routes to sporting excellence

Question 1

roles of uk sport

Answer 1

1) responsibility for talent identification
2) decides to which sport receives funding
3) promotes ethical behaviour
4) conducts research
5) funds elite athletes

Question 2

National governing bodies

Answer 2

• increase grass roots participation
• develop elite performers
•develops and trains, coaches and officials
• attract investment
manages rules and regulations of its sport
• share good practice

Question 3

phase one of talent ID

Answer 3

• Physiological parameters
• Biological indicators of performance
• Psychological parameters
• Hereditary profile
• Sociological profile

Question 4

phase 2-3 of talent ID

Answer 4

designed to further assess an athlete’s suitability for a sport and better equip them for the journey ahead. The athlete’s pathway from identification to world class performance is also outlined. Sessions may include: functional movement screening, medical screening, performance lifestyle workshops and psychology and behavioural assessments.

Question 5

phase 4 of talent ID

Answer 5

6-12 month trial in the specific sport’s elite training environment, with unsuccessful athletes provided with opportunities to continue the sport through the club system.

Question 6

key factors for successful talent ID

Answer 6

• Widespread testing
• Variety of testing i.e. physiological and psychological
• Database of information to allow for sharing across sports
• Co-ordinated testing i.e. linking of agencies, coaches, different sports etc.
• Good competition systems to scout from

Question 7

pros of talent ID

Answer 7

• those identified should make rapid process
• get relevant sporting experience
• more success/medal winners
• better use of NGB funding once selected
• widens talent pool in minority sport

Question 8

cons of talent ID

Answer 8

• will always miss people
• Experienced coaches’ ‘eye’ could be better than quantitative tests in some sports.
• Testing requires extensive funding.
• Children could be over-trained and limits their options from young age.
• Although have the potential to be good, doesn’t mean they always are

Question 9

more on funding allocation

Answer 9

• NGBs of Olympic sports / sports wishing to be part of Team GB as an Olympic Sport submit to UK Sport a four year whole sport plan which contains detailed targets of how many and who will win medals at future Olympic games, also in what events, how that sport is going to ensure it happens ect
• UK Sport have to decide if a plan is convincing and viable, then will decide whether or not to invest some of the £100 million they receive in this sport. It can be a brutal process as sports which do not receive funding tend to decline

what a whole sports plan may contain:
• Talent identification
• Coaching structures
• Training of coaches
• Sports science
• Provision of facilities
• Competition structure (plus the development of competitions and clubs)
• Training of officials
• Scholarships/funding
• Campaigns to promote the sport
• How the sport is to develop grass roots participation