NATIONAL Pathway

&

HIGH PERFORMANCE PROGRAM

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High Performance Program Nominations for season 2025/2026 are now open.

Nominations will close at 5pm (Sydney Time) on Friday 22 August, 2025.

To complete your nomination, click here.

National Pathway

Why join?

The National Pathway and its High Performance Program are designed to support athletes dedicated to elite fencing. The High Performance Program provides training structures, international competition opportunities and dedicated resources to members of the program, and is managed by the AFF's High Performance Commission.

The High Performance Program allows athletes to work with the National Coaching Team and other program support staff, and gives access to a range of resources across technical, physical, strategic, mindset, and other areas.

Program Members have priority for selection to represent Australia under the AFF's Selection Policy.

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Learn more

The High Performance Program Outline provides a detailed overview of:

  • High Performance Program Process
  • Expectations for Program Members
  • High Performance Program Scope
  • Development Pathways for different ages
> Program Outline

Program Elements

Weapon Calendars

The High Performance Commission maintains calendars for each weapon with all designated events, non-designated international events and international training opportunities for Program members - sorted by weapon and gender.

CALENDARS LINKED BELOW

Strength & Conditioning

Effective tailored strength and conditioning programs are critical for the success of an athletes in a High Performance environment.

S & C FLIER

AIS Camp

From 2-5 October a National Training Camp will take place at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra for all athletes in the National Program.

CAMP FLIER

Teamworks App

Your one-stop-shop for communication and information sharing - with every athlete to have their own personal program access.

TEAMWORKS FLIER

Athlete Categorisation

The AFF receives high performance funding from Sport Australia and the Australian Olympic Committee, some of which may be available to support individual athletes. As a result, the AFF is required to undertake Categorisation of eligible athletes.

LEARN MORE

Mindset

Focussing on helping athletes develop the mental skills necessary to perform at their best, manage pressure, and achieve their goals.

MINDSET FLIER

Training Centres

Performance Training Centres will be formed with a regular training framework created for each of the three weapons at centralised training venues.

INFO COMING SOON

Athlete Plan

As part of the National Program, all Members will all collaborate with Coaches and Management to create an Individual Performance Plan.

COMPLETE YOUR PLAN

Designated Events

The AFF Selection Policy refers to 'Designated Events', giving preference to HPP members when selecting Australian athletes for these tournaments. The HPC publishes a list of Designated Events each season and they can be found here.

VIEW DESIGNATED EVENTS

Nutrition

Focussing on individualising nutrition as part of athlete plans to enhance performance, recovery and overall health.

NUTRITION FLIER

Tours

Individual Tours will be set out for each weapon and age category, organised directly through the AFF can be found in the weapon calendars.

TOUR INFORMATION

Uniforms

Athletes are provided with an Australian t-shirt and pair of shorts as part of the sign-up. We have a huge variety of clothing available from the AFF store.

VISIT THE SHOP

How to join the High Performance Program

Calls for nominations to join the HPP are made annually, generally at the conclusion of the Fencing World Championships or the Olympics. Nominations are assessed according the the AFF Selection Policy.

Before nominating for the HPP, athletes should review:

  • AFF Selection Policy (2025 / 2026 AFF Selection Policy still to be ratified);
  • Athlete Agreement;
  • Other AFF policies;
  • Athlete Handbook.

Selection Policy

Selections to the High Performance Program are made in accordance with the AFF Selection Policy. If there is any inconsistency between this website and the Selection Policy, the Selection Policy will prevail.

Athlete Agreement

High Performance Program members are required to sign an Athlete Agreement acknowledging their commitment  and defining the terms and conditions of their membership. 

VIEW TERMS & CONDITIONS

Other Policies

In addition to the Athlete Agreement, applicants should be familiar with all AFF policies and operational protocols.

VIEW ALL POLICIES

Athlete Handbooks

High Performance Program members are encouraged to read the relevent Induction Handbooks.  These have been provided to assist in the understanding of the program and what is required to be on the Program.

National Program Fees

Costs

High Performance Program Members pay a Participation Fee, either as an Adult member (which includes the Senior, Junior, Cadet categories) or for as a Youth Member - either in total within 21 days of selection to obtain a discount, or in 12 equal monthly instalments.

Details of costs for program members, including HPC Designated Event Tours and camps, are itemised in the fee table published here.

HPP Fees
HPP Fees

Nomination Fee$169This will be refunded if your nomination to the HPP is not successful
Participation FeeAdult ($1806)

Youth ($672)		Invoiced in equal installments over the length of the athlete contract
Camps
Tour costs

Individual Weapon Calendars

Men's Epee
Men's Epee

National Squad Weapons Calendar - Men's Epee

Women's Epee
Men's Foil
Women's Foil
Men's Sabre
Women's Sabre
HPP Integrated