Sport Policy Factors Leading To International Sporting Success: An audit of the elite sport development system in Northern Ireland

Contents:

Introduction ...... 01 6 Pillar 6: Training facilities ...... 55

Methods ...... 04 Pillar 7: Coach provision and 7 coach development ...... 65 The structure of sport in the UK/Northern Ireland ...... 06 Pillar 8: (Inter)national 8 competition ...... 75 Pillar 1: Financial support for 1 sport and elite sport ...... 09 Pillar 9: Scientific research 9 and innovation ...... 81 Pillar 2: An integrated approach 2 to policy development ...... 19 The next steps ...... 89

3 Pillar 3: Participation in sport... 29 References ...... 91

Pillar 4: Talent identification Appendices ...... 93 4 and development ...... 39

Pillar 5: Athletic career and 5 post career support ...... 47 Introduction

1 Introduction

Over the last few years national sports “How should elite sport policies organisations and governments function so that elite athletes throughout the world have committed can train and perform in optimal increasing amounts of money to elite circumstances at each stage of sport in an attempt to win medals in their careers, with access to good major international competitions. As facilities, surrounded by high quality nations have engaged in a power struggle coaches and medical support.” to achieve international success, their (De Bosscher et al., 2008, p.23) elite sport systems appear to have become increasingly homogeneous In order to make an assessment of the and more than ever are based around elite sports climate in Northern Ireland, a single elite sports development model relevant data are presented in this (Oakley and Green, 2001a, 2001b; document which relate to the nine SPLISS Clumpner, 1994). pillars. In assessing Northern Ireland’s competitive position, more than 100 The strategic investment in elite sport critical success factors (CSFs) are systems to deliver international sporting considered across the nine pillars: success has been referred to as the “global sporting arms race” by Oakley 1. Financial support and Green (2001b). This said, the study of elite sport systems is still relatively 2. An integrated approach new and only in 2002 did De Bosscher et al. begin research aimed at increasing to policy development the knowledge base around the optimum strategy for delivering international 3. Participation in sport sporting success. The study collected information from six nations to establish 4. Talent identification and whether comparable data were available development system to develop a model to compare elite sport management systems on a like for like basis. 5. Athletic and post career support In 2006, the international comparative research of six nations was presented 6. Training facilities under the banner of ‘SPLISS’ (Sport Policy factors Leading to International Sporting Success). In 2010 a second 7. Coaching provision and SPLISS study was launched involving coach development 16 nations of which Northern Ireland is one of the new members of the 8. (Inter)national consortium. The original SPLISS research competition identified nine key sport policy factors or ‘pillars’ and these are presented in the analytical model illustrated in Figure 1. 9. Scientific research The model adopts an athlete centred and innovation approach in trying to conceptualise:

2 Each pillar is considered in relation At this point it should be noted that in to the various CSFs using question 2010-11, Sport Northern Ireland (Sport templates that have been developed NI) adopted and adapted the SPLISS from the original SPLISS pilot study. analytical model (Figure 1) to present These templates have been successful a ‘road map’ for international sporting in enabling meaningful comparisons success. The revised model, illustrated to be made across elite sport systems in Figure 2, includes the nine SPLISS in different nations. pillars and presents a world leading system for athlete development in Northern Ireland.

Figure 1: SPLISS Analytical Model

Elite Sport Environment, OUTPUT Media and Sponsoring INPUT Pillar 5: Excellence Athletic and post-career Pillar 9 support Scientific research Pillar 4: Performance Pillar8 Talent identification and (Inter)national competition development system

Pillar 7 Coaching provision and coach development Pillar 6 Training facilities THROUGHPUT

Organised sport (clubs) Pillar 3: Initiation Foundation and participation

INPUT Non organised sport and physical education in schools

Pillar 1 INPUT Financial support

Pillar 2 Organisation and structure of sport policies: an integrated approach to policy development

De Bosscher et al. (2006)

3 Figure 2: World Leading System for Athlete Development in Northern Ireland

A WORLD LEADING SYSTEM FOR ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT IN NORTHERN IRELAND

INTERNATIONAL SPORTING SUCCESS

KEY

• Financial support • Integrated approach to policy development

• Foundation & participation

• Talent identification & development system

• Athletic & post-career support

• Training facilities

• Coaching provision & coach development

• Scientific research

• (Inter)national competition

• Agency partners

Methods had interpreted the comments of The data for these CSFs were collected Sport NI and SINI officers accurately. via extended interviews with key personnel Collectively the research contributions from Sport NI and the Sports Institute of senior officers within elite sport in Northern Ireland (SINI) using the SPLISS Northern Ireland represent a form of question templates for each of the self-assessment against the CSFs and nine pillars. The interviews were recorded their component parts. and transcribed to create a coherent response to the questions in each CSF. Figure 3 indicates the officers who were In addition, interview responses to the interviewed and the strategy documents nine pillars were developed further by and other publications that were used reference to key strategy documents to inform the responses to each pillar. and by cross referencing to answers Note also that postal and online surveys from other pillars. The responses to of Northern Ireland’s elite athletes, each pillar were checked for accuracy coaches and Performance Directors prior to their wider dissemination in provided elements of the data across order to ensure that the research team the nine pillars.

4 Figure 3: Interview Consultees and Sources of Supporting Information

Pillar Interviewees (Sport NI unless stated) Documentation and Reference Points

1 Financial support • Paul Donnelly (Policy, Planning and • Data from Sport NI’s Accounting system for sport and Research Manager) and the Grants Management Information elite contents • Jamie Uprichard (Business Information system (‘GIFTS’) Analyst)

2 An integrated • Paul Donnelly (Policy, Planning and • Sport Matters: The Northern approach to policy Research Manager) Ireland Strategy for Sport and Physical development • Dr Shaun Ogle (Director of Performance Recreation, 2009-2019 Sport and Executive Director of SINI) • Jill Poots (Performance Sport Manager)

3 Participation in • Paul Donnelly (Policy, Planning • Sport Matters: The Northern sport and Research Manager) Ireland Strategy for Sport and Physical • Nick Harkness (Director of Recreation, 2009-2019 Participation and Facilities) • Sport NI Talent Framework 2010-2013 • John News (Community Sport Manager) • Clubmark NI Resource Pack • Young Persons’ Behaviour and Attitude Survey in 2007 and 2010 (YPBAS) • The Northern Ireland Continuous Household Survey (CHS) • The Northern Ireland Sport and Physical Activity Survey 2010 (SAPAS)

4 Talent • Leslie Dewart (Talent ID Officer) • Sport NI Performance Focus 2013-2017: identification • Robin Gregg (Talent Systems Manager) Talent System Self-Evaluation Framework and development • Jamie Uprichard (Business Information • Sport NI Talent Framework 2010-2013 system Analyst)

5 Athletic and post • Peter McCabe (Athlete Services • Athlete Investment Programme Living career support Manager, SINI) Costs Guidance Document and • Jill Poots (Performance Sport Manager) Application Form

6 Training facilities • Edel Cosgrove (Policy, Planning • Active Places NI and Research Assistant) • Active Places Research Report, • Nick Harkness (Director of Bridging the Gap, 2009 Participation and Facilities) • Elite Facilities Programme • Peter McCabe (Athlete Services • Sport NI - Athlete Support Programme, Manager, SINI) Athletes’ Feedback Survey 2009 • Stephen Mc­Ilveen (Development Officer - Facilities) • Paul Scott (Facilities Manager)

7 Coaching provision • Robin Gregg (Talent Systems Manager) • Practitioner Development Programme and coach • David Smyth (Coach Education (PDP) development and Development Consultant)

8 (Inter)national • Paul Donnelly (Policy, Planning • Sport Matters: The Northern competition and Research Manager) Ireland Strategy for Sport and Physical • Jill Poots (Performance Sport Manager) Recreation, 2009-2019

9 Scientific research • Peter McCabe (Athlete Services • Athlete Investment Programme and innovation Manager, SINI) Living Costs Guidance Document and Application Form

5 The Structure of Sport in the UK/Northern Ireland

Before examining each of the nine pillars Figure 4: The Structure of Sport in the UK in detail, we first consider the structure of sport in the UK and Northern Ireland to set a context for the discussion around the various pillars, notably Pillar 2. The sporting landscape in the UK is complex Sports Cabinet and Figure 4 actually represents (obtained by Secretary of State for Culture something of a simplification as far as Media and Sport) Northern Ireland is concerned. Although Northern Ireland is part of the UK, its athletes have the choice of competing for either the UK or the Republic of Welsh Assembly Scottish Executive DCMS N.Ireland Government Executive Ireland (ROI). Northern Ireland tends to compete in international competition in its own right, in Association Football as well as in the Commonwealth Games, UK Sport which are held every four years. At all other times, Northern Ireland athletes will compete as part of either UK or Sport Sport Scotland Sport England Sport Wales Northern Ireland ROI teams. Missing from Figure 4 is a link to the Irish Sports Council (ISC) and the Irish Institute of Sport, the ROI equivalents of Sport NI and SINI WIS SIS EIS SINI respectively. Despite the complex nature of sport in Northern Ireland, this document has been produced explicitly from a BPA BOA PCI OCI Northern Ireland perspective.

WSA SSA GB National SRA NISF Governing Bodies

INGBs

BOA - British Olympic PCI Paralympic Council Association of Ireland Welsh NGBs Scottish NGBs English NGBs N.Ireland NGBs BPA - British Paralympic SINI - Sports Institute Association Northern Ireland DCMS - Department for SIS - Scottish Institute Culture, Media and Sport of Sport Specialist NGOs providing services to NGBs e.g. Sportscoach UK, Skills Active EIS - English Institute SRA - Sport and of Sport Recreation Alliance INGBs - Irish National SSA - Scottish Sports Community Sport/Local Clubs, Universities Governing Bodies Association NCSS - National Council SSS - Scottish for School Sports Student Sport NCSS SSS Youth Sport Trust NCSS NGOs - Non-Governmental WIS - Welsh Institute Organisations of Sport NISF - Northern Ireland WSA - Welsh Grassroots, Schools Sports Forum Sports Association

OCI - Olympic Council of Ireland

6 Within Northern Ireland, Sport NI receives Performance Sport is separated out Having contextualised the structure of its revenue and capital funding from as a discrete area of the organisation’s sport in Northern Ireland, some of the the Northern Ireland Executive via the remit. Sport NI is the sole revenue funder key moments in history which shaped Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure of SINI and has strong representation the current elite sport policy in the (DCAL). It also receives National Lottery on SINI’s board. Within Sport NI and Province are now considered; these funding via a share of the ‘money for SINI there are around 40 FTE staff with include three major political events. good causes’. This National Lottery is a responsibility for elite sport only. First the establishment of a UK-wide organised at a UK level with Northern Of the 40 full-time staff, three are National Lottery in 1994, via which sport Ireland receiving its share based on its concerned with coach and elite coach was recognised as a ‘good cause’, proportion of the population in the UK. development; two are responsible for created the conditions whereby the talent identification and development; funding for sport has increased Figure 5 provides an outline of how Sport and there is one person responsible dramatically. Second, following the NI is structured and illustrates how for branding and communications. Good Friday Agreement in Northern

Figure 5: Outline of Sport NI structure

Sport Performance Management Participation Sport Services and Facilities

NGBs SINI High (Clubs) Performance

Performance speed

7 Ireland there has been a degree of In the second phase of the research, political devolution to Northern Ireland the findings for Northern Ireland will notably the setting up of the Northern be benchmarked against the other Ireland Executive and its various contributing nations (e.g. Australia, departments. One of these departments Belgium, Finland, and France) to assess is DCAL, which has responsibility for sport. how the nation compares with practice Third, the establishment of National elsewhere in the world. By taking part Institutes for Sport in the four home in this type of process, stakeholders nations (a legacy of former Prime Minister in the elite sport development John Major) is also seen as in important system in Northern Ireland can, where political event. SINI is a direct outcome necessary, develop the system to ensure of this process and was developed that it is at the cutting edge of best in 2002 to help build a world leading practice internationally. sport system for Northern Ireland. We now commence the overview of Apart from the political events referred the elite sport system with Pillar 1, which to previously, Northern Ireland’s worst examines the financial support it receives. ever performance at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006 was a ‘focusing event’ and led to greater prioritisation of policy around sport generally, which ultimately resulted in increased government investment in elite sport specifically.

Relative to other nations, Northern Ireland’s elite sport development system is in its infancy. As a result now is an opportune time to take stock of where the nation is and how it compares with others. This report tackles the first of these issues, documenting where Northern Ireland is now. We bring together in one place the key data for the nine pillars and present it on behalf of the elite sport community in Northern Ireland. It is significant to note that this data was not available from a single source and came from inside the heads of the consultees, the policy documents reviewed, and the answers to the surveys given by athletes, coaches and Performance Directors.

8 Pillar One

9 1 Pillar One Financial Support for Sport and Elite Sport

Pillar 1 is concerned with measuring the In Pillar 1 we aim to provide answers to financial support made by nations in four key statements: sport generally and elite sport specifically. Pillar 1 can be said to be the ‘input’ pillar 1. There is sufficient national level as financial resources provide the basis financial support for sport generally. for the extent to which the remaining eight ‘process’ pillars can be implemented. 2. There is sufficient national level financial support for elite sport Making transnational comparisons specifically. of expenditure on sport is fraught with difficulty as definitions and delivery 3. There is sufficient financial support mechanisms vary from nation to nation. for sport generally from collective To enable meaningful like for like sources nationally through sport comparisons between nations Pillar 1 governing bodies and/or sport clubs. examines public expenditure on sport at national level, by which we mean 4. There is sufficient financial support expenditure by central government and/ for elite sport specifically from or national lotteries. We acknowledge collective sources nationally that within a UK context the majority of through sport governing bodies expenditure on sport is made by local and/or sport clubs. government. However data of this type is not available in a truly comparable form on a transnational basis. The vast majority of funding for elite sport tends to be derived from central government or national lotteries and it is the quantification of this data that is most important for Pillar 1.

10 1.1. CSF 1. There is sufficient Figure 6: Funding for Sport Generally in Northern Ireland national level financial from Central Sources support for sport generally

In the financial year ended 31 March 50 2010 the expenditure on sport 44.8 45 generally in Northern Ireland from the Northern Ireland Executive and the UK- 40 wide National Lottery was £33.3m. This 36.2 34.8 is a sum that has risen considerably 35 33.3 31.2 since the baseline year of 2001 and will 30 rise again into 2012 as shown in Figure 61. 25 25 Between 2001 and 2010 there has been 21.4 a near 300% increase in funding for 20 15.7 sport in Northern Ireland from £11.3m 15 to £33.3m. Included within this figure 11.3 11.5 10.1 10.6 for 2010 (highlighted in red) is £12.0m 10 for renovation and construction of sport 5 facilities, £66,000 for the support of major

sport events, and £1.3m paid for sports 0 coaches through District Councils. 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Of the £33.3m provided for sport in Lottery funding of sport in Northern 2010, £11.5m (35%) was allocated to Ireland into perspective, it is worth noting elite sport purposes and the remaining that the total government budget is £21.8m (65%) was allocated to non-elite £8,972.4m. An investment of £33.3m expenditure and capital investments. into sport equates to 0.37% of total To put the central government and government expenditure.

1 These figures were drawn from Sport NI’s Corporate Plan for the period 2011-2015. It is highly likely that sums indicated will change significantly in response to robust reviews of government expenditure in the current economic climate.

11 1.2. CSF 2. There is sufficient Figure 7: Funding for Elite Sport Specifically in Northern national level financial Ireland from Central Sources support for elite sport specifically 14 In the financial year ended 31 March 12.1 2010 the expenditure on elite sport 12 11.5 specifically in Northern Ireland from 10.4 the Northern Ireland Executive and 10 9.6 the UK-wide National Lottery was £11.5m. This is a sum that has risen 7.9 considerably since the baseline year 8 of 2001 as shown in Figure 6. This 6.8 6.7 illustrates that funding for elite sport 6 5.9 5.1 in Northern Ireland grew progressively 4.5 from £2.0m in 2001 to £6.7m in 2006. 4 This was the same year as the perceived poor performance in the 2 2 Melbourne Commonwealth Games 2 which led to the Melbourne Review and ultimately a step change in 0 funding for elite sport thereafter. The 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 elite sport budget of £11.5m in 2010 was contributed primarily by central government (£8.5m, 74%) with the remaining £3.0m (26%) coming from the National Lottery. The elite sport funding budget is spent primarily on non-disabled sport with some £129,221 (1%) spent on disability sport in 2010.

