PROGRAMS

There are several state based and national programs used to support the talent identification and development of Paralympic Pathway athletes.

TARGET TALENT PROGRAM AWARD

In 2023 the Athletics Australia Target Talent program (TTP) aims to offer a flexible education model incorporating online Webinars and an associated Learning portal in conjunction with Practical Masterclasses in each state. TTP will aim to offer a greater environment for athletes to gain further knowledge to aid their performance development towards achieving higher performance standards. The TTP Award will be managed by Athletics Australia and supported by the local state Member Associations.

Athletes are able to achieve the TTP Bronze, Silver and Gold Award by completing each of the units offered through the use of the AA learning Portal and Webinars, hosted by the Athletics Australia Pathway Discipline Coordinators and experienced coaches.

To achieve the TTP Award each year, athletes will need to engage in the following:

Complete all education Webinars and the required online assessment
Complete a Goal Setting unit upon selection and Season Review at the end of the competition season.
Participate in atleast 1 Practical Masterclass.

EDUCATION WEBINARS

Nutrition
Exercise Physiology
Sport Psychology
Athlete Wellbeing
Injury Risk Reduction
Biomechanics
Performance Planning

PRACTICAL MASTERCLASSES

The aim is to connect High Performance Staff / Coaches / Athletes with talented athletes in each state.

Each state will hold a minimum of 2 Masterclasses which will target identified needs in each of their states. Coaches will be included in the consideration of Masterclass content and opportunities for HP Coach education is encouraged.

NATIONAL ATHLETE SUPPORT STRUCTURE (NASS)

NASS is Athletics Australia’s system that supports Australian athletes with demonstrated potential to achieve AAs targets at the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, and World Championships.

In general, NASS membership typically begins once an athlete finishes their membership at TTP level and is transitioning into the Open age group, but athletes can join the program at any time. The NASS program itself is serviced through the relevant member of the National Institute Network (NIN). Further information about NASS can be found below.

NASS

MEMBER ASSOCIATION SPECIFIC SCHEMES

A number of our Member Association partners have their own athlete support schemes, aimed at assisting developing athletes who have not been selected onto NASS. An example of this program is the SA Emerging Program. Check with your State Athletics Association to see what may be available to you.

MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS
Athletics Victoria	Athletics New South Wales
Queensland Athletics	Athletics Western Australia
Athletics ACT	Athletics NT
Athletics Tasmania

PATHWAY TRANSITION PROGRAM

Athletics Australia's (AA) Pathway Transition Program (PTP) is a program that supports Australian athletes who are demonstrating potential to achieve AA's HP Program goals and targets at Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, World Championships, and Commonwealth Games, but who are not yet categorised on AAs National Athlete Support Structure (NASS). The program provides performance support, planning assistance, and other developmental opportunities to athletes, with the strategic aim of bridging the gap between successful junior performance and medal winning performance at senior level. The focus will be in the Under-20 age group, however Under-23 athletes can be selected on a case-by-case basis.

Key performance services benefits for PTP athletes and coaches:

Sports Medicine
Sports Physiotherapy
Soft Tissue Therapy
Biomechanics
Sports Psychology
Sports Nutrition
Physiology
Strength and Conditioning

Other benefits include:

Athlete Well-being and Engagement Support
Travel assistance budget to support attendance at camps and key competitions
Coach development opportunities
A national PTP camp

PTP Selection Document

If you wish to be informed when new programs are launched by the Paralympic Pathway, please register for our mailing list (coming soon).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the Programs available to Paralympic Pathway athletes?

The key programs available to Paralympic Pathway athletes are:

Target Talent Program (TTP) – This is a program delivered by the State Member Associations (MA’s) to support athletes and their coaches on the Olympic and Paralympic Pathway at the junior and emerging level. TTP includes both educational and technical sessions.

State Based Talent Programs – Supplementary to the TTP, these are programs funded and facilitated by the State Sports Institutes (not all states provide a state-based talent program), often to support athletes to transition from TTP to NASS.

National Athlete Support Structure (NASS) – The National Athlete Support Structure (NASS) is designed to support athletes with demonstrated potential to medal at BME’s. This is a program invested in by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), facilitated by Athletics Australia and delivered by the State Sport Institutes. Athletes are selected onto NASS twice a year via the NASS Policy.

How do I access the Programs available to Paralympic Pathway Athletes?

TTP – Each state has different criteria for their Target Talent Program, for further information please contact your Member Association.

State Based Talent Program – For further information please contact your Member Association first to find out what programs are available/offered at the State Institute level.

NASS – Athletes who fit the criteria and aims of the NASS program will be contacted directly. For further information please review the NASS policy.

If you have further questions on how to be considered for the NASS program; please contact the Paralympic Program Manager.

Please visit the Paralympic Pathway Programs for up to date information on current programs.