ASP: SELECTION PROCESS, CATEGORISATION AND PATHWAYS
WHO CAN APPLY?
Team Australia for the Invictus and Warrior Games is open to both serving and former serving veterans of the regular or reserve Australian Defence Force (ADF) who have become wounded, injured or ill (WII) during or as a direct consequence of their service.
The process of application begins with the ADF releasing an Expression of Interest (EOI) form for interested individuals to apply to be part of the Adaptive Sport Program (ASP). The ASP is the program that prepares and trains individuals for the Invictus Games and Warrior Games, although an invitation to participate in the ASP does not guarantee selection in the Games.
The selection process aims to identify the individuals that would benefit most from the experience in their recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
Invictus Australia advertises the release of the EOI through our social media channels and via our monthly newsletter.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS?
The stages of Team Australia’s Selection Process are as follows:
STAGE 1 – Expression of interest submitted by individuals to the ADF in response to the release of the Expression of Interest form.
STAGE 2 – EOIs are reviewed to create a “short list”, before anyone is invited to participate in the program activities. At this point, applicants who are not short listed to join the ASP will be notified by the ADF that their application has been unsuccessful.
STAGE 3 – Shortlisted applicants for the ASP are interviewed and have their applications reviewed by two panels; a medical panel and a coaching/management panel. At the conclusion of this stage, applicants are either invited to join the ASP or are notified by the ADF that their application has been unsuccessful.
STAGE 4 – Applicants that are invited to join the ASP will progress to take part in further selection and program activities. Invitations to activities will depend on the sports and events applied for in an individual’s EOI and for the purpose of selecting teams to compete at the Invictus Games and/or Warrior Games.
STAGE 5 – A selection panel is formed – comprised of program medical, coaching and management staff – to undertake the process of selecting the Australia Teams for the Invictus Games and Warrior Games. They apply a selection criteria principles to this process.
STAGE 6 – Australian Team is selected and announced at a time determined by program management.
For more information about the role Invictus Australia plays in delivering Team Australia to an Invictus Games, in partnership with the ADF, watch this short video
WHAT ARE THE SELECTION CRITERIA PRINCIPLES?
With the criteria weighted toward identifying those who would benefit from sport for recovery and rehabilitation, traditional ‘success’ (i.e. medals) is not an indicator of likelihood of attending another Games. By selecting new faces, it is also viewed as an opportunity to share the incredible Games experience with as many veterans as possible to maximise the benefits across the Defence community.
Team selection criteria and principles adhere to the following;
1. Recovery, Rehabilitation, Reintegration: Selection is based off this objective and how being a part of the team will assist in these points.
2. Attitude and Behaviour: How you will represent the Australian Defence Force values of Service, Courage, Respect, Integrity and Excellence, and operate effectively in the multi-sport team environment to support.
3. Commitment and Sportsmanship: Ensuring that all individuals uphold the ADF values as a group and as a Nation; operating as a united team that appreciates the privilege to represent the Australian Defence Force and Invictus Australia.
4. Readiness for Competition: Ensuring all individuals are ready for the environment (pressure/stress), that they can compete confidently and safely, and that they can maximise sport for their rehabilitation and recovery.
WHY DO I HAVE TO BE CATEGORISED ONCE SELECTED?
Once selected for the team, Team Australia competitors are categorised.
The Categorisation process is run independently by the Invictus Games Foundation, uses a more subjective approach to enable wider participation, and differs from International Paralympic Committee sport classes in number, format, naming and inclusivity, such as including psychological injuries and chronic health conditions. The aim of the IGF Categorisation process is to ensure that it is robust and fair in keeping with the ‘Spirit of the Games.’ It ensures individuals are neither advantaged nor disadvantaged by their impairment(s) and that a consistent approach is adopted across all the nations.
The system used is ‘functional’ – this means that the main factors that determine category are not diagnosis and medical evaluation, but how much the functional impairment of a person impacts upon sports.
HOW MANY GAMES CAN I ATTEND?
The Invictus Games Foundation have introduced a rule where by, competitors may attend a maximum of two Invictus Games, which helps to promote diversity and maximise the influence of the Games. The choice for individual selection remains as per the selection criteria. It is important to note that being selected for Team Australia, or winning medals, in one Games does not guarantee a spot in the following Games given the focus is on recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration.
WHAT IF I MISS OUT?
Positions are limited on the Australian Team and not everyone can attend the Invictus Games or Warrior Games. In previous years, these ASP events have attracted more than 200 applications for each EOI process.
Invictus Australia are here to help support you in alternative sporting pathways that mirror the outcomes of a Games. From international competitions such as the Lifesaving World Championships as part of Team Invictus Australia, to local competitions as a part of Team Invictus Australia, Master’s Games and parkrun.
Get connected to a wide variety of free, local sporting opportunities made possible through Invictus Australia’s connections with Local and National Sporting Organisations such as Rowing Australia, Archery Australia, Dragon Boat Federation, Table Tennis Australia, Water Polo Australia and many others. All events can be viewed here.
There are also Veteran Engagement Managers placed across Australia to help connect your to sport and other veterans and families, in your local area. To find your local representative and to learn more, click below.
HOW ARE INVICTUS AUSTRALIA INVOLVED?
Invictus Australia (IA) works collaboratively with the ADF to support former serving members and their families to attend the Invictus Games and other adaptive sport activities, with the ADF taking responsibility for the current serving members.
The ADF is recognised as the lead agency for Australia’s participation in the Invictus Games with the Chief of the Australia Defence Force determining Australia’s participation in this event.
Invictus Australia funds former-serving competitors and support staff across a range of logistics including but not limited to; travel, uniforms, accommodation, and catering while attending training camps to prepare for the Games.
Invictus Australia also promotes the Team and Games widely to the Australian public, media, corporate, Government and other stakeholders, to gain further support.
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Interested in joining Team Veteran? This group is now one of the largest parkrun clubs, join Team Veteran to experience an inclusive and easy way to connect. To join, head to the link in our bio.