USA Triathlon (USAT) is now offering two new High Performance grant opportunities to qualified coaches in an effort to grow and support athletes through the US Olympic pipeline. The grants, totaling US$80,000, target collegiate-level athletes as well as athletes with potential to podium in the World Triathlon Series and at the Olympic Games.
These grants and the High Performance Team program, which was established in 2008, provide a framework for experienced draft-legal coaches to provide athletes with the skills needed to succeed in the draft-legal format. Interested coaches are encouraged to review the relevant information below and submit proposals by the published deadlines.
Collegiate Draft-Legal Grants (total of US$20,000 available in 2012)
In an effort to increase the exposure and competitiveness of draft legal racing at the collegiate level and to provide opportunities for the growing number of Junior Elites willing to commit full-time to the sport of triathlon while in college, USA Triathlon is accepting applications for innovative programs that support the identification, training and development of collegiate draft-legal triathletes.
Examples of suggested programs include: university teams specializing in draft-legal athlete development; a race director offering a competition format with multiple race elements (team pursuit, mixed relay, etc.) to collegiate pipeline athletes.
All applications meeting the minimum eligibility requirements below will be considered and grant awards will be made to those exhibiting the greatest opportunity to impact collegiate draft-legal racing in the United States. The number and amount of each grant awarded will be reliant on the quality of submissions received. Funding opportunities are expected to continue in 2013 and renewals will be dependent on the evaluation of desired outcomes.
Minimum criteria for application eligibility include:
- Led by a USAT certified coach/race director in good standing with significant draft-legal experience
- Appropriately organized for risk management purposes (DBA, LLC, Corp., etc.) and carrying adequate insurance
- Ability to recruit athletes who are realistic entrants into the USAT Olympic Games pipeline
- Ability to match grant funds through other sources of revenue
- Recommended: established relationships with USAT High Performance Teams
To apply, submit a business plan by 28 February 2012 to andy.schmitz[at]usatriathlon.org. All plans should include program philosophy, organizational structure, measurable process and outcome goals and budget. (Additional business plan suggestions can be found on page 6 of the HPT application.)
Draft-Legal Elite Squad Grants (total of US$60,000 available in 2012)
Experienced draft-legal coaches with sincere interest in leading an ITU-focused elite squad comprised of US athletes are encouraged to submit a proposal for a Draft-Legal Elite Squad Grant. Grants will be awarded to squads presenting superior proposals to develop athletes to podium capability in the ITU World Triathlon Series (WTS) and Olympic Games.
Minimum criteria for application eligibility include:
- Led by USAT certified coach in good standing with significant draft-legal experience
- Appropriately organized for risk management purposes (DBA, LLC, Corp., etc.) and carrying adequate insurance
- In-person, hands-on, year-round coaching support of draft-legal elite triathletes capable of rising to the WTS/Olympic level
- Willingness to participate in USAT High Performance Coaching Symposiums
- Ability to match grant funds through other sources of revenue
- Affordable housing options, facility access and performance support (medical, mechanical, sport specialists, etc.)
To apply, submit a business plan by 28 February 2012 to andy.schmitz[at]usatriathlon.org. All plans should include program philosophy, organizational structure, measurable process and outcome goals and budget. (Additional business plan suggestions can be found on page 6 of the HPT application.)
High Performance Team (HPT) Program
Launched in 2008, the HPT program established a platform for the identification, recruitment, development, and age-appropriate competitive preparation of emerging Youth Elite and Junior Elite athletes. As the program has matured, select teams have evolved to support U23 and emerging professionals as well. The goal of these programs is to develop well-rounded athletes capable of success at the highest levels of draft-legal competition and progression within the USAT High Performance Program.
For more information on program prerequisites and expectations, access the 2012 HPT application. Qualified teams are admitted on a rolling basis. The deadline to be considered for 2012 grant awards is 15 February 2012.
