1
ABOUT THE ACADEMY
South Australia’s Athletics Academy is a junior development squad that
has been developed by Athletics South Australia and Little Athletics South Australia, to provide a
targeted preparation program for all young athletes, aged between 11 and 19 years of age.
The Academy operates to assist athletes to further their skills, improve technical competencies,
motivations and knowledge in the sport of athletics.
The Academy covers all facets of Track & Field Events, theory and practical based, which are
delivered by highly skilled and experienced coaches.
Regardless of their current club or centre, athletes participating in The Academy will be connected
with, and have the support of both Little Athletics SA and Athletics SA.
THE DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY
An Athletics development pathway has been designed for young athletes, to progressively move
through the sport of athletics. The pathway will provide opportunities for them to:




Gain skills in line with their skill level and maturation
Move easily from one stage of involvement to another
Be motivated and have fun while developing their skills and interests
Inspire them to stay involved in the sport of athletics, for life
The Academy has four tiers; Bronze, Silver, Gold and the Target Talent Program (TTP).
TTP
Gold
Silver
Bronze
2
BRONZE SQUAD
The Bronze Squad is the first tier in the Academy, dedicated in developing athletes’ ability using a
multi-event approach. The emphasis will be placed on developing their all-round athletic ability,
ensuring sound biomechanical technique for running, walking, jumping and throwing.
Each month, athletes will rotate around the following event groups: Horizontal Jumps, Vertical
Jumps, Throws, Pole Vault, Sprints and Hurdles, Endurance and Walks.
The squad will participate in:



Academy Launch Day
9 practical sessions (2 hours in length), conducted by accredited athletics
coaches
2 fitness testing days, included in the program
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
 Be in the Under 11 Age group, and above, as per the Age Group Identifier.
 Have a desire to develop as an athlete.
Cost: $150.00
Cost includes: 9 x 2 hour practical sessions, Academy launch day, and fitness testing x 2, bronze
squad athletics training top and athletics information booklet.
Program Timetable:
Dates
Sunday 17 May, 2015
Sunday 14 June, 2015
Sunday 12 July, 2015
Sunday 16 August, 2015
Sunday 13 September, 2015
Sunday 11 October, 2015
Sunday 8 November, 2015
Sunday 31 January, 2016
Sunday 14 February, 2016
Time
1pm – 5pm
3pm- 5pm
3pm- 5pm
3pm- 5pm
3pm- 5pm
3pm- 5pm
3pm- 5pm
3pm- 5pm
3pm- 5pm
Practical component
Launch Day & Physical Testing
Physical Testing
Location: All sessions will be run at the SA Athletics Stadium.
145 Railway Terrace, (access via Marjorie Jackson Nelson Drive)
Mile End, SA 5031
CONTACT: Little Athletics SA on 08 8352 8133 for more information
3
SILVER SQUAD
The Silver Squad is the second tier in the Youth Academy dedicated in athletes’ specific
development training. This squad will be aimed at potential State Team Members.
Each month, athletes will choose what events they would like to attend from following event groups:
Horizontal Jumps, Vertical Jumps, Throws, Pole Vault, Sprints and Hurdles, Endurance and Walks.
This decision can be made in consultation with the academy coaches.
The squad will participate in:



Academy Launch Day
9 practical and theory sessions, conducted by accredited athletics coaches
o Practical sessions are 2 hours in length
o Theory sessions are 30 minutes in length
2 fitness testing days, included in the program
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
 Be in the Under 12 Age group, and above, as per the Age Group Identifier.
 Have met the selection criteria as listed on page 9 of this document.
 Have a desire to develop as an athlete
Cost: $170.00
Cost includes: 9 x 2 hour practical sessions, Academy launch day, and fitness testing x 2, ½ hour
theory sessions, silver squad athletics training top and theory booklet.
