Development of elite athletes

• Talent Identification

  The multi-disciplinary screening of athletes in order to identify those with the potential for world class success.
• Elite

  The best, highest level sports performers at 'excellence' level.
• Personal Qualities

  The attributes and personally characteristics of an individual person.
• Mentor

  An individual who helps and guides another person's development.
• Socio-economic status

  An individual's position in the social structure, which depends on their job, level of income and area the y live in.
• Sexism

  Discrimination on the basis of sex/gender.
• Sports equity

  Fairness in sport; equality of access for all; recognizing inequalities in sport and taking steps to address them.
• National Governing Body (NGB)

  An organization which has responsibility for managing its own particular sport (e.g. England Netball or Football Association)
• Whole Sport Plan

  A business plan/document submitted to Sport England outlining National Governing Body (NGB) strategies to increase participation and enhance talent in the sport they are responsible for.
• Performance Pathway Team

  A combination of EIS and UK Sport expertise used to identify and develop world-class talent.
• Identify the psychological qualities you feel are necessary for an individual to develop as an elite performer.

  • Clear focus/goals to achieve/goal-orientated

  • Patient

  • Dedicated/committed/self-disciplined

  • Determined to succeed

  • High levels of self-motivation

  • High levels of confidence/self-efficacy

  • Highly resilient

  • Ability to control arousal

  • Ability to accept feedback

  • Mentally tough/high pain tolerance
• Identify the socio-cultural factors which encourage the development of elite performers and improve the chance of UK athletes winning medals at the Olympics.

  Socio-cultural factors include:

  • level of media coverage/status of sport/role models to aspire to

  • equal opportunities policies/anti discriminatory practice/sports equity

  • a positive educational experience, e.g. at school/FE college/university

  • access to specialist clubs to develop sporting talents (e.g. via high-quality facilities; top level coaching)

  • support from family/friends/peers

  • social class/socio-economic status
• Describe the role of UK Sport in elite performer development.

  • Works on a strategy to increase sporting excellence in the UK

  • Manages/distributes National Lottery/World Class Programme funding/Athlete Performance Awards

  • Promotes ethical behaviour at the highest level

  • Works to attract major sporting events to the UK, e.g. via the Gold Events Series

  • Manages the UK's sporting relationships with other countries, e.g. via the International Voice Programme

  • Talent ID role

  • Helps sports performers develop a positive lifestyle suitable for elite sport; provides Performance Lifestyle Advice, e.g. via EIS

  • Funds/supports the work of the national institutes of sport

  • Supports the development of elite-level coaches, e.g. via World Class Coaches
• England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales all have national institutes of sport. Describe how these national institutes are aiding the development of the UK's elite athletes.

  • Sport science (e.g. biomechanics/performance

  analysis) and sport medicine support (e.g. medical screening/podiatry)

  • Performance Lifestyle Programmes

  • Organisations working in partnership (e.g. EIS and UK Sport)

  • Research and innovation (providing the latest advances in technology)

  • Top-quality facilities to train in and high-level coaches provided
• Identify ways in which a NGB can help to ensure the development of elite performers.

  • Via Talent ID programmes/regional scouts

  • By providing funding and making decisions on distributing funding, e.g. UK Sport WCPP funding/Athlete Performance Awards

  • By liaising with other organisations involved in elite performer development, e.g. UK Sport/EIS, and providing talent identification programmes

  • By providing high-quality coaching/top-class facilities to train in, e.g. via national centres such as the FA's centre in Burton

  • By providing Performance Lifestyle Advice

  • By increasing the numbers participating in the sport and potentially increasing the talent pool

  • By providing structured levels of competition

  • By providing development squads from local through regional and onto national levels

  • By successful submission and implementation of its Whole Sport Plan

  • By developing and applying equal opportunities policies
• Identify the key objectives UK Sport aims to achieve through its Gold Event Series.

  • Supporting high-performance success

  • Creating high-profile opportunities for people to engage in sport

  • Using and demonstrating the legacy of London 2012 and Glasgow 2014

  • Driving positive economic and social impacts for the UK
• Which of the following best describes the Podium level of the World Class Performance Pathway?

  a) Supporting athletes 10 years away from the podium.

  b) Supporting athletes 8 years away from the podium.

  c) Supporting athletes 6 years away from the podium.

  d) Supporting athletes 4 years away from the podium.

  (1)

  d) Supporting athletes 4 years away from the podium.
• UK Sport plays a key role in co-ordinating Talent ID programmes to help achieve its aim of developing elite performers. Outline and explain the characteristics of an effective Talent ID programme. (6)

  • There is simplicity of administration and record keeping, evident with clear/appropriate division of roles. Performers can be assessed via a

  clear database.

  • Talent identification monitoring systems are used that are built on good practice and use appropriate/relevant tests linked to the physiological/psychological characteristics and techniques demanded in the focus sport(s);

  direction of performers to sports suited to them.