12 Figure 8: The Proportion of the Elite Sport Budget Spent on the Eight Process Pillars

35%

30% 29.7%

25% 23.6%

20%

16.8%

15%

10% 9.2% 9.8% 7.2%

5%

1.1% 1.5% 1% 0% Pillar 2 Pillar 3 Pillar 4 Pillar 5 Pillar 6 Pillar 7 Pillar 8 Pillar 9 Other

In terms of the eight process pillars, estimated. In the financial year ended National Lottery approximate data for how the elite 31 March 2011 the UK National Lottery sport budget in Northern Ireland is contributed £283m to sport of which funding is allocated spent is shown in Figure 8. Sport NI received £6.8m. National to the four home Lottery funding is allocated to the four In 2010-11, more than half of the elite home nations on a per capita basis nations on a per capita sport budget is spent on two pillars: and Northern Ireland is home to 1.7m basis and Northern first Pillar 2 (governing bodies funding people (or 2.7% of the UK population) for elite support) 29.7%; and, second, and therefore receives around 2.7% of Ireland is home to 1.7m Pillar 6 (elite sport training facilities) the funds raised for sport. During 2010- people (or 2.7% of the 23.6%2. By contrast, relatively modest 11, Sport NI made investments totalling amounts are spent on Pillar 4 (talent £7.4m from its National Lottery accounts. UK population) and identification and development) 1.1%; therefore receives Pillar 7 (wages and salaries for elite The role of National Lottery funding sport coaches) 1.5%; and Pillar 8 (the to sport generally and elite sport around 2.7% of the organisation of elite sports events) 1.0%. specifically in Northern Ireland should funds raised for sport. not be under estimated. In the financial The role of National Lottery funding to year ended 31 March 2011 the UK National sport generally and elite sport specifically Lottery contributed £283m to sport of in Northern Ireland should not be under which Sport NI received £6.8m.

2 The proportion of funding spent on facilities is atypical and reflects the investment in Northern Ireland’s first ever 50m swimming pool which was under construction during the research period.

13 14 National Lottery funding is allocated 1.4. CSF 4. There is sufficient to the four home nations on a per financial support for elite capita basis and Northern Ireland is sport specifically from home to 1.7m people (or 2.7% of the UK population) and therefore receives collective sources nationally around 2.7% of the funds raised for through sport governing sport. During 2010-11, Sport NI made bodies and/or sport clubs investments totalling £7.4m from its National Lottery accounts. Although 42 sports received funding, the number of sports funded for elite 1.3. CSF 3. There is sufficient sport purposes is lower at 28. These financial support for sport sports can be divided into three groups: generally from collective 1. Summer and winter Olympic/ sources nationally through Paralympic sports. sport governing bodies and/ or sport clubs 2. Commonwealth sports (where these are not Olympic/Paralympic In 2010-11, Sport NI funded 42 sports, for example lawn bowls). governing bodies for the development of their respective sports and during 3. ‘Culturally significant’ sports such this time it was estimated that some as popular professional sports £4.2m was distributed for this purpose. (football, rugby) and indigenous In addition, funding was also made sports such as Gaelic games. available to sports clubs and in 2010-11 £10.4m was distributed to 279 clubs The Olympic/Paralympic sports and community organisations. Sports received 68% of the funding for elite clubs are funded primarily to increase sport with the remaining 32% allocated participation in their respective sport to ‘culturally significant’ sports. In 2010-11, and to a lesser extent to improve systems the amount of funding made to the 28 for athlete development and governance. governing bodies which were funded for elite sport was £2.6m and most of this (£2.4m, 92%) was spent on current and forthcoming (golf and rugby) summer Olympic sports as shown in Figure 9.

15 Figure 9: Funding for Summer Olympic Sports

Sports 2007 % 2008 % 2009 % 2010 %

Hockey £143,027 12.0% £100,106 8.1% £221,822 12.4% £265,423 11.0% Football £0 0.0% £3,113 0.3% £237,261 13.3% £233,999 9.7% Rugby £55,083 4.6% £55,611 4.5% £113,098 6.3% £225,132 9.3% Sailing £132,728 11.1% £130,315 10.6% £117,127 6.6% £182,399 7.5% Cycling £115,525 9.7% £115,088 9.3% £140,318 7.9% £182,178 7.5% Swimming £83,100 6.9% £103,763 8.4% £178,397 10.0% £169,675 7.0% Canoe £41,655 3.5% £54,216 4.4% £108,688 6.1% £158,419 6.5% Athletics £66,686 5.6% £68,199 5.5% £119,428 6.7% £127,184 5.3% Gymnastics £45,112 3.8% £48,929 4.0% £32,213 1.8% £112,035 4.6% Badminton £92,525 7.7% £64,697 5.2% £82,141 4.6% £106,285 4.4% Boxing £2,427 0.2% £12,122 1.0% £15,155 0.8% £92,398 3.8% Tennis £66,675 5.6% £61,317 5.0% £67,727 3.8% £70,064 2.9% Shooting £46,021 3.8% £50,982 4.1% £33,780 1.9% £62,186 2.6% Table Tennis £48,052 4.0% £67,226 5.5% £63,078 3.5% £57,248 2.4% Golf £14,974 1.3% £51,661 4.2% £40,164 2.2% £57,238 2.4% Triathlon £13,916 1.2% £13,827 1.1% £41,783 2.3% £48,587 2.0% Equestrian £35,972 3.0% £24,585 2.0% £35,430 2.0% £50,011 2.1% Basketball £23,910 2.0% £55,585 4.5% £18,031 1.0% £45,297 1.9% Rowing £45,410 3.8% £26,357 2.1% £30,933 1.7% £37,337 1.5% Volleyball £21,335 1.8% £40,465 3.3% £24,451 1.4% £34,474 1.4% Archery £20,315 1.7% £12,430 1.0% £23,481 1.3% £32,058 1.3% Judo £61,639 5.2% £40,898 3.3% £23,268 1.3% £29,475 1.2% Taekwondo £8,838 0.7% £11,826 1.0% £8,242 0.5% £22,381 0.9% Wrestling £0 0.0% £0 0.0% £4,335 0.2% £14,749 0.6% Fencing £11,301 0.9% £19,975 1.6% £5,614 0.3% £3,737 0.2% Totals £1,196,226 100% £1,233,293 100% £1,785,965 100% £2,419,969 100%

Figure 9 is presented in descending order of the Figure 10: Top 5 and Top 10 Share of Funding amount of money received by each sport in 2010, which in turn highlights hockey as the highest funded sport that year £265,423, 11.0%). Sports Year Top 5 (£s) Top 5 Top 10 Top 10 (%) which are highlighted in grey are those which (%) (£s) have received 5% or more of the total funding in 2007 £548,044 46% £846,179 71% each year between 2007 and 2010. The finding that a minority of sports receive a relatively high 2008 £501,317 41% £805,753 65% proportion of the total funding, suggests that there 2009 £890,836 50% £1,379,617 77% is degree of specialisation within Northern Ireland’s elite sport system. This point can be tested by 2010 £1,089,131 45% £1,762,729 73% examining the amount and the proportion of the funding allocated to the top five and top 10 sports over the four years as shown in Figure 10.

16 Between 2007 and 2010 the top five Olympic and Commonwealth sports. supported by broadcasting rights. funded sports accounted for between In recent years the British Olympic In summary, financial support for elite 41% and 50% of the funding awarded. Association has become more sport in Northern Ireland is a relatively When the top 10 sports are considered, commercial in this area but the reality recent phenomenon (since 1997) and the proportion of funding allocated is that there is an increasingly competitive processes have had to be devised to them increases from 65% to 77%. landscape for commercial sponsorship. from a zero base and thus there has These findings confirm that there is at In the UK, sponsors are generally more been an extensive learning curve. As least an implicit policy of specialisation likely to get involved once an athlete or the system reaches maturity and the within the funding system for elite team has achieved success, rather UK is in a period of restraint in public sport in Northern Ireland. than in the talent production process. funding, the realistic way forward will be Commercial sponsorship is common to make best use of the funding available Almost all of the funding for elite sport place in the more commercial sports rather than securing more funding - as in Northern Ireland is derived from and ‘culturally significant’ sports has been the case since 2007. Exchequer funding or the National such as: football, Gaelic games, golf, Lottery. There is no culture within the motorsport, and rugby. Similarly, there UK for commercial sponsors to support is no culture of elite sport being

17 1 Pillar One Summary

Strengths Weaknesses Suggestions for Improvement

The key strengths of the elite sport The key weaknesses of the elite sport • Greater certainty in the planning system in relation to Pillar 1 are: system in relation to Pillar 1 are: process as DCAL and its non- departmental funded bodies are • Central government commitment • There is a reasonable argument often subject to funding uncertainty to sport generally and elite sport to suggest that Northern Ireland from Exchequer funds and also specifically. subsidises the rest of the UK as it National Lottery ticket sales. • Economies of scale e.g. SINI is benefits less from UK Sport funding • Greater incentives (e.g. tax breaks) based within the University of than other nations, notably England. for organisations willing to contribute Ulster at Jordanstown and provides • There is an acceptance that the funding to elite sport. facilities that can be used by elite funding for elite sport in Northern athletes and the community. Ireland is modest compared • A strong realisation of the with other nations and does not ingredients of an elite sport system necessarily match Northern and the importance of prioritising Ireland’s ambitions in sport. resources to where they will have • Inability to generate funding from the greatest impact. other sources such as sponsorship • A number of Northern Ireland and media rights. athletes who choose to represent • Many recognised governing bodies Ireland may also benefit from the in Northern Ireland are actually Irish government through financial branches of an all-Ireland or UK support provided by ISC. national governing body and therefore may present challenges for the planning, coordination and delivery of their sport.

18 Pillar Two

19 2 Pillar Two An Integrated Approach to Policy Development

Pillar 2 is concerned with the 2. There is evidence of long-term organisation and structure of sport planning for elite sport development within nations. At a strategic level it with the commitment of subsidies is thought that for nations to have a for elite sport and professional elite realistic chance of elite sporting sport development. success, an appropriate lead needs to be given by governments. 3. Resources are targeted at relatively few sports through identifying those Operationally, it is held that a coherent that have a real chance of success structure is a prerequisite for the at world level. efficient use of resources. According to Oakley and Green (2001a) and Clumpner 4. A full-time management staff member (1994), it is particularly important to in the NSA is responsible for the delineate clearly the responsibilities of elite sport development process. different agencies; to ensure there is effective communication between 5. Effective communication: there is them; and, to simplify administration. an unbroken line up through all levels It is difficult to ‘measure’ this other than of sport agencies. by taking a broad brush approach. In Pillar 2 we aim to assess the extent to 6. There is a structured cooperation which there is an integrated approach and communication strategy with to policy development by tackling six other countries, commercial partners key CSFs: and the media.

1. There is strong coordination of all The structure of sport in the UK and agencies involved in elite sport, Northern Ireland is discussed in detail with clear task descriptions and on page 5 (Figure 3) of this document no overlap of different tasks. and is particularly important in setting a context for Pillar 2.

20 2.1 CSF 1. There is strong coordination of all agencies involved in elite sport, with clear task descriptions and no overlap of different tasks

2.1.1. Coordination of 2.1.3. Elite sport activities at Self-assessment score: 3/5 financial inputs local level Reasonable level of national coordination: there is major There are two bodies in Northern At local level there is some evidence of expenditure and activity in elite Ireland which take decisions support for elite sport either directly or sport at regional/district level; this concerning expenditure on elite sport. indirectly as illustrated in the following is recorded nationally and initiatives DCAL sets the policy direction and it is examples: are taken to manage this activity the responsibility of Sport NI to ensure and avoid duplication of effort strategy and delivery. In practice Sport • Derry City Council is about to launch and payments. NI has discretion over how revenue a significant sports complex and funding is spent but, in general, North Down Borough Council has DCAL has a much greater say in how Northern Ireland’s first 50m pool capital funds are used. Sport NI has under construction. The rationale considerable autonomy to develop appears to be facility provision and deliver the elite sport system in which has a dual use - mass Northern Ireland. participation sport and elite sport. Within the notion of elite sport comes Self-assessment score: 4/5 the construction of facilities that High level of coordination: there is performance athletes can use and one main organisation at national which are also capable of hosting level which makes decisions about the major sporting events. majority of expenditure and activities • Some authorities have athlete awards in elite sport; the National Olympic and recognise athletes in ad hoc Committee is NOT merged with the ways such as free access to facilities. national sport administration. • Belfast has provided Performance Development Centres (PDCs) for 2.1.2. Regional departments elite athletes, and there are similar provisions in Lisburn and Cookstown. Elite sport in Northern Ireland is coordinated centrally and with the For any major schemes there is formal nation being relatively small in terms and structured cooperation and of its geography (13,843km2) and its coordination as there tends to be a population (1.8 million) it does not single source of funding for which a have regional elite sport policies and joined up approach is required. The training facilities. Consequently the guiding strategy for sport in Northern self-assessment score for this aspect Ireland is Sport Matters and public of the CSF is ‘not applicable’. sector decision making needs to be consistent with this policy. There is an indication of a structured approach to the activities that local government undertakes in terms of performance sport and the development of places for sport.

21 2.1.4. Elite sport and sport Self-assessment score: 3/5 2.1.5. Politics and sport for all Elite sport is coordinated by an organisation that makes the most The final issue linked to this CSF is In some nations there are different important decisions (like expenditure, political involvement in sport. Whilst organisations for the implementation subsidy, etc.), but this organisation sport is housed within the remit of DCAL, of elite sport policy and mass participation is also responsible for national sport the word ‘sport’ is not mentioned in sport. This is not the case in Northern for all policies; there is, however, the title and there is no minister for Ireland, where there is a separate an elite sport department. sport (as there is at UK level). Political department within Sport NI - namely involvement is largely concerned with Performance Sport. This department approving policy, and therefore being is responsible for SINI which is the high accountable for it. Where politics performance section; talent identification can be seen to have had significant and coaching which is the performance influence recently, is in the decision section; and, elite sport climate and to fund three stadia, one each for governance. Decisions have to be football, Gaelic games and rugby, approved by the Board but there is a rather than a shared facility for all three certain degree of autonomy to take sports. Sport NI’s self-assessment on those decisions so long as they are in this dimension is 3/5 equating to ‘some line with Sport Matters and Sport NI political involvement’. policies and procedures.

22 2.2 CSF 2. There is evidence of long-term planning for elite sport development with the commitment of subsidies for elite sport and professional elite sport development

2.2.1. Long-term planning “In terms of the strategic formation, excluded). There is a commitment for elite sport development Sport Matters also held a series to become even more focused via with commitment of subsidies of consultative exercises with the a process of self-evaluation that is various stakeholders involved in consistent with high level policy. elite sport. These stakeholders Sport NI is committed to long-term were consulted on the targets that Funding is available to governing planning for sport generally and elite were set and the key steps that bodies for the eight ‘process’ pillars as sport specifically. Sport Matters is a were outlined.” well as for elite sport staff and general ten-year strategy and within this there infrastructure costs. Clubs, athletes is a four-year corporate plan and a “We also design our own strategic and coaches also have direct access one-year business plan. These plans policies and strategies in line with to limited amounts of funding but are published on the website and in the things we hear back. We are the amounts involved are modest hard copy form. Plans are evaluated currently right in the middle of the relative to that channelled through regularly and in the case of SINI are 2013-2017 information evenings governing bodies. Where funding is conducted by the Investment Assurance which look at five significant areas. made available to governing bodies for team of Sport NI which is in effect an What we are doing is actually listening elite sport it is on a four-yearly cycle. external evaluation of performance. to the needs out there to ensure the Within this cycle there also needs to be way we deliver and the activities we an annual action plan. There is a strong Elite sport policy development in Northern deliver reflect the needs.” culture of review every year, every two Ireland is a collaborative process as years and at the end of a four-yearly indicated by the following quotations: This collaborative approach involves cycle. Business plans are judged athletes, coaches, Performance against five areas of activity: “We are very much about building Directors, clubs and sport scientists policy out of practice, we are very during the development, implementation • Governance/modernisation much about learning at the front and the evaluation of policy. end what the gaps, needs and • Sustained participation failures are and we continuously talk with our stakeholders to ensure 2.2.2. Long-term policies • Coaching we align our policies with that. for governing bodies and We also have in Northern Ireland funding criteria • Talent identification and something called Section 75 which development places statutory onus on us to Sport NI recognises around 80 sports consult with our stakeholders in but only funds around 40 of these. • High performance terms of any policy changes.” The number of sports that are funded is limited to: Olympic/Paralympic, The management of governing “We have networks as well. We have Commonwealth and ‘culturally bodies is generally undertaken by a coaches’ network, a talent network, significant’ sports. In the past there professionals (paid staff) who are a club development network and was a failure to make decisions on accountable to an honorary board for sports in which we invest we have which sports should be funded and the (volunteers). Members of boards are a formal 100 day review process.” approach was ‘all things for all people’. a mixture of people with varied skill In the more recent past the policy has and should be representative of the been refined making it more focused. population. Some boards will have a For recognised sports to receive elite good mix of people whereas others sport funding, they have to be able to might not. There is a legal statute demonstrate that they achieve non- which determines the constitution domestic performance targets (GAA

