SYDNEY UNI SPORT & FITNESS ELITE ATHLETE 2015 Information Booklet ELITE ATHLETE
INTRODUCTION For over a century, sport has been an integral part of the student experience at The University of Sydney. Supporting student athletes who concurrently pursue academic and sporting excellence is a key factor of the success that the University enjoys. Over 300 Australian representatives, including more than 115 Olympians and 100 Wallabies, have studied at The University of Sydney and graduated as leaders both on and off the sporting field. With the introduction of the Elite Athlete Program in 1990; Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness (SUSF) has assisted The University of Sydney to continue Australia s oldest and richest academic and sporting tradition. SUSF is a leading provider of support and services to student athletes enrolled at The University of Sydney and representing Sydney University in their chosen sport. If you are an elite athlete who wants to achieve excellence in your sport and tertiary studies, then look no further than The University of Sydney and the SUSF Elite Athlete Program. CHRIS FRIEND HAYLEY ABOOD (nee White) NICK HOUGH LAVINIA CHRYSTAL SURFING Degree - B. Commerce GREG JELOUDEV SWIMMING Degree - B. Education (Secondary: Human Movement & Health Education) ROHANEE COX ATHLETICS Degree - B. IT/Laws TIM BARTON SNOW SPORTS Degree - M. Management HANNAH BUCKLING RUGBY Degree - B. Liberal Arts & Science FLAMES (BASKETBALL) Degree - Diploma of Education (Aboriginal) AFL Degree - B. Veterinary Science WATER POLO Degree - B. Science 2
Pursuing excellence in sport and tertiary study simultaneously can be especially challenging. The right support and encouragement is crucial for student athletes to achieve their goals. In 2013, over 390 student athletes, across more than 35 sports, received valuable assistance through gaining a Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness (SUSF) scholarship and thus membership to the Elite Athlete Program. Elite Athlete Program members enjoy a wide range of helpful benefits and services. These may include: financial assistance; international travel grants; academic representation and counselling; private tutoring; chaplaincy; and complimentary access to SUSF facilities and sports science services (dietician, sports psychology and strength and conditioning). The pathway to success in your sport and studies requires much hard work, but with the benefits and services of the Elite Athlete Program, alongside the support of dedicated SUSF staff, you may find the balance to realise your potential. The University of Sydney is committed to providing its students with the finest tertiary education experience possible. SUSF and the various Sydney University sports clubs are here to help you capture this experience and achieve your sport and study ambitions. Leonie Lum Elite Athlete Program Manager Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness AIMS OF THE ELITE ATHLETE Provide excellent support and services to elite athletes to assist them in their concurrent pursuit of academic and sporting goals; Encourage elite athletes to achieve outstanding academic results to facilitate an alternative vocation after their sporting career has ended; and Assist in the promotion and development of Sydney University sports clubs through the attraction of elite athletes. The Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness Elite Athlete Program allowed me to achieve my personal best in the classroom and in my sport. I represented Australia and won bronze at the U23 World Rowing Championships, raced the Hawaiian Ironman, and I finished my final year of law school with a distinction average. The support of the EAP staff members was fundamental in providing me with the flexibility needed to combine elite level sports achievement with a university degree. Having a coordinated program, which supports all elements of your student athlete life is fantastic. - James Goswell (B. Commerce/Laws) LEFT IMAGE: Nicola Maitland (B. Exercise & Sports Science) 3 RIGHT IMAGE: James Goswell (B. Commerce/Laws) 4
BENEFITS & SERVICES SUSF Elite Athlete Program members (also referred to as SUSF scholarship holders) may receive: Financial Assistance The commitments associated with studying, training, competing and often working, leaves little free time for student athletes to enjoy. Financial assistance from $1,000 to $10,000 may be provided to SUSF scholarship holders to help with covering expenses related to studying and sport, thus alleviating some of the monetary pressures faced. Where an Elite Athlete Program member is the recipient of a Joint scholarship where both SUSF and a residential college or Sydney University Village are contributors, financial assistance will go towards covering the cost of their accommodation fees. International Travel Grants Financial assistance of up to $1,500 may be provided on successful application to help students of The University of Sydney with covering travel costs (e.g. accommodation, air fares and registrations fees) when they are selected to represent