Program Timetable:
Dates
Sunday 17 May, 2015
Sunday 14 June, 2015
Sunday 12 July, 2015
Sunday 16 August, 2015
Sunday 13 September, 2015
Sunday 11 October, 2015
Sunday 8 November, 2015
Sunday 31 January, 2016
Sunday 14 February, 2016
Time
1pm – 5pm
1pm – 3:30pm
1pm – 3:30pm
1pm – 3:30pm
1pm – 3:30pm
1pm – 3:30pm
1pm – 3:30pm
1pm – 3:30pm
1pm – 3:30pm
Practical component
Launch Day & Physical Testing
Physical Testing
Location: All sessions will be run at the SA Athletics Stadium.
145 Railway Terrace, (access via Marjorie Jackson Nelson Drive)
Mile End, SA 5031
CONTACT: Little Athletics SA on 08 8352 8133 for more information
4
GOLD SQUAD
The Gold Squad is aimed at athletes who have represented the state at National Competitions and
have the potential to progress to the Athletics Australia High Performance stream.
It assists athletes by providing practical and educational sessions to support their development.
This squad requires both athlete and personal coach engagement.
The squad will participate in:



Academy Launch Day
5 practical and theory sessions, conducted by accredited athletics coaches
o Practical sessions are 2 hours in length, includes 2 fitness testing days
o Theory sessions are 1 hour in length
4 specialized practical and theory sessions, where attendance is optional based
on athletes needs of specific events
o Includes special guest athlete presenters
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Athletes and their personal coaches will be invited to participate in the Gold Squad.
Selection criteria will be;


Be a minimum of 13 years as of 31st of December, 2015. This is in line with the Athletics
Australia Entry Standards
Athletes who met the Australian Qualifying Standards for the age group they would have
competed in at the 2014 Australian Junior Championships. See page 9 for selection
criteria
Cost: $170.00
Cost includes: 9 x 2 hour practical sessions, Academy launch day, and fitness testing x 2, 1 hour
theory sessions, gold squad athletics training top and theory booklet.
Program Timetable:
Dates
Sunday 17 May, 2015
Sunday 14 June, 2015
Sunday 12 July, 2015
Sunday 16 August, 2015
Sunday 13 September, 2015
Sunday 11 October, 2015
Sunday 8 November, 2015
Sunday 31 January, 2016
Sunday 14 February, 2016
Time
1pm – 5pm
10am – 1pm
10am – 1pm
10am – 1pm
10am – 1pm
10am – 1pm
10am – 1pm
10am – 1pm
10am – 1pm
Practical component
Launch Day & Physical Testing – All events
All Events
All Events
All Events
Throws & Pole Vault (subject to change)
Physical Testing & All Events
Endurance and Walks (subject to change)
Jumps (subject to change)
Sprints & Hurdles (subject to change)
Location: All sessions will be run at the SA Athletics Stadium.
145 Railway Terrace, (access via Marjorie Jackson Nelson Drive)
Mile End, SA 5031
CONTACT: Athletics SA on 08 8354 3477 for more information
5
Targeted Talent Program (TTP)
The Target Talent Program (TTP) is the highest tier of the Academy and is funded and directed by
Athletics Australia, via Athletics South Australia. TTP is the early identification element of Athletics
Australia's High Performance Department. Within the overall TTP squad, there are two sub squads;
the Under 15 and Under 17 squads.
The aim of this program is to encourage and develop the best young athletes around the country,
by providing them with an opportunity to train with other talented athletes, learn from professionals
and to interact with their personal coach and other TTP personal coaches in a training
environment.
The TTP squad will cover 7 event groups which include: Endurance, Sprints, Hurdles, Walks,
Throws, Jumps and Pole Vault. Whilst there will be core components of the TTP, each event group
will have their own event leader that will assist Athletics South Australia by coordinating a specific
event program, with their own specific aims and outcomes.
Personal coaches are asked to be heavily involved in the program, and will be required for a planning
session.
Cost
There will be no cost to the athletes in the TTP squad. Athletes will receive funding and specialist
support to assist them in their continued development.
