2010 Tamworth Services Touch Program 

Who is Eligible	Male and female athletes should be aged between 12-16 in 2010, reside in Northern Inland region and be a member of an affiliated club or association or be prepared to join. (This is the age they are turning in 2010).
Selection Process	Up to 16 players may be offered a place in the Touch Program based on performances selection trials. A selection panel will assess each application based performances and attitude and commitment to Touch.
Program year	Scholarship offered is for the period, May to November 2010
Program Outcomes	The skill program is designed to provide athletes with increased skills and education to better prepare them for selection into Regional and NSW squads.
Selection Criteria	Athletes will be assessed on the following criteria at selections trials or via TID processess 1.T- Technique 2.I- Intelligence (Touch). 3. P- Physical Attributes 4. S- Skill 5. Endurance- 20m shuttle runSelection Criteria
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	Skill sessions and camps are held within the region throughout May to November. The skills program follows a structured approach concentrating on a range of individual skills and development. Fitness and skill sessions sessions  will be the major focus as they look to devlop the athletes in the game of Touch.  From  July- August 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	♦ Intensive training support by quality regional, guest and state level coaches. ♦ 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 available.
Athlete Committments	♦ Attend all program activities. ♦ Touch 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 recieve 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 $350.00 (GST Incl) (Reduced levy for returning athletes) is applicable to successful athletes and assists in covering the costs of clothing, administration, accommodation, sports science support, venue hire, and coaching fees. (Total value of program is $1500 per Athlete.)
Applications	♦ Open Date- 1st February 2010 ♦ Close Date- 28th March 2010
Proposed Program
Date	Event	Venue	Time
24 April 2010	Trial/Training day	Tamworth	9am-1pm
8 May 2010	Induction and Fitness Testing	Oxley High School Tamworth	9am-5pm
26 Jun 2010	Training day	TBA	TBA
24 July 2010	Training day	Tamworth	TBA
July- Aug 2010	RACE Workshops	Home Towns	5.30pm-9pm
21-22 Aug 2010	Newcastle camp	Tamworth	TBA
16 Oct 2010	Training Day	TBA	TBA
6 Nov 2010	NIAS Annual Awards Night/training day	Tamworth	6.00pm-10pm
FURTHER INFORMATION
NIAS Office: 67 662526 Email: nias@nias.org.au
PROGRAM SUPPORTED BY