Frequently asked questions
What is the application process?
- Applications must be submitted using the online application form available via the department's website and all sections must be completed.
- Athletes will be eligible for funding once only per financial year in the same sport in the same performance category.
- There will be two funding rounds allowing for athletes to apply
for either retrospective or future travel and accommodation costs
occurring within the eligible dates for the event.
- Applications must be lodged online by the required lodgement time and date.
- Applications that do not meet the required lodgement deadline for a particular round will not be considered.
- All applications must be validated by the relevant SSA.
Are athletes who reside in metropolitan Perth eligible to apply?
Unfortunately no. Over recent times funding provided to the sport and
recreation industry has been impacted by a number of factors. This has
required difficult decisions regarding allocation of budgets across a
range of programs. In the current financial climate, funding is no
longer available to support the continuation of the metropolitan
component of this scheme.
Is there an age limit for applicants?
Yes. Athletes must be aged between 13 to 21 years of age at the
commencement date of the event. (Note: athletes selected for 13 and
under age group events are not eligible).
The ATSS age limits align with the department’s and the Australian
Sports Commission position on junior sport: that sport involvement of
children aged under 13 are best focused on participation, the
progression of fundamental skills and developing a commitment to
lifelong participation in physical activity.
Are athletes selected in National teams eligible for a subsidy?
Unfortunately, no. The guidelines have recently changed as the
department’s position is that funding of national representation is the
responsibility of the NSO.
Are athletes who have been selected in Australian squads who have to travel to national selection camps eligible for a subsidy?
Unfortunately, no. The guidelines have recently changed due to budget
constraints and the focus of ATSS is to support WA athletes aspiring to
represent WA at national events.
Can an athlete who is attending two different events in the same
sport within the eligible event dates submit more than one application
in the same application period?
No, only one application per athlete per sport per round will be considered for support.
Can an athlete qualify for a subsidy in different sports in the same round/year?
Yes. Athletes who meet the criteria are eligible for a subsidy in different sports in the same round/financial year.
Do I need to submit receipts for Out-of-Pocket expenses?
No, however the department reserves the right to randomly audit
successful applicants so you should keep a record of the costs
associated with the event/competition you are participating in.
If a regional athlete is boarding in Perth but has returned to their
home in a regional area for school holidays at the time of the event,
are they eligible for a subsidy?
Yes. (Note: athletes will not be eligible for the additional Regional
Athlete Support Scheme if they are boarding in Perth at the time of the
event).
Are athletes who have been selected in State country teams eligible for a subsidy?
Athletes must be selected in a bona fide State team to meet
Performance Category Level 3 (refer page 3). Athletes competing at
national championships as part of a bona fide State country team will be
assessed as Performance Category Level 4 as they are representing
country WA and not the entire state.
Is an athlete who is selected to represent their club in a team or
as an individual at a sanctioned national championship event or State
championship event or tournament eligible to apply?
Yes. The success of the application will be determined once the
application is assessed against the Performance Category levels and the
relevant SSA consulted as to the athlete’s performance level/national
ranking in that sport’s high performance pathway.
Are athletes who have been selected in State school teams eligible for a subsidy?
Athletes must be selected in a bonafide State team to meet
Performance Category 3. Athletes selected in a State school team that is
endorsed by the SSA and forms part of the SSA’s athlete development
pathway may be eligible for a subsidy.
Are athletes who have been selected in a club/representative touring
team that will travel overseas or interstate to compete against another
country or states eligible for a subsidy?
Unfortunately, no. Touring teams are not considered part of the
performance pathway and are not eligible under this subsidy scheme.
If an athlete already receives support from other organisations
(e.g. Australian Sports Commission, SSA, WAIS, South West Academy of
Sport, Mid West Academy of Sport, local government, etc.), are they
eligible for a subsidy?
Yes, if there is no surplus income against the out-of-pocket travel and accommodation costs.
Is an athlete eligible for a subsidy if they attend a boarding school in another regional area from where they live?
Yes. An athlete attending a boarding school in another regional area
from where they live will be eligible for a subsidy. However, Regional
Athlete Support will be based on the location of the boarding school.