Australian Fencing Federation
High Performance Plan Annual Program 2015/2016
Contents
High Performance Plan Annual Program 2015/2016 ...................................................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 2
The “Australian Fencing Team” (AFT) & “Australian Fencing Squad” (AFS)................................................................................................................ 2
The Australian Fencing Team, Australian Fencing Squad & International Competition ............................................................................................. 3
Key criteria and conditions to note ............................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Categorization of Events .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
High Performance Plan 2012-2024 – Olympic Cycle Goals ............................................................................................................................................. 6
1st Olympiad: 2012-2016 ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 6
2nd Olympiad: 2016-2020 ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
3rd Olympiad: 2021-2024............................................................................................................................................................................................ 6
High Performance Plan 2012-2024 – First Olympic Cycle Goals 2012-2016 ............................................................................................................... 7
Competition Pathway ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 10
Introduction
The High Performance Plan Annual Program 2015/2016 is the reference point for the Australian Fencing Federation to ensure the objectives
of the High Performance Plan 2012-24 are achieved. It provides information on the requirements and commitments of the Australian Fencing
Team (‘AFT’) and Australian Fencing Squad (‘AFS’) and identifies key performance indicators for athletes, coaches and other key personnel.
Each annual plan must fit into the overarching High Performance Plan 2012-24, and forms the critical stepping stones to achieving medals in
the international fencing arena.
The “Australian Fencing Team” (AFT) & “Australian Fencing Squad” (AFS)
The AFS is now established as part of the HPP Structure as a stepping stone into the "Australian Fencing Team". The "Australian Fencing Team"
has seen continued refinement in the training commitments and increases in the ways in which we both achieve and measure success. Both the
AFS and AFT have seen increases in the availability of optional additional training options above the minimum required commitment and will
continue to see evolution towards a volume and standard that best achieves the goals of both the individual athletes and the teams. This cycle
has seen the introduction targeted camps specific to the needs identified by the NWCs and progress is now being made on the development of
NWC designed training tours.
The "Australian Fencing Squad" is an opportunity for all athletes across all age groups to implement the same training model as members of the"
Australian Fencing Team". It is selected at the beginning of the fencing year that is relevant for each age category to provide for the transition to
represent Australia at benchmark international events. The "Australian Fencing Squad" athletes have the opportunity to represent Australian at
Asian Championships where teams are not filled by "Australian Fencing Team" Athletes.
The" Australian Fencing Team” is Australia's national fencing team across all age groups, genders and weapons. It is selected at the beginning of
the fencing year that is relevant for each age category to prepare for and represent Australia at benchmark international events.
Members of the AFT and AFS will be selected following the World Championship for their respective age category (or the event determined
by HPPC where there is no World Championship). Selection is based on national ranking at the close of nominations. Fencers must have
achieved the minimum number of points required for the category they have chosen to nominate. Athletes or their Guardian (when under 18)
must have r e a d a n d a c c e p t e d the terms and conditions of appointment to the AFT or AFS (see Athlete Agreement).
In the event that AFT places are not filled, AFS fencers will be invited by the selection committee to accept a position on the AFT. Nominations
may reopen within a contract cycle at the discretion of the AFF Executive.
The Australian Fencing Team, Australian Fencing Squad & International Competition
The table below summarizes the criteria and conditions for the AFT & AFS, and for eligibility for international competition. The basis for these
criteria and conditions are to build a team-based, high performance environment for Australian fencing. Representing Australia in international
events is an honour that should be earned through performance and commitment to training and developing under the auspices of a national
program. Through this program, fencers will be guided and supported in their development and will be encouraged to participate in training,
camps, squads and events that are appropriate for their age, skill and capacity.
Selection Table
Selection
AFT
AFS
Non AFT/AFS
Number of Athletes
(per weapon and gender)
Cadets: 4
Juniors: 4
U23s: 2
Seniors: 6
Veterans: 2
Cadets: 6
Juniors: 6
U23s: 6
Seniors: 6
Veterans: 6
Unlimited
Minimum Points Required
Cadets: 25 points
Juniors: 35 points
U23s: 30 senior points or 30 junior
points from preceding season
Seniors: 35 points
Veterans: N/A (Ranking Pts only)
Cadets: 15 points
Juniors: 15 points
U23s: 15 senior points or 15 junior
points from the preceding season
Seniors: 15 points
Veterans: No Minimum requirement
Nil
Performance Threshold
See tables C to F in AFF Selection
Policy
Yes (if meet eligibility requirements)
N/A
Yes (if meet eligibility requirements)
See tables C to F in AFF Selection
Policy
No (Cadet, Junior, U23, Open)
Veterans Yes
Yes (if meet eligibility requirements)
Yes (if meet eligibility requirements)
Yes (if meet eligibility requirements)
Yes – Category A, B, C, D and E events
(Cadet, Junior, U23, Open)
No - Veterans
Yes – Category C & D events, after AFT
(Cadet, Junior, U23, Open)
No - Veterans
*AFT and AFS numbers may vary at the discretion of the AFF
executive when circumstances warrant
Eligibility for International Events
(Category A & B)
Eligibility for International Events
(Category C & D)
Eligibility for International Events
(Category E)
Priority Selection for International
Events
No (Cadet, Junior, U23, Open)
Veterans Yes
No (Cadet, Junior, U23, Open)
Veterans Yes
Yes (if meet eligibility
requirements)
No
Competition and Training Commitments Table
Competition & Training
Commitments
AFT
AFS
International Competition
Commitment
Open - Category E event (advised by the NWC when No
calendar is available) and Category C Event
U23 - Category A and Category C event
Cadet and Junior - Category A and specified
category E event (Unless conditions of category C event
Non AFT/AFS
No
change by Oct 31st 2015)
National Camp Commitment
All Age CategoriesTwo four-day HPP camps at the AIS
One in Summer 17th-20th Dec 2015
One in Winter 25th-28th June 2016
All Age CategoriesTwo four-day HPP camps at the AIS
One in Summer 17th-20th Dec 2015
One in Winter 25th-28th June 2016
By invitation of the National Coach
as part of talent identification.
