State Discipline Committees and the Victorian Interschools Committee ANNUAL REPORT 9

12 All three bodies are in strong financial position, are well governed and provide good outcomes for their communities. Accordingly, unification has solid foundations and will help the sport reach it s potential of our sport with a truly unified vision but a diversity of operations and delivery. The sport will speak with a single, clear voice, particularly when dealing with its valued stakeholders such as our funding partners and resort hosts. It will also provide enhanced integration of pathways for our young athletes. We look forward to completing this process during Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games While the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in PyeongChang were not part of the reporting period it would be remiss not to acknowledge the performances of our athletes. In a word it was simply extraordinary. Extraordinary in terms of the athletic performances and personal best results, but equally extraordinary in the way our athletes captured the hearts of our nation by conducting themselves with humility and grace not only in victory but also defeat. By most measures the Games was SSA s most successful both in terms of medals but also in terms of reach and visibility to the Australian audience. The broadcast numbers for the Olympic Games on Seven exceeded that of the Rio Summer Olympics in many key demographics, particularly that of the younger audiences. Australians consumed over 100 million minutes of streamed Winter Games content. We won three Olympic medals, two silver medals and a bronze, SSA remains one of only four other sports to achieve multi medal outcomes at the past four Olympics (Summer or Winter). 10 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA Congratulations to our Olympic medalists in Matt Graham, Scotty James and Jarryd Hughes, who not only delivered medal performances but captured the excitement of the nation. Special mention must also go to Olympic debutant Jakara Anthony narrowly missed the podium finishing fourth. At the Paralympics just two weeks later Queenslander Simon Patmore broke Australia s 16 year gold medal drought at a Paralympics in the snowboard cross, while Mel Perrine became a dual medalist together with guide Christian Geiger in para alpine. The extraordinary would best describe so many our Australian Olympians and Paralympians, including Britt Cox, Lydia Lassila, Dave Morris, and our Paralympic flag bearer Joany Badenhorst. The Games didn t go the way they planned, but their selfless leadership and courage in the face of tough times showed Australia the high caliber of leaders that our sport continues to produce. Closing remarks Finally, I would like to thank the tireless efforts of the SSA team. We are truly lucky to have such a motivated and passionate group who embrace the continual evolution of our sport and organisation. We have welcomed several new faces and it is an exciting time to be involved in SSA. To the Discipline Committee Chairs, the volunteers and the SSA Directors, I thank you for your time and leadership as we continue to move the organisation into the future. Michael Kennedy CEO Ski & Snowboard Australia

13 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 11

14 12 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA

15 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 13

16 DISCIPLINE & PROGRAM REPORTS ALPINE Highlights In July 2017, Alpine Director, Mick Branch was appointed to the role and undertook a comprehensive review of the Alpine and Ski Cross system with Shawn Fleming (Head Olympic Winter Institute SX Coach). The purpose of the review was to re-examine the goals of Alpine, to look at best practice from around the world in other sports and make a series of recommendations for the future. The review enlisted the Athlete Development & Pathways team at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) utilising its Foundations, Talent, Elite, Mastery (FTEM) framework for reviewing the current developmental practices and examining the developmental experiences, environmental and system catalysts and attributes of elite and mastery athletes, which all aimed at informing the best practices for the developmental phases of the athlete pathway. The findings from the review have been accepted and will result in a report being made available in early On the competition circuit, Greta Small was all set to make a strong return to international competition when she suffered a season ending ACL knee injury. The unfortunate injury came just as Small was showing positive signs of a strong return to form, recording a personal best FIS point performance in the downhill in Tignes, followed by a win the following day in the slalom. After completing a successful rehabilitation of her injured knee at the AIS, Greta resumed her competition and preparation schedule in the lead up to the 2018 Olympic Winter Games. Programs SSA delivered the National Skills Assessment to promote the importance that allows athletes, coaches and parents the ability to track development over time. Data was recorded and distributed along with evaluation templates to all athletes and clubs involved in the recognised domestic pathway programs. The initiative was well received with over 350 athletes taking part in the assessment. 14 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA

17 In 2017 the National Skills Assessment was included as part of the SSA Alpine membership fee as part of SSA s commitment to providing valuable benefits to the broader members. Initiatives As part of Alpines review and a revised FTEM National Athlete Pathway Framework, SSA committed to fill a gap within its National pathway model with partnership provider Precision Athletica, and Institute of Sport and High Performance Sports Physiotherapy Centre. This partnership enables SSA to provide the much-needed consistency, continuity and bestpractices for talent development of foundation to pre-elite athletes. The partnerships with Precision has allowed for a team of Exercise Physiologists, Strength & Conditioning experts, Sports Physiotherapists, Sports Nutritionists and Performance coaches, to offer world s best practice in assessment, analysis, education and conditioning to Australian alpine athletes. The first stage of this new partnership was rolled out during the Alpine Physical Preparation and Testing clinics in October. During these clinics, alpine athletes undertook a revised physical testing battery that is aligned with the FTEM framework. Interactive educational lectures and seminars addressing physical preparation, recovery and nutrition was included. The feedback provided through individual reports enabled participants to understand where they sit on the continuum of athletic development and included recommendations as to where they should focus their attention over the course of their annual training plan. SKI CROSS The highlight for the Ski Cross program, was undoubtedly Samantha Kennedy-Sim winning the first World Cup medal of her career. Samantha s podium finish was achieved at the World Cup event in Idre Fjall, Sweden, taking home the silver medal. In total, Samantha had four World Cup top eight semi final performances. Anton Grimus was forced to miss the majority of the season with a knee injury. After missing seven events he did return late in the season for the final three events, with his best performance coming in Blue Mountain, Canada, placing 24th ANNUAL REPORT 15

18 CROSS COUNTRY Highlights Programs Australia recorded three top 50 places at the 2017 World Championships, with a 24, 33 and 35 positions. Eight athletes formed part of the Australian cross country team with the Women s relay team finishing 14th, the first finish for a women s relay team at a World Championships since Seven team athletes were based at the Falls Creek National Training Centre for the winter with with two training camps also held throughout the period World Cup and COC Team Camp and Junior/U23 team camp. On the World Cup circuit, two Aussies scored World Cup points across three World Cups. From the nine athletes that competed at the U23 World Junior Championships, one finished in the top 30, three finished in the top 50 and the Junior Men relay team competed successfully for first time since In the Junior ranks Australia had three athletes to compete at 2017 Asian Games, with a stand out performance from young gun Casey Wright who took home bronze. Additional camps and events were also conducted at the Australian Institute of Sport as well as a combined training camp with New Zealand at the Winter Games. As part of the Pathways Programs, SSA Cross Country delivered four camps in Victoria, and three in New South Wales, with USA s Jeremy Hecker helping deliver the program for the second year running. The Emerging Talents camps for U16s were also conducted at the Australian Institute of Sport and at Falls Creek. Initiatives As part of SSA Cross Country s commitment to promoting the sport from grassroots through to elite programs, a new dedicated AUSXC website was launched, which also aligned with social channels that also engaged athletes as part of the content delivery. The second annual AUSXC Awards were held in Canberra in conjunction with the AUS Rollerski Championships. In other events the yearly fundraising activities at Sundeck Cup, a Cocktail Night and Hoppet Waxing raised more than $30,000, with funds directed into programs and athlete support. As part of the various grassroots projects delivered by SSA during 2017, the North East Victoria Primary Schools Carnival at Falls Creek was launched with 60 participants from four local schools taking part as well delivered the discover cross country Roll With It programs as part of the schools visits in North East Victoria and the ACT. Funding received from Sport and Recreation Victoria allowed the development of a new cross country skills award system that was piloted at Falls Creek during The feedback and learnings from the pilot program have been assessed with the aim to launch the project fully throughout SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA

19 AERIAL SKIING Highlights Programs The season was highly successful for the Australian Flying Kangaroos Aerial Skiing team, with all contracted athletes achieving at least one podium performance. In total, Aussie athletes accomplished nine World Cup podium performances including four gold medals. The Olympic Winter Institue of Australia continues to operate the high performance Aerials program with great success. The underpinning development program is operated by the VIS. Danielle Scott finished the season ranked second in the world, after four World Cup medals including one victory on day two at Beida Lake, China. Lydia Lassila made a successful return to competition, winning three of five World Cups contested. Lydia ended the season ranked third in the overall standings, despite not competing in all events. Laura Peel also made a strong return to competition, highlighted by a World Cup bronze medal in Moscow, Russia. Initiatives Ski & Snowboard Australia in conjunction with the OWIA, Gymnastics Australia and Diving Australia continued to be a partner in the talent transfer program Spin to Win. Providing opportunities for gymnastic athletes to transition to an alternative sport suited to their acrobatics skillset. In Sierra Nevada, Spain, Danielle Scott won the second World Championship medal of her career, with David Morris also on the podium in third ANNUAL REPORT 17

20 MOGULS 18 Highlights Programs The season was full of highlights for the Mogul Skiing program, with three athletes winning medals and Britt Cox having one of the greatest seasons in Australian winter sport history. Cox won an incredible seven out of eleven World Cup events, and podiumed in two others to take out the Mogul Skiing and Freestyle World Cup overall titles. The OWIA program continues to work closely with the underpinning NSWIS-SSA mogul program with training and competition opportunities growing considerably over the past 12 months. The NSWIS-SSA Mogul Program is now a truly world class Continental Cup program and benefits from all of the pathway levels working closely together. Cox finished her amazing season in the best possible way with gold at the World Championships in Sierra Nevada, Spain, the second World Championship medal of her career. Initiatives Matthew Graham had another strong season, finishing third on the World Cup standings on the back of four World Cup medals, with one victory in Calgary, Canada. The Australia/New Zealand Cup (ANC) tour continues to be a great success with all events held over one week at the end of the season allowing an uninterrupted training block through the domestic season. This format allows more internationals to contest our events, further lifting the already high standard of competition. Brodie Summers had a breakout season, highlighted by the first two World Cup medals of his career. His first was a bronze in the Dual Moguls in Deer Valley, USA, and then a silver in Thaiwoo, China. International teams (from France, USA, Canada, Japan, China and Korea) continue to take advantage of the fantastic training facilities at Perisher with more than 100 athletes coming out. Unfortunately Nicole Parks was unable to compete at the World Championships due to an injury she sustained in the Dual Moguls at Deer Valley where she achieved a personal best World Cup finish of eighth. SSA Futures Camp - NSW successfully completed at Perisher. Athletes attending the Moguls Futures Camp are talent identified from three NSW Inteschool regional mogul competitions with coaching provided by the NSWIS athletes and NSWIS head coach over three days of the Perisher Junior Series competition. All athletes also competed in the NSW Junior Series mogul competitions against the best junior mogul skiers in NSW. SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA

21 PARK & PIPE Highlights Initiatives Australian athletes continue to deliver strong performance both at home and internationally, with seven Australians ranked in the top 30, including Scotty James (number one), Russ Henshaw, Tess Coady, Jess Rich, Emily Arthur, Holly Crawford and Kent Callister. The Park and Pipe Event Series moved into it s second year with the Series continues to grow, with four events held across Perisher and Thredbo. The sanctioning of the events provides a clear ranking system and assists athletes to gain needed points for competition entry in the northern hemisphere events. Scotty James once again was a standout for the Australians, successfully defending his World title to be crowned the World Halfpipe Champion in Sierra Nevada, Spain. It was another strong season for the dual Olympian, taking out all major titles on offer for the sport as well as winning the X-Games in Aspen, USA, the World Cup test event in Korea and the World Cup Halfpipe title. Thredbo played host to the SSA Park and Pipe Performance Camp which provided ideal access for participants to the Acrobatic Centre of Excellence (ACE). The focus for the camp in 2017 was coach education, with James Jackson (Scotty James coach) on hand to provide valuable insight for staff and developing. Emerging talent Tess Coady continued her rise to take gold in the Slopestyle and Big Air events at the World Junior Championships. Tess was the first Australian to win a Junior World Championship title. Kent Callister and Nate Johnstone both finished in the top-15 at the World Championships, with Callister in 11th and Johnstone 14th. Russ Henshaw (Slopestyle Skiing) also became a season World Cup medallist in Seiser Alm, Italy, during January with a third-place performance. Russ also placed eight at the World Championships. In the development ranks, Valentino Guseli won every event in his age division is the current USASA Age champion in all disciplines and is fast making a name for himself on the world stage. Abi Harrigan took out both the Australian and New Zealand Junior Halfpipe and Slopestyle titles. Programs The SSA Futures Park & Pipe Program was once again held at Perisher providing a talent identification opportunity for participants as well as coaching from National Team athletes and coaches. Interschools Slopestyle continues to attract more and more participants and is a key pathway program for developing the next generation of talent ANNUAL REPORT 19

22 SNOWBOARD CROSS Highlights Alex Pullin won his third World Championship Snowboard Cross medal with a bronze in Sierra Nevada, Spain. Pullin also had three World Cup podium finishes, with a gold medal in Feldberg, Germany, joining Belle Brockhoff as the female winner in an Australian double victory. Jarryd Hughes made it an Australian 1-2 finish at the World Cup in Feldberg. Hughes also made it through to the final round at the World Cup in Montafon, Austria, just missing the podium in fourth. Cameron Bolton had two World Cup small final performances, with a 12th in Bankso, Bulgaria, and 11th in La Molina, Spain. Belle Brockhoff had a mixed season highlighted by great results but soured by a season ending injury in training at the World Championships. Brockhoff won three World Cup medals, including two victories to finish the season ranked third in the world. 20 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA NSWIS rider Adam Lambert finished the season ranked number 1 on the Europa Cup standings which included three victories. Programs Olympic Winter Institute of Australia operated the high performance program at the top of what has become a stong pathway with seven riders named to the the underpinning NSWIS SBX program and record numbers of riders competing in the USA and Canada on the NorAm circuit during northern winter. The NSWIS program, coached by Jason Clauscen worked closely with the OWIA program, spending time training together and competing at some Europa Cup and World Cup events during the season. Initiatives SSA Futures once again operated an SBX program at Mt Hotham in conjunction with the ANC races in August. Over 50 young riders participated in the program, receiving expert coaching from National Team riders and coaches.