Australia or Sydney University and are subsequently required to travel overseas for competition. Academic Representation & Counselling Elite Athlete Program staff, in conjunction with staff of The University of Sydney, offer SUSF scholarship holders support, advice and guidance to help them achieve balance in their study and sport commitments. Such assistance may include providing advice on degree and unit of study selection, as well as ensuring University policies and procedures are followed. Under special circumstances, SUSF staff may assist student athletes in representation and liaison with academic staff of The University of Sydney regarding flexibility for Tutoring Complimentary private tutoring across a broad range of subjects is available on a request basis to SUSF scholarship holders*. This service is most useful for those who are experiencing difficulties with understanding unit of study content, or have missed lectures and/or tutorials due to sporting commitments. Chaplaincy Through Athletes in Action, SUSF scholarship holders (and their families) may access pastoral care and support, regardless of faith or creed, when dealing with life issues including grief and critical incidents. As well as a go to for referral to other services such as counselling and personal development, chaplains can help to facilitate and maintain positive, focused attitudes in student athletes. University Sports & Aquatic Centre (scholarship holders for tennis and basketball also receive limited access to sports-specific facilities on the University s main campus). Additionally, SUSF scholarship holders may receive limited access to group fitness classes for recovery from injury*. Sports Science Services By request, a professional Strength & Conditioning service is available to SUSF scholarship holders; providing fitness testing, assessments and personalised training programs. SUSF scholarship holders can also access the services of a qualified Sports Dietician and Sports Psychologist. Discounted Rates on Sports Medicine Services At The Sports Clinic, located on the University s main campus, SUSF scholarship holders may access a range of services at student rates including: physiotherapy; podiatry; remedial massage; and acupuncture. SUSF Facilities SUSF scholarship holders are provided with complimentary access to: the cardio and weights training facilities TOP IMAGES (Left to Right): at Arena Sports Centre; rock climbing *Conditions apply. Anneliese Rubie (B. Liberal Arts & Science), at The Ledge Climbing Centre; and Nick Hudson (M. Project Management), the indoor 50m Olympic pool at the Alice Keighley (B. Science [Advanced]), sporting commitments. 5 Hoensto Buendia (B. Engineering [Mechanical]) 6
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS APPLICATIONS Am I eligible for a SUSF scholarship/membership to the Elite Athlete Program? To be eligible, successful candidates must meet the following two main criteria (amongst other criteria): Currently undertaking tertiary studies (preferably at The University of Sydney); and Represent relevant Sydney University sports club (where possible). What will I receive with my SUSF scholarship? All SUSF scholarship holders are able to access the benefits and services of the Elite Athlete Program as outlined in this publication, except for financial assistance and international travel grants. Financial assistance is provided to student athletes on a variable basis depending on a candidate s sporting and academic achievements. SUSF scholarship holders who receive access to all benefits and services of the Elite Athlete Program, except for financial assistance, are said to be the recipients of a Talented Athlete Program (TAP)- level scholarship. Those who receive access to all benefits and services, as well as financial assistance, are said to be the recipients of an Elite Athlete Program (EAS)-level scholarship. How is financial assistance managed? Financial assistance that s provided to recipients of an Elite Athlete Program (EAS)-level scholarship should be used to help cover expenses related to studying and sport. Financial assistance is paid in two equal instalments per annum on the timely reception of relevant receipts and pending a mid-year review of academic and sporting performance. When do applications close and when do I find out if my application was successful? SUSF scholarships are usually awarded on an annual basis. Current scholarship holders who wish to be considered for support again the following year must complete and submit a re-application form by the end of October each year. New applications for scholarships close in January each year and SUSF will endeavour to notify applicants of the outcome of their application by mid-february. Scholarships for water polo, rowing, swimming and cricket are usually based on the financial year, but school leavers may be considered for semester 1 in certain circumstances. Applicants for water polo, rowing, swimming and cricket will be notified of the outcome of their application by mid-july. To apply for a SUSF scholarship/membership to the Elite