AUSTRALIA S WINNING EDGE ATHLETE CATEGORIES WINTERSPORT NOMINATION GUIDELINES INTRODUCTION Australia s Winning Edge 2012-2022 is our nation s game plan to move from world class to world best. A key element of this strategy is to identify our high potential athletes and ensure they receive the right support at the right time in their pathway. In line with Australia s Winning Edge objectives and revised athlete categories as prescribed by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) this document outlines the agreed minimum performance criteria established for the respective athlete categories for which athletes will be considered, together with the process and timeframe for the allocation of athletes to these categories. The Winning Edge Athlete Categories has been developed to provide a consistent basis, both within and across sports, to: Identify the athletes with the greatest potential to contribute to Winning Edge targets Track their performance over time Inform the prioritisation of support to these athletes. The support provided to athletes as a result of the categorisation process enables athletes to pursue a commitment to performance excellence. Importantly, to be prioritised for support an athlete must demonstrate potential for future success, past results alone will not ensure support. NATIONAL SPORTING ORGANISATIONS This criteria applies to the following Winter Sport National Sporing Organisations (NSO). Ski & Snowboard Australia (SSA) Australian Ice Racing (AIR) Ice Skating Australia (ISA) Sliding Sports Australia SPORT CATEGORISATION Athlete Categorisation applies only to athletes in Tier 1 - Foundation Sports. All others are by special consideration and subject to approval by the AIS. Tier 1 Foundation Sports Aerial Skiing Mogul Skiing Snowboard Cross Park & Pipe Snowboard Slopestyle, Snowboard Halfpipe, Ski Slopestyle, Ski Halfpipe 1 P a g e
OVERVIEW OF AUSTRALIA S WINNING EDGE ATHLETE CATEGORIES Australia s Winning Edge Athlete Categories consist of five levels (four are applicable to Wintersport): Figure 1: Australia s Winning Edge Athlete Categories Athlete Category General Criteria 1. Podium Individual athlete in an Olympic discipline, who has a medal performance at a BME in the past 24 months and considered capable of a medal at the next Olympic Winter Games. 2A. Podium Potential (A) Individual athlete in an Olympic discipline, who placed fourth to eighth at the most recent BME and considered capable of progressing to Level 1 Podium. 2B. Podium Potential (B) Individual athlete in an Olympic discipline, who is considered capable of progressing to at least Level 2A Podium Potential (A) in the next four years. 4A. Developing (A) Individual athlete in an Olympic discipline, who is considered capable of progressing to at least Level 2B Podium Potential (B) in the next two years. 5A. Emerging (A) Individual athlete in an Olympic discipline, who is considered capable of progressing to at least Level 4A Developing (A) in the next two years. CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT The following sport specific criteria applies to the nomination of athletes for categorisation: Figure 2: Australia s Winning Edge Athlete Categories Tier 1 Foundation Sports Athlete Category Aerial Skiing Mogul Skiing Snowboard Cross Park & Pipe 1. Podium 1-3 BME 1-3 BME 1-3 BME 1-3 BME 2A. Podium Potential (A) 4-8 BME 4-8 BME 4-8 BME 4-8 BME 2B. Podium Potential (B) 9-16 BME 9-16 BME 9-16 BME 9-16 BME 4A. Developing (A) OWG/WCH/WC WC 1 x Top 8 WC 1 x Top 8 WC 1 x Top 8 WC 1 x Top 8 WC 2 x Top 12 WC 2 x Top 12 WC 2 x Top 12 WC 2 x Top 12 NAC 1 x Top 6 OWG/WCH/WC NAC/ US Selections/ WJC 1 x Top 6 OWG/WCH/WC OWG/WCH/WC NAC/EC/WJC 1 x Top 6 NAC/ WJC 1 x Top 6 Skills: blt or blf NC 1 x Top 3 Minimum Tier 3 of SSA National Team Criteria 5A. Emerging (A) NAC 1 x Top 16 NAC/WJC 1 x Top 16 NAC/ EC/WJC 1 x Top 10 NAC/WJC 1 x Top 16 Selected to VIS NSO Generic Selection Factors NC 1 x Top 6 NC 1 x Top 3 Selected to NSWIS Selected to NSWIS NSO Generic Selection Factors Selected to NSWIS NSO Generic Selection Factors NSO Generic Selection Factors 2 P a g e
