athletics | badminton | cricket | cycling | disability | football | hockey | rugby | swimming | tennis | other
Athletics Development Plan
SCOTTISH BORDERS DEVELOPMENT PLAN DRAFT TEXT
Athletics Development Plan
“By 2012 we want it to be recognised that the Scottish Borders in on the right path to being a vibrant and strong area for athletics in Scotland, a breeding ground for future champions and an area recognised throughout Scotland as one which punches above its weight.”
INTRODUCTION
On the surface, Athletics seems to be a very simple sport. The Olympic motto Citius, Altius, Fortius (Swifter, Higher, Stronger) is applicable more so to Athletics than most other sports. It is a sport which embodies skill sets which are the basis of most other sports – speed, endurance, strength and agility.
But anyone involved directly in the sport knows that Athletics is very complex with many different demands and challenges across its multi-discipline nature – sprints, hurdles, jumps, throws, middle-distance and long-distance over track both outdoors and indoors, as well as road, cross-country and hills. Each discipline has its own technical requirements over and above the basic skill. Developing these technical skills beyond the basics necessitates access to increasingly specialist coaching and facilities, areas which, running aside, have been identified as weaknesses in the Scottish Borders.
This plan, produced by the Scottish Borders Athletics Development Group, is intended to address these weaknesses and in so doing, to dovetail with Scottish Athletics six-year plan and SBC’s Sports Strategy in identifying the pathway for long-term development of athletics.
But no one group alone can make this happen. If we are to take athletics in the Scottish Borders forward we need buy-in and strong partnerships between a host of different bodies and groups – SBC, BSLT, Scottish Athletics Ltd, Borders Athletics (which oversees the Borders Games circuit), clubs, individual coaches and most definitely the schools (both in the education meaning and the training group meaning). In this regard it is very encouraging to have seen improved dialogue recently and a coming together of ideas for the betterment of the sport as a whole between the historically two distinct arms of the sport - the “amateur club” or Olympic arm governed through Scottish Athletics, and the “open”* Games arm overseen by Borders Athletics.
Many aspects of this plan are inter-dependent; an aim might only be achieved if another aspect of the plan is progressed in the same timeframe. The plan therefore provides a coherent inter-linked strategy to set us on the path to seeing the Scottish Borders becoming a vibrant and strong area for athletics in Scotland; a breeding ground for future champions; an area to be recognised throughout the rest of Scotland as one which punches above its weight.
*Explanatory Note: Prior to 1993 there were two distinct codes in the sport – amateur athletics, which was governed by the Scottish Amateur Athletics Association and was part of the Olympic Games movement, and professional (or “pro”) athletics with meetings or Games staged by promoters at which the athletes competed for prize money. Competing as a “pro” for even the smallest financial reward debarred an athlete from ever competing as an amateur. However in 1993 after dramatic commercialisation in amateur athletics, the barriers came down and athletes were allowed to compete under the two different codes. Although the terms “pro” or “pro-circuit” remain in colloquial use, officially the body which oversees the Borders Games, Borders Athletics, refers only to “open athletics”.
Ultimately, this will take more than this 3-year plan. Given the current position and limited resources in terms of personnel, funding and facilities, we cannot be overly ambitious with this plan but initially it is our vision that by 2012 every child in the Scottish Borders should have the opportunity to try athletics in its generic sense. Furthermore, at that time they should be provided with information on how to develop their interest and potential in the sport through easily accessible ongoing programmes, coaching and competition networks, whether through formal clubs or organised training groups or “schools”.
At the same time, we need to enthuse, motivate and develop those already involved in athletics who aspire to maximise their potential in the sport. We also want to capitalise on the strong sense of identity in the Scottish Borders community. Key to this we believe is the establishment of a Scottish Borders Track and Field club, or a composite team, which we envisage competing initially in the Scottish Young Athletes League but ultimately in the National Junior Athletes League. We are conscious that this has been suggested previously and it will only come to fruition if there is conviction on the part of the existing clubs affiliated to Scottish Athletics to recognise their own limitations and to commit to what is best for the sport as a whole in the Scottish Borders. Any such composite club or team would be specifically for track and field athletics and need not impact on existing affiliations and club membership or club representation for cross-country, road and hill running.
This plan identifies aims, priorities and desires and should provide, at the very least, some food for thought. Hopefully in reading it you will be as enthusiastic about the potential future of athletics in the Scottish Borders as those who have contributed to it through the SBADG.
YOUTH PROGRAMMES
2012 Mission - That all school-age children in the Scottish Borders from P6 to S3 have an opportunity to participate in a formal organised athletics programme with clear information on the pathway into the club and Borders Athletics structure.