23 of members. Members will tend to 2.4. CSF 4. A full-time £4bn budget in his professional career. have sport-specific knowledge but in management staff member He is involved primarily because there some cases members with specific in the NSA is responsible for was a particular weakness identified in skills such as accountancy for the Northern Ireland around people with post of treasurer will be appointed. the elite sport development accountancy skills. None of the members This approach has both strengths process represent specific sports, they are and weaknesses. Strengths include appointed by the Minister as individuals. knowledge of sport and passion. Performance sport in Northern Ireland They have knowledge of sport but By contrast, weaknesses include is led by one person who holds the roles they are not allowed to represent their problems with strategic direction, of Director of Performance Sport for own sports. The role of the Board can leadership, clarity over roles and Sport NI and Executive Director of SINI. be summarised as: setting strategic responsibilities, and accountability. direction; agreeing budgets and These issues are summarised 2.5. CSF 5. Effective policies; and holding the paid officers succinctly in the following quotation: communication: there is an of the organisation to account. unbroken line up through all “The weaknesses are more in levels of sport agencies The perceived strength of the system the rationale, bureaucratic type is that there are clear mechanisms things and the strengths are all in place for ‘check and challenge’. Previously in this document, Figure in the emotional.” However, as a result of this focus 4 provides an outline of how Sport there are also weaknesses, these NI is structured and illustrates how include: frustration with public sector 2.3. CSF 3. Resources are Performance Sport is separated out decision making processes; the targeted at relatively few as a discrete area of the organisation’s culture clash between volunteers and sports through identifying remit. To reiterate, Sport NI is the sole professionals; and a specific lack of revenue funder of SINI and has strong those that have a real chance familiarity with the field of elite sport. representation on SINI’s Board. Within of success at world level As a consequence of the structure and Sport NI and SINI there are around 40 the public sector bias in the operating FTE staff with a responsibility for elite For elite sport purposes Sport NI funds procedures, there is a perception sport only. 28 sports (43 disciplines) which is a that decision making is slow and sub-set of the 40 it funds in total and cumbersome - this is less than ideal the 80 it recognises overall. This is clear 2.6. CSF 6. Effective for elite sport where decisiveness and evidence of a policy to be selective in communication: the Sport speed of decision making are seen as where elite sport funding is directed. NI Board of directors, being important ingredients of success. Some 68% of funding is allocated to athletes’ and coaches’ Olympic/Paralympic sports with the committee Currently there is no athletes’ remaining 32% allocated to culturally commission or coaches’ commission significant sports. Within the Olympic/ Sport NI has a Board of 14 members within the elite sport system of Paralympic funding programme of including the chairperson. All members Northern Ireland. £2.4m in 2010, there is also evidence are reimbursed for expenses and the of prioritisation with the top 10 sports Chair and Vice-Chair also receive an The elite sport system in Northern accounting for 73% of the total funding. honorarium for their services. The Ireland is in the early stages of its Chair is a successful business man and development when compared with the Vice-Chair is a consultant in the other more successful sporting nations. public sector. One Board Member is a As a result one of the roles adopted by qualified accountant who manages a Sport NI and SINI is capacity building

24 and system development. This is well 6. Long-term and structured planning of The majority of athletes felt that general demonstrated via two key initiatives. athletes’ development (Pillar 4 and 5). communication by a variety of sport organisations was at least reasonable. First, governing bodies receive information 7. Coaches’ career support: For example, more than 91% of athletes and support services related to six of development of expert coaches felt that communication with their the eight process pillars: at the elite level (Pillar 7). clubwas adequate or better; whilst the corresponding figures for governing 1. Quality and improvement of governing 8. Scientific research, sport science bodies and the national sports institute body management (Pillar 2). support services (Pillar 9). (SINI in this case) were 80% and 90% respectively (see Figure 11). The majority 2. Human resources’ management in Second, under the PDP which is made of coaches and Performance Directors governing bodies (Pillar 2). up largely of coaches but some scientists felt that general communication by a as well, the provision of mentoring is a way variety of sport organisations with coaches 3. Change management in elite sport of guiding governing bodies to operate was at least reasonable (see Figure 12). governing bodies (Pillar 2). their elite sport policies more effectively. For example, 76% felt communication by clubs was adequate or better; whilst 4. Quality management projects in As part of the research process, athletes, he corresponding figures for governing sports clubs (Pillar 3). coaches and Performance Directors bodies and the national sports institute are surveyed to establish their opinions were 87% and 93% respectively. 5. Structured planning and organisation on this CSF. The results for each group of talent identification (Pillar 4). are shown in Figures 11-14, beginning 2.7. CSF 7. There is a with athletes. structured cooperation and communication strategy with other countries, commercial partners and the media

Currently there is a structured cooperation and communication strategy with elite sport agencies in the UK and the ROI. This approach does not yet extend to commercial partners and the media but may develop as the elite sport system in Northern Ireland matures.

25 Figure 11: Elite Athletes’ Perceptions about Communication at Various Levels of Sport

Communication Club National Government Olympic National Governing (e.g. DCAL/ Committee Sports Institute Body Sport NI) (e.g. SINI)

n= 82 92 60 44 82 Poor 4.9% 6.5% 26.7% 13.6% 4.9% Not good 3.7% 13.0% 18.3% 20.5% 4.9% Reasonable 18.3% 37.0% 36.7% 34.1% 28.0% Good 45.1% 32.6% 16.7% 25.0% 47.6% Excellent 28.0% 10.9% 1.7% 6.8% 14.6% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Figure 12: Coach and Performance Directors’ Perceptions about Communication with Coaches

Communication Club National Government Olympic National Governing (e.g. DCAL/ Committee Sports Institute Body Sport NI) (e.g. SINI)

n= 21 30 22 15 28 Poor 9.5% 10% 27.3% 33.3% 3.6% Not good 14.3% 3.3% 27.3% 6.7% 3.6% Reasonable 33.3% 33.3% 31.8% 26.7% 35.7% Good 23.8% 40% 13.6% 33.3% 32.1% Excellent 19% 13.3% 0% 0% 25% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Athletes were also asked about their involvement in the development and evaluation of national level elite sport policy in Northern Ireland. More than half of the athletes who expressed an opinion felt that they were either ‘not involved’ or ‘insufficiently involved’ in developing elite policy with their governing body (52%) and the national sport administration/government (e.g. Sport NI, 53%). Similarly, around half of the athletes felt they were not involved or insufficiently involved in evaluating elite sports policy at the two levels (governing body, 52% and Sport NI, 50%), see Figure 13.

26 Figure 13: Athlete Involvement in Developing and Evaluating National Elite Sport Policy Elite athletes and coaches were asked Development of Evaluation of whether they agreed that policy makers Elite Policy Elite Policy regularly consult with them about their National NSO / National NSO / specific needs. Some 69% of athletes Governing Government Governing Government disagreed with this statement; whilst 9% Body Body agreed that they were consulted regularly. The corresponding figures n= 67 59 60 54 relative to consultations with elite coaches were 7% in agreement and Not involved 23.9% 30.5% 21.7% 29.6% 83% disagreeing that they were consulted at all on a regular basis. Insufficiently 28.4% 22.0% 30.0% 20.4% involved Reasonably 20.9% 25.4% 36.7% 38.9% involved Sufficiently 14.9% 16.9% 10.0% 7.4% involved Highly 11.9% 5.1% 1.7% 3.7% involved 100% 100% 100% 100%

Figure 14: Coaches Involvement in Developing and Evaluating National Elite Sport Policy

Development of Evaluation of Elite Policy Elite Policy

National NSO / National NSO / Governing Government Governing Government Body Body

n= 28 24 27 24

Not involved 14.3% 25.0% 33.3% 25.0% at all Insufficiently 35.7% 41.7% 22.2% 37.5% involved Reasonably 25% 16.7% 22.2% 16.7% involved Sufficiently 14.3% 16.7% 11.1% 16.7% involved Highly 10.7% 0% 11.1% 4.2% involved 100% 100% 100% 100%

27 2 Pillar Two Summary

Drivers of change Weaknesses Suggestions for Improvement Assessing the state of elite sport The key weaknesses of the elite sport in Northern Ireland after the 2006 system in relation to Pillar 2 are: “I know we are all focused on Northern Commonwealth Games in Melbourne Ireland but we don’t have control proved to be a major turning point • Possible confusion in relationships over everything, we don’t have the and led to an increase in government between Northern Ireland, the UK passport to everything. We can investment in elite sport. and the ROI. benefit from relationships outside • Breadth of investment in Olympic/ but we can also be held back.” Strengths Paralympic sport; Commonwealth sport; and culturally significant “If you want a radical, fundamental The key strengths of the elite sport sports means that policy has a change it would be that the Olympic, system in relation to Pillar 2 are: broad rather than narrow focus. Commonwealth and governmental • Government control of the majority components are all put together. I • Government Department and Arms of capital funding decisions related think it’s the unseen bit of why New Length Body with a remit for sport. to sport. Zealand has success.” • Unprecedented levels of funding • Elite sport is relatively new to for sport. Northern Ireland and hence • Knowledge, skills, enthusiasm the development of systems, and passion of professionals and processes and capacities is only volunteers. just reaching maturity. • Strong planning for sport in • Processes can be perceived as Northern Ireland. being over bureaucratic and time • SINI. consuming. • Relatively small geography of • The skills sets and experience Northern Ireland and the ability to of volunteers especially in centralise provision. performance sport. • National culture of consultation and stakeholder involvement. • Well established networks and sharing of good practice.

28 Pillar Three

29 3 Pillar Three Participation in Sport

Participation and competitive Future elite athletes often participate standards are linked by the desire to in several sports simultaneously during create a deep pool of athletic talent their formative years, before eventually from which a core of elite competitors specialising in the sport at which they can develop (Green 2004; van will strive to excel. Evidence from both Bottenburg 2003). Although the Flanders and the Netherlands suggests relationship between sport for all and that this specialism which is based on elite sport is often inconsistent, most the first interest they received as a talent top athletes have their roots in sport from a sport governing body is most for all. The perspective is that a broad likely after the age of 16. Consequently, sport participation base is not always sports clubs play a vital role in initial a condition for success, but it may talent development. influence success via the continuous supply of young talent and high quality The three CSFs that are used to of training. guide the investigation around sport participation in Northern Ireland are: In Pillar 3, the focus is on sport at three levels: sport during or after school 1. Children have opportunities to time, non-organised sports participation participate in sport at school, during and organised sports participation. PE or extra-curricular activities. At school level, data are presented in relation to the statutory minimum 2. There is a high general sport amount of time for physical education participation rate. (PE) in nursery, primary and secondary education in Northern Ireland and the 3. There is a national policy towards weekly average amount of time spent promoting the implementation on PE. Information on extra-curricular of the principles of (total) quality competitions is also gathered, as is the management in sports clubs, at percentage of people participating in the level of mass participation and sport once a week in Northern Ireland. talent development.

Van Bottenburg (2003) found that the strength of the relationship between sport for all and elite sport is dependent upon the intensity, competitiveness and the degree of organisation in sporting practice. Whilst this pillar focuses on such relationships, it also investigates the number of organised sports club members in the Province and any national initiatives to improve the quality of sports clubs.

30 3.1 CSF 1. Children have opportunities to participate in sport at school, during physical education (PE) or extra-curricular activities

3.1.1. National statutory 3.1.2. Is there a sufficiently PE or games or playing for a school minimum amount of time high weekly average amount team. Furthermore, according to for PE of time for PE in education? research undertaken by Sport NI, ‘A Baseline Survey of Timetabled PE in Post Primary Schools in Northern Within Northern Ireland there is no Data are available which can help to Ireland’ (2010), the overall average statutory minimum for the amount address this success factor which, time spent on PE was 89 minutes of PE a young person should receive. according to the SPLISS project, which is 11 minutes below the SPLISS Department of Education (DE) should be at least 100 minutes. On this threshold, and 31 minutes below the guidance recommends schools basis if the two hour recommendation recommendation within Northern should provide pupils with a minimum is being achieved then the system in Ireland. Findings from this research of two hours PE per week. However, Northern Ireland is exceeding this level. have been combined with the results legislation prevents DE from DCAL’s ‘Young People and Sport’ of a similar study of primary schools prescribing the amount of time that report, which is based on the findings undertaken by Sport NI in 2009. Figure should be allocated to a particular from the YPBAS 2007, highlights that 15 presents the average time allocated subject within the curriculum. Whilst 51% of secondary school children to PE across all 14 year groups within there are no PE recommendations for (aged 11-16 years) received at least the Northern Ireland education system. kindergarten/nursery aged children the recommended two hours of PE across the Province there is a drive in school. A later ‘Young People and There is no data available at nursery towards Fundamental Movement Skills Sport’ report by DCAL, using findings level to be able to answer this (FMS). In both primary and secondary from the YPBAS 2010 reported that question; though it is worth reiterating education the recommendation is a only 49% of children (aged 11-16 years) that across Northern Ireland there minimum of two hours of PE per week. spent about two hours or more doing

Figure 15: Average curricular PE time offered in schools by year group within Northern Ireland’s educational system

110 105 103 102 100 95 Spliss recommended level 93 91 90 87 90 85 87 82 80 80 Foundation Stage: Y1-2

70 64 Key Stage: Y3-4 62 60 Key Stage: Y5-7

50 Key Stage: Y8-10

40 Key Stage: Y11-12

30 Key Stage: Y13-14

20

10

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Primary 2009 Year Group Post Primary 2010 31 In both primary and secondary education the recommendation is a minimum of two hours of PE per week. is a drive to deliver FMS in the early 3.1.4. Are there regular athletics, hockey and swimming. stages of a child’s development which extra-curricular school It was noted that within secondary is a key building block in the policy sport competitions (at least education, there are regular fixtures to promote lifelong involvement in between schools, although once again sport and physical activity (LISPA) in twice a month)? consistent with the comments in the Northern Ireland (see Appendix 1). previous section (3.1.4), these often Furthermore, discussions are ongoing There are school sport competitions, only focus on the 15-20 people in the in relation to the role of education in but these vary across sports and squads for traditional team-based terms of providing an opportunity to are predominantly in secondary games. Sport NI would advocate the make schools more active which is education, and are usually in the main need for a more inclusive approach imperative given the discrepancies team-based field sports including in the provision of school sport and that exist in provision across the Gaelic football and rugby. In addition, competition as a means of increasing school system. there are also competitions in levels of participation in sport and basketball, football, hockey, netball, physical recreation. In addition, if we and volleyball. 3.1.3. Physical education accept the findings from the research in Flanders and the Netherlands lessons are delivered by a Whilst Sport NI has no responsibility for certified PE teacher in all referred to in the introduction to these competitions it is well aware that this pillar, then it could be that such grades such competitions do not necessarily opportunities may play a role in cater for those who are less gifted or developing the talent of people who In secondary education in Northern talented, and as such the intramural specialise in certain sports beyond the Ireland, there is a requirement that competitions within school are also age of 16. all PE is delivered by certified and very important where sport is less about qualified PE specialists. However, winning and more about having fun. Sport NI has tried to create different within the early years and primary programmes to encourage sport setting there is no statutory 3.1.5. Is there an organisation after school such as the Youth requirement, though some will be responsible for coordination Sport Programme, although such qualified PE specialists. of extra-curricular school initiatives have not been aimed at competitions specifically. One of the major obstacles when trying sport competitions? to engage young people in the primary school setting is that the teachers do There is no one organisation within not have the skills and experience or education in Northern Ireland confidence to deliver PE. Sport NI have responsible for extra-curricular fronted the drive to train and resource sport competition. There have been teachers and schools to deliver attempts in the past few years to physical literacy in the primary setting establish an association for PE within and this contributed to the adoption Northern Ireland but again their focus of FMS in primary schools, with more is much more on curriculum PE. than 400 primary teachers trained Association football is a good example to deliver the 22 core skills. Having of a sport that has its own governing received guidance and help about body with emphasis on school delivery, teachers have reported being competitions. However, Sport NI is far more confident in their ability to aware of other sports that have school deliver PE in the primary setting3. associations/committees, such as

