NATIONAL SQUAD

&

HIGH PERFORMANCE PROGRAM

National Squad

Make Dreams Come True

Why join?

The National Squad 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 National Squad Members, 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.

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

Oceania 2019 New Zealand

Learn more

The High Performance Program Outline provides a detailed overview of:

  • National Squad Process
  • National Squad Member expectations
  • National Squad High Performance Program Scope
  • National Squad – Development Pathways for different ages
> Program Outline

Athlete Categorisation

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

Learn more

Integrated Calendar

The High Performance Commission maintains an integrated calendar which includes competitions (the Australian Fencing Circuit and relevant international events) and training opportunities for National Squad members.

View calendar

Designated Events

The AFF Selection Policy refers to 'Designated Events', giving preference to National Squad members when selecting Australian athletes for these tournaments. The High Performance Commission publishes a list of Designated Events here.

View Designated Events

How to join the National Squad

Calls for nominations to join the National Squad 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 National Squad, athletes should review:

  • AFF Selection Policy
  • National Squad Athlete Agreement
  • Other AFF policies

Selection Policy

Selections to the National Squad 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.

View Selection Policy

Athlete Agreement

National Squad 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 polices

Costs

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

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

National Squad Fees
National Squad Fees

National Squad Nomination Fee$165This will be refunded if your nomination to the National Squad is not successful
National Squad Member - participation feeAdult ($1716)

Youth ($638)		Invoiced in equal installments over the length of the athlete contract

Camps
Tour costs
Group of fencing athletes holding an Australian flag

Nominations opening in 2023

> View current National Squad here