STS Performance Programme
This page reflects the Performance Programme arrangements taking effect from 1 August 2026.
The Scottish Target Shooting Performance Programme supports athletes who are demonstrating the standards, behaviours and potential required to progress towards GB selection, senior international competition and major-event performance.
The Programme operates through one whole-sport policy and a consistent three-tier structure. Discipline-specific criteria set out the objective performance evidence required for consideration, while selection decisions also take account of progression, consistency, training and competition engagement, technical and performance behaviours, potential and the athlete’s capacity to benefit from the Programme.
A Whole-Sport Framework
The Performance Programme framework can apply across any STS-recognised internationally competitive discipline or event where an agreed purpose, athlete cohort, delivery model, workforce and sustainable funding arrangement are in place.
The disciplines currently supported through sportscotland investment will continue through their established Olympic and Paralympic coaching and programme arrangements. Criteria and delivery models for additional disciplines may be developed over time.
Recognition within the Performance Programme does not mean that every discipline or athlete will receive the same support or access to central funding.
Programme Structure
High Performance
The highest level of the STS-managed structure, for athletes delivering or consistently close to delivering the Programme’s performance objectives.
Performance Potential
For athletes demonstrating realistic potential to achieve the Programme’s objectives within the relevant performance horizon.
Transition to Performance
For athletes with potential who are developing the consistency, behaviours and readiness required within a performance environment.
World Class Programme
Athletes supported through the British Shooting World Class Programme will normally sit outside the STS tier structure. They may receive complementary STS support according to their individual needs, eligibility and the resources available.
Programme Support
The support available will depend on the athlete’s discipline, Tier, individual needs and the relevant delivery and funding model. It may include:
performance planning and review;
support from an appropriate Performance Coach;
training, development and competition planning;
programme training or development activity;
access to relevant performance expertise or services; and
coordination with British Shooting and other performance partners.
Selection to the Performance Programme does not automatically create an entitlement to sportscotland Institute of Sport services, coaching budgets, competition funding, athlete grants or other discretionary investment. Programme selection, service allocation and financial support are separate decisions.
Selection and Review
STS operates Winter and Summer Selection Cycles. Each discipline, event or athlete cohort is assigned to the most appropriate cycle, with application deadlines, review periods and decision dates published annually.
Achieving the relevant Minimum Consideration Standard makes an athlete eligible to be considered. It does not guarantee selection, selection to a particular Tier, or access to support services or funding.
The Selection Panel will consider the athlete’s wider performance case, including progression or sustained performance, consistency, training and competition engagement, technical and performance behaviours, potential, relevant context and the Programme’s capacity to add meaningful value.
New athletes will normally be selected provisionally for six months before their place is reviewed.
Selection & Application
Meet Our Athletes
Meet the athletes currently supported through the STS Performance Programme and learn more about their journeys through the sport.
Contact Us
Questions about the Performance Programme can be directed to the Performance & Pathways Manager at performance@scottishtargetshooting.co.uk.