Youth programmes are important in providing many with their first taste of organised athletics. Opportunities exist to tap into existing programmes promoted by Scottish Athletics and UK Athletics. Extended use across the Scottish Borders is to be encouraged. Crucial to this is engagement with and co-operation from Active Schools Co-ordinators, Secondary School Heads of PE, Primary School Head Teachers and Primary PE specialists.
Sportshall Athletics
Sportshall Athletics is endorsed by UK Athletics and is run by a private company Sportshall Associates Ltd. It provides the opportunity for young people to take part in an introductory form of indoor track and field athletics during the winter months. However many of the skills learned are relevant to other sports. The programme starts with agility and training sessions which can be undertaken by classes in individual schools and progresses to intra-school, inter-school, regional and national competitions. Taking part brings the excitement and skills of track and field into sports halls, leisure centres, and school gymnasia and gives young people a taste of athletics competition. Whilst the scheme provides both primary school and secondary school formats, the target group for the purposes of this plan is P6 and P7 with sessions held during curriculum time. The Sportshall website gallery contains two short videos which demonstrate the success and benefits of Sportshall.
Discussion with the Active Schools Network has taken place to implement a Sporthall Athletics programme. Training courses have already taken place and will continue to be organised by the Active schools co-ordinators for primary school teachers and PE specialists starting from Autumn 2009 with a view to progressing from individual school participation, then school versus school competition, inter-school cluster competitions and ultimately by March 2011 a Borders-wide Regional Finals day. SBC has purchased a complete set of Sportshall equipment which is available for use by all SBC schools through the Active Schools Co-ordinators.
Startrack
Startrack is a UK Athletics scheme, sponsored by Aviva, which provides the opportunity for youngsters between the ages of 8 and 15 to take part in a fun introduction to a wide range of athletics events as well as improving their athletic skills and enabling them to start making progress in their performance. Organisers, usually local authorities in partnership with athletic clubs and schools, apply annually for inclusion on the scheme. Events are normally held during school holiday periods. It is proposed to continue to run an annual Startrack programme at Tweedbank during the Summer school holidays. This will be organised by the SBC Sports Development Unit and will be advertised Borders-wide through clubs, schools and leisure centres in brochures produced in partnership with Actives Schools and Borders Sport & Leisure trust. Every Primary school pupil will receive a copy of the brochure.
Giant Heptathlon
Giant Heptathlon is a relatively new initiative promoted by Scottish Athletics. It is a team competition for S1/S2 school pupils with teams of 7 pupils each participating in 7 different events with cumulative scores being recorded. It acts as an early form of talent identification and development. Teaching/coaching sessions in each event are followed by a team competition which can be intra-school initially, then inter-school. Further information is available on the Scottish Athletics website www.scottishathletics.org.uk under “Get Involved”.
It is proposed to pilot Giant Heptathlon through Peebles High School during the summer term 2010. A planned roll-out thereafter across other Borders Secondary Schools would lead to inter-schools competition by summer 2011 and a Borders-wide competition by 2012.
Elevating Athletics
UK Athletics recognises that Schools play a vital role in developing talent but may need to adapt their approaches if they are to make the best of the young talent available to them.
Elevating Athletics is a new set of resources developed by UK Athletics to place running, jumping and throwing at the heart of school physical education and to support teachers in delivering athletic activity in an up-to-date, inclusive, exciting and engaging manner. There are two levels – Primary and Secondary.
Elevating Athletics has been written by physical education experts with extensive experience of teaching and coaching athletics at school, club and international level and it conforms to curriculum requirements in Scotland.
It provides teachers with a creative and practical resource that helps them encourage and motivate youngsters to participate and achieve in athletics. It ensures that athletics is taught in a more inclusive and engaging manner, with modern approaches that are less reliant on formal didactic delivery and focus more on learning. Children receive a positive experience of athletics, where the emphasis is on participation, enjoyment, mastery and the acquisition of skills, so that they maintain interest in the sport.
Elevating Athletics also creates a greater understanding that running, jumping and throwing underpin the vast majority of sports, and ensure children acquire and develop these skills throughout their education.
Whilst Elevating Athletics packs have already been delivered to every local authority school in the Scottish Borders, little is known about the extent to which it is being utilised in Borders Schools. We therefore propose to promote the Elevating Athletics resources within all Borders Schools, monitor and evaluate its use and target any areas of weakness.
Next Steps
Capturing the interest of youngsters through ongoing use of the programmes outlined above is one thing but for those individuals who wish to continue in athletics, it is vital that information is provided at the end of each session on how that interest can be pursued. This necessitates the provision of clear and simple contact information to the organising bodies of all youth programmes for local clubs and running schools. We intend to engage with and seek the support of organisers accordingly.