Training Commitment –
General
As agreed by NWC, PC & Athlete.
Suggested minimum is 2 squad sessions, 2
sessions with individual coach, 2 other
fencing specific sessions and 3 physical
conditioning sessions per week. The
contents of these sessions will vary
according to individual training plans
As agreed by NWC, PC & Athlete.
Suggested minimum is 2 squad sessions, 2
sessions with individual coach, 2 other
fencing specific sessions and 3 physical
conditioning sessions per week. The
contents of these sessions will vary
according to individual training plans
As agreed by PC & Athlete if
preparing for Category E
international events (NWC also if
team event is included).
Training Commitment –
Squads
One state or regional (NWC approved) squad
session per week, 40 weeks of the year plus
either a second state or regional (NWC
approved) training squad session per week, 40
weeks of the year OR 8 hours per month for 10
months of the year in whatever format is
approved by the NWC. HPM, and host state
association (absences approved by NWC and
HPM)
At least one state or regional (NWC
approved) squad session per week, 40
weeks of the year (absences approved by
NWC and HPM)
As agreed by PC & Athlete if
preparing for Category E
international events (NWC also if
team event is included).
Training commitment – Coach
Supervised Training Sessions
Required average of 2, recommended
average of 3/wk for 40 weeks of year. As
agreed by NWC, PC & Athlete
12 months, selected after World
Championships for category, vacant
positions reviewed and advertised as
required
Required average of 2/wk for 40 weeks of As agreed by PC & Athlete if preparing
year. As agreed by NWC, PC & Athlete
for Category E international events
Tenure & Application
(NWC also if team event is included).
12 months, selected after World
Championships for category, vacant
positions reviewed and advertised as
required
N/A
Key criteria and conditions to note:
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AFT members will be the only fencers eligible to compete in World Championships and Universiade.
For Asian Championships there is a cascading selection system that prioritises AFT nominations first, then AFS.
For all other events there is a cascading selection system that prioritises AFT nominations first, then AFS, then all others.
AFT and AFS members from younger age groups will not receive priority under the cascading selection system unless they have
achieved the eligibility requirements for membership of the AFT or AFS for that age group.
AFT/S places will remain vacant if fencers are not eligible to fill the positions as determined by the selection process .
Fencers who meet eligibility requirements throughout the season will be eligible to nominate for vacant AFT/S positions when and if
nominations are called. International fencers may apply for exemptions and consideration of relevant international events.
The AFF Executive can approve additional places on the AFT/S outside of the number specified for each age group. This remains
subject to the fencer meeting the eligibility requirements and/or there being exceptional circumstances.
The National Weapon Coach and High Performance Manager may use their discretion to exempt a member of the AFT from a
mandatory event specified in their Athlete Agreement if they believe an alternative event would be preferable for that athlete. The
chair of the HPPC will mediate in the case of disagreement between the NWC and the HPM.
Benefits Table
BENEFITS
Australian Representative
Recognition
AFT
Yes – Team Member (Prestige)
Website
AFS
Non AFT/AFS
Yes – Squad Member (Less Prestige) Minimal opportunities
Website
No Website
Strength and Conditioning
Assessment
Free
Cost (built into AFS annual fees)
Entry to AFF Training Camps
Guaranteed places at all designated Guaranteed places at all designated By invitation of the NWC for the
purpose of talent identification or
AFF camps
AFF camps
benifit of HPP athletes
At rate determined by AFF
Free (whenever possible but built into AFT feesFree (built into AFS Annual
see AFT/AFS fees operational protocol document)
fees)
As charged by state association
As charged by state association
As charged by state association
Individual at cost/Team free
N/A
N/A
Fees for AFF Training Camps
State Squad Training
Category A & B Event Entry
Cost Built into AIS Camp fees
Categorisation of Events
Category A
Category B
Category C
Category D
Category E
World Championships
Universiade
Asian Zone Championships
World Cups, Asian Zone Country Events (excluding Australia), Commonwealth Championships , European
Circuit Events, North American Cups, European National Events, Oceania Championships, New Zealand
National Championships
Championships, New Zealand National Championships
High Performance Plan 2012-2024 – Olympic Cycle Goals
1st Olympiad: 2012-2016
Focuses on developing, implementing and consolidating the structures and programs required to lead Australian fencing towards international
success; and improving performance in the Asian Zone (see High Performance Program Annual Plans 2012-2016).