Selection Policy*
The following Abled Body Athletes and their personal coaches will be invited to the TTP Squads:
 Represented Australia at an International Event in 2014, or
 Selected to represent Australia in 2015, or
 Have been selected in an Australian Junior Squad, or
 Placed in the top 8 at the 2015 Australian Junior Championships or
 Gold medallist in the U16 / U17 / U18 / U19 in the South Australian State Championships

The following Para-Athletes and their personal coaches will be invited to the TTP Squads:
o
o
o
o
Represented Australia at an International Event, or
Selected to represent Australia in 2015, or
Have been selected in an Australian Junior Squad, or
Have met 80% of the world record and above for their classification at the Australian
Junior Championships or at the South Australian State Championships
Program Structure:
To be determined at the Coaches Planning Session in late May, 2015. Date TBC.
CONTACT: Athletics SA on 08 8354 3477 for more information
*PLEASE NOTE: Athletes in the TTP squad will be notified directly by Athletics SA.
6
POLICIES
CODE OF CONDUCT/BEHAVIOUR POLICY
Athletes, Coaches, Officials and Staff of the SA Athletics Academy must abide by the
following behaviour policies:
Little Athletics SA- Codes of Behaviour Policy
Athletics SA- Code of Conduct
SELECTION POLICY- Bronze Squad
1.
Introduction
1.1 The SA Athletics Academy will be held from May 2015 – February
2016.
1.2 Four (4) tiers encompass the SA Athletics Academy: Bronze, Silver,
Gold and TTP Squads.
1.3 This document outlines the selection policy for the Bronze Squads
only.
2.
Eligibility
2.1 All athletes can register for the Bronze squad, if an athlete is not a Little
Athletics SA or Athletics SA member, they must pay an additional
cost of $10.00 to cover personal insurance.
2.2 Age Eligibility
2.2.1 Be in the Under 11 Age group, and above, as per the Age
Group Identifier.
3.
Selection Criteria
3.1 There is no selection criteria for athletes in the Bronze squad, other than
age.
7
SELECTION POLICY- Silver, Gold and TTP squads
1. Introduction
1.1 The SA Athletics Academy will be held from May 2015– February 2016.
1.2 Four (4) tiers encompass the SA Athletics Academy: Bronze, Silver, Gold
and TTP Squads.
1.3 This document outlines the selection policy for the Silver, Gold and TTP
Squads only.
1.4 Athletes in the Silver, Gold and TTP squads may be invited individually to
participate in the squads, however, all athletes are welcome to join if they
have met the selection criteria, as listed below.
2. Eligibility
2.1 All athletes must be registered with Athletics SA or Little Athletics and a
member Club/Centre
2.2 Age Eligibility
2.2.1 Silver Squad athletes must in the Under 12 age group and above
as per the Age Group Identifier.
2.2.2 Gold Squad athletes must be a minimum of be a minimum of 13
years as of 31st December, 2015. This is in line Athletics Australia
Entry Standards
2.2.3 TTP U/17 athletes must be a minimum of 15 years as of 31st
December, 2015. This is in line Athletics Australia Entry
Standards
2.2.4 TTP U/19 athletes must be a minimum of 17 years as of 31st
December, 2015. This is in line Athletics Australia Entry
Standards.
3. Selection Criteria
3.1 The selection for the squads is based on results from the previous and
current athletics season only.
3.2 Events must be considered from Athletics Australian or Little Athletics
Australia or member association’s competitions only.
8
3.3 Silver Squad
3.3.1 Athletes must have achieved two or more of the following
qualifications at a state/national championship event in the 2013/2014
and/or 2014/2015 season.