3 According to Get Active Stay Active, The Impact of Sport Northern Ireland’s Sport in Our Community Programme 2006-2010

32 3.1.6. Is involvement in extra- coordinator in most primary schools secondary schools Wednesday curricular school sport receives remuneration for this role, afternoon is generally designated for included in job descriptions which involves delivering the PE sport, especially in Grammar schools curriculum during the school day, and this affords young people the of PE teachers? but not sport out of school. This may opportunity to take part in sport and need to change in order to develop inter-school competitions. However, There is no clearly stated requirement competition opportunities in a primary there is no hard and fast rule about in the job descriptions of PE teachers school setting. curtailing the school day and much that they have to get involved in the depends on the attitude of the provision of extra-curricular school Head Teacher and how much they sport; though at secondary level the 3.1.7. Does school finish early so that children get and the school value sporting extra- assumption is that teachers do get curricular activities. involved. However, at primary level this opportunities to play sport is not the case, which is consistent with during the day? There are other Northern Ireland there being very few PE specialists at wide initiatives linked to, for example, this level. Kindergartens and nurseries generally cycling which young people get the close between 2.00-3.00pm in opportunity to engage with, albeit Staff within Sport NI believe that Northern Ireland. Unlike many other these are aimed more at the quality all potential new teachers should European countries the primary/ of riding and safety issues than any declare their intention (or not) to secondary school day in Northern competitive element. work on extra-curricular activities. Ireland does not finish until 3.00pm Moreover, the designated PE or afterwards. However, in some

33 3.2 CSF 2. Sports participation rates generally

3.2.1. The percentage of 3.2.2. Sports club numbers people who participate in and membership sport at least once per week Data relating to the number of The percentage of young people registered and non-registered sports (aged 11-16 years) who take part in clubs lacks currency given that the last formal or informal sport on a regular full survey was undertaken in 1994; (weekly) basis in Northern Ireland is at which time (according to Sport NI 97%, according to secondary analysis staff) clubs numbered around 6,000. of YPBAS 2010, with boys(98%) Sport NI is gathering data on the marginally more likely than girls (96%) number of clubs at present; however to take part. the findings are not expected until 2014. Anecdotally, at present, Sport ‘The Northern Ireland Sport and NI officers estimate that there are Physical Activity Survey 2010’ (SAPAS) more unaffiliated participants who represents the most comprehensive undertake physical activity at the gym, research on (adult) sport and physical or who walk at the same time with like- activity in Northern Ireland since minded people, rather than becoming 1994. Data collected from July 2009 a member of a sport club. This may to August 2010 covers a variety of have impacted on the number of clubs. topics including sports participation and club membership; such data Club data for those aged 11-16 from inform policy decisions in relation to secondary analysis of YPBAS in 2007 health improvement and increasing and 2010 suggests that 59% of young the proportion of the population who people are members of a sport club exercise regularly. SAPAS indicates or team (outside of school). For adults that 37% of the adult population in (aged 16 and over) some 23% are Northern Ireland had taken part in active members of at least one sport sport at least once in the preceding club according to SAPAS, whilst the week. A similar measure from DCAL’s CHS suggests 21% in 2011, although ‘Experience of Sport and Physical the measures are slightly different. Activity in Northern Ireland’ (2011), Using either measure it is reasonable using findings from the CHS (2010-11), to conclude that more than one in revealed that 41% of adults normally every five adults in Northern Ireland participate in sport and physical is a member of a sport club. activity on at least one day a week; men are more likely to do so than women; and a quarter of respondents normally take part in sport/physical activity for at least 2.5 hours a week.

34 3.3 CSF 3. Is there a national policy towards the implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) principles in sports clubs, at mass participation and talent development levels?

3.3.1. Is there a national identification process. The framework 3.3.4. Is there a national policy to enhance the (total) provides a reference point for people objective measurement quality management, i.e. to: understand their talent; understand system with explicit criteria how they identify; confirm, and the services and processes develop it; and what support they need to improve the quality of delivered in sports clubs? around them to make progress. The service delivery in sports framework has been adopted across clubs? Sport Matters is essentially the policy some of the more developed sports in terms of the development of sport and is being implemented at different Once again Clubmark NI is central to and physical recreation over the next rates across different sports; however the improvement of service delivery ten years in Northern Ireland. There are it is not prevalent across all sports. in sport clubs. In order to achieve specific targets and key steps within Funding is via governing bodies rather the criteria to receive Clubmark Sport Matters, one of which focuses than clubs specifically. accreditation, a club will submit an on improving the quality of sports application form along with evidence clubs - Clubmark NI. This accreditation 3.3.3. Is there a national to enable the assessment of whether provides parents/guardians and programme to improve it has met the required standards. young participants with peace of mind Thereafter, the club will be visited (by knowing that the club to which they are quality in the ‘fundamental’ the governing body or local authority) affiliated (or are considering affiliation stage period (i.e. before and assessed relative to whether it to), has achieved minimum quality young people train to has achieved the desired standards standards linked to management, compete at a higher level) to receive the accreditation. Although administration, coaching, competition in order to help develop accreditation is awarded to a club for and safety in sport. Ultimately the sport competences on a non a maximum of three years, it must scheme helps people to access quality submit annual health checks in order sporting experiences, delivered in safe discipline specific basis? to confirm that requisite standards are environments by effectively managed being maintained. Whether this can As suggested in sections 3.1.1 and clubs. To date some 12 governing be termed an objective measurement 3.1.2, there is the physical literacy bodies have adopted the Clubmark NI system is unclear; however, should programme in primary schools. This accreditation scheme with potentially standards fall then the accreditation aims to assess a child’s quality of more to follow. can be withdrawn. movement in fundamental movement skills (FMS) and is coupled with the 3.3.2. Is there a national The accreditation process has a direct teacher training being implemented by influence on clubs that want to achieve policy to improve talent the Education and Library Boards to Clubmark and will ultimately benefit development programmes help primary teachers deliver quality the athletes to whom they provide in sports clubs? sessions to develop FMS. opportunities. Indirectly the governing bodies that sign up to Clubmark NI are Sport Matters provides the overarching The talent development associated then able to influence their clubs. policy framework which includes with putting FMS in place differs from talent identification and development, the talent development undertaken under the auspices of the Sport NI by governing bodies, which is more Talent Framework 2010-2013. The likely to be aimed at athletes who are documentation outlines the various already on a sport specific pathway. factors in the development and

35 3.3.5. Does the national 3.3.6. Do national governing but broadly each sport can access some sport agency or governing bodies/other organisations funding which can be used to improve bodies implement an receive specific funding to the performance levels of athletes through coaching, talent and/or high objective system to improve improve (1) the quality of performance systems. The prevailing the quality of talent youth development in their economic climate means that those development in clubs? sport clubs and (2) talent organisations that do not receive development programmes funding risk being left behind. While There is no objective system as such in clubs? Pillar 1 indicates that £10.4m was spent to improve talent development in on sports clubs in NI; the data are not clubs and whilst a small number of Some governing bodies/other detailed enough to apportion how clubs are currently being worked organisations receive funding for much of this was spent on youth or with, this is to develop a system improving quality of youth and talent development. before implementation commences. talent development. There are 75 Governing bodies receive support recognised sport governing bodies in through the Sport NI talent Northern Ireland; Sport NI supported identification officers, and through over 30 of them through the IiPS. investments made via the Investing in Some other programmes such as Performance Sport Programme (IiPS). the small grants programme might get 50 different sport applications; not all of which will be successful,

36 37 3 Pillar Three Summary

Drivers of change • There has also been a change of other agencies in pursuit of in lifestyle due to economic such targets, and will show the • The funding provided via the pressures. Women work, people leadership required to ensure that National Lottery has been most work longer for less, and children Sport Matters remains central to welcome over the last 20 years. have ever increasing exam the delivery of the sporting targets The acknowledgment of the pressures, all of which reduce in Northern Ireland. role of community sport and an regular commitment to sport. • Within Sport NI there is a passion acceptance that not all sport People dip in and out of sport to and belief in the content of Sport needs to be delivered in structured/ suit the time they have available. Matters and its aspirations for sport organised settings created a sea • In this ‘consumer led’ society, over over ten years; that is a huge strength change as sport increasingly became the last decade our expectations and asset for the organisation. a key driver in tackling the broader as consumers have been raised, social objectives of government. which is why a scheme such as Weaknesses • Higher levels of physical activity Clubmark NI is so important. Sport are associated with reduced risks has become a consumer product The key weaknesses of the sport of coronary heart disease, stroke, rather than something to revel in system in relation to Pillar 3 are: diabetes and various cancers, and enjoy. coupled with improved skeletal • Whilst education is being used to health. Increasing physical activity Strengths deliver FMS, it is not just about is a medical recommendation educating young people. Sometimes and a global public health The key strengths of the elite sport we need clearer direction; are we policy objective (World Health system, according to Sport NI in focused on trying to improve quality Organization, 2002). relation to Pillar 3 are: of life? Or, are we focused on delivering • The wider social objectives linked the learning outcomes/objectives to public health and obesity are • The LISPA model is the theoretical of the PE curriculum? addressed within Sport Matters, which and conceptual framework which • If quality of life is the focus, there also includes references to other underpins everything Sport NI is needs to be a more integrated objectives around social cohesion, aiming to achieve. In particular, approach towards how a young social capital, racism and inclusion. Sport NI appreciates the value of person experiences sport. For • People think the government physical literacy and how it can example, some young people will continue to invest in sport be developed, measured and experience over competition because it is good for you, but the delivered through a consistent because of a lack of dialogue and government invests because it approach in a PE, club and community cooperation between school and believes in the ability of sport to environment. The investment in club competitions; more dialogue do other things. That is a major FMS in primary school settings is would lead to a more balanced change; sport is now an investment, a vital foundation to LISPA. experience for young people. which requires a return; sport is a • Sport Matters, the policy • Education is delivered by professionals means to another end. framework covering sport and in full-time employment, whilst • The breakdown in society and physical recreation for the period club experiences are delivered by growth in the importance of ‘me’. 2009-19, covers many of the volunteers, and both have different There are less people wanting to factors contained within Pillar 3. expectations and objectives. devote their time in the name of Sport NI uses Sport Matters as a sport. For example, volunteering by reference point to consider every teachers and parents is perceived new opportunity that presents to have declined on the basis that itself relative to the targets set. ‘there is nothing in it for me’ and Sport NI has strong partnerships due to issues around child protection. with, and coordinates the input

38 Pillar Four

39 4 Pillar Four Talent Identification and Development

Pillar 4 is concerned with two aspects In Pillar 4 we aim to assess the of elite sport development: first talent quality of talent identification and identification, and second talent development processes via five CSFs. development. Talent identification includes: 1. There is an effective system for the identification of young talented • Talent recognition (i.e. monitoring athletes, so that the maximum systems and the criteria that are number of potential top level needed to recognise young sports athletes is reached at the right people as being talented). time/age. • Talent detection (i.e. the identification of talented athletes from outside 2. There is nationally coordinated a sport’s participant base). planning for sport governing bodies • Talent scouting (i.e. the processes to develop an effective system for undertaken to identify young talents). the development of young talented • Selection processes (the process athletes in their sports. of selecting young talents for specific purposes (e.g. competitions, training 3. Talented young athletes receive activities, etc.). multidimensional support services appropriate to their age and level The majority of talent identification that are needed to develop them as issues need to be analysed on a young athletes at the highest level. sport-specific basis, as in most nations, talented athletes are usually 4. Talented young athletes receive recruited from the existing participant nationally coordinated support base of a sport. However, some for the combination of sports nations have nationally coordinated development and academic study projects to recruit athletes with a during secondary education and system-related scientific selection where relevant primary education. process (from a non-participant base e.g. through schools), or through sport 5. Talented young athletes received transfer (athletes moving from one nationally coordinated support sport to another). for the combination of sports development and academic study Talent development refers to the during higher education. period when athletes become highly committed to their sport, train more and become more specialised. These athletes face a number of key life transitions during this stage such as at the academic level, the athletic level and the psychosocial and psychological levels (Wylleman and Lavallee, 2003). Each transition requires proactive management to enable athletes to reach their full potential and to avoid them dropping out of their sport.

40 4.1 CSF 1. There is an effective system for the identification of young talented athletes, so that the maximum number of potential top level athletes is reached at the right time/age

The process of talent identification to talent identification in Northern in Northern Ireland is recognised by Ireland. The quotation below is a good those within performance sport as example of how pockets of good being important to the long-term practice exist on a sport-specific level success in elite sport competition. but are not endemic to the system as Currently the system is described a whole. being in its infancy and there are examples of good practice seen in “We have had an all-Ireland talent some sports and the various talent transfer programme for track identification partnerships that are cycling with true elite athletes, being developed across Northern we’ve got two who are in the Ireland. However, unlike systems in system and they are still trying China, former eastern-bloc nations, to qualify for the Olympics next and more recently Australia; there is summer but that was a specific no nationally coordinated approach project, it’s not an on-going thing.”

41 4.2 CSF 2. There is nationally coordinated planning for governing bodies to develop effective systems for the development of young talented athletes in their sports

Sport governing bodies are able to These five areas are the headline access funding for talent identification section and then under each headline purposes. In their applications to Sport there needs to be subsequent NI for funding, sport governing bodies frameworks which develop them can apply for financial support across further and under each framework five themes: area there needs to be best practice guidelines. Plans of this type are 1. Governance/modernisation. subject to a governing body’s own self-assessment procedures and 2. Sustained participation. arguably more rigorous checking from Sport NI directly. 3. Coaching. In practice support for talent identification 4. Talent identification and is a joint effort between Sport NI and development. governing bodies. This point is perhaps best demonstrated by the network 5. High performance. of talent identification officers from various sports who regularly come In the current state of the system’s together to share good practice and to maturity funding is primarily available advise other governing bodies who do for talent identification and confirmation not have their own talent identification within sports. The funding criteria staff. The network is a good example of are sport-specific and the success, how the principles of talent identification or otherwise, of applications will are realised at the highest level in Northern depend on the extent to which Sport Ireland but that implementation is in NI considers investment to represent its relative infancy. value for money. The key challenge that is faced in To make a successful funding application, Northern Ireland is to educate governing governing bodies would need to submit bodies and clubs about the principles plans which include: of talent identification as currently there is no capacity or infrastructure • Planning to take an ‘industrialised’ approach to the issue. Furthermore, given funding • Preparation constraints, there is a realisation that there will be no new money for sport. • Profiling Consequently, the challenge is to make optimal use of existing resources and • Recruitment in this context the pragmatic view is that talent identification systems will • Confirmation and development have to evolve organically rather than via large step changes.

42 4.3 CSF 3. Talented young athletes receive multi-dimensional support services appropriate to their age and level that are needed to develop them as young athletes at the highest level

Support services for talented young training. Underpinning all of these athletes are coordinated centrally services is a system of ‘performance and are delivered via the PDCs. These planning’ which is provided by SINI as services are aimed at athletes who the majority of coaches that work with are confirmed talents and who are in talented young athletes do not have a talent development phase. The core the skills and experience to deliver the services provided are strength and services needed on their own. This conditioning and physiotherapy. Other point is yet a further reinforcement non-core services are provided on an of the notion that Northern Ireland’s ‘as needed’ basis and these include: talent identification and development sport psychology; nutrition; sports programme is in its infancy. medicine; lifestyle support; and media

43 4.4 CSF 4. Talented young athletes receive nationally coordinated support for the combination of sports development and academic study during secondary education and where relevant primary education

There is no nationally coordinated By contrast, in Northern Ireland programme in Northern Ireland that although there is no national enables children in primary and coordination of schemes of this secondary education to combine type, there are isolated examples academic and sporting careers. In whereby interventions are made, the first round of the SPLISS research but the ‘system’ in Northern Ireland it was found that in the Flemish part is best described in the words of the of Belgium and in the Netherlands interviewees: talented young athletes could be granted a special legal status enabling “It’s not nationally coordinated, them to combine dual academic and because to be nationally sporting careers at school. In the cases coordinated the schools would of Flanders and the Netherlands there need to be brought into it. To paint is a realisation that in small populations that picture of the system would be talented young athletes are rare and totally wrong. That’s a weakness.” thus it is important to identify, develop and retain as many of this pool of “On an individual athlete basis we potential as possible. In part this is do [negotiate special treatment achieved with formal recognition and for talented young athletes], I’ve special treatment in schools. been to school headmasters and heads of PE trying to negotiate the programme of a talented athlete and how it can be managed. But it’s based on luck though.”