23 PARA-WINTER SPORTS Highlights Ski & Snowboard Australia s Para Alpine and Para Snowboard teams continued to succeed on the international sporting stage, with athletes from both disciplines exceeding expectations. Across the 2016/2017 season, both teams delivered an impressive 29 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Cup medals, making the Aussies one of the most renowned teams of the World Cup circuit. The SSA Para Futures and Performance Initiative Grant is a joint initiative with Ski & Snowboard Australia and the Australian Paralympic Committee. The Performance Initiative Grant has been developed to support and target developing Para wintersport athletes to access performance opportunities and assist with cost of pursuing a high performance wintersport pathway. The Para Alpine and Para Snowboard World Championships provided three medals, won by Mitchell Gourley (gold, men s standing Super Combined) and Joany Badenhorst (bronze, women s LL2 Snowboard Cross and Banked Slalom). It was not only the senior teams that delivered strong performances, with the Para Alpine Development Athletes winning a total of 14 IPC Europa Cup Medals over the season. Programs The Para Alpine Team had a successful season, training from November-March in Europe and Japan respectively. This allowed the team to work within the schedule of the World Cup circuit. SSA Para Snowboarders spent time training and racing with multiple medal performances, with the addition of two development athletes from SSA Para Futures from August Sean Pollard and Alex Handley both received their international classification in Landgraaf in November and formed an important part of the team. Initiatives SSA Para Futures was again conducted in August leading into Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA) Race Week with involvement of National Team athletes and coaches and also incorporated national classification. The program continues to grow, with ten prospective athletes attending and assistance provided by DWA with equipment and additional guides. The Para Futures program also offered grants for athletes to pursue additional training opportunities in the Northern Hemisphere. Congratulations to Blake Colleton, Michael Foti and Rae Anderson who were the successful recipients of the funding grants ANNUAL REPORT 21

24 2017 AUSTRALIAN SKI & SNOWBOARD AWARDS Ski and Snowboard s night of nights was held in the Docklands in April, with more than 300 people turning out to celebrate Australia s snowsport athletes. There was plenty to celebrate as Australian athletes delivered strong performances both at home and overseas. Scotty James and Britt Cox were named dual recipients of the Australian Snowsports Athlete of the Year Award. In a season of many record breaking achievements for Australian snowsports athletes, Cox and James won off the back of equally remarkable seasons that saw them both win World Championships and dominate the World Cup in their sports. Previously won by Olympic champions Alisa Camplin, Torah Bright and Dale Begg-Smith, the Athlete of the Year Award is the highest honour bestowed upon the athletes in the sport and is an exciting accolade heading into an Olympic year. Mogul skier Cox is Australia s first female mogul skiing World Champion, winning the title at the Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships in Spain in March this year, after claiming the World Cup series Crystal Globe for moguls with seven gold and two bronze in the season. James is the first Australian to claim back to back snowboard halfpipe World titles as well as taking out the t World Cup series Crystal Globe title, Winter X Games gold medalist and Burton 22 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA US Open silver medallist. Unfortunately James was unable to attend the Awards due to his training schedule in the USA. Alpine skier Mitch Gourley was named ParaSnowsport Athlete of the Year for a second year in a row, after another outstanding season that saw him win the Para World Championships for giant slalom, as well as the overall World Cup title. Aerial skier, Lydia Lassila, took out the Outstanding Achievement Award having returned from a two-season break after having her second child to claim three World Cup victories. The Junior Athlete of the Year was awarded to snowboard cross rider Adam Lambert, 19, who won the men s overall Europa Cup title following a brilliant debut World Cup and World Championship season. Also in contention for Junior Athlete of the Year was snowboard big air and slopestyle dual Junior World Champion, Tess Coady, who took out the Award for Rising Star. During the nomination period Australian athletes claimed two World Cup Series Crystal Globes, 35 World Cup and five World Championship medals. The closest result to this was in 2013 where Australian athletes claimed 25 World Cup medals. The full list of Award recipients and finalists named at the 2017 Australian Ski and Snowboard Awards are listed over the page.

25 Athlete of the Year Winners Britt Cox and Scotty James Outstanding Achievement Finalists - Britt Cox, Scotty James, Matt Graham, Alex Chumpy Pullin, Belle Brockhoff, Danielle Scott, David Morris Lydia Lassila (Aerials) Para Athlete of the Year Winner Mitch Gourley (Alpine) Finalists - Mitch Gourley, Joany Badenhorst Junior Athlete of the Year Winner Adam Lambert (snowboard cross) Finalists Adam Lambert, Tess Coady, Jakara Anthony Rising Star Coach of the Year Steve Desovich/Jerry Grossi (Moguls) Development Coach of the Year Jason Clauscen (Snowboard) School of the Year Snowy Mountains Grammar School and St. Catherine s School Outstanding Achievement of the Year for Small Schools Rossbourne School. Tess Coady (Snowboard freestyle) 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 23

26 24 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA

27 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 25

28 PARTICIPATION & SPORT DEVELOPMENT The Snowracer initiative continued to grow throughout 2017 with several new and exciting developments with Snowracer. The program aims to establish a centralised platform for information, resources and engagement that will grow the community of active participants across all levels of snow sports competitions. SnowID SSA s unique SnowID continues to be the primary mechanism for tracking the number of registered ski and snowboard participants. The SnowID registration includes competitor insurance and allows for competitors results to be logged to a central database, as well as displaying competitor s names in Live Timing and Live Scoring of events during the Australian winter. SSA now has more than 25,000 participants with a registered SnowID. One of the main objectives is to continue to colloborate with resorts and the greater recreational skiing community to register snowsports participants with SnowID s. Website and Branding The launch of a new Snowracer brand and website was implemented at the beginning of the 2017 Australian ski season. The website now provides all Snowracer members with access to Live Timing and Live Scoring at the majority of events during the Australian snow season and now features an Event Hub (called EventHQ) which provides easy access to all the up-todate information about Australian snowsports. Not only has the traffic to the website increased significantly, the engagement and interaction between the participants and the sport has been positive. Snowracer by numbers Page views increased by 662% (107,724 page views in 2017) Unique page views increased by 462% (344,264 in 2017) Unique Users up 645% (31,977 in 2017) Average Session Duration 5mins and 50 seconds 75% using mobile device to interact with snowracer.com (up from 68% in 2016) 26 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA More than 20,000 starts were logged on live timing and live scoring, with an increased number of races and events to join in Snowracer partners SSA would like to thank the many partners of Snowracer that are fundamental to the delivery and implementation of the program. These include: Australian Ski Resorts All major Australian Ski Resorts have invested in the infrastructure and moved (or are moving) to centralised event entry systems inside Snowracer portal. This includes the implementation of live timing and scoring software, as well as training and education of resort staff. Revolutionise Sport Have developed a cross-functional, single national database and website platform bespoke for snowsports. Vola Racing Built compatible live timing software and results hosting servers. Global Sport Services Developing live scoring software that was compatible with multi-discipline Interschools events, Age Group events and FIS level National Championships. State Interschools organisers Have assisted in registering new participants with SnowIDs. United States Ski and Snowboard Association Have provide to access software API s to assist in development of the Live Timing User Interface and website user experience. Snow Fitness Create fitness and dryland content specific to the snow sports participants. One Cover Insurance Developed bespoke Snowracer insurance products with unique inclusions and competitive premiums that will be launched during the 2018 Australian Ski Season under the branding of Snowracer Gold.

