Review of the Snow Australia Recognised Pathway Program

Dear Snow Sports Community,

On behalf of the Snow Australia Board, I am pleased to advise that we have commenced a formal review of the Recognised Pathway Program (RPP) -an important component of our long-term athlete development framework.

Why We Are Undertaking This Review
Snow Australia routinely reviews key programs to ensure they remain effective and aligned with the needs of athletes, families, and the broader snow sports pathway. The RPP connects clubs, schools, private programs, and commercial providers into the national pathway, helping athletes transition from grassroots participation to high-performance environments.

As the expectations of our sport continue to grow, it is timely to assess how the RPP is structured and delivered. Key drivers for this review include:

• Athlete Outcomes and Program Quality – Recognition must be linked to athlete development outcomes, coaching capability, and program performance.
• Coach Development and Workforce Sustainability – Coaching is fundamental to athlete progression, yet at present there is no formal requirement for recognised providers to demonstrate commitment to coach education or succession planning.
• Affordability and Access – Rising costs risk pricing families out of the sport. We must ensure programs remain inclusive, safe, and accessible to athletes of all backgrounds and abilities.
• System Alignment – In some regions, overlapping programs have created confusion and conflict. Stronger alignment with Snow Australia’s athlete development frameworks is needed.
• Governance and Accountability –Clearer standards for application, recognition, review, and renewal are essential to ensure transparency and consistency.
• Integrity – RPP must participate in education and adopt policies and operational systems that protect athlete wellbeing, promote safe and respectful environments, and uphold the standards expected across the national system.

Guiding Principles
The review will be guided by the principles of transparency, merit, inclusivity with accountability, coach development, regular renewal, and alignment with Snow Australia’s integrity and child-safeguarding standards.

Key Areas of Focus

• Development of a formal Terms of Reference to define eligibility criteria, governance expectations, and review timelines.
• Introduction of a tiered recognition model (Foundation, Development, Performance) to provide families and athletes with clear program options and to guide Snow Australia’s resource allocation.
• Stronger requirements for coach education and professional development, integrated with our Coach Accreditation system and Coach Academy.
• Standardised expectations for program delivery and costs, ensuring a consistent and sustainable approach across providers.
• Regular provider monitoring and renewal to maintain alignment with best practice.

Consultation and Next Steps
The review is now underway. Over the coming months, Snow Australia will engage directly with clubs, schools, private providers, coaches, and athletes to gather input and feedback. Details on how to contribute will be shared shortly, and we encourage all pathway providers to participate.

This process reflects the same commitment to strong governance and community engagement that underpinned the 2024 National Discipline Committee review. By strengthening the Recognised Pathway Program, we aim to deliver the best possible environment for athlete development and long-term success in Australian snow sports.

Thank you for your continued support. If you have questions or would like further information, please contact me, any member of our Board, or Snow Australia staff.

Best regards,
Daniel Bosco
President, Snow Australia