2011 Armidale Sportspower Rugby Program Information
 

Who is Eligible	Male athletes 15-18 yrs of age in 2011; Athletes must reside in the Northern Inland region; Athletes must be a member of an affiliated club or association or be prepared to join.
Selection Process	Up to 35 athletes will be offered NIAS Scholarships in the 2011 NIAS Rugby Union program. Selection is based on performance at club, school and representative level through the season as well as performance at the designated NIAS Selection Trials. Athletes may also be identified through the ARU’s Rugby’s Pathway to Gold Talent Discovery Program.
Program year	Scholarship offered is for a 12 month period, November to November
Program Outcomes	The program is developed to provide athletes (NIAS Scholarship holders) with targeted long term skill, physical and off field development. National models for skill and physical development from the ARU’s High Performance Unit are coached in the program to provide regional athletes access to national talent identification and development opportunities. Off field education RACE Workshops delivered by NIAS included in the program ensure athletes are exposed to ‘whole athlete’ development – a critical component to the successful long term development of a high performance athlete. The program is designed to enhance the skill, physical and off field education abilities of the athletes and prepare them for high performance at club and/or school level and for representation at regional (Central North & New England), state (NSW) and national level.
Selection Criteria	Selection is based on performance at club, school and representative level through the season as well as performance at the designated NIAS Selection Trials. Athletes may also be identified through the ARU’s Rugby’s Pathway to Gold Talent Discovery Program. Players will be assessed on the following criteria: ARU Junior Gold Squad Selection Criteria A. Playing Ability (Performance) & Potential ♦ Skill - Game Sense, Individual and Core Skills, Team Player ♦ Athleticism - Physicality, Speed, Aerobic & Anaerobic Ability, Strength ♦ Mental Toughness and Competitiveness, Maturity (Intelligence & Social Skills), Leadership B. Personal Attributes ♦ Application & Attitude ♦ Team player – positive contribution to team ♦ Coachability & Adaptability ♦ Academic/Learning capacity Background checks for all players will be performed prior to program selection. Interviews may be conducted prior to program selection.
Appeals	Subjectivity is an unavoidable element in all selections. Athletes who feel the selection criteria has not been adhered to should be aware that NIAS has a formal 'Appeals' process available.
Program content	The Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS) Rugby Union program is coordinated in conjunction with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) High Performance Unit and is recognised as a Junior Gold Regional Talent Centre. A series of training days, education seminars and camps are conducted predominantly through the off and pre season to prepare talented athletes for the competition phase of the season. Athletes receive the benefits of NIAS education and athlete support as well as the high performance rugby programming from the ARU High Performance Unit and its coaching team. The program provides an outstanding long term development program and pathway for all talented and aspiring rugby players in the Northern Inland region. From June to July players are required to attend the NIAS RACE program. This program covers education sessions on sport psychology, sports medicine, nutrition, public speaking, media training, sun protection and career skills.
Athlete Benefits	♦ Specifically designed, national programs for skill, physical and off field long term development. ♦ Inclusion in the national talent identification and development pathway via recognition of the NIAS Rugby Union program as a Junior Gold Regional Talent Centre program. ♦ High level coaching by regional, state and national level coaches including ARU High Performance coaching staff. ♦ Lifeskills RACE Program-Two 3 hr workshops including dinner for athlete and one parent. ♦ NIAS merchandise- training shirt, polo, shorts, cap and socks. Additional items available for purchase. ♦ Individual home training program and structured satelitte training sessions where applicable. ♦ Sport Science fitness testing and support. ♦ 1 Ticket to annual awards night. ♦ Travel Assistance to attend NIAS regional training sessions and camps. ♦ Financial assistance if selected into state team. ♦ Fully Paid Athlete Levy scholarships due to financial hardship are available.
Athlete Committments	♦ Attend all program activities. ♦ Rugby is no 1 priority sport while on scholarship. ♦ Be committed to a holistic approach to their development, both on and off th field. ♦ Comply with the training requirements and respond in a positive manner to any suggestion or criticism. ♦ Maintain an appropriate performance standard to continue to receive a scholarship. ♦ Behave and dress in a professional and dignified manner when representing the NIAS and its sponsors. ♦ Wear Academy apparel when representing the Academy at events. ♦ Make yourself available (within reason) to sponsors and the media for promotional purposes. ♦ Adhere to NIAS anti-Doping policy. ♦ Maintain communication with NIAS and coaching staff as required.
Cost	A levy of Approximately $455.00 (GST Incl) (Reduced levy for returning athletes) is applicable to successful athletes and assists in covering the costs of clothing Rugby Jumper, administration, accommodation, sports science support, venue hire, and coaching fees. (Total value of program is $1000 per Athlete.)
Applications	♦ Open Date- 1st August 2010 ♦ Close Date- 30th September 2010
Proposed Program- Please note dates and times will change, continue to check the web for updates
Date	Event	Venue	Time
10 October 2010	1st Squad Trials	Barraba Rugby Club	10am-3pm
24 October 2010	2nd Squad Trial/Final Selection	Tamworth- Venue TBC	10am-3pm
7 November 2010	Introductory Camp	TBA	TBA
20 November 2010	NIAS Induction and Fitness Testing	Oxley High School Tamworth	10am-4pm
15 November 2010	Satellite Training Session	Narrabri, Tamworth and Armidale	4.30-6pm
29 November 2010	Satellite Training Session	Narrabri, Tamworth and Armidale	4.30-6pm
6 December 2010	Satellite Training Session	Narrabri, Tamworth and Armidale	4.30-6pm
14 December 2010	Satellite Training Session	Narrabri, Tamworth and Armidale	4.30-6pm
17-19 Jan 2011	Abi Group Camp	Armidale	TBA
2 February 2011	Satellite Training Session	Narrabri, Tamworth and Armidale	4.30-6pm
14 February 2011	Satellite Training Session	Narrabri, Tamworth and Armidale	4.30-6pm
23 February 2011	Satellite Training Session	Narrabri, Tamworth and Armidale	4.30-6pm
2 March 2011	Satellite Training Session	Narrabri, Tamworth and Armidale	4.30-6pm
13 March	Regional Training day	TBA	4.30-6pm
21 March 2011	Satellite Training Session	Narrabri, Tamworth and Armidale	4.30-6pm
14-17 April 2011	Academy Games	Armidale	TBA
June- July 2011	RACE Workshops	Home Towns	5.30pm-9pm
Nov 2011	NIAS Annual Awards Night	Tamworth	6.00pm-10pm
FURTHER INFORMATION
NIAS Office: 67 662526 Email: nias@nias.org.au
PROGRAM SUPPORTED BY