The National Recurve Program (NRP) is designed to deliver programs which ultimately produce Recurve Archery Champions at benchmark events including World Archery Championships and Olympic Games, and Champions at the World Archery Youth Championships.
The purpose of the NRP is to provide a system of support for Archery Australia’s leading Recurve archers in a structured, sequential, and transparent manner that supports the athletes in achieving performances which are aligned to Archery Australia’s published performance goals. The NRP has three distinct components:
•National Squad
•National Development Squad
•National Youth Squad
The NRP recognises that Federal Government funding through the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and State/Territory Government funding through the NSW Institute of Sport, Victorian Institute of Sport and other National Institute Network (NIN) partners for high performance Archery, is directed solely at Olympic and Paralympic disciplines.
The ultimate objective of the NRP is to win medals at World Championships, Olympic Games, World Cups and World Youth Championships by supporting identified athletes within the program via the NSW Institute of Sport, Victorian Institute of Sport, other NIN partners and the Archery Australia HP Pathways Program.
The NRP consists of three squads of athletes that provides a clearly structured pathway which athletes are able to progress through as they further develop their skills and performances. The entrance criteria for each of these tiers has been designed to align with Sport Australia’s Athlete Categorisation strategy meaning that athletes are eligible to receive more support as they progress through the tiers. The tables below provide a brief summary of each Tier level and athletes are able to enter the program at any level, National, Development or Youth, provided they meet the published selection criteria.
National Squad
Tier 1 Men 675 |
World Class – Athletes who in the opinion of the HPC/NTSC have demonstrated their ability to challenge or have actually achieved a recent podium position in top International Competition. |
Tier 2 Men 665 |
International – Athletes who in the opinion of the HPC/NTSC are competitive in international competition and have the potential to progress to World Class within the next two years. |
Tier 3 Men 655 |
National – Athletes who in the opinion of the HPC/NTSC are competitive at the National Level and are ready for international exposure under direction of the High-Performance Unit. |
National Development Squad
Tier 4 Men 645 |
Development – Athletes who in the opinion of the HPC/NTSC are considered to be emerging and have the potential to progress through the tiers in the coming years due to demonstrated commitment. |
National Youth Squad
Youth Squad – Junior Men 630 |
Junior – Athletes who in the opinion of the HPC/NTSC have demonstrated the potential to progress through to the Development Squad in the coming years. |
Youth Squad – Cadet Men (60m) 640 or (70m) 612 |
Cadet – Athletes who in the opinion of the HPC/NTSC have demonstrated the potential to progress through to the Development Squad in the coming years. |
In addition to the three squad components of the NRP, the AA Pathways Program provides an opportunity for accelerated growth for athletes selected in the program. It is expected there will be a strong connection between the NRP and Pathways Program, and the majority of athletes will graduate into an NRP squad by meeting the published criteria. The Pathways Program is funded independently of the NRP by the AIS Performance Pathways Unit.
How to apply
Athletes wishing to apply for the NRP should review and understand the 2024 National Recurve Program paying special attention to the performance requirements, eligibility requirements and expectations of athletes in the program. The program is demanding and requires dedication, commitment and time. Only athletes who are willing to make that commitment should apply.
2024 National Recurve Program applications
Each year a national event may be identified or an NRP Trial held, for athletes wishing to be considered for selection. For selection in the 2024 NRP the identified national event is the 2023 National Target Championships, 27 September to 2 October 2023. Performances in the WA/720 Round, Team Matchplay and Individual Matchplay at the NTC, along with scores from QRE’s and international competitions in 2023, will be considered when selecting the 2024 NRP.
All current 2023 NRP athletes will be contacted directly via email when applications open for the 2024 intake. Any athlete wishing to be considered for the 2024 NRP who is not a member of the 2023 NRP must apply by submitting an application form. This EOI will be advertised in Archery News which is sent to all members well in advance of the submission date and posted through social media channels.
An expression of interest form for the 2024 NRP is available here EOI – NRP and must be submitted to megan.nally@archery.org.au