  • Well-structured competitive programmes and development squads are provided at various levels appropriate to participants' current level

  of performance and provide a structured route through to elite level.

  • Specialist/high-quality training facilities to support progression are provided; testing facilities are of a high standard.

  • Funding is allocated to young up-and-coming performers at different stages of their development (e.g. Lottery/WCPP).

  • Talent spotting is undertaken via high-quality coaches/high-quality talent scouts.

  • There is high-level provision of support services (e.g. sports scientists and physiotherapists) to support performers during their identification and progression.

  • Organisations involved in Talent ID work together (e.g. EIS, UK Sport and NGBs).

  • Equality of opportunity/inclusiveness is ensured by allowing anyone who feels they

  meet the initial criteria for a programme to apply to be part of it.
• Explain how the structure of the World Class Performance Pathway supports the development of elite athletes in the UK. (3)

  • World Class Talent: feeds into the pathway to identify those with potential to progress through the pathway and places them on the development

  programme involving training and competing.

  • World Class Podium Potential: this consists of athletes whose performances have suggested realistic medal-winning capabilities 6-8 years from the podium.

  • World Class Podium: this is the top end of the pathway which supports athletes with realistic medal-winning chances at the next Olympic/Paralympic Games (i.e. a maximum of 4 years

  from the podium)
• Discuss the use of Talent ID programmes in the UK to support the development of elite performers. (8)

  Advantages of Talent ID programmes:

  • All potential performers are screened/nothing is left to chance.

  • Individuals get directed to a suitable sport linked to their talents.

  • The programme of development can be accelerated.

  • They make the best use of funding/resources available.

  • They increase the chances of winning medals.

  • They help organisations work together/co-operate.

  
  

  Disadvantages of Talent ID programmes:

  • They may miss late developers.

  • They require high levels of funding.

  • They require large numbers to be tested to be of use.

  • There are no guarantees of success.

  • Many sports are in competition for the same talent pool; high-profile sports may attract more performers or the best performers.
• Large numbers of Team GB athletes successful in Rio 2016 were supported by UK Sport National Lottery funding. Justify the decision to allocate this funding based on performances at major competitions. (6)

  • UK Sport has adopted a funding philosophy

  called 'no compromise' and bases its decisions on performances at major sporting competitions.

  • UK Sport has adopted this approach to raise standards/performance levels among Team GB athletes/increased accountability of performers/NGBs.

  • It is designed to make the best use of the funding available to elite sport by funding athletes/sports deemed to have the best chance of success (i.e. it is directed to potential medal winners.)

  • Such an approach has increased Team GB medal chances and helps justify the large public/National Lottery investment in elite sport.

  • Success breeds success; more medals bring more money; more success increases the profile of a sport (e.g. cycling).

  • This approach encourages/gives incentives to athletes to reach the highest level possible.
• Identify the social and cultural factors which encourage the development of elite performers and improve the chance of UK athletes winning medals in the Olympics.

  Level of media coverage/status of sport/role models to aspire to.

  Equal opportunities policies/anti-discriminatory practice/sports equity.

  A positive educational experience e.g. at school.

  Access to specialist clubs to develop sporting talents via high quality facilities and coaching.

  Support from family and friends.

  Social class.
• The home nations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales all have National Institutes of Sport. Identify five ways in which these National Institutes are aiding the development of the UK's elite athletes.

  Sport science e.g. biomechanics, performance analysis and sports medicine.

  Performance lifestyle programmes are provided.

  Organisations work in partnership such as EIS and UK Sport.

  Research and innovation provides the latest advances in tech.

  Top quality facilities and coaches.
• Identify four ways in which a NGB can help to ensure the development of elite performers.

  Talent ID programmes/regional scouts.

  Providing funding; making decisions on how to distribute e.g. UK Sport.

  Liasing with other organisations involved in development e.g. UK Sport and EIS - providing Talent ID programmes.

  Providing high quality facilities and coaching.

  Providing performance lifestyle support.

  Increasing numbers participating and increasing talent pool.

  Providing structured levels of competition.

  Developing and applying equal opportunities policies.
• Identify three key objectives UK Sport aims to achieve through its Gold Event Series.

  Supporting high performance success.

  Creating high profile opportunities for people to engage in sport.

  Use and demonstrate the legacy of London 2012.

  Drive positive economic and social impacts for the UK.
• Describe the four key phases of UK Sport's Talent recruitment programmes.

  Campaigns start with 'talent search' which can involve the general public or sports community.

  Interested athletes invited to submit application form to UK Sport for them to consider.

  Successful applicants invited to phase 1 testing e.g. fitness and skills linked to the sport.

