2010 Commonwealth Games

2010 Commonwealth Games Qualification Procedure Recurve and Compound

Archery Australia High Performance Selection Committee announced 9/12/09

The appointed committee is - Simon Fairweather, John Chaplin and James Park

2010 Commonwealth Games Squad announced 9/12/09

Squad Members

2010 Commonwealth Games Selection Procedure 
Note - Procedure updated 16/11/09

2010 Commmonwealth Games Selection Procedure Explained

News from Simon Fairweather 29th October 2009

I'm getting a few people asking me just where they stand, and just what exactly they need to do to make the team.
 
The answer to the first part is that everyone is in the same boat. It is a clean slate and everyone has an equal opportunity to show how good they can be - as it should be. The selectors will pick what they feel is the very best team possible for the coming Games.  No one is favoured at this early stage.
 
The Commonwealth Games are still a way off yet. There is time for people to demonstrate that they are in fact the very best candidates for the team. While past experience and performance history is a factor, the big thing we are looking for are people who are committed to excellence and improving themselves to the stage where they are confident and competent to compete at the highest level. Right now pretty well everyone has a weakness when it comes to match play under pressure - as is evidenced by the World Championship results. The new schedule and high performance structure is designed to give everyone the opportunity to improve and explore their potential, with a particular emphasis on match play.
 
While it is understandable that the 'current' group of National Team members are keen to retain the status quo and protect their positions, I don't believe anyone is yet in the position to 'rest on their laurels' - i.e. no one is yet 'good enough' to be a high chance of gold at Commonwealth or world level. I believe there are plenty of people with potential, but no one yet fully realising it. So the challenge is to rise above the defensive/protective mindset and take on the challenge (positive) of finding ways to improve and fully realise your potential.
 
We talk about the lack of depth in Australia, and how it needs to be worked on, and how it would make us more competitive as a nation. I want to give everyone the support and opportunity for this to happen. The effect of this however is that individuals are less likely to make every team, every year. Think of Korea. Think of Ireland. You have two extremes.
 
I don't have a magic formula for everyone to follow to reach their potential and be competitive, because the key to success is very individual. However I am willing and able to work with and guide those who are open to exploring what they need to do in order to do this. Each person needs to commit to excellence and take personal responsibility for their performances. I will match the level of commitment and back each person who does this, assisting them to find the areas in which they need to work on to achieve their potential.
 
Everyone has their own circumstances and I acknowledge and respect that, but each person has to ask themselves what do you need to do to realise your potential and get the results you want. I cannot make changes unless each of you are willing to also make changes. What do you personally need to change to change your outcomes? Each person needs to own their own process journey of self-discovery. And If you are willing to explore changes, then I am right beside you all the way and will do whatever it takes to help you realise your potential, but you need to commit to really trying to get yourself to the stage where you are competitive - and you believe it. Really it comes down to you being willing to put in the work required (physical, technical and psychological) so that you can stand on the line at major events and believe you are competitive.
 
Finally, something to keep in mind is that in other sports where this type of selection and program direction has been brought in, the athletes have discovered this: that in fact those athletes who are training and performing with serious and consistent effort towards reaching their potential have nothing to worry about - they will select themselves. Keeping a positive mindset and making 'the system' (whatever it is) work for you is the answer, which is of course the mindset that leads to success anyway. Ultimately, doing the best you can and knowing you have done all you can is what it is all about and should enhance the likelihood of achieving a sense of satisfaction regardless of whether you make a team, or win an event.
 
So what I want to do is change the thinking from "what is the minimum I need to have done in order to secure my spot on the team?" to, "what do I have to do to realise my potential and maximise my chances of success?" not only selection, but results will come from this attitude. That is my challenge to you and to everyone. And I will put in 100% to support those who take on that challenge.
 
Questions email the National Head Coach at  Simon.Fairweathe@ausport.gov.au