Silver Squad- Boys
Event
Qualifying Standard
100m
13.9
200m
29.5
400m
1:07.6
800m
2:38.0
1500m
5:35.0
1500m Walk
9:00.0
60m Hurdles
10.7
80m Hurdles
15.0
Discus (750g) 25.50
Discus (1kg)
23.00
Shot Put (3kg) 7.80
Javelin
25.10
High Jump
1.41
Long Jump
4.50
Triple Jump
9.00
Silver Squad – Girls
Event
Qualifying Standard
100m
14.4
200m
30.4
400m
1:12.0
800m
2:43.0
1500m
6:05.0
1500m Walk
9:30.0
60m Hurdles
11.0
80m Hurdles
15.3
Discus (750g) 22.50
Shot Put (2kg) 9.40
Shot Put (3kg) 7.40
Javelin
19.30
High Jump
1.30
Long Jump
4.20
Triple Jump
8.70
3.4 Gold Squad
3.4.1 Athletes and their personal coaches will be invited to participate
in the Gold Squad:
3.4.2 Athletes who met the Australian Qualifying Standards for the
age group they would have competed in at the 2014 Australian
Junior Championships. See below for standards:
3.4.2.1 Abled Body Standards
3.4.2.2 Para Athlete track Standards
3.4.2.3 Para Athlete Field Standards:
9
3.5 TTP Squad
3.5.1 The following Abled Body Athletes and their personal coaches
will be invited to the TTP Squads:
3.5.1.1 Represented Australia at an International Event in
2014, or
3.5.1.2 Selected to represent Australia in 2015, or
3.5.1.3 Have been selected in an Australian Junior Squad, or
3.5.1.4 Placed in the top 8 at the 2015 Australian Junior
Championships
3.5.2 The following Para-Athletes and their personal coaches will be
invited to the TTP Squads:
3.5.2.1 Represented Australia at an International Event, or
3.5.2.2 Selected to represent Australia in 2015, or
3.5.2.3 Have been selected in an Australian Junior Squad, or
3.5.2.4 Have met 80% of the world record and above for their
classification
4. Appeals
4.1 Appeals will close at 5pm on Wednesday the 13th of May, before the SA
Athletics Academy Launch day.
4.2 To lodge an appeal, please contact Athletics SA or Little Athletics SA.
4.3 A non-refundable administration fee will be required to submit your appeal.
4.4 Appeals will be considered for extenuating circumstances that prevented
an athlete from reaching the qualifying standard, provided they apply with
all the appropriate documentation.
4.4.1 Examples of appropriate appeals are: illness, injury, family
grievance and travel that prevented the athlete from training and
competing for a number of weeks.
4.4.2 Competition weather conditions are not deemed to be a satisfactory
reason for an appeal.
4.4.3 Silver squad appeals will be taken to the Competition and Event
Committee and the Gold and TTP squads will be taken to the
development committee for consideration.
10
REFUND POLICY
1. No refunds will be given for Academy sessions missed during the program.
2. In the event that an athlete was medically unable to participate in the Academy, it
will be required that he/she provide: A note from a Doctor on letterhead,
indicating why the athlete cannot participate. Only once this document has been
provided can a refund be discussed.
3. If the athlete has provided a doctors certificate prior to the start of season, and a
parent has requested a refund due to medical reasons they will receive a 100%
refund.
4. If a child has participated in an Academy session on one or more occasion/s,
they may receive a refund based on the amount of programs missed. Please
contact Little Athletics SA or Athletics SA.
5. If the Academy is cancelled due to Weather Policies, no refund will be given.
WEATHER POLICIES
Summer Weather Policy
The forecast maximum temperature is that issued by the Bureau of Meteorology
(BOM) at 4:00pm CDT two days prior to academy program (I.e. 4pm Friday for a
program to be conducted on a Sunday.) Members are encouraged to refer to the
Bureau’s website which can be found at: www.bom.gov.au
Forecast temperatures of 42 and above degrees, the program will be cancelled, and
will not be rescheduled. There will be no refund if the program is cancelled due to
weather.
Athletes should be encouraged to keep hydrated with plenty of water, wear adequate
clothing and bring a change of clothes and sunscreen.
Winter Weather Policy
The postponement, cancellation or continuation of a program due to winter weather
will be at the discretion of the Little Athletics SA and Athletics SA, whilst accessing
the BOM website. Generally speaking, most programs will continue in the winter
weather, unless extreme conditions arise.
Athletes should be encouraged to keep warm, wear adequate clothing and bring a
change of clothes.
Please ensure that you check the Little Athletics SA and Athletics SA Facebook for
any additional information regarding weather cancellations of the SA Athletics
Academy.
Little Athletics SA Facebook
Athletics SA Facebook
11
CONTACT US
LITTLE ATHLETICS SA:
PHONE: 08 8352 8133
WEBSITE: WWW.SALAA.ORG.AU
ATHLETICS SA:
PHONE: 08 8354 3477
WEBSITE: WWW.ATHLETICSSA.COM.AU
12