  Results from phase 1 influence progression onto phases 2 and 3 which further assess an athlete's suitability for a sport via medical screening, performance lifestyle workshops and psychological assessments.
• Which one of the following is a NGB of sport?

  a) UK Sport

  b) English Institute of Sport

  c) British Cycling

  d) Gold Event Series

  (1)

  c) British Cycling
• What are the personal qualities necessary for an individual to progress towards elite level performance? (3)

  Long term commitment, motivation and discipline.

  Mental determination and prepared to make sacrifices.

  High pain tolerance.

  Confident.

  Natural ability.

  Physical fitness.
• UK Sport plays a key role in co-ordinating Talent ID programmes to help achieve its aim of developing elite performers. Identify the characteristics of an effective Talent ID programme. (4)

  Simplicity of administration and record keeping, evident with appropriate division of roles. Performers assessed via a clear database.

  Monitoring systems are used and built on good practice and appropriate tests.

  Well structured competitive programmes and development squads to provide a structured route to elite level.

  Specialist facilities to support progression.

  Funding allocated to performers at different stages of development.

  Talent spotting undertaken by high quality scouts.

  Organisations involved in talent ID work together e.g. EIS, UK Sport.

  High provision of support services e.g. scientists, physios.

  Equality of opportunity - anyone can apply.
• The Gold Events Series is a 10-year programme running from 2013 to 2023 which aims to attract major sporting events to the UK.

  Discuss the suggestion that hosting major championships will benefit the individual performer and the sport. (8)

  Agree:

  Increase in the number of home spectators

  Increase chance of success via home performers as a result of boost from home crowd/home field advantage.

  Increased familiarity with venue, no need for travel or acclimatisation.

  Increased motivation.

  Increased social facilitation.

  Increased success leads to increased chance of funding.

  Increased potential for engagement in sport, higher profile for performer.

  Positive legacy of top class facilities; London 2012 facilities developed for future use.

  
  

  Disagree:

  Increased pressure to win.

  Increased doping/deviancy/gamesmanship/win at all costs attitude.

  Social inhibition.

  Financial costs of unsuccessful hosts e.g. poor ticket sales.

  Poorly organised events can hinder chance of hosting in future.
• Key personal factors and qualities needed to develop as an elite performer

  Commitment and self-discipline.

  Determination, single-minded, mentally tough.

  Highly motivated, desire to achieve set goals.

  WIlling to self-sacrifice.

  High pain tolerance.

  High levels of confidence.

  Highly skilled physically, natural ability.

  High level of physical fitness.

  Good communication skills.
• Social and cultural factors necessary to develop as an elite performer

  Highly supportive family/high socio-economic status.

  Evidence of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice within a sport.

  High quality, supportive educational provision.

  Structured levels of competition to progress through.

  High levels of media coverage and role models to aspire to.
• List the three organisations that are important when considering talent identification and elite performer progression.

  UK Sport

  English Institute of Sport

  NGB's
• UK Sport - providing support and progression from talent ID through to elite performance

  Developing high-performance sport in the UK by implementing strategies to achieve sporting excellence.

  Strategically invest and distribute national lottery funding to maximise performance in Olympics and Paralympics.

  Provide funding to NGB's.

  Provide funding to athletes.
• National institutes of sport - providing support and progression from talent ID through to elite performance

  E.g. EIS - network of high performance centres across England, providing a range of services to elite performers. Subsidiary of UK sport.

  Science, medicine and technology.
• NGB's - providing support and progression from talent ID through to elite performance

  Promote and increase participation.

  Regional scouts and talent ID schemes.

  Lifestyle support, competition, development squads.

  Decide who should receive funding to help them develop and progress e.g. provide coaches and facilities.
• Key features of a NGB's Whole Sport Plan

  Lottery funded.

  Approved by Sport England.

  Increase participation, develop talent.

  How it is achieved.
• Why are talent ID programmes important?

  All potential performers screened.

  Performers directed to sports to suit their talents.

  Development process accelerated as a result of information gained.

  Efficient use of available funding.

  Chances of producing medallists improved.

  Co-ordinated approach between organisations between NGB's, EIS, UK Sport.
• Disadvantages of Talent ID programmes

  May miss late developers.

  Require high levels of funding.

  Require large numbers to be tested to be of use.

  No guarentees of success.

  Many sports in competition for same talent pool, high profile sports may attract more performers or best performers.
• Important areas for support for identifying and nurturing talent according to EIS.

  Pathway Frontline Technical Solutions - meet specific needs of each sport when identifying and developing talent.

  Pathway Education - provides educational opportunities for development coaches, covering a variety of topics linked to elite performer development.

  Pathway Analytics - provide meaningful measures of the effectiveness of pathways by using a range of diagnostic tools.

  Performance Pathway Health Check - Evaluation of current systems and practices for supporting the development of potential medal winners in any given sport. Long-term vision and dstrategy for elite development, considering coaching and training environments.

  Pathway strategy - assist sports to develop and put in place a clear progressive pathway from podium foundations level to podium level.