The WAIS Sailing Program focuses on the development of athletes with the capability to represent Australia now and in the future. WAIS' role is specifically within the daily training environment, enhancing performance through coaching, sport science / sport medicine and career and education.

Objectives

Program Categories
The Program consists of the athletes selected in the following categories:

WORLD CLASS ATHLETE
International competitor in an individual athlete event with a current world ranking of 1-8 OR a member of a national team which has a current world ranking of 1-4 and is considered capable of maintaining this level of performance.

INTERNATIONAL CLASS ATHLETE
International competitor in an individual athlete event OR a member of a national team at benchmark competitions and is considered capable of retaining or progressing their level of performance.

EMERGING INTERNATIONAL CLASS ATHLETE
Athlete with the capability to achieve at least international class athlete status within 1-3 years.

POTENTIAL INTERNATIONAL CLASS ATHLETE
Athlete with the capability to achieve at least international class athlete status within 3-7 years.

Timeframe
Athlete squad memberships will commence on 1 April and conclude on the 31 March annually.

Selection Process
Athletes are selected through the following criteria and process:

a. Athletes are assessed using a Athlete Attribute Matrix which comprises of seven categories: Physical, Tactical, Technical, Psychological, Behavioural, External and Competition across the four separate Scholarship types.

b. The athlete matrix is discussed by a selection panel consisting of the WAIS Coaching Group Manager: Racing Sports and/or Performance Manager, WAIS Head Coach, WAIS Service Providers and often a representative of the state sporting association.

c. Athletes deemed having the most potential to achieving the organisational outcomes will be offered scholarships.

d. All selections are endorsed by WAIS executive director and the Joint Management Committee comprising representatives of the National and State Sporting Association. 

Benefits
WAIS offers a range of services to athletes as prioritised on the basis of the athlete scholarship tier and needs identified by their coach. Services may include coaching, gym access, sports psychology, biomechanics, physiology, nutrition and career and education guidance.

In addition to these services WAIS may also offer direct financial support to offset competition travel expenses, coaching fees, venue access fees and medical costs. All services offered by WAIS are at the discretion of the relevant Coaching Group Manager.

Queries on Selection
All questions concerning any aspect of selection must be in writing and addressed to the WAIS Coaching Group Manager: Racing Sports or the WAIS Head Coach.

De-selection Process
An athlete may request to end their scholarship at any time by informing the Coaching Group Manager: Racing Sports in writing. WAIS can initiate termination of an athlete's scholarship after a formal review based on the athlete's current performances and level of commitment.