Australian Ice Racing — National Policies & Development Programs
Australian Ice Racing (AIR) is the national governing body for ice racing in Australia and provides a range of national policies, high-performance pathways and development programs for athletes, coaches and officials.
🏆 National Selection Policy — Short Track Speed Skating
The AIR 2026–2027 National Selection Policy for Short Track Speed Skating outlines the selection pathways for Australian athletes seeking to represent Australia at international competitions.
The policy covers selection for:
- Australian Short Track Elite Training Squad
- Australian Short Track World Tour Teams
- World Short Track Speed Skating Championships
- ISU World Junior Cup Teams
- ISU World Junior Championships
Selection considers qualification times, competition results, current performance, Australian and international rankings, skill and fitness levels, and other relevant factors. The policy also provides the framework for qualification times, selection trials, athlete nominations and international team selection.
The policy also includes the Australian Ice Racing Short Track Elite Training Squad, providing a national high-performance pathway for athletes progressing towards international competition.
View the AIR 2026–2027 National Selection Policy – Short Track Speed Skating
🎓 Coaching Development Program
AIR provides a national Short Track Speed Skating Coaching Development Program designed to develop coaches from club level through to national and international competition.
The coaching pathway consists of three accreditation levels:
- Level 1 — foundational coaching skills for club-level coaches
- Level 2 — advanced coaching, including identifying and correcting technical errors and coaching at State and National level
- Level 3 — advanced coaching development for International-level competition
The Level 1 program is accredited through the Australian Sports Commission and covers equipment, basic skating principles, games and activities, lesson planning and rules in action. Coaches also undertake practical coaching and assessment as part of the accreditation process.
AIR coaching seminars and accreditation opportunities are conducted as part of the national development program. Coaches from affiliated clubs are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to continue developing their skills and qualifications.
View the AIR Coaching Development Program
🧑⚖️ Officials Development Program
AIR also provides a national Officials Development Program for members interested in becoming involved in officiating and supporting the sport.
The AIR officials pathway provides progression through Levels 1–5, beginning with officiating at club competitions and progressing through National and International levels.
Officials can develop their experience in key roles including:
- Referee
- Starter
- Competitor Steward
As officials gain experience and complete the required courses and competitions, they can progress through the AIR accreditation pathway and potentially be nominated for consideration as ISU International Officials.
AIR conducts officials development opportunities in conjunction with national competitions. The Australian Open Short Track Championships in Melbourne, held annually in October, provides an important opportunity for coaches and officials to participate in courses, assessment and accreditation activities.
View the AIR Officials Development Program
🇦🇺 Building the Future of Australian Ice Racing
Through these national pathways, Australian Ice Racing provides opportunities for members to progress from club participation through to national and international competition, while also developing the coaches and officials needed to support the growth of short track speed skating across Australia.
Western Flames Ice Racing Club encourages athletes, coaches, parents and volunteers to explore the opportunities available through AIR and to take an active role in the continued development of ice racing in Australia.