29 107,724 PAGE VIEWS 462% INCREASE IN UNIQUE PAGE VIEWS 31,977 UNIQUE USERS 75% USING MOBILE DEVICES 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 27

30 SNOWRACER - AWARD WINNING PARTICIPATION INITIATIVE Since the Snowracer EventHQ initiative was launched by Ski and Snowboard Australia in 2016, it has already delivered strong, positive results for the sport which has seen the program attract national acclaim. The program introduced a range of initiatives such as SnowID that allows users to track their own performances, access a unique information portal and keep track of live timing, scoring and events. Snowracer is SSA s participation registration program which aims to register every competitor and recreational participant in snowsports competitions at all levels in order to emphasize and promote the Australia. Ski & Snowboard Australia CEO Michael Kennedy was on hand to accept the award and said Snowracer has been a real success for the sport, allowing participants to connect in a way never before experienced. In the second year of the initiative, the website saw more than 600% increase in page views, unique users up by 645% and more than 20,000 starts were logged on live to timing and scoring. We are delighted to be recognised by the Australian Sports Commission for our Snowracer program, said Kennedy. It is SSA s opportunity to connect to the large recreational market that engage in snowsports every winter. In 2017 the program won the prestigious Australian Sports Commission (ASC) inaugural award for Excellence in Participation. Ski and Snowboard Australia was singled out for the Snowracer initiative, a centralised platform for information, resources and engagement for snow sports competitions across all levels. 28 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA In just one year we have been able to develop an online platform that centralises information for in excess of 300 events across all resorts for 25,000 participants. We are passionate and excited about developing Snowracer in years to come and providing a service that makes Snowracer competitions more engaging and easier to navigate, he said. With more than 90 nominations received across three award categories, Snowracer was recognised as a positive initiative that allows the sport to evolve to remain relevant, viable, and attract more participants as demonstrated through a participation initiative.

31 WINNER ASC EXCELLENCE IN PARTICIPATION 25,000 PARTICIPANTS 600% INCREASE PAGE VIEWS 645% INCREASE IN UNIQUE USERS 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 29

32 A free online SSA coaching accreditation portal has been developed in The online portal helps to educate new coaches and assists in consistency of the delivery of the lesson plans. Little Shredders by numbers Little Shredders is SSA s Sporting Schools participation program available to schools and students across Australia. In partnership with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), SSA waws one of 32 National Sporting Organisations (NSO) selected to develop school based products aimed at increasing the amount and frequency of physical activity by students. The Golden Ticket initiative engaged many of the newly registered 2017 Little Shredders to participate in an on-snow lesson at the Australian Resorts. The Golden Ticket offers a free 2-day Lift, Lesson and equipment rental package for every child that participates in the Little Shredders program. The Golden Ticket promotion is well supported through the support of the Australian Ski Areas Association (ASAA). 30 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA 29 Little Shredders programs were run throughout Terms 1, 2, and 3. 3,789 registered Little Shredders 5 public Little Shredders activations Australian F1 Grand Prix Warren Miller Melbourne Springvale Snow Fest I nterschools Presentations (Vic and Aus) The breakdown of participation in Little Shredders was spread across Australia: 1,575 in Victoria 1,063 in ACT 887 in NSW 264 in WA.

33 Interschools by Participation Numbers VIC Students: 2,697 Schools: 192 For many Australian children the Interschools are their first introduction to racing in an event that is accessible to all, safe and fun. Historically the Interschools have consisted of both individual and Team events, and has since grown to provide opportunities for children to compete in all the snowsports disciplines. Entries: 5,893 In 2017 the Victorian Interschools celebrated their 60th year at Mt. Buller, while the NSW and ACT Interschools events also celebrated their 30th anniversary. Many of Australia s winter sports world champions, and Winter Olympians all participated in the Interschools events in Australia. SA (Falls Creek and Mt. Buller events) In 2017 the following Interschools events were conducted: Students: 1,598 Schools: 233 Entries: 3337 Subaru Victorian Interschools Snowsports Championships Subaru Victorian Interschools Cross Country Championships Subaru Queensland Interschools Championships Travelplan Ski Northern NSW Interschools Championships Travelplan Sydney Interschools Championships Subaru ACT & Southern NSW Interschools Championships Westpac NSW & ACT Cross Country Championships South Australian Interschools Championships at Falls Creek South Australian Schools SnowSports at Mt. Buller Subaru NSW State Interschools SnowSports Championships Subaru Australian Interschools SnowSports Championships. NSW / ACT / QLD Students: 3,571 Schools: 437 Entries: 10,110 Students: 217 Schools: 48 Entries: 227 Nationals Trends 7% increase in the number of competitors 8% growth in the number of Schools Between 2014 and 2017 there has been a corresponding growth of 12 % in the number of competitors, and 14% increase in the number of participation schools COMPETITORS 677 SCHOOLS TOTAL ENTRIES 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 31

34 SSA Futures engages the elite, national team athletes and programs across multiple disciplines to deliver a unique program in which participants receive technical coaching, mentoring and pathway direction from athletes that have successfully progressed through the pathway. SSA Futures has a vision to develop the opportunities and resources for athletes involved in the SSA athlete pathway and aims to: Bridge the gap between Interschools snow sports participation and involvement in seasonal SSA Pathway Programs Introduce developing athletes to high performance training environments and showcase what it takes to become an elite athlete 32 Increase knowledge of the athlete pathway and the various opportunities, resources and programs available to Australian Snowsports athletes SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA Establish a consistent and unified approach to SSA s Long Term Athlete Development Engage National Team athletes and programs in sport pathway initiatives Encourage involvement in SSA domestic ski/ snowboard events. Since SSA Futures began in 2011, more than 51 programs have been conducted, attracting over 1100 participants. During 2017, SSA Futures held on and off snow programs for athletes participating in: Park & Pipe Snowboard Park & Pipe Freeski Snowboard Cross Cross Country Para-wintersport Acrobatics and Trampoline.