Figure 3: Australia s Winning Edge Athlete Categories Non Tier 1 Foundation Sports (Snow Sports) Athlete Category Alpine Skiing Cross Country Skiing Ski Cross Snowboard PAR 1. Podium 1-3 BME 1-3 BME 1-3 BME 1-3 BME 2A. Podium Potential (A) 4-8 BME 4-8 BME 4-8 BME 4-8 BME 2B. Podium Potential (B) 9-16 BME 9-16 BME 9-16 BME 9-16 BME WC 1 x Top 8 WC 1 x Top 8 WC 1 x Top 8 WC 1 x Top 8 WC 2 x Top 12 WC 2 x Top 12 WC 2 x Top 12 WC 2 x Top 12 4A. Developing (A) 5A. Emerging (A) Figure 4: Australia s Winning Edge Athlete Categories Non Tier 1 Foundation Sports (Ice Sports) Athlete Category Bobsleigh Figure Skating Long Track Speed Skating Short Track Speed Skating Skeleton 1. Podium 1-3 BME 1-3 BME 1-3 BME 1-3 BME 1-3 BME 2A. Podium Potential (A) 4-8 BME 4-8 BME 4-8 BME 4-8 BME 4-8 BME 2B. Podium Potential (B) 9-16 BME 9-16 BME 9-16 BME 9-16 BME 9-16 BME WC 1 x Top 8 WC 1 x Top 8 WC 1 x Top 8 WC 1 x Top 8 WC 1 x Top 8 WC 2 x Top 12 WC 2 x Top 12 WC 2 x Top 12 WC 2 x Top 12 WC 2 x Top 12 4A. Developing (A) 5A. Emerging (A) NOTES TO CRITERIA Australia s Winning Edge Athlete Categories, Levels 4A. & 5A. for non Tier 1 Foundation Sports are by special consideration only, with respect to the NSO Generic Selection Factors (Figure 5) and subject to approval by the AIS Athletes are categorised according to the most recent BME result Medal results at the OWG and WCH may stand for up to 24 months, provided the athlete maintains potential to medal at a future BME For Levels 4A. & 5A, results from the preceding 12 month period will be considered when applying this criteria Athlete Categorisation does not automatically qualify an athlete for selection to any NSO named team, event, funding initiative or scholarship opportunity offered via the SIS/SAS network and the OWIA Results in non-olympic disciplines, for example Dual Moguls, SBX Team, Aerial Team, will not be considered for categorisation in Levels 4A. & 5A. 3 P a g e
INDICATORS OF FUTURE POTENTIAL The following factors are taken into consideration by the Athlete Categorisation Panel when determining future potential and nomination of athletes. Figure 5: Australia s Winning Edge NSO Generic Selection Factors Athlete Category Performance General Criteria Competition performances during the preceding 12 month period Achievement of annual Individual Performance Plan (IPP) performance targets On track to meet long term IPP performance targets Achievement of benchmark scores in athlete physical testing evaluation Potential To Progress Athlete performance profile Capability of progressing into the next level of AWE Athlete Categorisation within the nominated time frame Independent expert evaluation & coach recommendation Compliance Positive Intangibles Adherence to NSO Athlete Agreement Adherence to IPP Ability to perform at a level consistent with present skill level regularly in competition Self motivation & passion for the process of a high performance program Coachability & receptiveness to feedback Emotional intelligence & self awareness Personal Excellence Ability to access and take advantage of athlete services Injury prevention & management Well being Self responsibility, organisation & planning ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS In order to be considered for categorisation, an athlete must: be an Australian citizen and eligible and available to represent Australia in international competition be nominated by the OWIA/NSO or submit relevant application form be training to represent the OWIA/NSO in international competition and be actively training towards the relevant BME be following an Individual Performance Plan which has been endorsed by the OWIA/NSO be a registered member of the NSO and relevant IF have a signed athlete agreement with the OWIA/NSO comply with all anti-doping and other policy requirements of the OWIA, NSO, AIS and the ASC complete all medical screening requirements as stipulated by the OWIA/ NSO maintain a lifestyle conducive to sporting excellence maintain the high standard of personal behaviour expected of an athlete representing Australia 4 P a g e
CATEGORISATION PROCESS The categorisation of athletes will be undertaken by the relevant Athlete Categorisation Panel. The Athlete Categorisation Panel is made up of representatives of the NSO and OWIA. Athletes are categorised according to the most recent BME result and by applying the criteria as outlined in this document. CATEGORISATION REVIEW PERIODS The categorisation of athletes will be subject to ongoing reviews. Athlete categorisation will be formally reviewed twice per year, at which time athletes may be added, removed or moved to a different category. Figure 6: Athlete Categorisation Timeline Date Activity 1 April Athlete application for consideration for athlete categorisation open 30 April Closing date for all athlete categorisation applications 1 May Categorisation applications collated and sent to the OWIA for review by the Athlete Categorisation Panel 10-20 May Athlete Categorisation Panel to meet and finalise athlete categorisation categories. 