Athlete Program, please follow these simple steps: Step 1 Visit www.susf.com.au and follow links to the Elite Athlete Program Step 2 Click on 2015 Applications in the left-hand side navigation panel and then follow the instructions to complete and submit an online application. KEY DATES 2014/15 Financial Year Scholarships (water polo, rowing, swimming and cricket only) New applications and re-applications OPEN Monday 28 April 2014 New applications and re-applications CLOSE Friday 6 June 2014 2015 Calendar year Scholarships New applications and re-applications OPEN Monday 1 September 2014 Re-applications CLOSE Friday 31 October 2014 New applications CLOSE Friday 16 January 2015 Current students of The University of Sydney, regardless of membership of the Elite Athlete Program, may apply for international travel grants, however TOP IMAGES (Left to Right): approval is not guaranteed and grants Jemma Griffin (B. Applied Science [Exercise Physiology]); 7 provided are variable. Alex Wong (B. Commerce/Arts) 8
9 The University of Sydney S ELITE Athlete & Performers Scheme Offered by The University of Sydney, a special entry scheme to assist prospective students with gaining admission to study at the University is available for domestic applicants seeking places in undergraduate courses who can demonstrate that they are elite athletes or performers AND have had training, competitive and/or practice commitments which significantly and adversely affected their academic results in year 11 and 12. Approval under the Elite Athlete & Performers Scheme may mean gaining admission into a course with an ATAR of up to five points below the regular cut-off. The concession provided may be less than five points for competitive courses and certain courses do not offer any concession under this scheme. Applying for the Elite Athlete & Performers Scheme In addition to applying for admission to your preferred degrees and institutions through the University Admissions Centre (UAC) by the required deadlines, if you wish to be considered for concessional ATAR points through the Elite Athlete & Performers Scheme, then you must complete a relevant application form and submit supporting documentation by the strict closing date outlined by the University. This is usually before the end of October each year, however, you are strongly encouraged to check this in detail, with The University. IMPORTANT Please note that applying for and/or receiving an offer of scholarship from Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness (membership to the Elite Athlete Program) does NOT, under any circumstance, equate to applying for and/or receiving an offer of admission to study at The University of Sydney. Candidates must gain entry to study at The University of Sydney on their own academic merit. The Elite Athlete & Performers Scheme is administered by The University of Sydney, NOT Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness and all enquiries and/or applications for this Scheme should be directed to The University of Sydney. For all enquiries regarding The University of Sydney s Elite Athlete & Performers Scheme and to apply, please contact the University s Admission Office on 8627 8210 or admissions.office@sydney.edu.au. Tom Kingston (B. Commerce) 2013 I recently completed my Bachelor of Commerce at Sydney University and to say the Elite Athlete Program was helpful would be an understatement. Their help in understanding university procedures by having contacts across nearly all faculties are resources that are unique and without them my studies would have been significantly more stressful. Not only that but SUSF s EAP managers are personable, energetic and willing to go above and beyond for the athletes. I consider myself very fortunate to have been a member of the program for the last four years and owe the program a great deal for being able to successfully juggle my sport and studies during this time. Lachlan Renshaw (B.Commerce) 2013 The Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness EAP has allowed me to pursue my athletic career whilst enabling me to continue my studies in the background. Whether it is organising exams, assessments or studies overseas, or helping with tutoring for missed classes, the SUSF Elite Athlete Program provides the best university support program in Australia for elite athletes wishing to continue their studies while still competing at the highest level.
STRATEGIC PARTNERS DONORS BLUES ASSOCIATION Ross Brown Kaye Dening AM Mollie Dive Ray Hyslop Allan Kendall Collins/Peasley Aleksandra Pozder Jack Pross OAM Philip Rundle Ron Rushbrooke Warrick Segal Adam Spencer The Trust Company ELITE ATHLETE Contact SUSF Head Office, University Sports & Aquatic Centre, G09, The University of Sydney NSW 2006 P 02 9351 4960 F 02 9351 4962 E sportscholarships@sport.usyd.edu.au www.susf.com.au FRONT COVER IMAGES: Hannah Buckling (B. Science), Tim Barton (B. Veterinary Science), Nick Hough (B. IT/Laws), Chris Friend (B. Commerce), Lavinia Chrystal (M. Management) BACK COVER IMAGES: Ryan Carters (B. Arts), Nina Khoury (B. Commerce/Laws)