44 4.5 CSF 5. Talented young athletes received nationally coordinated support for the combination of sports development and academic study during higher education

As is the case at primary and secondary Weaknesses “I believe that having a nationally school, there is no nationally coordinated coordinated elite sport and approach to supporting talented young “There is no formal system as such.” education system would have a athletes during higher education. Some significant impact on our ability universities may offer sports scholarships “Schools tend to prioritise major to retain talent in the system. I on an ad hoc basis to certain athletes sports/team sports and this can think there’s a huge amount of but these are more likely to be people mean that those with a talent leakage of people who could be who will make a good contribution to for other sports are unable to potentially elite performers who university sport rather than being elite reach their full potential or have a lose out because they are forced sport talents. Looking at elite sport and pathway to a higher level.” into making educational choices. education as a whole, the contributors There isn’t the flexibility for them to to Pillar 4 were asked to identify the “There is little understanding in study and perform at an elite level strengths and weaknesses of the system schools of how to manage athletic unless they happen to be in the in Northern Ireland: talent.” right place at the right time. Here [in Northern Ireland] it’s all about Strengths The professionals involved in talent academic performance, so often identification and development at we will lose significant numbers of “There are situations where the highest level in Northern Ireland performers in that transition stage, children have actually moved hold the view that a nationally not so much at A level but certainly schools knowing that a particular coordinated system would be a when they go to university.” school is a better environment with significant and positive improvement better coaches. Although there is on the current situation, as indicated no formalised system, these are in in these quotations: effect elite sport schools.” “If it was an ideal system then in “In certain circumstances, it is primary school there would be an possible for ad hoc arrangements option for you to pursue a sporting to be made in schools and colleges career. I think there are barriers to help young people in their there at the moment, primarily you sporting careers.” go to school to learn how to write, sports are seen as a bit of a bonus.”

45 4 Pillar Four Summary

Strengths Weaknesses Suggestions for improvement

The key strengths of the elite sport The key weaknesses of the elite sport “Sports need to be continually system in relation to Pillar 4 are: system in relation to Pillar 4 are: prioritised within Northern Ireland.”

• There are professional appointments • The culture in Northern Ireland “The budget has to continue to in sport at national level with which tends to value academic be there, we can’t continue with explicit responsibility for talent achievement above all else creates the political thing in this country identification and development. a perception that sport is not a of ‘oh well we invested in that so • Some governing bodies are viable career choice. we are done’. It needs to be realising the need for a systematic • The education system at all levels continued and if possible the approach to talent identification does not support dual careers resource needs to be increased. and development. that enable both academic study Resource needs to be provided • As the various networks develop, and elite level sport (see separate across all those pillars that’s what the capacity of the system is strengths and weaknesses above). we need to do but at the minute growing, such that national officers • Education competition systems we are performance focused.” are able to take an enabling role do not provide talented young rather than a direct provision role. athletes with the appropriate level “What I think about here is I don’t • There is an increased acceptance of competition. know how we break what happens in Northern Ireland that talent • The knowledge and skills’ base of in education. We obviously have identification development is a critical coaches in the performance sport this thing with Clubmark NI (a area for development and as such system can be limiting factors and quality system for sports clubs) requires ongoing investment. there needs to be extensive continuing now to enhance club practice • Within some sports the principles practitioner development to enable but I am just wondering if that of talent identification and these coaches to function at a is something in the future that development are being embedded. higher level. schools could do?” • Too few full-time professional coaches who could commit to talent “We need some joined up thinking identification and development and working. There are two work on a full-time basis. specialist sports colleges through • Although Northern Ireland is a small the Youth Sport Trust programme country, facilities for elite sport although these were developed are considered to be insufficient, without support from Sport NI. notably the standard of facilities That’s a good example of how it and the access that athletes doesn’t work.” have to these facilities. Opening up facilities in some of the more well provided for schools and the creation of satellite centres is seen as being a potential solution.

46 Pillar Five

47 5 Pillar Five Athletic Career and Post Career Support

‘Elite’ is the stage of excellence, minimum wage. To develop our attainment of publicly recognised understanding of athletic career excellence and, in particular, support this pillar will examine: representing a club or country at individual lifestyle support available to national or international level. This is athletes and the coaching provided also a transition in which a number to them. Finally career termination is of athletes do not progress to the considered as a significant experience next age category (Wylleman and in sport (Murphy, 1995). Having had Lavallee, 2003). A transition creates the opportunity to be provided with a a developmental conflict between sense of personal competence and ‘what the athlete is’ and ‘what he or mastery, social recognition, personal she wants or ought to be’ (Alfermann enjoyment, and numerous satisfying and Stambulova, 2007, p.717). Various social relationships as a result of support systems have been set up competing at the international sport by nations in order to increase their level (Scanlan, Stein, and Ravizza, number of elite athletes, and to 1989; Taylor and Ogilvie, 2001), it is not provide an optimal elite sport climate. surprising that the transition out of An elite sport climate is defined by elite sport may be a difficult time for Van Bottenburg (2000) as “the social retiring athletes (Reints and Wylleman, and organisational environment in press). Athletic retirement has that provides the circumstances in become a typical area of study and which athletes can develop into elite several nations have set up programmes sports athletes and can continue to to support the transition out of sport achieve at the highest levels in their (Reints and Wylleman, in press). branch of sport” (p.24). Particular attention is paid to the transition In Pillar 5 we aim to assess the athletic from junior athlete to senior level. career and post career support by The life span model from Wylleman addressing ten CSFs in four key areas: and Lavallee (2004) allows for the combination of a developmental (i.e. 1. There is a nationally agreed definition chronological from junior into senior of an elite athlete for all sports. level) perspective and a holistic perspective on how challenges occur 2. The individual living circumstances at different levels of development (i.e. of athletes are sufficient so that athletic, psychological, psychosocial, they can concentrate on their sport academic/vocational) during athletes’ full-time. progress from junior level/league into senior level, league or (semi-) 3. There is a coordinated support professional sports. programme for elite athletes.

In many nations, athletes pursuing 4. Athletes can receive post career their sport are recognised as and support and are adequately prepared treated as employees who receive for life after their sports career. funding for living and sporting costs, which is sometimes linked to a

48 5.1. There is a nationally the populations are: World class 5.1.1. Standardised definition agreed definition of an elite (10 athletes), International of eligibility for support and athlete for all sports (18 athletes), Developmental funding (16 athletes and 1 team). In terms of performance in 2011: There is a standardised definition in Sport NI agrees standards with sports Northern Ireland across all Olympic through negotiation and comparison • Level 1: Elite athletes performing at and non-Olympic sports to define across sports and this is the same the world top three (won medals) which athletes are eligible for support process for every sport. (a) number in Olympic disciplines and direct funding. Sport NI and SINI, (2 both golf) (b) number in team with the governing bodies, agree the sports (0). 5.2. Living circumstances of standards of athlete performance, athletes are sufficient and these are bespoke to the sport, • Level 2: Elite athletes performing under three headings of ‘world class’, at the world top eight (reached ‘international’ and ‘developmental’. 5.2.1. Athlete monthly finals in the most recent Olympic The investment programme is, income is sufficient Games/World Championships) however, not constrained to Olympic, (a) number in Olympic disciplines Paralympic or Commonwealth sports; Overall, 19% of athletes (N = 18) in (5, 2 boxers; 1 golfer; 2 sailors) (b) it is open to any sport recognised by the survey receive a monthly salary, number in team sports (GB Hockey Sport NI. Governing bodies have to the majority of which comes from has 2 Northern Ireland players, agree standards in order to make an Sport NI. Nine athletes (of the 18) Northern Ireland Netball team was application on behalf of their athletes. stated that the funding is sufficient 8th at World Championships in 2011). to train full-time; four stated it was The latest athlete database in sufficient to train part-time, and five • Level 3: Elite athletes performing Northern Ireland indicates that, in stated it was insufficient. A greater at the World top 16 (a) number in terms of Olympic sports, the population proportion of athletes (63%) receive Olympic disciplines (4, in addition for each group are: World class other reimbursements, such as: travel to Levels 1 and 2) (b) number (15 athletes), International (13 athletes costs (81%), support to participate in team sports (3, Ireland Male and 2 teams), and Developmental in international competitions (66%), Hockey and Female Hockey teams, (30 athletes). For non-Olympic sports, car (10%), equipment/clothing Ireland Men’s Cricket team). (53%), general training costs (49%),

49 The investment programme is, however, not constrained to Olympic, Paralympic or Commonwealth sports; it is open to any sport recognised by Sport NI. insurances (34%), medical costs (19%) 5.2.3. Elite sport is a full- has two strands. First, ‘sport’ costs; and meals at training facilities (25%). time primary activity for which are allocated to the governing However, only 34% of athletes stated elite athletes body against named athletes, and that the reimbursements are sufficient second, ‘living’ costs; which go directly to pay for the costs incurred. For those to the athletes. Developmental Only 19% (N = 18 athletes) stated that athletes who receive funding: athletes would not normally get they are a full-time athlete only, 15 of direct living cost investment; which is which were competing in Olympic • Average financial support (wages): earmarked primarily towards full- sports. They stated they were: full-time £5,227 per year. time athletes. There are guidance students (46%); a part-time student documents for support (‘Athlete (5%); in full-time employment (19%); • Average reimbursements (for those Investment Programme Sports Costs and, in part-time employment (11%). receiving an amount): £6,690. and Living Costs Guidance Documents and Application Forms’). • Average sponsorship: £2,500 5.3. There is a coordinated (excluding one athlete who receives support programme for The Athlete Investment Programme a vastly significant amount). elite athletes allows athletes to obtain financial support for areas such as sports • Average prize money: £791. 5.3.1. Coordinated support medicine, coaching, and performance programme for elite lifestyle management. Sport NI and Elite athletes in Northern Ireland can SINI work closely together when receive direct financial support for athletes allocating financial investment for training and to help them commit elite athletes. This is a joint process full-time to their sport. Within the 263 Sport NI and SINI run a coordinated which (a) reviews applications and (b) athletes on the programme (including programme of support for elite meets with the Performance Director/ individual athletes and members of athletes at different levels under the national coach to discuss the plan squads/teams), a small proportion Athlete Investment Programme; which for each athlete. Some athletes, who are part-time. The financial support is not meant to be a monthly wage sufficient to pay for living costs and enable athletes to train on a full-time basis; it is there to offset basic living costs. The support is paid out monthly, but it is not meant to be a monthly wage. The maximum amount which could be paid is £21,000 p.a. Athletes are allowed to have additional earnings but must declare these to Sport NI via annual updates. There are no bonuses in place for achieving medals.

5.2.2. Employers are supportive of athletes’ careers

62% of athletes (N = 26) rated the support of their employer as positive.

50 are unable to access any services in 5.3.3. Coordinated support for parents. Schools/teachers are not Northern Ireland due to their location, programme to support the part of the transitional programme, can use funding provided by Sport NI junior to senior transition although if individual athletes emerge to purchase services from external and are engaged in a significant providers, however the majority of transition, the school might be Sport NI run a coordinated programme funded athletes use SINI as a main involved on an individual, but not to support the transition from junior training base and use the institute for coordinated, basis. Northern Ireland to senior athlete via the unit described such services. does not have significant numbers of in section 4.1. Staff members junior athletes making the transition; assess athletes in terms of strength, SINI delivers support services to therefore the focus can be more about conditioning and physiotherapy and eligible athletes. SINI has the sports the individuals and creating bespoke this is being widened to include lifestyle medicine unit (medical support, solutions. The support services management. SINI staff are aware of physiotherapy, soft tissue management); athletes receive during the transition the athletes that are about to make performance science unit (physiology, from junior to senior athlete are: a transition to senior level and focus performance analysis) performance on them. Approximately 75 athletes skills unit (lifestyle management and • Life skills: media training; nutrition can make use of these services and psychology), performance planning training; prevention of drugs in approximately ten athletes are making unit (advise the best use of the sport; problem solving skills; goal use of such services to support the services), and high performance setting skills; self-motivation skills; junior-senior transition. Athletes coach development. Many sports organisation skills; transition skills; can make use of services provided are not specific about how they use communication skills; relationship by this programme from ‘one year services and need assistance. These skills; networking skills; time before the junior-senior transition’ services have been extended to some management skills; and stress until ‘two years after the junior-senior developmental athletes through management. transition’. Where athletes are making PDCs which focus on physiotherapy • Education management: distance the transition to senior level they and strength and conditioning i.e. learning; flexible exam schedule; have staff and services available for physical development of athletes and flexible study schedule. as long as they need them. Athletes, at the younger stage. These centres • Health management: medical coaches, managers, athletic trainers, are based in Lisburn, Belfast and support; sport psychological and parents can make use of services Cookstown. They aim to develop support; and clinical psychological provided by this programme. athletes to ensure that some will make support. the transition into SINI and access • Financial support and Sport NI and SINI run workshop its wider range of services. Targeted management: financial programmes for coaches who deal additional support is provided e.g. to management and minimum wage. with athletes making the transition; the ones who are trying to qualify for this also includes coaches who are London 2012 etc., however, there is This programme to support the making the transition themselves. no policy or strategy in place - senior transition from junior to senior athlete This has included team managers management and heads of service has not been evaluated. at senior level in the junior to senior units prioritise athletes on an annual basis. support programme, and workshops

51 5.4. Athletes can receive post career support

5.4.1. Post career support programme

Sport NI provide services during the athletes’ career specifically to prepare them for their post-athletic career through the lifestyle management staff and performance skills unit, although it is not documented in the athlete agreement or in any of the formal plans. SINI also offer a post-career support programme to assist athletes for at least six months after their career as an athlete. This includes areas such as support with job applications, interviews, CV’s, etc. When an athlete attends a major event like the Olympics, they generally go into that event knowing what’s going to happen beyond it, although there are no initiatives in place at present to recruit retired athletes into employment in the sports sector.

5.4.2. Availability of partnerships to guide athletes post career

Sport NI do not have specific agreements or partnerships with agencies to guide elite athletes during and after their career.

52 53 5 Pillar Five Summary

Drivers of change • Need for more flexibility around If you have appointments that the provision of educational are coming into place which are • The National Lottery. Prior to that, opportunities within further and perhaps shorter term they tend financial support for athletes was higher education facilities. to focus on a certain area of that not there. • There is a big challenge at the pipeline and not worry so much • This changed the priorities in terms transition phase, especially retaining about the transitions. That is of the focus for athlete support. athletes in Northern Ireland. something that our sports need • Under the old system, a sport • A lack of training partners - to be aware of. The fact of the would not have prioritised spending athletes sometimes do not have benefits of having someone who resources on individual support. an intense enough environment, is contracted for a longer term or sufficient access to facilities. is required by the sport to have • If more athletes were retained a longer view. Once they do that Strengths then more intense services could those transitions become part of be ‘wrapped around’ a greater you and your way to manage them The key strengths of the elite sport number of athletes although Sport becomes part of where we can add system in relation to Pillar 5 are: NI understand why some athletes some value.” currently go outside Northern Ireland. • The support has grown over the “Northern Ireland is such a small last nine years, from one to three place - we can’t afford to let there support staff. Suggestions for improvement be leakage of talent so therefore we • Ability to deal with athletes need good transition programmes.” on an individual basis rather than programmes. “Over the years, to ensure the governing bodies are looking after “Other sport systems allow you • Ability to involve coaches as well to provide some sort of incentive as athletes. our athletes sufficiently and are aware of all of the issues around to encourage the athlete to study • Creation of flexible study options something while they are an at universities in Northern Ireland them, a lot of work has been done about raising awareness of the athlete. It may be that we could have benefited a number of elite attribute a percentage (of funding) athletes. issues that are associated with the major transitions. Governing towards the athlete, a percentage towards doing something as well, Weaknesses bodies do not want to lose athletes and sometimes issues outside the but we have not been allowed to direct sporting ones contribute to do it. We had ideas about putting a The key weaknesses of the elite sport the loss of an athlete.” programme on the ground where system in relation to Pillar 5 are: athletes could bid for an amount “We think there’s more work to do of money to help them to do their • The approach is short-term, with and I think some governing bodies study but we’ve never been allowed regards to the financial side (annual (even from their ability to attend to do that. It might help to keep investment) and it is set against the and interact at our workshops) are people here because I think our achievement of targets. clearly addressing it while others Assembly is saying that they do • There is no specific financial support appear not to be.” not want to increase university fees to help athletes make the transitions and that may help to reduce the to the next stage (senior). “It is clear that when you have number of athletes who head over • The system can be quite ‘ruthless’ indigenous people running a to England or Scotland, etc.” and perhaps does not reflect the particular sports programme full career path of an athlete - it is they tend to have a longer term not always the best approach to view and are more concerned supporting athletes, largely in terms about making sure those athletes of the financial aspects. are retained inside the pipeline.