20 May Athlete categorisation recommendations forwarded to AIS for ratification 1 June Confirmation and publication of categorisation 1 October Review of athlete categorisation 10 October Revised list sent to AIS for ratification 20 October Confirmation and publication of categorisation ATHLETE NUMBERS AND SUPPORT The provision of athlete services for categorised athletes is subject to available resources. The membership of a particular category does not automatically entitle an athlete to receive support and athletes within the same category may not receive the same level of support. ONGOING INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE MONITORING Athletes will be assessed against their Individual Performance Plan on a regular basis. If following a review an athlete is deemed not to be progressing he/she will be provided opportunity to address any concerns within a 3 month period. Failure to address concerns in an appropriate manner may result in the level of support being changed or an athlete removed completely from the athlete categorisation. APPEALS The appeal process for any athlete unsatisfied with the categorisation outcomes is in accordance with the procedures and policies as outlined in the OWIA Member Protection Policy which is published on the OWIA website. 5 P a g e
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION Should an exceptional circumstance prevent an athlete from achieving the required BME result for levels 1, 2A or 2B, and there is compelling evidence that the athlete should be included in one of these categories, special consideration may be granted. In special cases, athlete s individual circumstances may prevent them from achieving the minimum performance criteria. The circumstances of such athletes can be taken into consideration. The overriding notion is to ensure that the right athlete receives the right support at the right time in the high performance pathway. If at any time, in the opinion of the OWIA/ NSO, an athlete is deemed not to be receiving the appropriate level of support the OWIA/ NSO will address this with the AIS Performance Manager. BENCHMARK EVENTS (BME) In any year the BME will be the WCH or OWG or nominated WC event or equivalent. Figure 7: Benchmark Events 2015-2018 Year Dates Discipline Name of event Location 2015 February 3-15 2015 Alpine Skiing FIS World Championships Vail/Beaver Creek (USA) February 18 - March 1 2015 Cross Country Skiing FIS World Championships Falun (SWE) January 15-25 2015 Freestyle Skiing - All Disciplines FIS World Championships Kreischberg (AUT) January 15-25 2015 Snowboard - All Disciplines FIS World Championships Kreischberg (AUT) February 23- March 08 2015 Bobsleigh & Skeleton FIBT World Championships Winterberg (GER) March 23-29 2015 Figure Skating ISU World Championships Shanghai (CHN) February 12-15 2015 Long Track Speed Skating ISU World Single Distance Heerenveen (NED) Championships March 13-15 2015 Short Track Speed Skating ISU World Championships Moscow (RUS) 2016 tbc Alpine Skiing tbc tbc tbc Cross Country Skiing tbc tbc tbc Freestyle Skiing - Aerials tbc tbc tbc Freestyle Skiing - Moguls tbc tbc tbc Freestyle Skiing - Ski Cross tbc tbc tbc Freestyle Skiing - Halfpipe tbc tbc tbc Freestyle Skiing - Slopestyle tbc tbc tbc Snowboard - Cross tbc tbc tbc Snowboard - Halfpipe tbc tbc tbc Snowboard - Parallel tbc tbc Tbc Snowboard - Slopestyle tbc tbc Tbc Bobsleigh & Skeleton FIBT World Championships Igls (AUT) March 28 - April 3 2016 Figure Skating ISU World Championships Boston (USA) February 11-14 2016 Long Track Speed Skating ISU World Single Distance tbc Championships March 11-13 2016 Short Track Speed Skating ISU World Championships Seoul (KOR) 2017 February 6-19 2017 Alpine Skiing FIS World Championships St. Moritz (SUI) February 21 - March 5 2017 Cross Country Skiing FIS World Championships Lahti (FIN) March 6-19 2017 Freestyle Skiing - All Disciplines FIS World Championships Sierra Nevada (SPA) March 6-19 2017 Snowboard - All Disciplines FIS World Championships Sierra Nevada (SPA) Tbc Bobsleigh & Skeleton FIBT World Championships Sochi (RUS) March 29 - April 2 2017 Figure Skating ISU World Championships Helsinki (FIN) February 9-12 2017 Long Track Speed Skating ISU World Single Distance Gangneug (KOR) Championships March 10-12 2017 Short Track Speed Skating ISU World Championships Rotterdam (NED) 2018 February 9-25 2018 All Disciplines Olympic Winter Games 2018 Pyeong Chang (KOR) 6 P a g e
GLOSSARY OF TERMS Figure 8: Glossary of Terms Acronym Definition Acronym Definition BME Benchmark Event FIS International Ski Federation OWIA Olympic Winter Institute of Australia OWG Olympic Winter Games AIS Australian Institute of Sport WC FIS World Cup competition OR equivalent ASC Australian Sports Commission WCH World Championships AOC Australian Olympic Committee WJC World Junior Championships SIS/SAS State Institutes of Sport/ State Academies of Sport NC Australian National Championships NSO National Sporting Organisation NAC Nor-Am Cup IPP Individual Performance Plan EC Europa Cup IF International Federation AWE Australia s Winning Edge KEY CONTACTS Olympic Winter Institute: Ski & Snowboard Australia: Andrew Pattison Ramone Cooper andrew.pattison@owia.org rcooper@skiandsnowboard.org.au 03 9686 2977 03 9696 2344 7 P a g e