The Auroras Program for the 2027 World Nations Championship in Hong Kong is a structured, high-performance pathway designed to develop and select athletes to represent Australia at the highest level of dragon boating. The program has been set as a performance-based program with progressive benchmarking, and progress is monitored over the duration of the campaign.

Athletes selected into the program will initially enter a National Squad environment, where training, testing, and development will occur before final crew selection.

Following benchmarking:

• Athletes may be selected into the Performance Crew, who will represent Australia at the World Championships (Hong Kong)
• Athletes may be selected into the Emerging Crew, who remain part of the Auroras pathway and may be selected for alternative international competition

Both crews are part of the same system. Movement between crews is possible based on performance. Selection is not guaranteed at any stage and is dependent on meeting performance, behavioural, and commitment standards throughout the campaign.
SECTION 1 - ELIGIBILITY & ATHLETE DETAILS

This section ensures that all athletes applying meet the baseline requirements for entry into a national high-performance program for the forthcoming World Nations Championship and beyond. Athletes must demonstrate sufficient experience, exposure to competition, and eligibility to represent Australia if selected
1.1 Athlete Details

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* 1. Provide Full name:

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* 2. Provide date of birth

Date

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* 3. Provide height (cm):

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* 4. Provide weight (kg):

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* 5. Select Member State:

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* 6. Indicate which Primary Club you are a current member of:

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* 7. Indicate number of years involved in dragon boat

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* 8. Indicate your preferred paddling side:

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* 9. 1.2 Eligibility Status (select most appropriate)

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* 10. 1.3 Acknowledgement

Do you acknowledge that eligibility for international representation is subject to governing body and international federation requirements?

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* 11. 1.4 Competition Experience:

Have you represented your state/region at AusChamps within the past 2 years?

Note: Minimum requirements and benchmarking expectations are available on the AusDBF website
SECTION 2 – NOMINATION

Athletes must nominate their role and age category. Selection is primarily based on an athlete’s own age category to ensure the strongest possible representation across all divisions.

Athletes will generally only be selected to compete in their nominated age category.

Consideration for another category will only occur where:

• Their category is already competitive, or
• Their category is not being entered

All decisions are made to maximise overall team performance.

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* 12. 2.1 Select role applying for:

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* 13. 2.2 Select the Age Division applying for:

SECTION 3 - PROGRAM UNDERSTANDING

The Auroras program is structured around progressive development, benchmarking and selection. Athletes are initially selected into a squad and must demonstrate performance improvements across the campaign.

Benchmarking occurs at multiple points, with Camp 4 acting as the final benchmarking and selection stage, after which crews are finalised and preparation shifts toward competition performance.
SECTION 4 - AVAILABILITY

The program requires a high level of commitment. Athletes must be available to attend required camps and, if selected, international competition.

Centralised camps are the primary development environment. While some flexibility exists through hubs or mini-camps, attendance at key camps is critical for selection.

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* 14. 4.1 Athlete availability

Are you available for required camps and international competition as outlined in Section 1.3

SECTION 5 - BENCHMARKING RESULTS

Benchmarking is a core component of the selection process. Athletes must complete all required testing prior to Selection Camp 1 and submit results as part of this application.

These tests measure strength, power, endurance and efficiency. Minimum expectations apply and failure to meet these may result in non-selection.

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* 15. Paddler benchmark results enter here:

Note: if you are unable to do both sides please record the same side twice

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* 16. Drummer/Sweep benchmark results enter here:

Note: please note although we require benchmarking results these can be supplied up to 14 days out from Camp 1 and emailed direct to nationalcoach@ausdbf.com.au) (AusDBF will need to upload the tests for the sweeps as not all are in the benchmark doc)

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* 17. 5.1 Declaration

Do you confirm all testing was completed correctly and in accordance with guidelines?

SECTION 6 - ERG TESTING
Ergometer testing is not simply about maximum output. It is used to assess efficiency, control and the ability to maintain performance under fatigue.
Athletes must maintain a consistent stroke rate (SPM) and demonstrate effective meters per stroke. Where possible, paddle-specific erg setups (e.g. Kaha adapter) should be used.

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* 18. 6.1 Erg Equipment Used (REQUIRED)

Athletes must specify the exact erg setup used:

Note: Where athletes are unable to access a paddle-specific erg setup, results may still be accepted; however, testing may be standardised at Camp 1 for validation.
SECTION 7 - SUBMISSIONS

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* 19. All data must be supported by evidence. Video submissions allow selectors to verify performance and assess technique.

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* 20. Upload video here

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* 21. Do you confirm all submitted results are accurate and verifiable?

SECTION 8 - COACH & REFERENCE

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* 22. Applications must be supported by the Primary Club coach endorsement and written reference to confirm the athlete’s capability and readiness for high-performance participation.

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* 23. Upload reference and coach endordement here

SECTION 9 - INTEGRITY & COMPLIANCE
All athletes must meet integrity and behavioural standards expected of national representatives.

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* 24. 9.1 Have you completed all the required Sport Integrity Australia education?
https://elearning.sportintegrity.gov.au/
  • Anti-Doping Fundamentals
  • 2026 Annual update
  • Competition Manipulation and Sports Betting (excluding Juniors)
  • Ethical Decision Making (Juniors only)
  • Introduction to Illicit Drugs in Sport
  • Harassment & Discrimination
  • National Integrity Framework
  • Child Safeguarding in Sport Introduction

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* 25. Upload SIA PDF certificate here

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* 26. 9.2 I am aware that prior to selection for the Auroras, integrity checks will be made at a club, state, and national level

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* 27. 9.3 Do you agree to comply with all policies, procedures, and codes of conduct of AusDBF?
https://www.ausdbf.com.au/policies

SECTION 10 - COST ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Dragon boating remains an amateur sport, with participants required to cover campaign costs.
Where possible, sponsorship is sought, however historically this has been limited.
Athletes must understand and plan for campaign costs, which typically range between $6,000 - $9,000, depending on the number of camps attended.

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* 28. Do you accept the campaign cost expectations?

SECTION 11 - DECLARATION & CONDITIONS

Participation is conditional and subject to ongoing performance, behaviour and compliance.
AusDBF reserves the right to remove an athlete from the program if they:
• Fail to meet performance standards
• Fail to meet attendance requirements
• Breach policies or codes of conduct
• Act in a manner bringing the program or sport into disrepute
• Disregard reasonable directions
All decisions will follow procedural fairness and governance standards.

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* 29. Do you agree to these conditions?

SECTION 12 - FULL CAMPAIGN TIMETABLE

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* 30. I agree to the full campaign timetable (type or sign name)

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* 31. Date of submission

Date
Time

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