Research Study: A retrospective analysis: Assessing the accuracy of standardised testing batteries in detecting future athletes project Opt Out 2026
Principal Researchers:
Dr Daniel Chalkley, Australian Catholic University
P: 07 3861 6129
Brooke Niccol (PhD candidate), Australian Catholic University
E: brooke.niccol@myacu.edu.au
We would like to invite you to participate in this postgraduate research project. You should only participate if you want to; choosing not to take part will not disadvantage you in any way. Before you decide whether you want to take part, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what your participation will involve. Please take time to read the following information carefully and discuss it with others if you wish. Ask us if there is anything that is not clear or if you would like more information.
Aim:
To retrospectively detect whether athletes who have been categorised (performance or development) would have been identified in the QAS YouFor2032 program.
Benefits:
By looking at past testing results and athlete achievement, this study may help us understand how well current talent identification processes are working. The findings may encourage sporting organisations to look beyond physical test results alone when identifying athletes and may help reduce the risk of talented athletes being incorrectly deselected. In the longer term, this research may help create fairer opportunities for individuals, which could contribute to a stronger team for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
What is involved?
No action is required from you. The study involves the research team analysing historical athlete testing data that has already been collected as part of your previous routine sport performance and monitoring processes.
Who are we recruiting?
The study will include current or former athletes of any performance or development category according to the National Athlete Categorisation Framework, who have testing data available between the ages of 13-23 years. Participants will be excluded if they do not have testing data available across any of the below tests: anthropometrics, 20m sprint, vertical jump, grip strength, isometric mid-thigh pull, 6 second bike, beep test. If you are under 18 years of age, we encourage you to discuss this study with a parent/ guardian.
Adverse Effects and Withdrawal:
If you do not wish for your historical testing data to be included in this research, you may withdraw your data without consequence by emailing ams@ausport.gov.au by Friday 19th June 2026. If you do not opt-out by this date, your historical testing data will be provided to the research team, and you will no longer be able to opt-out. Your decision to participate or not will have no impact on your past, current or future involvement with the Australian Institute of Sport or your sport.
Confidentiality:
Confidentiality concerns are minimal. The research team will receive only anonymised data which will be stored on a secure password protected university SharePoint location. Only the primary investigator and two co-researchers will have access to this location. Findings will be distributed through reports, presentations or publications, subject to AIS approval. All results will be reported in aggregate, and no combination of sport, classification, and performance data will be presented in a way that could identify an individual.
Ethics Approval:
This study has been approved by the Australian Institute of Sport Ethics Committee #
Further information:
If you require any further information relating to any aspect of participating in the study, you can contact the principal researcher at any time.
Concerns and Complaints:
If you have any concerns or complaints with respect to the conduct of this study, you may contact the Secretary of the AIS Ethics Committee by email to ethics@ausport.gov.au, by phone on (02) 6214 7884, or by mail to The Secretary AIS Ethics Committee PO Box 176 Belconnen ACT 2616.