54 Pillar Six

55 6 Pillar Six Training Facilities

Pillar 6 is concerned with elite sport Pillar 6 examines the existing network facilities and infrastructure. These of national and regional elite sport factors were identified as being facilities in Northern Ireland, as well important by, among others, Oakley as the coordination and planning to and Green (2001) who identify ‘well create facilities for a conducive ‘work’ developed and specific facilities with environment for elite athletes. Ten priority access for elite athletes’ as CSFs are considered in the following one of ten characteristics commonly three areas: found in elite sports development systems. In addition to sport specific 1. Nationally coordinated planning: training facilities, elite sport institutes sport facilities and elite sport also have administrative headquarters facilities throughout the country and close links with education and are recorded and the needs of sports medicine/science facilities. athletes and coaches are known These elite sport institutes are and clearly mapped out. costly and in smaller nations less expensive facilities may still be 2. There is a network of high quality beneficial. Research has found that national/regional elite sports large institute networks (in France centre(s)/facilities, where athletes and Australia) evolved from large can train in appropriate conditions centralised concerns funded by public at any time of day. means to commercial partnerships; and, in to both central and regionally 3. There is specific funding provided spread networks. Key reasons for for the building and renovation of this include reducing distances and elite sport facilities. travelling times for athletes between their homes and their training venues; and reducing ‘homesickness’ and under performance in young athletes particularly. The 2008 SPLISS study suggested that smaller nations (geographically) may have a competitive advantage in this respect, as athletes and coaches do not have to travel far for training.

56 6.1. Nationally coordinated National Playing Fields Association facilities are available for use by the planning: sport facilities and ‘Six Acre Standard’. In the absence of groups that were identified within the elite sport facilities throughout a regional sports participation survey requirements of each capital project. (at the time of research), this work was the country are recorded based on the adult participation rates 6.1.3. Travelling times of and the needs of athletes from English and Scottish surveys. and coaches are known and elite athletes and coaches to clearly mapped out The Performance Unit at Sport NI and from training facilities interact on a regular basis with a There is no detailed data available on 6.1.1. There is a database number of the governing bodies to determine the facility needs of elite the travelling times of athletes to and available of sport for all/ athletes within particular sports (Sport from training facilities. However, based on grassroots sport facilities in NI - Athlete Support Programme, the information gathered in connection Northern Ireland and their Athletes’ Feedback Survey 2009). with this project, athletes on Olympic characteristics regarding Through the Government funded ‘Elite programmes spend more than 6.5 Facilities Programme’, from which the hours per week travelling on average. availability and quality (for However, half of the athletes spend elite sport use) elite (50m) pool will be the first project delivered in early 2013, the process less than five hours 13 minutes travelling. identified the high performance facility Not all elite athletes train in Northern Sport NI developed and manage a requirements of elite athletes across Ireland due to the structure of elite database for recording information a range of sports. This information sport in the UK (see the introduction to on all sports facilities throughout remains available and provides all the pillars) and these figures do not Northern Ireland. ‘Active Places NI’ the baseline for high performance include training outside The Province. records data under 19 sports facility requirements. Unfortunately, the Elite types and lists information relating to Facilities Programme funding has been Across all sports (including culturally the quality, condition, accessibility, suspended by the Northern Ireland significant sports beyond the universal access and ancillary facilities Executive due to constraints linked to Olympics) athletes reported that (on at each individual site. Given that the current economic climate. average) they spent six hours per in Northern Ireland there are very week travelling to and from training. If few ‘elite’ facilities, the database is “We have this information logged those athletes who reported 20 hours dominated by community based and used it to select the schemes or more travelling are removed, the facilities at which elite athletes can which we believed had the greatest average time spent travelling to and train if they deem them to be fit for prospect of success. However, due from training reduced to five hours purpose. However, the database itself to the cut backs there are no staff and 24 minutes. Overall, some 57% is not designed specifically to inform working at present on the Elite of athletes spent up to five hours per about use by elite sport. Facilities Programme apart from week travelling. monitoring progress on the 50m pool.” 6.1.2. Is data available on Although formal research is not the needs of elite athletes/ There is a Capital Programme Team available at this time, Sport NI could coaches re-training/ within Sport NI responsible for the conduct a basic ‘travel time’ exercise competition facilities? delivery of projects linked in most to determine time spent travelling to cases to facilities; however, the types facilities. By using information already available i.e. the home address of each 2009 research by Sport NI - the ‘Active of facilities currently being funded in Sport NI funded athlete, their preferred Places Research Report, Bridging the the main are generally not suitable for training locations and frequency of Gap, 2009’ identified a significant elite athletes. The facility renovations use, we could provide some basic data shortfall in sports facility provision may be useful to elite athletes but the on athletes’ travel times. generally throughout Northern Ireland. main focus is community provision. The report presents the findings of The Sport NI team responsible for the Facilities Planning Model and the the Capital Programme make sure

57 58 6.2. There is a network various aspects of elite training and 6.2.3. Can athletes have full- of high quality national/ competition facilities in NI according to time or priority access to regional elite sports their own experiences of them. Almost high level training facilities? 45% felt they were of at least ‘fairly centre(s)/facilities, where good’ quality, whilst 35% felt availability Northern Ireland has many full- athletes can train in and accessibility was ‘fairly good’. Apart time athletes that access a variety appropriate conditions at from these athletes, a further 24% and of venues, including SINI, for high 34% respectively felt that quality and any time of day performance training and support. accessibility were ‘reasonable’. When In relation to SINI, priority access can coaches and Performance Directors 6.2.1. Are there sufficient be arranged at certain times of year were asked the same questions, 60% in consultation with partners the UU. high quality sport facilities reported the quality and accessibility The university is also able to free up either exclusively for, or with of elite training and competition accommodation for athletes outside prioritised use for elite sports? facilities as ‘fairly low’ or ‘very low’. This term time. SINI has an agreement with finding is perhaps not surprising given UU whereby it is: There is limited high quality national or the apparent absence of dedicated regional sports facilities in Northern elite facility provision. “… supposed to get priority Ireland, with only one facility (SINI) offering access to the facilities. In some exclusivity for elite athletes. As suggested 6.2.2. Network of high we do, and in some (such as the previously in this pillar, the majority of quality national/regional pitches) it is not true priority as sports facilities in Northern Ireland are we cannot displace people. So we aimed at community recreation, although elite sports centre(s) get one time in the year where we some are suitable for competitive sport. There is no network of high quality have to predict that the pitches, national/regional elite sports centres in etc. will be free at that time. It is The new 50m pool in Bangor will be Northern Ireland. Supporting SINI are not true priority access for high a high performance centre aimed at three PDCs which act as strength and performance athletes.” the aquatic sports; however, it will also conditioning hotspots for athletes if maintain the community focus so they are unable to attend SINI. These Moreover, athletes can access the prevalent within the sporting provision PDCs are included within existing regional performance centres if across Northern Ireland. As suggested leisure facilities rather than centres in required for strength and conditioning in Pillar 2, the rationale appears to be their own right and are based in Belfast, work. Some 42% of athletes reported facility provision which combines both Lisburn and Cookstown. that they did have full-time access to mass participation and elite sport. The a national high performance training Appendix to Pillar 6 provides the latest There is also a national facility for centre; however, it is not clear whether data from Active Places NI. ‘outdoor sport’ at Tollymore. The or not they were referring to SINI. SINI centre caters for a large number of has athletes using the facilities outside Interestingly, almost 59% of the elite sports with a vast array of equipment high performance programmes but who athletes surveyed, reported that they and expertise and provides an are in governing body programmes; there had full-time access to a national administrative headquarters for is also community provision for young high-performance training centre; adventure sport. people from university; consequently however, whether they were referring it is not possible to quantify exactly to SINI specifically is unclear. Moreover, how many young talents/elite athletes elite athletes were asked to rate

59 There is limited high quality national or regional sports facilities in Northern Ireland, with only one facility (SINI) offering exclusivity for elite athletes.

make use of SINI provision. However, Northern Ireland, make it difficult to Sport NI and SINI personnel estimate classify the elite sport training provision that around 200 athletes connected in Northern Ireland according to the with national high performance stated SPLISS parameters. Whilst SINI programmes have used the Institute’s is the central elite facility, it does not cater facilities at least once in the last year for every elite athlete. Moreover, if the (i.e. in 2011). system is viewed as both centralised and decentralised; it is important to The answers provided in section 3, in note that the regional facilities are in relation to the training structure in the main aimed at the local community.

60 6.3. There is specific 6.3.1. Can governing bodies funding for the building (or clubs) receive funding and renovation of elite for the renovation and sport facilities building of sports facilities and elite sports facilities for The Elite Facilities Programme their particular sport? included the provision of the new 50m pool, which will be externally National governing bodies do not managed by North Down Borough normally receive funds for the building Council when it is ready in early 2013. of elite sports facilities specific to their However, as suggested elsewhere sport. However, it is important to note in this document, activities are on that they could receive funds, but tend hold due to funding constraints. not to apply.

As suggested previously, the Elite Facilities Programme was expected to contribute a number of large capital projects and the only one that went ahead was the 50m pool, which involved the aquatic governing bodies throughout the design and consultation stages. Sports clubs are funded primarily to increase participation in their respective sport and also to a lesser extent to improve athletic performance and governance.

61 6 Pillar Six Summary

Drivers of change Weaknesses Suggestions for improvement

• SINI developed from the UK The key weaknesses of the elite sport “To take Irish sport to the next government’s aspiration to have a system in relation to Pillar 6 are: level, from a facility point of view sports institute servicing the UK and it would be for the Elite Facilities it was decided to de-centralise and • The primary concern is a perceived Programme to be re-instated and to have regional sports institutes. short fall/lack of provision for elite re-looked at. There is a real issue SINI developed in 2002 to take athletes. There is a need for an with the short fall and getting athletes with podium potential, increase in the number of different access to the provision that we and turn them into podium reality. elite sport training facilities across have and whether it is actually • Northern Ireland’s worst ever Northern Ireland. good enough. The Elite Facilities performance at the Melbourne • The less dense population in Programme is only the tip of the Commonwealth Games in 2006 Northern Ireland compared to iceberg but at least it would have was a watershed and led to more England, for example, means that it been a start.” focused public policy around can be a challenge in trying to turn sport which ultimately resulted in facilities into viable businesses, or “The access to the school estate is increased government investment in making them sustainable. more of a solution to the shortfall in elite sport. SINI (and Tollymore • There needs to be more strategic in community based recreation National Outdoor Centre) are provision of elite (training and facilities rather than elite sport. We funded by the government (DCAL) competition) facilities across the do not have any specialist sports and through Sport NI (see Pillar 1). island of Ireland. For example, colleges so therefore the chances SINI is in its second cycle of lottery there is not much point in having of having a school in NI with elite funding but there is a limit to the one facility south of the border sport is probably limited, although number of occasions in which lottery and one north of the border that there will be some but just for money can go into the same project. replicates it. mainstream sports.” • SINI has expanded its role and Strengths remit since its inception, so much so that it caters for 28 sports The key strengths of the elite sport rather than the original four core system in relation to Pillar 6 are: sports it was set up to support. This expansion has resulted in the • SINI was developed specifically Institute now having limited extra with elite athletes in mind. A capacity or space for storage significant number of recent and necessitates careful successes have come from consideration about the use of Northern Ireland athletes who have the space available. made use of the improved strength • Opening SINI at all times of the and conditioning facility network year is another challenge as it can and services delivered by SINI. only open (at the moment) when • Tollymore National Outdoor the university has the people to Centre provides a headquarters staff it. E.g. it shuts over Christmas for adventure sport activities in and on certain other occasions Northern Ireland and has made a during the year. significant impact to the standards of coaching and the quality of leaders for these activities.

62 Active Places NI Facility Data as at April 2012

Figure 15: Indoor Sports Facilities (Competitive) – Sports Halls

No. of Community District Education* Gov Body / Private Total Badminton Council Club Courts

4 2 12 38 2 2 56 5 2 4 1 7 6 14 3 17 8 4 1 5 10 1 1 12 1 1 Total 2 33 46 4 2 87

* Education four-court halls are generally built to an unacceptable standard for competitive sport. Also significant issues regarding community access to the school estate. All education four court halls should be discounted.

Figure 16: Outdoor Sports Facilities – Grass Pitches

Sport Community District Education* Gov Body / Other Private Total Council Club

Cricket 1 1 Gaelic games 5 45 84 284 2 420 Hockey 3 3 Hurling 2 2 5 11 2 22 Multi-sports 3 3 6 3 1 16 Rugby 1 16 125 87 4 233 Soccer 14 496 154 104 2 16 786 Total 25 562 378 489 4 23 1481

* There are significant issues regarding community access to the school estate and community use is limited.

63 Figure 17: 0utdoor Sports Facilities – Synthetic Pitches

Sport Community District Education* Gov Body / Other Private Total Council Club

Cricket 1 1 Gaelic games 1 4 3 8 Hockey 21 21 6 1 2 51 Multi-sports 2 3 1 1 7 Rugby 2 2 Soccer 3 33 9 6 15 66 Tennis 1 1 Total 3 58 39 17 1 18 136

* There are significant issues regarding community access to the school estate and community use is limited.

Figure 18: Outdoor Sports Facilities – Tennis Courts

Community District Education* Gov Body / Church Private Total Council Club

Courts 1 56 122 13 2 10 204

* There are significant issues regarding community access to the school estate and community use is limited.

Figure 19: Indoor Sports Facilities – Swimming Pools

Pool District Education* Private Total Council

25m 38 8 1 47

50m 2** 2

Total 40 8 1 49

* There are significant issues regarding community access to the school estate and community use is limited. **Under construction. North Down is a ten-lane competitive arena; Magherafelt is a six-lane training tank.

64 Pillar Seven

65 7 Pillar Seven Coach Provision and Coach Development

Pillar 7 focuses on the different areas As indicated by De Bosscher et al. of career development for coaches (2008), there seems to be a collective and the existence, or otherwise, of realisation that athletes as well as high level opportunities for coaches coaches need to apply themselves to develop all aspects of their elite full-time to achieve their potential. coaching career. Secondly the pillar The influence of access to world- addresses the employment status class coaching is widely accepted of coaches and the provisions made by athletes as the most important for coaches. support service that they receive (De Bosscher, 2007). This finding is The quality and quantity of coaches confirmed by Green and Houlihan’s is important at each level of the sport study in 2005. In addition, Sport development continuum. At the top Matters acknowledges the key role of performance level two criteria arise in coaches and coaching in delivering the comparison of how policy impacts sport participation and performance on the development of elite coaches. targets in Northern Ireland. The first considers the quality and organisation of training certification Pillar 7 assesses coach provision and systems and how nations try to coach development by considering develop or attract the best coaches. numerous CSFs in four key areas: The second is concerned with the individual living circumstances of 1. There are a sufficient number of (elite) coaches. In many countries it is well trained and experienced elite often hard to become a professional coaches in the country. coach, due to a lack of recognition for the job by the State, and insufficient 2. Coaches get sufficient social security support systems or opportunities to develop their opportunities for career development. coaching career to become a world Just like athletes, many hours of class elite coach. time must be invested in training and individual talent is required to become 3. Coaches’ individual living a world leading coach. However, circumstances are sufficient for the system for the development of them to become professional elite coaches seems to be relatively coaches. immature in most nations. 4. The status of coaches: the job of coaches is recognised as valuable throughout the country.