35 Accredited Pathway Programs Alpine Skiing Perisher Winter Sports Club Thredbo Ski Racing Club Ski & Snowboard Australia continues to recognise clubs and programs operating within the sporting pathway through the SSA Pathway Program accreditation program. Falls Creek Race Club Team Hotham Mt Buller Race Club The SSA Athlete Pathway relies on a variety of different sport program providers to operate programs at the elite, underpinning, development and grassroots level. These include a mix of Institute providers, resorts, clubs, schools and commercial operators. In 2017, SSA was focused on enhancing the following: Freestyle Skiing Knowledge sharing lead from high performance program operators (OWIA), managers and coaches Effectively utilise ASC club and coach development resources Retention and development of pathway program coaches through creating additional program activity between seasons and supporting professional development Establishing partnerships with facilities and athlete service providers Providing clarity and endorsement of grass-roots, multi-discipline, commercial programs that operate internationally. Perisher Winter Sports Club Team Buller Riders Mt Hotham Free Ski Mogul Skiing Academy Cross Country Skiing Victorian Junior Squad NSW Jnr Squad ACT Jnr Squad Fast & Female Australia Snowboard Perisher Winter Sports Club Mt Buller Race Club Hotham Snowboarders ANNUAL REPORT 33

36 34 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA

37 The SSA Emerging Talent Scholarship (ETS) Program is designed to recognise and support talented, emerging athletes engaged in the SSA High Performance Pathway Emerging Talent Scholarship Athletes The program works to deliver athlete outcomes based on a combination of individual and program support. It also has targeted performance camp invitations with our NSWIS underpinning programs, a range of dry land activities and services and mentor programs with senior high performance athletes. The current SSA ETS programs are: Maxson Chen Mogul Skiing The program delivers athlete outcomes based on an individual performance initiative grant, targeted performance camp invitations with the NSWIS Mogul Skiing Program, physical testing and fitness program monitoring, acrobatics training and a mentor program. Athletes selected to the ETS are members of the Perisher WSC and TBR mogul programs. Park and Pipe Snowboard Vinson Chen Chelsee Kelley Jesse Parkinson Joshua Robertson-Hahn Kai Rennie Park and Pipe Freeski Oskar Shulz Abi Harrigan Joey Ellis Snowboard Cross Charlotte Batten Georgia Crisp Park and Pipe Cora McCloskey The program works to deliver athlete outcomes based on a subsidised full time program partnership for six athletes with the Perisher Winter Sports Club, combined with targeted performance camp invitations with NSWIS Park & Pipe program and snowboard specific acrobatics training. The program is led by coach David Parr. Bryn Nicholas SBX Tom Matsumoto The program works to deliver athlete outcomes for six athletes based on a combination of subsidised competition and training opportunities with the NSWIS and OWIA Snowboard Cross Programs, physical testing and fitness program monitoring, and a mentor program. Ethan Topalovic Angus Pennington Christina Taylor Mogul Skiing Angus Hill Ben Matsumoto Emma Bosco Madison Everingham Eleanor Mullins Georgia Stewart. Cross Country Skiing The XC Emerging Talent Camp program brings the best U16 athletes together to train under the direction of National Team coaches and gain insight into training methods and expectations of the National Junior Team. Camps are held twice annually, on-snow in September and at the AIS in April leading into the Australian Rollerski Championship. Invitations are based on performances during the Australian winter ANNUAL REPORT 35

38 LEADING EDGE: WOMENS LEADERSHIP IN SPORT In a first for the sport, Ski & Snowboard Australia in conjunction with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) were proud to host the Leading Edge: Women s Leadership in Snowsports Workshop. The one-day seminar was designed for female athletes, and looked at content and strategies that better assisted athletes transition efficiently into post-sport careers as well as into leadership roles. SSA is proud of the outstanding achievements of female athletes within the sport, many of who have enjoyed further success in their postsport careers. 36 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA The seminar was designed to not only offer female athletes the chance to maximise the transition into life post high performance sporting career, but also looked to assist current and newly retired female athletes into corporate and community leadership roles. In it s first year, 20 attendees were guided through a number of session through out the day focusing on leadership in a sporting environment, dual career development, performing with emotional intelligence and personal branding on social media. Additionally, group mentoring sessions were held that allowed participants to hear from Olympians Alisa Camplin and Katya Crema who have both transitioned with success from sport to business and the corporate world.

39 VICTORIAN SNOWSPORTS DEVELOPMENT GRANT (VSDG) In December 2015, SSA was formally recognised by the Victorian State Government as the designated State Sporting Organisation (SSO) to oversee snowsports in Victoria. As the recognised Victorian SSO, SSA has been allocated a base grant of $20k per year over the subsequent 3 years. With SSA s existing administrative capacity, the majority of the allocated grant has been made available to Victorian based disciplines, pathway and club development initiatives. The grant has been developed by SSA to provide the opportunity for Victorian Discipline Committees and recognised Victorian SSA Pathway Programs to apply for funding to deliver programs and projects that promote and develop snowsports in Victoria ANNUAL REPORT 37

40 38 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA

41 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 39

42 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA LIMITED Ski & Snowboard Australia Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA

43 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA LIMITED 3 Ski & Snowboard Australia Limited Directors' Report Your Directors present their report on Ski and Snowboard Australia Limited for the financial year ended 31 October Directors The names of the directors in office at any time during or since the end of the year are: Dean Gosper Nicholas Kennedy Kim Clifford Suzie Warwick Hugh Whan Manuela Berchtold Louise Barrett (Appointed 1st February 2017) Steve Cooper Richie Biggins (Resigned 8th November 2016) Directors have been in office since the start of the financial year to the date of this report unless otherwise stated. Principal activities The principal activities of the company during the year were the administration of the sports of skiing and snowboarding in Australia. No significant changes in the nature of these activities occurred during the financial year. The entity's Operational Priorities are to: - Ensure Australia remains a successful nation at World Cup, World Championships and Olympic and Paralympic Games. - Increase participation and community engagement in competitive Snow Sports at all levels. - Strengthen network of coaches, volunteers, technical officials and administrators who provide support of competitive Snow Sports in Australia. - Generate financial resources and provide effective administration, and communication. - Establish a National Operational Model for the delivery of the Snowsports pathway. The entity's long-term objectives are to: - Support snowsport athletes and develop champions To achieve these objectives, the entity has adopted the following Strategic Priorities: - Increase relevance - Increase revenue diversification - Increase the talent pool - Increase pathway capacity Key Performance Measures The company measures its own performance through the use of both qualitative and quantitative benchmarks. The benchmarks are used by the directors to assess the financial sustainability of the company and whether the company's short term and long-term objectives are being achieved ANNUAL REPORT 41

