Elite Sport and Elite Performer Policy

1. The purpose of our policy

Adelaide University is a proud member of the Elite Sport Education Network (ESEN) and is committed to supporting students engaged in elite sport or who are elite performers, as well as the staff who support them, to excel in both their studies and high-performance pursuits.

This policy outlines the principles and governance responsibilities that ensure equitable access to academic and/or employment-related opportunities while supporting excellence in education, elite sport and elite performance. Our commitment is to create a learning and working environment where achievement in study, work, sport and performance is valued, supported and celebrated.

2. Who our policy applies to

2.1 Inclusions

Our policy applies to:

• students who are: 
  • formally recognised as elite athletes, elite performers, or elite sports personnel by national, state, or professional bodies
  • registered with the ESEN or endorsed by relevant arts councils or associations
  • accepted and endorsed by Adelaide University Sport
• staff who are:
  • formally recognised as elite athletes, elite performers, or elite sports personnel by national, state, or professional bodies
  • participating in or administering elite sporting events at national or international level
  • supporting students in the above endeavours.

2.2 Exclusions

Our policy does not apply to students who are not recognised or registered through approved external bodies or internal Adelaide University assessment processes.

This policy authorises the Executive Director, Student Engagement to maintain associated protocols related to students and the Executive Director, People Advisory and Wellbeing to maintain associated protocols related to staff.

3. Our elite sport and elite performer policy principles

Our principles for this policy are: 

3.1 We are committed to national standards

We align with the principles of the ESEN to ensure a nationally consistent and coordinated approach to supporting elite athletes and performers at Adelaide University.

3.2 We support dual success

We recognise that elite athletes and performers pursue dual careers, balancing their studies and/or employment with high-performance commitments. We are committed to providing flexible, inclusive, and responsive academic and workplace arrangements to support their success, in line with the Elite Sport and Performer Program (ESPP) Academic Support Guide for students and the [Leave Procedure] for staff.

3.3 We ensure fair and equitable access

We provide equitable access to admission, enrolment, assessment and progression opportunities for students, and equitable access to workplace arrangements for staff. Where verified commitments affect academic or work performance, reasonable adjustments will be approved, while maintaining academic standards and operational requirements.

3.4 We promote wellbeing and balance 

We enable students and staff who are athletes and performers to balance study, work, wellbeing, and performance through access to appropriate services, facilities, and financial and pastoral support, in accordance with the ESPP Non-Academic Support Guide for students and the [Leave Procedure] for staff.

3.5 We uphold integrity and accountability

We make decisions about elite athlete, elite performer and elite sports personnel support in a transparent and consistent manner. Staff are responsible for applying the policy fairly, documenting outcomes, and upholding the University’s standards for ethical and accountable practice.

3.6 We respect privacy and dignity

We manage all personal and eligibility information in confidence and disclose it only when necessary to provide appropriate support.

3.7 We value inclusion and excellence

We celebrate excellence in sport and performance and promote an inclusive culture that recognises diverse pathways to achievement.

3.8 We encourage collaboration and responsibility

We expect students and staff to engage proactively with relevant staff and line managers, plan for known commitments, and communicate early to enable timely and practical adjustments.

3.9 We are committed to continuous improvement

We regularly review and strengthen our support for elite athletes and performers to ensure it remains effective, equitable, and aligned with the University’s standards and sector best practice.

3.10 We support staff participation in elite sporting events

We recognise the importance of staff participation in elite sporting events and provide access to paid leave in accordance with Enterprise Agreement provisions.

4. Definitions used in our policy

Please refer to our Adelaide University glossary for a full list of our definitions.

Adelaide University Sport collectively refers to the Adelaide University Sport Department and Adelaide University Sport and Fitness, which together deliver sport at the Adelaide University.

Elite athlete means a student or staff member recognised by the Australian Institute of Sport, a State Institute or Academy of Sport, a professional players’ association, or a National Sporting Organisation.

Elite performer means a student or staff member recognised as a member of a state, national, or international performing arts company, or with demonstrated significant professional achievement such as a major role in a commercial production or a signed record contract.

Elite Sport Education Network (ESEN) means the national network endorsed by the Australian Sports Commission and delivered by the Australian Institute of Sport to support student athletes in higher education.

Elite sports personnel means students or staff who are coaches, referees, or support staff recognised at state, national, or international level, with equivalent travel and training commitments to athletes.

5. How our policy is governed

This policy is categorised, approved and owned in line with the governance structure of Adelaide University and the offices and officers listed below.

6. Legislation and other documents related to our policy

Refer to the Delegation Policy for all delegations at Adelaide University.

7. History of changes 

At the time of writing, some organisational details within Adelaide University are still evolving. Square brackets [ ] are used to indicate placeholders or areas where information may be refined, clarified, or confirmed. These will be updated as the University’s arrangements are finalised.