66 7.1. There are a sufficient a peak level in Gaelic football. Of those National governing bodies in Northern number of well trained and 19 coaches, 13 are professional with Ireland can, technically, use their experienced elite coaches the remaining six semi-professional. funding to attract the world’s best coaches as individual sports can The athlete survey (N = 94) revealed use the funding they have received There are four CSFs in this section that 86% of athletes rated their elite to employ elite coaches. Governing of the pillar, which begins with the coach’s “knowledge/expertise at the bodies receive their funding allocation availability of a database of coaches. highest international level” as either and if they choose to add an additional “very high” or “fairly high” and 80% of amount of money to that in order 7.1.1. Database of coaches athletes suggested that their coach to attract the world’s best coaches, was currently “the most appropriate there are no restrictions in place. An There is a database of elite coaches coach for me at this stage of my example of this in Northern Ireland is who are part of Sport NI’s high athletic career”. triathlon, where the high performance performance programme. At present coach is Chris Jones (one of the world there are 19 coaches on that database 7.1.3. Coaches experience as leaders in triathlon coaching). Sport NI and Sport NI are aware of their training an athlete contribute to funding his post i.e. the development needs. Sport specific governing body uses its funding to try governing bodies do not contribute to Overall, 70% of coaches and 60% and employ the best coach. However, an overall national database, although of Performance Directors who it is highly unlikely that governing a number of all Ireland governing bodies responded to the survey had bodies would routinely employ the contribute to an all island database competed at International/Elite level world’s best coaches as the level of which has been developed by (the highest) in their own career. funding is not high enough. Coaching Ireland, however this is still at the early stages of development. The details on the elite database show the 7.1.4. Strategy to attract the 7.2. Coaches get sufficient qualification details and the job status world’s best coaches opportunities to develop their for each coach but it does not record coaching career to become the date qualifications were obtained. The PDP has been devised by a world class elite coach The database is updated regularly (i.e. Sport NI and is specifically targeted at least once a year). In terms of youth at developing high performance 7.2.1. Coach education coaches, there is a database that Sport coaches that are working within the coordination NI can access, but it’s not a Northern Northern Ireland system. One of the Ireland database. Sport NI do not have key outcomes of the programme is Sport NI is the national coordinating this information because Northern to retain coaches within the Northern organisation responsible for the formal Ireland does not govern the coaching Ireland system and have a positive development of elite coaches, which qualifications, they are either UK or an impact on it. The programme aims aligns the different courses in different ‘all Ireland’ qualification. to increase/create the transfer of sports and facilitates the organisation knowledge of elite coaches and of coach development. Sport NI aims focuses on practitioner development. 7.1.2. Qualified elite coaches to align coach education between Notwithstanding this, Sport NI does the Sports Coach UK (British) and not have a particular strategy to Sport NI engages with 19 coaches Coaching Ireland (Irish) elements, and attract the world’s best coaches/ through the high performance coach transfer details into the PDP. Sport NI other experts to train elite athletes; development programme, purely only run practitioner development therefore Sport NI does not take for Olympic sports. In total there for the people that are at the top end specific initiatives to create transfer are 50 elite coaches in Northern of the spectrum, i.e. the true high of knowledge of foreign elite coaches Ireland, although this figure includes performance coaches. Qualification among domestic coaches. indigenous sports, for example, there levels and certification are held by are nine coaches that are operating at

67 Sports Coach UK/Coaching Ireland, although there is still work to be done qualifies to do the Level 4 qualification Sport NI manage the relationship. to fully align the process. Coaching they would not do it in Northern Ireland. Ireland is still aligning to the new 7.2.2. Coach education national framework in Ireland (called There are no international elite from the lowest level to the FETAC and HETAC). coaches involved in all the elite coach highest level qualification levels in Northern Ireland Sport NI provide financial and other and former elite athletes also do not support services to participants in have the opportunity to follow a fast In Northern Ireland the Level three the elite coach qualification scheme track qualification course in order to qualification is the maximum through the PDP. Coaches get support, qualify as an elite coach. Coaching qualification being delivered, coaches guidance and a level of financial Ireland has fast tracked athletes travel to England to undertake Level support. Coaches are required to into coaching (but not directly into four. The delivery of elite coach hold the qualification below the elite coaching), their system aims to education is not available in Northern one they want to take in order to provide a start point but they would Ireland on a regular basis, as it is when progress through the elite level have still had to work through the compared with the UK mainland, but coaching qualification scheme. For pathway. Fast tracking is not a process there is access to it through Sport example, in the case of the Level four implemented by Sport NI. Within Sport NI. The ‘stretch’ of coach education qualification, having the Level three NI’s current elite coach programme provision for elite coaches is an qualification (and having international there are four former elite athletes but area for development in Northern coaching experience) is, generally, they have not been fast tracked, they Ireland. National qualification levels the pre-requisite. The universities in have come through the coaching system. are evaluated via the European Northern Ireland are not involved in the A compulsory update of coaching Qualifications Framework (EQF), development of coaches; if a coach qualifications exists in many sports in

68 Northern Ireland, but it is dependent 1. Mental coaching/psychological coaches are trained by older/more upon sport-specific requirements support for athletes. experienced coaches to improve their specified by governing bodies (i.e. level of expertise. This is a leadership organised on a sport by sport basis). 2. Nutrition for athletes. element for aspiring high performance Updates depend on the nature of each coaches which is a mentoring scheme sport, particularly in terms of health 3. Biomechanics specialist. that supports development towards and safety. The sports that would have high performance. The system to be updated more regularly are those 4. Data analysis (analysis of an attempts to: implement mentoring sports with a coach license where athlete’s data). throughout, develop mentors for there is a safety aspect, for example coaches operating at the ‘talent swimming and canoeing, where sports 5. Physiology. development’ level; and make sure ensure coach updates would take that mentoring impacts upon all place on an annual basis. 6. Leadership. coaches that are coaching that next level athlete, not just focussing on one 7.2.3. Professional 7. Motivation theories (e.g. to prevent or two coaches. development of coaches athlete drop out). 7.2.5. Communication and 8. Training techniques. Sport NI organises regular coaching discussion of personal seminars/clinics at national level 9. Conditioning/strength training development (not sport specific), to increase the specific for elite athletes. expertise of elite coaches. In the first Coaches in the Sport NI system have and second year of the PDP there 10. Altitude training. access to three services that may were approximately ten seminars but support their career development and now there are two, because coach The first five aspects are supplied improve their level of expertise: development in its current form through SINI as part of the approach is focused on individual coaches. to high performance coach 1. A digital/virtual coaches’ platform: Elite coaches meet twice a year, as development within the PDP. The a platform where coaches from coaches are on an individual, bespoke leadership elements also primarily different sports get opportunities development plan. The seminars/ come out of the PDP. There is a to discuss topics on elite sports clinics are not compulsory to achieve framework, monitored by Sport NI, and exchange information. SPORT a qualification level but they may be which examines the development of NI do not run it but coaches have compulsory to be part of the PDP. In the system, the impact that it is having access to a UK version of it, which order to participate in these seminars/ on the coaches, and how coaches are elite coaches have access to clinics, the coach has to be working at developing their athletes. There is also (called Coach Aspire 2014). a high performance level and be able a mentoring structure that sits behind to demonstrate that they are working each of those coaches, so the majority 2. Coach exchange programme/ with athletes who are competing at have a ‘technical master coach’ platform: Coaches from different a high performance level (defined as working with them. Some elite coaches sports meet each other and ‘international level’, not ‘national level’ have a mentor regarding personal exchange information through the competition). Also, elite coaches have development relative to managing seminar meetings. to demonstrate significant experience relationships and decision making. where they have had an impact on the 3. Scientific information: Coaches development of elite athletes. They also 7.2.4. Specialist advice for are provided with information and have to be able to demonstrate that can get assistance in answering they will continue to be in the system. coaches from other areas questions on sport specific and Elite coaches receive assistance and scientific issues through the PDP specific training opportunities for There is a coordinated mentoring if it is a requirement. The bursary specialist areas such as: scheme for elite coaches where young can be used for this although it is

69 reserved for the six coaches on the 7.3. Coaches individual living 5. Meals at training facilities. high performance PDP. circumstances are sufficient for them to become 6. Clothing/footwear. Coaches do not have access to a digital databank/website or a library: professional coaches In the current system, some additional where coaches can collect scientific costs are covered by the governing and practical information related to 7.3.1. Coaches’ monthly body of individual coaches, rather than their sport. Sport NI can facilitate that income by Sport NI. Notwithstanding this, the but do not do it directly. Results from system in Northern Ireland is sporadic. the survey highlighted that only 25% Elite coaches get direct financial To suggest that all of the elements of of coaches were aware of a ‘coach support from Sport NI although the financial support are available through commission’ (a formally recognised coaches in the PDP are not funded as Sport NI would, according to Sport NI collective voice representing coaches professional coaches, they are funded staff, “not be a consistent reflection to the national governing body). None so that they can ‘retain their position of the system”. Coaches do not of the 20 coaches in the survey agreed and develop’. This also applies to earn bonuses, although there are no that “policy makers regularly consult younger potential coaches. Funding limitations in place to earn additional coaches about their specific needs” can be used for: money (e.g. through sponsorships) and only two of the ten Performance over and above their direct funding. Directors agreed. 75% of coaches 1. Training support (training materials, Coaches are only ever guaranteed and 80% of Performance Directors access to sports accommodation, funding for two years because of a thought that there was too much etc.). cross over in comprehensive spending administration being an elite coach in review periods. Northern Ireland. 2. Transport (national). Some key points from the coach’s 3. Transport (international). survey revealed:

4. Housing/living costs. • 13/20 receive a monthly salary.

70 • 8/13 who receive a monthly salary hours per week on all coaching related job of elite coach is sufficiently recognised regard the amount as sufficient to activity; and six hours a week travelling in Northern Ireland. be a full-time coach. to and from training. • 12/20 coaches receive other 7.4.2. Written work reimbursements with travel and 7.3.3. Supportive employers contracts equipment/clothing the most cited reimbursements. Five of the eight coaches who Although elite coaches in Northern • 2/11 stated that these reimbursements answered the question in the survey Ireland are not obliged to have a work were sufficient to pay for costs incurred. indicated that they received positive contract, Sport NI outline that the • The average gross income (including support from their employer. top elite coaches (six) have a work wages and bonuses) is £23,305, contract which could be a yearly, ranging from nothing to £120,000. 7.4. The status of coaches: biennial or four-year contract. Only 11 Excluding the £120,000 reveals an of the 20 coaches in the survey had a adjusted average of £18,216. the job of coaches is written contract. Those in possession • Overall, coaches spend, on average, recognised as valuable of a contract went through a traditional £6,538 of their own money per year recruitment process which included on their coaching commitments. 7.4.1. Job recognition and clear job descriptions for coaches. Sport career prospects NI implement regular performance 7.3.2. Elite sport coaching as interviews (‘100 day review’) with the a full-time activity Five of the 20 coaches reported coaches’ employers (i.e. governing that the opportunities to develop bodies), which are designed to monitor Eight of the 20 coaches surveyed as an expert coach at the highest and evaluate the performance of classified themselves as ‘full-time’ international level are well developed. the governing body against agreed and eleven stated that they are in One of the coaches surveyed work programmes that an elite coach some form of part-time employment/ suggested that the provisions for may be involved in delivering. High education in addition to their coaching coaches in Northern Ireland performing coaches appointed by the commitments. On average, coaches regarding their personal living governing body or the PDP are reviewed in Northern Ireland spend 16.4 hours circumstances are well developed in relation to the impact they are having per week training with athletes; 26.5 and five coaches agreed that the on the athletes under their direction.

71 7.4.3. There is a trade union Ireland, even at the high performance for sports coaches and level, some of the coaches have low trainers level coach education qualifications but very high level knowledge and skills. There is not a legal statute or trade union which represents elite coaches Eight of the 20 coaches in Northern Ireland. surveyed classified 7.4.4. Post career support themselves as ‘full- programme time’ and eleven stated that they are Elite coaches do not receive post career support from Sport NI. For in some form of part the coaches that are on the PDP time employment/ programme, the mentoring and relationship support that occurs education in addition outside the technical mentoring will to their coaching cover their life and career plans, but there is no formal post career support. commitments. Sport NI is not responsible for the post career support of elite coaches and do not cooperate with any recruitment and selection organisations to support elite coaches in their post-coach careers.

7.4.5. Coaching qualifications in sport clubs and with young talents

Holding levels of coaching qualification are not mandatory in Northern Ireland for coaches to work in sports clubs; it is recommended by Sport NI but it is not mandatory. There is not a control system in place for ‘policing’ qualifications as the system currently in place is not mature enough to manage it. Sport NI has a framework in place with regard to the minimum qualification standard for elite coaches working with young talents but, again, it is not mandatory. Whilst it is desirable that a coach has a certain qualification level, it does not mean that, if a coach does not have the necessary qualification, they will not be able to work with young athletes. In Northern

72 7 Pillar Seven Summary

Drivers of change Strengths

The changes in priorities for coach The key strengths of the elite sport • Sport NI need to keep the system development and coach provisions system in relation to Pillar 7 are: focused on training coaches that over the past 12 years were outlined as: are going to actually have an impact • A committed core group of on their sport. • The need to establish qualification individuals involved in coaching • It is difficult to be a full-time structures on a national framework. with the national agency are in professional elite coach in Northern • Prioritising the understanding place to support development. Ireland due to a lack of recognition. around which coaches you need • The ability for integration. • Elite coaches are not always fully at what levels, knowing your athlete Individuals that are identifying the supported by their governing body population and being able to map needs work closely with individuals in terms of understanding high the qualifications. that can provide the services to performance sport well enough. meet those needs. • The governance system, in terms Drivers of these changes: • Close integration at high performance of managing those people in the level between the service providers sports, is under developed. • Idea of professionalism - coaches - Sport NI and SINI. • The rising talent systems in Northern and coaching being recognised as • The coach/athlete relationship Ireland are just beginning to be a professional occupation, it is not at elite level is more mature than developed, Sport NI have only made there yet. it was six or seven years ago. It is professional appointments in the • Health and safety - governing much more sophisticated than it last two or three years within sports. body coaches need qualifications was before. • Coaches that work with rising behind them, starting at Level one. • Sport NI has established knowledge talent, mainly, tend to be volunteers • The focus has been on building up about working with elite coaches. and do not necessarily fit the high qualification structures, although • The knowledge base is building performance environment. some people still only roll out single and creating the architecture • The major challenge is still the qualifications. around how Sport NI work and complexity working between the • Understanding the coaching develop elite coaches from within ‘all Ireland’ and the UK system. For workforce, i.e. what is needed, what Northern Ireland. example, if an individual is coaching knowledge and skills they need to underage representative squads, have and then putting curriculums Weaknesses and they want to aspire to be a full- in place to develop that. time coach, they need to relocate • Using qualifications as a driver for The key weaknesses of the elite sport or be prepared to travel to Dublin to a more professional approach - in system in relation to Pillar 7 are: coach for an ‘all Ireland’ governing terms of elite coaches, it is very body. This is definitely a weakness weak at present with regard to the • No system currently in place that or barrier in the system. next group of elite coaches. identifies and develops aspiring • There are not enough people • Sport NI want a system in Northern elite coaches. aspiring to become elite coaches Ireland that is mature enough to • Governing body systems (in most in Northern Ireland. produce its own elite performance cases) are not well enough developed coaches, therefore removing the or mature enough. need to look outside the system. • Policy focuses on the amount of Coach education is an important coaches being put through area for Sport NI’s elite sport system; courses, opposed to identifying it needs more investment in it. the next talented coaches.

73 Suggestions for improvement

• Sport NI and governing bodies one athlete, and some coaches are that allows progression which is do not pay elite coaches enough based around the world. valued via an integrated support money and this, therefore, means • Coaches need a stronger support mechanism to make it happen. the system is not operating at the mechanism that is coach driven • Similar to any HR process, coaches same pace as other international and owned by the coaches, but it want to see clear pathways to develop, systems. Four coaches on the needs to be funded nationally by ways in which they can progress. high performance development government agencies. • One challenge is the ability to show programme have been offered • The practitioner development can sports what a ‘good’ system looks like. well-paid jobs in other systems. only be accessed by coaches that They are committed to the system come through the PDP, but this here and the athletes that work here. needs to be wider. • Northern Ireland needs a professional • Northern Ireland needs more body that is an independent voice professional coaches at the ‘rising for elite coaches. Elite coaches are talent’ levels. often in an isolated environment, • Coaching in Northern Ireland needs working with a group of athletes or to be a viable career choice

74 Pillar Eight

75 8 Pillar Eight Inter(national) Competition

Pillar 8 is concerned with the A broad brush approach has been taken organisation of competitions at national to the collection of the data which can and international level as both have address the three key CSFs: been identified as important factors in athlete development (Crespo, Miley 1. There is nationally coordinated and Couraud, 2001; Green and Houlihan, planning to increase the number 2005; Oakley and Green, 2001). By of international events that are organising competitions at home a organised in the country in a wide nation can enhance opportunities for range of sports. its athletes as they strive to perform consistently at elite level. The analysis 2. Athletes can participate sufficiently of this pillar is divided in to three areas. in international (high level) events. First, it explores whether there is a national policy and support system 3. The national competition has for the organisation of national and relatively high standard compared international events in Northern Ireland. with the international standards. Second, the pillar examines the By organising opportunities for Northern Irelands athletes to take part in international competitions at home competition; and third, competitive a nation can enhance opportunities at a national level are investigated. opportunities for its athletes as they strive to perform consistently at elite level.