44 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA LIMITED Ski & Snowboard Australia Limited Directors' Report Information on Directors Dean Gosper Qualifications Experience Degree in Law and Bachelor of Economics. Director of SSA since President of SSA since Member of International Ski Federation Council. Nicholas Kennedy Qualifications Experience Graduate Management Program UNSW. Director of SSA since Skills based board member Tourism Snowy Mountains since Board of Marketing Snow Australia since Kim Clifford Qualifications Experience Associated Degree in Applied Science, JP NSW. Director of SSA since Years of experience in the Australian Tourism. Ski Resort business Olympian - Alpine Skiing. Suzie Warwick Qualifications Experience BA Communications, Member of Women In Sport. Director of SSA since Director, Wow Factor Productions 10 years. CEO OvCa (Ovarian Cancer Australia) 2 years. Media/Marketing Sport, SOCOG (Sydney Organising Committee Olympic Games) 2 years. Account Director, Sports Marketing & Management/Javelin Communications 5 years. Hugh Whan Qualifications Experience Fellow of Recruitment Consulting Services Association. Director of SSA since Chairman Chair Audit Committee and Finance Committee of SSA. SSA Remuneration Committee. Manuela Berchtold Qualifications Experience Advanced Diploma in Medial Massage.Cert Fitness Instructor. Director of SSA since Olympian 2002 and Moguls. Director and Founder of Future Olympian Scholarship Program since Owner and Founder of High Country Fitness. Campus Director for Aust Institute of Personal Trainers. SSA Athlete Commission representative. Louise Barrett Qualifications Experience 42 Member Australian Institute of Company Directors Currently Executive GM - News Corp National Sales 33 years experience in media including radio, television, publishing and digital in various management positions Sales & Marketing Director for Radio 2UE and Broadcast partners Sydney 2000 Olympic Games sponsorship Previously held Board positions: Sydney Festival Sydney Children s Hospital Foundation SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA 4

45 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA LIMITED 5 Ski & Snowboard Australia Limited Directors' Report Steve Cooper Qualifications Experience Diploma Visual Arts Education. Director of SSA since Board Member of NSW Snowsports since Chair of NSW Interschool's Snowsports since Chair of NSW Freestyle Snowsports since Chair of SSA National Participation Committee. Currently employed as the Deputy Principal of Jindabyne Central School - NSW. Meeting of Directors During the financial year 5 meetings of directors were held. Attendances by each director were as follows: Directors' Meetings Number eligible to attend Number attended Dean Gosper 5 5 Nicholas Kennedy 5 4 Kim Clifford 5 5 Suzie Warwick 5 5 Hugh Whan 5 5 Manuela Berchtold 5 5 Louise Barrett 4 2 Steve Cooper 5 4 Richie Biggins 0 0 Members guarantee: The entity is incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 and is a company limited by guarantee. If the company is wound up, the constitution states that each member is required to contribute a maximum of $1 each towards meeting any outstanding obligations of the entity. At 31 October 2017, the total amount that members of the company are liable to contribute if the company is wound up is $453 (2016: $403). Auditor's Independence Declaration A copy of the Auditor's Independence Declaration as required under Section 307c of the Corporations Act 2001 is set out on page 6. Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors: Dean Gosper Chair Dated this 26th day of February ANNUAL REPORT 43

46 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA LIMITED 6 AUDITOR S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION UNDER SECTION 307C OF THE CORPORATIONS ACT 2001 TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SKI AND SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA LIMITED In relation to our audit of the financial report of Ski and Snowboard Australia Limited, I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, during the financial year ended 31 October 2017 there have been no contraventions of: (i) the auditor s independence requirements as set out in the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the audit; and (ii) any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit. CFMC Assurance Pty Ltd Gregory Hudswell Director 22 February 2018 Melbourne 44 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA

47 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA LIMITED 7 Ski & Snowboard Australia Limited Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income for the year ended 31 October Revenue SSA - Program Operation and Grants NSWIS/VIS - Program Operation OWI - Program Operation SSA - Other Discipline Expenses Employee benefits expenses Depreciation and amortisation expenses Other expenses Note $ $ 2 4,082,758 3,865,549 (1,604,128) (215,000) (241,000) (198,518) (1,537,135) (18,395) (159,634) (1,513,822) (210,000) (241,000) (170,879) (1,237,432) (12,451) (209,846) 3 3 Profit before income tax Income tax expense Profit for the year Other comprehensive income for the year, net of income tax Total comprehensive income for the year , , , , , , ANNUAL REPORT 45

48 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA LIMITED 8 Ski & Snowboard Australia Limited Statement of Financial Position as at 31 October 2017 Note 2016 $ $ Current assets Cash Trade and other receivables Other current assets Total current assets ,989, , ,399 2,421,399 1,724, , ,885 2,105,127 Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment Total non-current assets 8 34,976 34,976 10,450 10,450 2,456,375 2,115,577 Total assets Current liabilities Trade and other payables Other liabilities Provisions Total current liabilities ,378 1,261,130 51,164 1,615, ,818 1,079,495 40,323 1,383,636 Non-current liabilities Provisions Total non-current liabilities 11 15,855 15,855 16,041 16,041 1,631,527 1,399,677 Net assets 824, ,900 Equity Retained earnings 824, ,900 Total equity 824, ,900 Total liabilities SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA

49 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA LIMITED 9 Ski & Snowboard Australia Limited Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended 31 October 2017 Retained Earnings $ Total $ Balance at 1 November , ,780 Total comprehensive income for the year 270, ,120 Balance at 31 October , ,900 Balance at 1 November , ,900 Total comprehensive income for the year 108, ,948 Balance at 31 October , , ANNUAL REPORT 47

50 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA LIMITED 10 Ski & Snowboard Australia Limited Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31 October 2017 Note $ Cash flows from operating activities Receipts from operations Payments to suppliers and employees Interest received Finance costs Net cash provided by operating activities $ 4,074,262 3,816,175 (3,780,587) 30,895 (17,127) (3,690,746) 19,755 (20,298) 307, ,886 Cash flows from investing activities (Purchase) / Disposal of property, plant and equipment Net cash used in investing activities Net change in cash and cash equivalents held Cash at beginning of financial year Cash at end of financial year 48 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA 5 (42,921) (9,611) (42,921) (9,611) 264, ,275 1,724,704 1,989,225 1,609,429 1,724,704

51 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA LIMITED 11 Ski & Snowboard Australia Limited Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 October Statement of significant accounting policies Basis of preparation Ski and Snowboard Australia Limited is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated in Australia. Ski and Snowboard Australia Limited applies Australian Accounting Standards - Reduced Disclosure Requirements as set out in AASB 1053: Application of Tiers of Australian Accounting Standards and AASB : Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from Reduced Disclosure Requirements. The financial statements are general purpose financial statements that have been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards - Reduced Disclosure Requirements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board and the Corporations Act The company is a not-for-profit entity for financial reporting purposes under the Australian Accounting Standards. Australian Accounting Standards set out accounting policies that the AASB has concluded would result in financial statements containing relevant and reliable information about transactions, events and conditions. Material accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are presented below and have been consistently applied unless otherwise stated. The financial statements, except for the cash flow information, have been prepared on an accruals basis and are based on historical costs, modified, where applicable, by the measurement at fair value of selected non-current assets, financial assets and financial liabilities. The amounts presented in the financial statements have been rounded to the nearest dollar. Accounting policies Revenue Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the company and the revenue can be reliably measured. The following specific recognition criteria must also be met before revenue is recognised: Grant Revenue Generally, grant revenue is recognised as income over the periods necessary to match related costs on a systematic basis. Grant income that has been received in the current year where related costs are likely to incur in the future accounting period are recognised as deferred income. Interest Revenue is recognised when the company's right to receive payment is established. Income Tax The Company is classified as a sports association and is therefore exempt from Income Tax under Div 50 of the Income Tax Assessment Act ANNUAL REPORT 49

