New Appointment to the Topp

The Federation of International Touch Board members have ratified the appointment of Mr Peter Topp to the vacant position of Director of Sport Development.

This position was temporarily filled by Mr Peter McNeven the Coaching Commission Chair, and the Board members wishes to thank Peter for undertaking this extra work during the vacancy caused by Angela Calder departure which was caused by an increasing work commitment.

As the National Technical Manager at Touch Football Australia and a Sports Consultant at the Australian Sports Commission Peter has gained a high level of experience at all levels of the Australian Sporting Industry. As Touch Football Australia's National Technical Manager Peter facilitated the development and delivery of coaching and refereeing programs in all states to improve the competence of coaches and referees. Peter introduced the sport's first dedicated national junior initiative. He also expanded the national teams' program through the introduction of sports science, player preparation, national camps and coach development, all of which resulted in significant international success.

As a Sports Consultant in the Sports Coach and Official Section at the Australian Sports Commission his focus was to develop coach's and official's competence through quality control in the areas of curriculum development, improved delivery by presenters, assessors and mentors. Peter managed the National Officiating Scholarship Program for high performance officials. Peter improved the program delivery through targeted and specialised professional development for scholarship officials. The program's success can be measured by the increased number of officials who have subsequently achieved national and international accreditation and appointments.

Peter has also been a Touch player for many years representing the ACT at NTL Championships and the State of Queensland at the 2014 State of Origin Series.

Peter will be a great asset to the Sport internationally and the Federation look forward to his input in the years to come.