2nd Olympiad: 2016-2020
Focuses on achieving a continuous flow of new generations of fencers through established pathways across age groups, weapons a nd
competition categories; achieving consistent high performance in the Asian Zone; and improving performance in World-level events (see High
Performance Program Annual Plans 2016-2020).
3rd Olympiad: 2021-2024
Focuses on achieving a depth of competitiveness across Asian and World-level events and age groups, including Asian Championships, World
championships and Olympic Games; high performance across the weapons; and evidence of a proven model of athlete development (see High
Performance Program Annual Plans 2020-2024).
High Performance Plan 2012-2024 – First Olympic Cycle Goals 2012-2016
The following Plan includes broad goals for the first Olympic Cycle (2012-2016) as well as relevant goals for 2015-16. 2015-16 is the final year of
the current Olympic Cycle, This cycle commenced with a rebuild phase following the retirement of several senior fencers who were experienced
international campaigners. Although Olympic qualification is always the primary goal of the HPP, in order to achieve this the goals of this cycle
have been considered in light of redeveloping a talent pool from which our next Olympic prospects will likely eventuate.
Primary
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To be competitive at benchmark international events.
To achieve podium finishes in selected international competitions.
Secondary
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To provide effective and efficient organization and implementation of a high performance Plan within Australian Fencing
To engage Australia’s best athletes in the High Performance Plan
To provide a structure for elite coaches to work with the AFF through the HP Plan to achieve better outcomes for Australian elite
fencers
To increase the number of elite fencers in Australia through the provision of greater opportunities
To provide clear pathways for development from U13 fencing through to international high performance
To provide training and development opportunities for referees
To increase public awareness and interest in elite fencers and fencing
Participation
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To engage 70% or more of athletes eligible to be selected for the AFT and AFS
Competition (High Performance)
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To encourage and facilitate participation in international events along the Competition Pathway (Category E to A) – with Australian
athletes competing in at least one event per Category on the Competition Pathway.
To facilitate and encourage opportunities that flow from high level Competition participation, for example being included for FIE camps
and events such as the Youth Olympic Games
To progress suitable athletes to higher events along the Competition Pathway each year
To add 6-10 new athletes to international Competition Pathway events each year
Athlete Development (Camps, Tours)
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Develop high level training camps within Australia (state, national, or international camps)
Develop opportunities for international training camps with successful clubs or national teams in Europe, Asia or America
Develop, promote and run international training and competition tours for U17, U20 and Senior fencers, and at different level s along
the Competition Pathway
Coach & Referee Development
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To provide coaching clinics and seminars at AFF events and other appropriate occasions around high performance and international
coaching issues
To provide refereeing clinics at AFF events and other appropriate occasions around international refereeing standards
To observe and provide feedback to referees throughout AFF events
To develop effective communication and feedback mechanisms between HPM, NWCs, personal coaches and athletes
To ensure personal coaches, assistant national coaches and NWC’s work together to achieve high performance results
In partnership with the states, to create Assistant National Coaching positions for all weapons and award by contract
To provide training and development opportunities for referees at AIS Camps
Resources
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To create partnerships with AIS, and other sports medicine and sports science services to provide greater access to support
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services for Australian fencers
To develop effective high performance strength and conditioning, recovery, flexibility and rehabilitation programs for Australian
fencers
To provide training for Australian fencers and coaches to utilise the above programs
To explore ICT solutions for athlete program management
Policies, Procedures & Management
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To develop effective reporting and management procedures for the HP program
To ensure compliance with HP program reporting from assistant national coaches and NWC’s
To minimise appeals against decisions made by the Selection Commission in applying the AFF Selection Policy.
To provide detailed Operational support associated with the formal selection procedure.
To provide sufficient explanatory information via the AFF web site to enable formulation of decisions by fencers (and parents).
To monitor and manage HP staff to ensure achievement of HP goals and objectives (HP Manager, HP Manager-Operations, HP
Manager-Finance & Contracts, National Weapons Coaches and National Coaching Director)
Competition Pathway
Olympic Games
World Championships
Universiade, World Cups
Asian Championships
Asian Zone National Events
US National Events (NAC)
European National Events
South East Asian Zone Events
New Zealand & Oceanic Zone Events
Australian Fencing Federation Events State,
Club & School Events