52 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA LIMITED 12 Ski & Snowboard Australia Limited Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 October Statement of significant accounting policies Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash comprises cash on hand, deposits held at-call with banks and other short-term deposits. For the purposes of the Statement of Cash Flows, cash includes cash on hand and in banks, and money market investments readily convertible to cash within two working days, net of outstanding bank overdrafts, if any. Property, Plant and Equipment Each class of property, plant and equipment is carried at cost or fair value less, where applicable, any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Repairs and maintenance are charged to profit or loss during the financial period in which they are incurred. Depreciation Depreciation is provided using the reducing balance method on all plant and equipment & motor vehicle, and the straight line method on buildings, at the following depreciation rates: Asset Class Depreciation Rate Office furniture and equipment 40-50% Motor Vehicles 23% The assets residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each reporting period date. An asset s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset s carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount. Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with the carrying amount. These gains or losses are included in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. Trade and Other Payables Trade and other payables represent the liability outstanding at the end of the reporting period for goods and services received by the Company during the reporting period, which remain unpaid. Employee Benefits Liabilities for employee benefits arising from services rendered by employees to reporting date, which are expected to be settled within one year have been measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liability is settled, plus related on-costs. Employee benefits payable later than one year have been measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made for those benefits. 50 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA

53 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA LIMITED 13 Ski & Snowboard Australia Limited Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 October Statement of significant accounting policies Impairment of assets At each reporting date, the Company reviews the carrying values of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have been impaired. If such an indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, being the higher of the asset's fair value less costs to sell and value in use, is compared to the asset's carrying value. Any excess of the asset's carrying value over its recoverable amount is expensed to the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. Financial Instruments Initial recognition and measurement Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. For financial assets, this is equivalent to the date that the Company commits itself to either purchase or sell the asset. Financial instruments are initially measured at fair value plus transactions costs where the instrument is not classified as at fair value through profit or loss. Transaction costs related to instruments classified as at fair value through profit or loss are expensed to profit or loss immediately. Goods and Services Tax (GST) Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office. In these circumstances, the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of an item of the expense. Receivables and payables in the statement of financial position are shown inclusive of GST. Cash flows are presented in the statement of cash flows on a gross basis, except for the GST component of investing and financing activities, which are disclosed as operating cash flows. Comparative Figures When required by Accounting Standards, comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to changes in presentation for the current financial year ANNUAL REPORT 51

54 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA LIMITED Ski & Snowboard Australia Limited Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 October Statement of significant accounting policies Critical accounting estimates and judgments The Company evaluates estimates and judgments incorporated into the financial statements based on historical knowledge and best available current information. Estimates assume a reasonable expectation of future events and are based on current trends and economic data, obtained both externally and within the Company. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. Key estimates Impairment of non-financial assets The Company assesses impairment at each reporting date by evaluating conditions and events specific to the Company that may be indicative of impairment triggers. Where applicable, recoverable amounts of relevant assets are reassessed using value-in-use calculations which incorporate various key assumptions. 52 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA 14

55 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA LIMITED 15 Ski & Snowboard Australia Limited Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 October $ 2016 $ 2 Revenue Government Grants Programme Fees Other Grants Corporate Sponsorship Subscriptions and Affiliation Fees Interest received Other Income Total revenue 2,344, , ,088 30,000 53,184 30, ,007 4,082,758 2,222, , ,554 43,350 45,126 19, ,982 3,865,549 Admin Salary related costs 568, ,386 Sport Program Salary related costs 880, ,477 3 Expenses Employee benefits expense includes: Contributions to employee superannuation funds Depreciation and amortisation expense Office furniture and equipment Motor Vehicles Total depreciation and amortisation expense 88,353 79,568 1,537,135 1,237,432 9,290 9,105 18,395 11,065 1,386 12,451 17,127 20, , ,231 1,989,225 1,724,704 Other expenses include: Finance costs paid 4 Key management personnel compensation Total remuneration paid to key management and program coordination personnel of the Company. 5 Cash Cash at bank Bank Overdraft Facility At balance date and prior year, the company had an unused overdraft facility amounting to $25, Trade and other receivables Current Trade receivables Provision for doubtful debts Accrued revenue GST Receivable 255,084 (3,895) 19,067 5, ,422 (21,835) 16, , , , ,885 7 Other assets Current Prepayments 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 53

56 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA LIMITED 16 Ski & Snowboard Australia Limited Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 October $ 2016 $ 30,000 (30,000) - 30,000 (30,000) - 53,764 (50,151) 3,613 46,538 (40,861) 5,677 67,059 (35,696) 31,363 31,364 (26,591) 4,773 34,976 10,450 8 Property, plant and equipment Building At cost Less: accumulated depreciation Office furniture and equipment At cost Less: accumulated depreciation Motor Vehicles At cost Less: accumulated depreciation Total property, plant and equipment (a) Movements in carrying amounts Movements in the carrying amounts for each class of property, plant and equipment between the beginning and end of the current financial year: Land & Buildings Office furniture & equipment Motor Vehicles Total $ $ $ $ Balance at the beginning of the year Additions/Disposals - 5,677 4,773 10,450-7,226 35,695 42,921 Depreciation expense - (9,290) (9,105) (18,395) Balance at the end of the year - 3,613 31,363 34,976 9 Trade and other payables Current Trade creditors Other payables and accrued expenses 2017 $ 2016 $ 36, , ,378 61, , , , ,000 35,000 1,261, , ,000 1,079, Other Liabilities Current Deferred income Ski and Snowboard Foundation (a) Provision for Water Jump make good (b) (a) Contribution obligations in respect of the establishment of a charitable foundation (Ski and Snowboard Foundation) with the objective of obtaining sponsorship, funding, and providing support to maintain ski and snowboard activities to current and future Ski and Snowboard Australia athletes. (b) Provision for ongoing maintenance and future contracted asset and leasehold make good obligations. 54 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA

57 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA LIMITED 17 Ski & Snowboard Australia Limited Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 October $ 2016 $ 11 Provisions Current Annual leave Long-service leave Non-current Long-service leave 28,316 22,847 51,164 21,310 19,013 40,323 15,855 15,855 16,041 16, Contingent assets and liabilities The Company has no contingent assets or liabilities as at year end. 13 Events after the reporting date No matters or circumstances have arisen since the end of the financial year which significantly affected or may significantly affect the operations of the Company, the results of those operations, or the state of affairs of the Company in future financial years (2016: Nil). 14 Related party transactions There were no transactions with directors or director related parties during the year ended 31 October 2017 (2016: Nil). 15 Financial risk management The Company's financial instruments consist mainly of deposits with banks, local money market instruments, short-term investments, accounts receivable and payable. The totals for each category of financial instruments, measured in accordance with AASB 139 as detailed in the accounting policies in Note 1 to these financial statements, are as follows: 2017 $ Note Financial Assets Cash 5 1,989,225 Trade and other receivables 6 275,775 less GST receivable (5,519) Total Financial Assets 2,259,481 Financial Liabilities Trade and other payables Total Financial Liabilities 9 303, , $ 1,724, ,538 (16,951) 1,949, , , ANNUAL REPORT 55