RUN, JUMP AND THROW ACTIVITY
2012 Mission – That a fledgling Run, Jump and Throw programme has been established in each of the 4 districts of the Scottish Borders
A Community Run, Jump and Throw Club is a concept for children/athletes to gain an opportunity to participate in athletics activity at any time of year all year round offering should a wide range of activity for all children including all aspects of running, jumping and throwing. Sports Development and Active Schools will be encouraged toestablish a fledgling programme in the 4 districts of the Scottish Borders, if appropriate in liaison with BSLT. This will initially be aimed at youngsters age between 8 & 10 years. Ideally, an RJT activity should be available to any interested party in the Borders within a 30 minute maximum journey time.
Clubs will be encouraged to hold annual Come and Try days,which can beused as a talent identification mechanism. Technical events (Throws and Jumps) initiatives also have a role within Youth Programmes but it is recognised that schools have an important role in supporting them.
CLUB DEVELOPMENT
2012 Mission– By 2012 we want to be able to say that the number of qualified coaches and officials as well as volunteers, has increased and that athletics in the Borders benefits from working with a talented and committed volunteer workforce.
Club development is not necessarily about more clubs, although new clubs will still be encouraged where demand is demonstrated with no significant impact on existing clubs. Rather it is about better clubs and improved opportunity. Clubs will be encouraged to work in partnership to achieve their goals and it is this approach which should enable the next generation of athletes, coaches, officials and club volunteers to be recruited and retained giving athletics in the Scottish Borders an exciting and sustainable future.
Coaches:It is recognised that greater commitment is required to attain coaching awards. Guidance will be provided to assist coaches to acquire access to the coach scholarship scheme. Coaches will be informed by the Coaching Network officer, Sports Development Officer or SAL of education opportunities both sports specific and generic e.g. First Aid, Child Protection etc.
Officials: Officials will be supported and encouraged by the Coaching Network Officer and SALto upgrade their qualifications in line with SAL requirements. Officials will be informed by Coaching Network Officer or SAL of education opportunities both sports specific and generic.
Volunteers: We recognise the need and importance of Secretaries, Treasurers, Kit people, parents and others who play a crucial role within clubs and groups. They can bring examples of best practice from other sports and can share this knowledge with the athletics community. Vounteer Centre Borders is one recognised avenue for the recruitment of more volunteers however there is a need for volunteers to commit to an ongoing involvement in supporting the clubs.
Clubmark: This is a Governing body club accreditation programme. This will assist clubs to adopt best practice in administering their activities. It is considered a reasonable aim that 1 club from the Borders should attain this award by 2012 with other affiliated clubs working towards attaining Clubmark.
Links with schools: Integration between the schools and clubs can play a major role in the development of athletics. A closer working relationship between the Principal Teachers of PE Group and the SBC SDU/SBADG would be of benefit and it is therefore proposed to evaluate with them how this might be achieved.
Working in partnership with Scottish Disability Sport and sportscotland,ScottishAthletics appointed a Disability Athletics Development Officer in 2008 with the aim of progressing the links between mainstream and Disability Athletics, delivering increased opportunities to drive the sport forward in an inclusive manner. This officer will link SBC’s Sports Development staff and Active schools networkand SBADG to assist in providing opportunities for participants, coaches and volunteers.
COMPETITION
2012 Mission – To have a Scottish Borders Athletics club or composite team competing in the Scottish Young Athletes League.
The Border Games
One of the comparative strengths of athletics in the Scottish Borders compared to other areas in Scotland is the popular and well established “circuit” of Border Games held from the end of May to mid-August each summer. Whilst restricted to running events on a variable standard of grass track these Games, where competitors are given a handicap (or start) based on their age, ability and sex, provide an excellent opportunity at the participation level of the sport, whether for the young athlete starting out, or the “journeyman” or more senior athlete prolonging his or her involvement. Added interest and spice comes from the occasional participation of International standard athletes.
Athletes do progress from the circuit to Championship standard, however, one possible risk from having such a traditional and strong circuit is that some coaches and athletes may give preference to the Games week-in week-out rather than exposing the athlete to a higher level of competition to test their potential. Whilst every athlete must have the desire to progress, we should be aware of the threat to the development of athletes, and also the proposed Borders team in the Scottish Young Athletes League, by commitment to the Border Games or athletes targeting one particular race on the circuit and their full potential not being exposed or realised.
Schools
Competition through the High Schools is a vital element of athletics opportunity and development. However there are issues, mostly related to staffing and exams during the summer term which mean maximum benefit is not being gained.
Ideally, we would like to see a progression through Regional Championships to National Championships then representative Inter-Area match. However with exams for S4 up starting early in May and school trips often taking place on the last week of term at the end of June, it is acknowledged that there are restrictions on when pupils and teachers can commit to extra-curricular competition. Having said that, it is disappointing that 3 out of 9 High Schools - Selkirk, Hawick and Berwickshire, all declined to participate in the 2009 Borders Schools Championships on Thursday 18 June.
