Regional Talent Development Program

Enabling State sporting associations (SSAs) to develop to develop an infrastructure that provides a sequential pathway for talented regional athletes to achieve their potential in sport.

Related topics: high performance

Supporting baseball, cycling, gymnastics, netball,swimming, surfing, tennis, touch football.

Background

The Regional Talent Development Program (formerly Regional Academy of Sport Program) is an initiative of the Department of Sport and Recreation and plays a vital role in the regional sports system by enabling State Sporting Associations (SSAs) to develop an infrastructure that provides a sequential pathway for talented regional athletes to achieve their potential in sport.

Through the program, SSAs are able to seek funding to initiate and deliver sport development initiatives that match the skill level of their most talented athletes. These initiatives are intended to produce a recognised and systematic approach to assisting talented athletes from regional areas to enter mainstream high performance programs.

The Regional Talent Development Program has been operating since March 2000 and has been provided by DSR in response to a demonstrated need for country athletes to overcome many of the social, financial and cultural barriers they confront.

Objectives

The Regional Talent Development Program aims to:

Provide the strategic management, resources and advice to assist SSAs effectively manage their regional talent development program throughout Western Australia;
Encourage an increase in the standard of coaches in regional Western Australia and encourage the provision of opportunities for improved coach development and career pathways; and
Encourage the delivery of quality athlete development programs that are focused on the holistic development of the athlete and creating genuine high performance opportunities.

Key Outcome

That if, and when, talented regional athletes leave their home environment to seek further opportunity and/or to access a higher standard of service, they are fully prepared for the challenge and transition.

Program Principles

A talented athlete, regardless of where they reside in Western Australia, should ideally be developed in their home environment for as long as is possible.
Regional Talent Development Programs should be athlete centered and coach driven.
Talented athletes should be developed within a holistic framework that embraces their abilities, aspirations and individual qualities.
The local and regional sporting community should be significantly involved in and benefit positively from the program.
Where practical, coach and officials development should be integrated into regional talent development programs.

Key Result Areas

Planning
The sport has developed a sport performance plan, as part its strategic plan, which includes clear athlete development pathways and provides support for athletes who have the potential to achieve sporting excellence.
Athlete Development
The sport has an appropriate athlete development/elite pathway structure.
Coach Development
The sport has an appropriate coach development/elite pathway structure.
Officials Development
The sport has an appropriate official development/elite pathway structure.
Selection Policies
The sport has a clear selection process that is available to all athletes, coaches and officials aiming to pursue a high performance pathway.

Funding Eligibility

The Department of Sport and Recreation will only support:

Incorporated SSAs.
Specific programs and activities that are identifiable as part of a high performance development plan and support relevant athlete, coach and/or officials development.
SSAs and their participants that agree to and comply with the Australian Drugs in Sport Policy and Guidelines.
Programs and activities that are not supported or hosted in conjunction with tobacco companies.
Programs and activities that recognise and promote the support of the Department of Sport and Recreation.
SSAs without outstanding acquittals from previously funded DSR projects e.g. Organisational Sustainability Program, High Performance Coaching/Officiating Scholarships, Country Sport Enrichment Scheme etc.

What can be funded?

Individual athlete support – financial assistance towards the cost of training and competition e.g. entry fees, gym memberships, travel to training camps, travel to competitions, state team contributions etc.
Talent squads – selection and development of squads, facility hire and fees, training camps, program resources etc.
Coach and officials support – to cover up-skilling courses, conferences and events, attendance at camps, training and competition expenses etc.
Uniform, training and/or competition clothing items and/or promotional material.

Additional Information:

Regional Talent Development program funding is allocated against a three year program proposal with the current cycle being 2008-2011. Programs can be statewide or specific to a particular region. Please note, that funding is for program initiatives only, not infrastructure costs associated with running an SSA or delivering core business i.e. funding does not cover employment of existing/new staff, office/sporting equipment etc.

For more information

If you require additional information about the Regional Talent Development program, please contact:

Sam Shields
Talent Development Regional Coordinator
246 Vincent Street, LEEDERVILLE WA 6007
PO Box 329, LEEDERVILLE WA 6903
Telephone (08) 9492 9755
Facsimile (08) 9492 9711
Email Sam