58 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA LIMITED Correction of prior period accounting error Subsequent to the issue of the 2016 financial statements additional revenue from the Australian Sports Commission for Participation activities was received and recorded in the 2017 financial year, part of which related to the 2016 financial year activities and should have been brought to account in the 2016 financial year. Net additional revenue of $108,333 should have been accrued as at 31 October Due to the material impact of this prior period amount, it is deemed appropriate to treat the omitted amount as a prior period adjustment of an error in accordance with Accounting Standard AASB 108. The financial statement disclosures affected for prior year were as follows: Impact of correction Adjusted 31 October Previously reported 31 October $ 2016 $ 2016 $ Revenue 108,333 3,865,549 3,757,216 Total comprehensive income for the year 108, , ,787 Trade and other receivables 162, ,538 79,038 Total assets 162,500 2,115,577 1,953,077 Trade and other payables 54, , ,146 Total liabilities 54,167 1,399,677 1,345,510 Net assets 108, , ,567 Equity Retained earnings 108, , ,567 Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income Statement of Financial Position 56 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA

59 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA LIMITED 19 Ski & Snowboard Australia Limited Directors' Declaration The directors of the entity declare that: 1 The financial statements and notes, as set out on pages 7 to 18, are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 and: a. Comply with Australian Accounting Standards; and b. Give true and fair view of the financial position as at 31 October 2017 and of the performance for the year ended on that date of the entity. 2 In the directors' opinion there are reasonable grounds to believe that the entity will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable. This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors. Dean Gosper Director Dated this 26th day of February ANNUAL REPORT 57

60 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA LIMITED 20 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SKI AND SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA LIMITED Opinion We have audited the financial report of Ski and Snowboard Australia Limited (the company), which comprises the statement of financial position as at 31 October 2017, the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, the statement of changes in equity and the statement of cash flows for the year then ended, notes comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information, and the directors' declaration. In our opinion, the accompanying financial report of Ski and Snowboard Australia Limited (the company) is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including: giving a true and fair view of the company s financial position as at 31 October 2017 and of its performance for the year then ended on that date; and complying with Australian Accounting Standards Reduced Disclosure Requirements (including Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Corporations Regulations Basis for Opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report section of our report. We are independent of the company in accordance with the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code. Responsibilities of the Directors for the Financial Report The directors of the company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards Reduced Disclosure Requirements and the Corporations Act The director s responsibility also includes such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of a financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the company s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters relating to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 58 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA

61 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA LIMITED 21 Auditor s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of this financial report. As part of an audit in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also: Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the company s internal control. Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the directors. Conclude on the appropriateness of the director s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the company s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor s report to the related disclosures in the financial report or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the company to cease to continue as a going concern. Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial report, including the disclosures, and whether the financial report represents the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. We communicate with the directors of the company regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit. CFMC Assurance Pty Ltd Gregory Hudswell Director Level St Kilda Road MELBOURNE, VIC 3004 Dated this 28th day of February ANNUAL REPORT 59

62 SSA BOARD AND STAFF BOARD Dean Gosper Chairman Louise Barrett Manuela Berchtold Kim Clifford Steve Cooper Nick Kennedy Susie Warwick Hugh Whan STAFF Michael Kennedy CEO Steve Brown Accounts Nic Cicero* Sport Development Coordinator Ramone Cooper Naitonal Pathway and Program Manager Nick Frayne* Participation and Sport Development Manager Annie McCormack Sport Program Operations Coordinator Steve Nelson Participation and Sport Development Manager Alex Rouse* Communications Coordinator Ryan Taylor Administration Manager COACHING AND PROGRAM STAFF Mick Branch Alpine Director Jason Clauscen NSWIS/SSA Snowboard Cross Head Coach Shawn Fleming Ski Cross Head Coach Christian Geiger Para-Alpine Assistant Coach Rich Hegarty Park & Pipe Coordinator Chris McKnight Para-Alpine Coach Finn Marsland Cross Country Director Lu Prem Para-Snowboard Head Coach Brad Wall* Alpine Director * Resigned 60 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA

63 NATIONAL COMMITTEES ALPINE FREESTYLE Lachlan Clark Chairman (NAC Executive) Michael Branch Alpine Director Alice Chilcott TD/Womens Alpine Katya Crema Athlete Representative Michael Dickson TD/Governance and Process David Speirs Chairman Daniel Bosco Al Clay Mt Hotham Free Ski Graeme Cox Falls Creek PD/ TD Hamish Cox Buller Mogul Coach Steve Desovich National Mogul Coach Walt Hiltner FIS/TD Zoe Jaboor Judging coordinator Watkin McLennan Freeski/ Park & Pipe Peter McNiel NSWIS AJ Jones Resorts Matt Lyons Ski Cross Scott Sanderson ROC Expertise/ Resorts Hugh Stevens Analytics and Athlete Data Andrew Pattison OWI/TBR Peter Topalovic NSWIS Mogul Coach Greg McCormack Honorary Member Martin Rowley Mt Hotham Free Ski Cliff Mason Honorary Member Al Guss Honorary Member Brad Wall Resigned October 2017 SNOWBOARD Duncan Fischer Chairman Judging Manfred Wolscher Retired April 2017 Adam Begg Thomas Reistatter Retired April 2017 Jason Clauscen SBX Development Rob Dickson Fundraising Adam Federico APSI Coaching Director CROSS COUNTRY Ben Derrick Chairman David Harper Southern Committee Stella Ajani Athlete Representative Richard Hegarty Michelle Armstrong Media & Communications SSA/NSWIS Park & Pipe Coordinator Josh Lyle TD Peter Cunningham National Race Secretary/Events Scott Sanderson Resorts Chris Darlington Athlete Development Ben Wordsworth High Performance Anthony Evans Selection TBD Athlete Representative Ronice Goebel VIC Grassroots Finn Marsland High Performance Nick Montgomery Athlete Representative Allison Stoddart Coaching, Fundraising Andrew Walker Rules & Officials Peter Ward Chair Rules Committee 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 61

64 PARTICIPATION Steve Cooper Chairman Donna Baker Peter Brulisauer Rebecca Clark John Day Adam Hosie Belinda Trembath Damian von Demleux Nick Whitby 62 SKI & SNOWBOARD AUSTRALIA

65 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 63

66 Ski & Snowboard Australia Level 2, 105 Pearl River Road Docklands, Victoria,