This squad will receive national recognition for their talent, and are provided with specific training programs to fast-track their continued improvement.   They will also work on developing the skills necessary to be considered for selection in the Australian squad.

Skills, work ethic and professionalism will be monitored by respective state and national coaches.

Athletes admitted to the Australia A squad will be selected by the Australian selectors and the program will be conducted and overseen by the national coaches.

Athletes that have transitioned from the Australian squad into the Australia A squad will receive six months of sport psychology and ACE support.

Bowls Australia’s Australia A program is an important component of the national elite pathway. 

Australia A nationally recognises athletes for their talent, commitment and drive to succeed within the sport.  Selection in this program is based on an athlete displaying talent which is outstanding, coachable and has the ability go on and represent Australia at international level.

The program’s primary objective is to prepare elite athletes for the national squad and ultimately to compete in international competitions such as the Commonwealth Games, World Championships and Asia Pacific Championships.

Australia A squad draws on the expertise of our national high performance program to assist athletes to reach their full potential and achieve their goals.

Athletes in the Australia A program work with our elite high performance coaches and sports science staff to work on their specific training and competition programs with the aim to fast-track their continued improvement.  

While in the Australia A program, athletes are required to regularly work on the key components that go into the makeup of an elite athlete such as your skills, fitness, work ethic and commitment to the benchmark standards set by the program.

Results in national, state, district and club level events are also closely monitored by the program coaches, with feedback provided to athletes on a regular basis.

Athletes admitted to the Australia A program are selected by the national selection panel on the basis of their performances over a year. The program is managed by Bowls Australia national coach Steve Glasson.

Process
The Australia A squad is selected in April/May of each year at the conclusion of the Australian Sides Championships.  Membership of the program is for one year.  Athletes are included in the squad on the basis of their performances at national and state events, as well as district and club performance, along with the recommendations of the Australian coaches.

Athletes selected receive an invitation to join the program on the basis that they are prepared to commit to the requirements of the program. Athletes are under no obligation to take up the offer.

Upon acceptance, athletes receive an Australia A squad member pack, including formal recognition of their involvement in the program. There will be regular maintenance and contact from the high performance team.