76 8.1. CSF 1. There is nationally Consensus amongst those consulted economic benefits for Northern Ireland coordinated planning to suggests that there could be a more through tourist activity, as well as increase the number of coordinated approach to event highlighting Northern Ireland as a planning in Northern Ireland with too destination via high profile international international events that many agencies doing different things. media coverage. The national fund is are organised in the country This has been the case for at least expected to achieve similar objectives in a wide range of sports the last decade, even when the now at a more local level. disbanded Northern Ireland Events 8.1.1. Is there national Company was involved at the start A delegation from UK Sport recently coordination and long-term of the Millennium. NITB has its own visited Northern Ireland to discuss the events strategy although this covers criteria for securing funding from its planning of events and more than just sport events. In the World Class Events Programme (WCEP), funding? current strategy, until the end of 2013, which in the past has part-funded: there are two ‘major’ sports events: The complex nature of the sport the World Police and Fire Games and • World Indoor Bowls, Ladies Singles systemin Northern Ireland relative to Irish Open Golf. However, in terms of Championship, Belfast in 2000. the governance of elite athletes as Pillar 8, they would both fall outside the • World Senior Amateur Boxing identified in Pillar 2 is replicated in the context of the current investigation on Championships held at Odyssey organisation of major events in the the basis that the first is not ‘major’ in Arena, Belfast in 2001. Province. Whilst Sport NI has considerable terms of its sporting outcomes, whilst • Laser Radial European Championship, autonomy (from DCAL) to deliver the the golf is an individual sport where Ballyholme Yacht Club, Bangor in 2004. elite sport system in Northern Ireland, the golfer is not actually representing • UEFA U19 European Football it has limited involvement in the provision his country; this, despite the recent Championship across Northern of major national and international major (Northern Ireland) successes of Ireland in 2005. events. There is no one body that takes McDowell, Clarke and McIlroy. • IRB U19 Rugby World Championships, sole responsibility for sport event Belfast in 2007. delivery, rather, there are different Despite no clear coordination in relation • World Junior and Cadet Fencing agencies involved. These include: UK to the funding of sport events, NITB Championships at Jordanstown Sport; agencies in the Northern Ireland has two event funding programmes: in 2009. Assembly (DCAL); Northern Ireland the National Events Fund; and the Tourist Board (NITB); and, to a lesser International Events Fund. The latter More recently the WCEP also contributed extent, Sport NI. prioritises major, world class events to the staging costs for the World Cup which are expected to deliver substantial Boccia at Jordanstown in 2011. Part of

77 Whilst Sport NI has considerable autonomy (from DCAL) to deliver the elite sport system in Northern Ireland, it has limited involvement in the provision of major national and international events.

the reasoning underpinning the a major events team which can offer there may have been more events in WCEP is to provide home advantage advice and assistance in organising the Province over the last few years. in international competition for our events. Whilst there is no specific event The demise of the Northern Ireland athletes but it is not Northern Ireland officer in Sport NI assigned to provide Events Company has had a detrimental specific due to the structure of and coordinate services to bid for impact, to the point that Sport NI international sport in UK (see Pillar 1). international sports events, there are no longer has an events programme, people who are able to lend support solely a communications and The guiding strategy for sport in Northern when approached; whilst the DCAL advocacy budget. Ireland is Sport Matters, and public team would also operate in this area. sector decision making needs to be consistent with this policy which in terms 8.1.3. Number of international of events aims to provide a lasting and events organised in sustainable legacy for future generations, Northern Ireland over the which includes establishing Northern Ireland as a world class venue for past five years for junior sporting events. Sport NI funds some and senior athletes events in Northern Ireland; albeit this is not its primary role and the events Given the comments linked to the it has funded in the past, or which it funding of international events in the continues to fund, would once again fall previous two sections, there have been outside the Pillar 8 context, for example some international events staged in the Milk Cup (a football tournament for Northern Ireland over the last five years; juniors); Rally Ireland; Belfast Marathon; these include the Boccia referred to in and both two and four-wheel motorsport. 8.1.1, and an international badminton event in 2011. At junior level there have 8.1.2. Are governing bodies/ been three events in Olympic sports cities provided with advice/ including gymnastics, rugby sevens, and sailing. Not with standing the funds on organisation of previous comment, the fact that the major international sports Province will open its first 50m pool events in Bangor, North Down in February 2013 should increase the chances of As suggested in section 8.1.1 (above) attracting some junior international there is money available from a variety swimming/diving events. The pool of agencies such as UK Sport (WCEP), will be aimed at training provision for NITB and, to a lesser extent, Sport NI, young elite athletes, whilst also being although historically there have been capable of hosting major events. very few international sport events in Overall given the information collected Northern Ireland that have been staged in relation to sport events in Northern as a result of such funding. Not with Ireland, the audit undertaken does standing this comment there is help not necessarily reveal a nationally and advice available to potential host coordinated approach to increasing cities from the likes of the 12-strong the number of international events DCAL (Games Legacy) team and across a wider variety of sports. However, NITB also has an events team which there is no specific coordination at the can lend support; although this is not highest level to identifying potential necessarily provided by sports event events (it is all very ad hoc) and had specialists. Moreover, UK Sport has there been more joined up thinking

78 8.2. CSF 2. Can athletes were not enough international elite both senior level and for events aimed participate sufficiently in competitions organised in Northern at junior athletes, slightly more than international (high level) Ireland; whilst for those aged under 18 half of the sample felt the competition years, the corresponding figure was was at least of reasonable quality and events 79%. Collectively, the findings from the reasonably frequent. Once again there two surveys suggest that the decision was variation in the opinions expressed 8.2.1. Opportunities and to fund athletes varies by the governing about the level and frequency of funding for international body in each sport, whilst those in support national competition on a sport by competitions of elite athletes appeared to be less sport basis. On this basis it would be likely to think that there were enough erroneous to assume that that the According to information from the opportunities to compete internationally national competition structure in survey of all athletes, three quarters than the athletes themselves. each sport provides a competitive (75%) felt that there were enough environment for top level athletes. opportunities for them to take part The different funding regimes across in international competitions. Almost governing bodies is consistent with two thirds (64%) of athletes received the overarching policy referred to in The current lack of an funding to take part in international Pillar 2 where funding is available to integrated policy to the competitions, although six in every ten 40 of 80 sports and their governing of these, felt that such funding was bodies for the eight process pillars staging of international insufficient. Examining the responses as well as for elite sport staff and events in Northern of the athletes under the age of 18 general infrastructure costs. Funding revealed that 63% felt there were is limited to Olympic/Paralympic, Ireland means that enough opportunities to compete Commonwealth and ‘culturally elite athletes from the internationally; 68% received financial significant’ sports, and is available to support, and of these more than governing bodies for elite sport on a Province are unable half (54%) felt that the support they four-yearly cycle, based on annual received was not enough. When action plans and reviews every year, to derive the potential coaches and Performance Directors two years or four years. performance benefits were asked similar questions, less than half (43%) felt that their athletes had 8.2.2. National competitions associated with home enough opportunities to compete in Northern Ireland advantage. internationally, and while they too were funded to accompany their athletes There was no consensus across elite (70%), once again the majority (81%) athletes that the level and frequency felt that such funding was insufficient. of national competition in Northern Some 85% of all athletes felt that there Ireland was of the requisite level. At

79 8 Pillar Eight Summary

Strengths Weaknesses

It is difficult to pick out any strengths The apparently ad hoc, uncoordinated given there are a variety of agencies approach to identifying potential events involved in event programming. at the highest level of sport has been problematic; had there been more joined up thinking there may have been more events in the Province over the last few years.

The current lack of an integrated policy to the staging of international events in Northern Ireland means that elite athletes from the Province are unable to derive the potential performance benefits associated with home advantage.

80 Pillar Nine

81 9 Pillar Nine Scientific Research and Innovation

The ninth pillar is concerned with the and dissemination of scientific scientific input to elite sport, and seeks research and innovation. In Pillar 9 we to examine the extent to which nations aim to assess the extent to which there take a coordinated approach to the is an integrated approach to policy organisation and dissemination of development by tackling two key areas, research and scientific information. which cover ten key CSFs:

The search for innovation and the 1. Scientific research is collected, use of applied scientific research in coordinated and disseminated among the development of several levels coaches and governing bodies. of high performance sport is one of the key issues that show nations are 2. Sport science support is provided strategically developing elite sport. at each level of elite sport This pillar is concerned with the development. development, collection, coordination

82 9.1. Scientific research is by using funding from their athlete award, 9.1.3. Scientific support with collected/disseminated from which they can then access universities and research among coaches and services from SINI. The funding that centres coaches get is through the PDP, where governing bodies funding can be used to understand Similarly there are no national more about scientific support services agreements relating to cooperation 9.1.1. Financial support available to them. Therefore, the funding between elite sport organisations and can be used for these services but it is universities or sport research centres. During 2010 was the first time SINI was not directly used for it. The governing The University of Ulster is a member able to section off a proportion of Sport bodies can also access this support of SINI along with Sport NI. There is NI funding (£20,000) to start a scientific but it is a similar relationship and is not cooperation, where possible, for SINI research initiative; however, there is not direct funding. Neither universities nor to link to the university on-site, although a coordinated unit for this in Northern any other organisations in Northern there is not a formal agreement and, other Ireland. SINI identified the need to Ireland receive direct funding to develop than the member of staff completing allocate a small amount in the budget applied scientific support.Not with a PhD, there is no direct funding for for scientific research but the biggest standing this, SINI have tried to push elite sport research and innovation. issue to overcome in order to develop initiatives e.g. if there is a need to test this is staff capacity. There is no strategic some new equipment this is resourced approach in Northern Ireland to do from the budget rather than funding 9.1.4. Responsibility for this, although the heads of each unit specific projects or research. developing and coordinating are aware of the need for it. At present, research all of SINI’s capacity focuses on delivery 9.1.2. National research and does not prioritise research, although centre There has not been any specific SINI is currently supporting a member responsibility in Northern Ireland for of its staff to complete a PhD looking (a) developing or (b) coordinating There is no national research centre that at recovery and the timing of training research and innovation projects in conducts applied elite sport research sessions in terms of optimising adaptation. elite sport, SPLISS is the closest thing or coordinates research activities on Neither athletes, nor coaches, receive in this regard. direct financial support for scientific elite sport in Northern Ireland. research. Athletes can access support

83 9.1.5. Database of scientific coaches stated that they actively SINI has an indication research search for scientific information relating to their sport and 15 coaches of what services are There is also no regularly updated used such information. Three coaches in demand and this is nationally coordinated database of suggested that they received some scientific research specifically for form of magazine/publication which part of ‘building the elite sport that can be consulted by contains scientific knowledge. However, service’ and building coaches and governing bodies. Data only one coach indicated that there and information is available on the is sufficient scientific research taking capacity based on the scientific support requirements of place in Northern Ireland and none elite athletes and coaches in Northern of the coaches stated that scientific needs encountered Ireland based on the SINI services knowledge is disseminated sufficiently on the ground. that athletes have used. SINI has an well amongst elite coaches. indication of what services are in demand and this is part of ‘building the 9.1.7. Sport science service’ and building capacity based information and coaching on the needs encountered on the ground. The information is collected Coaches in Northern Ireland can make by the service teams and collated by use of different types of scientific the Performance Planning Team who support services, namely sport science act as the portal to various services support, biomechanics specialist that SINI deliver. Plans to invest in a advice and follow up, physiology and specialised management system to mental/psychological advice, but not enhance the ability to report results data analysis. For those athletes funded are being discussed. There is not, by Sport NI that access the SINI’s however, data or information available services, the access is extended to on the level, methods and frequency their coaches. SINI then automatically of how coaches/national governing begin to work with the coaches. bodies use scientific research. 9.1.8. Scientific research and 9.1.6. Communication and coach education dissemination Scientific research and technology Elite coaches and sport governing development is not embedded in bodies are not regularly informed coach education in Northern Ireland. about the latest methods/ technology/ The Institute is starting to have a bigger scientific research in their sport. Sport role in trying to arm SINI coaches with NI and SINI do not run conferences increased knowledge on scientific or events to disseminate scientific information relative to their sport, and research and there is no web based how to use it. SINI is, however, planning network, email newsletter or social to establish this. They acknowledge media forum. There is also no that certain sports are further ahead organisation or any special initiatives in terms of implementing this than to increase the uptake of sport science others, particularly those sports that research outcomes by coaches or are driven by physiological data. governing bodies. In the survey, 19/20

84 9.2. Sport science support is provided at each level of elite sport development

9.2.1. Athlete development supported by applied scientific research

Sport NI do not provide support for areas of scientific research covered in the other eight pillars. Sport NI would be willing to provide support for research in the future. Sport NI has led research on elite sport - Commonwealth Games Review, Athlete Survey, Anti-Doping Research in collaboration with ISC, and SPLISS.

9.2.2. Use of field laboratories and/or embedded scientists

There are also no ‘field laboratories’ or embedded scientists that develop, test or apply new technologies in cooperation with coaches and athletes at elite sport training centres in Northern Ireland. Consistent with pillar 6, SINI is the only elite facility in Northern Ireland.

85 86 87 9 Pillar Nine Summary

Drivers of change Weaknesses Suggestions for improvement

Northern Ireland does not have a The key weaknesses of the elite sport • Scientific research and innovation specialisedunit which looks at elite system in relation to Pillar 9 are: is taking a course of natural evolution sport and particularly the innovation in Northern Ireland. During the early and application of technology. Most • Sport NI and SINI do not have a days, SINI was about establishing service personnel focus on delivery. specialised unit which looks at services, delivering them and The university sport department mainly elite sport and the application of showing that they made an impact. focuses on the health and leisure side science and technology, because As well as maintaining its current of sport rather than elite support. most service personnel are involved workload, SINI is looking at the next Other university departments, e.g. in delivery. stage which includes the ingenuity Rehabilitation Sciences Research • SINI is based on a university campus to apply research to new sporting Institute, have staff members that and the sports department of the situations, in particular over the are advanced in terms of technology university focuses on ‘health and next five years. If SINI had some way and how they use it, many of which leisure’. There are other university of driving the work and innovation have applications to sport. Some small departments, e.g. Rehabilitation between sport and the capacity initiatives have been possible in relation Sciences Research Institute, where within universities, positive outcomes to the area of sports physiotherapy staff members are advanced in could be achieved. and optimising recovery and terms of technology and how rehabilitation. If SINI had a way of they use it, which therefore, have coordinating the work and innovation applications to sport. it could produce positive outcomes. • Sport NI and SINI staff members SINI is not short of ideas but are short do not currently have the time to on staff capacity to take ideas forward. pursue innovative ideas. • Northern Ireland would like to look Strengths at what other countries have done in terms of developing a small The key strengths of the elite sport specialist unit. system in relation to Pillar 9 are: • SINI have collected data about athletes, e.g. physical status, aspects • Northern Ireland’s scientific support of development, etc. but analysis is part of a natural evolution. SINI has not been done. There may have focussed on establishing be valuable trends/insights within services, delivering them and that data which are being missed showing how they make a positive at present. impact with athletes. The next • The most advanced sport systems stage is having the ingenuity to apply are able to maximise their data novel science but, at present, SINI mining where staff look for trends is aiming to maintain the current in data, SINI have not resourced amount of work. someone who is experienced in this. • People in Sport NI and SINI have numerous ideas about what could be done with available resources. Northern Ireland does not have a specialised unit which looks at elite sport and particularly the innovation and application of technology.

88 The Next Steps

89 The Next Steps

To reiterate the points made at the In the second phase of the research, beginning of this document the elite the findings for Northern Ireland will sport development system in Northern be benchmarked against the other Ireland is in its infancy compared with contributing nations to assess how other nations. The information presented the Province compares with practice in this report brings together in one elsewhere in the world. By taking part place the key data for the nine pillars and in this type of process, stakeholders presents it on behalf of the elite sport in elite sport development in Northern community in Northern Ireland. This Ireland can, where necessary, develop data was not available from a single the system to ensure that it is at, or source and came from those consulted moving towards, the cutting edge of at Sport NI and SINI, reviews of policy best practice internationally. documentation, and answers to the surveys undertaken by athletes, coaches and Performance Directors.

90 References

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92 Appendix

93 1 Appendix 1: The Lispa Framework

94 Appendix

8995 2 Appendix 2: Elite Athletes’ Survey 



      

 

    

 

  

  

  

              



               

 

 9096         

     

   

 

    

      

              

                

8997    

  

                     

                   

  

           









   

 

   

  

 9098                 

         



















       



   

  

      

9989         

          





            







   

   



  

  

  

  

  

  

       

  



 10090           







 

      

 



   



        

    

     

   

   



    



10189   

  

  

  

  

  

   

            

               





    

        



  



 10290         



 

  

 

        

               

 

 

      

  



    



10389    

         

       





  

 



 

       



 



             

   

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 10490                      

    



   

        



              

                

10589             

      



  

 

   

     

           

         

         

          



 10690     

 

     

           

         

         

        

 

     



    

      

    



10789   





  

  

  

  

  

  

  





  

 

 



  

   

 10890  Appendix

109 3 Appendix 3: Elite Coaches’ Survey 



      

 



   





 

 

 

 

 

 

            





 

 11090  

   



    











  





   

              

               

89111  

  

  

   

           

 

   

             

 

   



          

  

   

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 90112      

                    

         





     

       

 

     

11389       

    

        

  



     

                         





    

      

 11490                             

  

 

     



                  



       





  

   

11589  

 







   



  

   

           



 

 

   





 

 

       

11690  

   



      

    

   

        



   

  

  

 



 

   

11789       

    



 



                 

  

 



       

           

      

 11890  

   

        

 





    

     

   

   

   

    

     



11989           





         







       







  

 

     

  



  

 12090    





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

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



 

   

     

           

          

         

          

12189      

 

     

           

         

         

        

 

 



    



 12290  Notes

12389

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Published: November 2012

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