A closer working relationship between the Principal Teachers of PE Group and the SBC SDU/SBADG would be of benefit and it is therefore proposed to evaluate with them how the structure of the schools competitive season might be altered.
Performance of Borders Schools’ athletes at the Scottish Schools Championships will be monitored and recorded as an ongoing performance measure.
In 2007, the SBADG encouraged participation of a Borders Schools team in the Scottish Schools U15 Inter-Area representative match with a Trials meeting being staged by the SBADG at Tweedbank mid-May. This has proved relatively successful with the Borders team finishing 8th in 2007, 9th in 2008 and 8th in 2009 with some notable individual performances. Participation will continue.
The SBADG will examine the reintroduction of a Borders Secondary Cross Country Championships and the possibility of a Primary Schools Cross Country Championships
Club
Competition for clubs is well catered for in terms of road running, hill running and cross country where there are sufficient local and national events available for all levels of ability. However, this is very different when it comes to track and field. Borders clubs are small in numbers and cannot fill the required events to gain entry to the majority of league competitions with athletes who want to compete at this level having to travel and link with a club out with the area to seek the appropriate events. SBADG has prioritized the forming of a composite Borders team to participate in league competition.
Lothian and Borders League
This is an entry level league competition held in Edinburgh. The object of this league is to provide the stepping stone for youngsters from the Lothian and Borders area to develop and become used to participating in competition. There are 3 matches where young athletes can compete in a variety of events. Each competing area is asked to provide 6 officials. This is currently a concern for the Borders as there are a very limited number of available officials an issue which is addressed elsewhere.
Open Graded Meetings
These competitions are a firmly established part of the competition programme in Scotland, the nearest meetings being held at Meadowbank and Grangemouth. Competition is between athletes of similar ability as opposed to age groups. Again a variety of events are offered at these meetings which allows for all round development. Subject to an increase in the number of qualified officials in the Borders and the required upgrading and certification of the Tweedbank track, it is hoped to be able to stage a Scottish Athletics permitted open graded meeting at Tweedbank by 2012.
Scottish Young Athletes League (SYAL)
The SYAL provides a full programme of events for boys and girls in the U13, U15 and U17 age groups. This league is seen as the ideal vehicle for a composite Borders team to attain regular competition. However as teams are required to provide 4/6 qualified officials and the 3 existing divisions (2 Central divisions and 1 NE division) each have 8 clubs already – some improvements and negotiation will be required before an entry can be achieved. A possible short term solution would be a composite team with Lasswade until there was space and the numbers to permit a Borders only team. Both avenues will be examined and pursued by the SBADG.
Representative
In 2008 the SBADG selected a team to compete in an Inter Area match held at Carlisle. This match gave Borders athletes the opportunity to compete in a higher level of competition against teams from South of Scotland and the North of England.
FUNDING
2012 Mission– That sufficient funds have been identified and committed to allow the implementation of this plan
SBADG will work with SBC and new partners to identify and acquire the resources required to ensure the implementation of this plan.
It is recognised that to implement this healthily ambitious plan that funding is a major issue. SBADG has very little in the way of finance hence all the partners will need to work together to identify funding sources and pool resources to ensure that that the activities highlighted in the plan can take place on an ongoing basis and become sustainable.
PERFORMANCE DEVELOPMENT
2012 Mission – By 2012 we want to be able to say that Scottish Borders’ athletes have made a significant contribution to the performance of Scottish teams at School, Junior and Senior International level.
To achieve this aim, a pathway for our athletes and coaches will need to be developed and supported in line with the Scottish Athletics performance and excellence plan. Athletes currently are identified by schools, clubs and ranking on Power of 10 lists then selected for the Scottish Borders Sports Academy and Scottish Athletics’ Regional and National development programme. In conjunction with SAL, the more talented Borders athletes may be nominated for selection to the Athlete Support Programme.
Technical Events: Whilst running events are well catered for, overall performance levels in the technical events are weak. This is due to several issues such as insufficient facilities and coaches, lack of opportunities to compete and therefore minimum incentive for Borders athletes to take up the technical events. This could be addressed by facility provision for these events and increased number and quality of coaches. The staging of development sessions may help but this would require support from both schools and clubs. A good model of how this can work in developing an event is the Border Reivers Hammer Throwing Academy, which specializes in one event. The ultimate aim would be to replicate this concept across the other technical events.
Over the 12 month period to February 2010 the Borders had 8 athletes selected to represent Scotland at School, Junior and Senior level in track, field, road running and cross country and no less than 33 medals won on the National stage.
Athletics Development Plan
Athletics Development Plan
