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Progressing Coaching for Performance ‘Preparing Coaches and Athletes to Represent Wales

and Win Commonwealth Games Medals’

Prepared by: The Welsh Athletics Performance & Coaching Team

Contents

Foreword 2

Purpose 3-4

01 Coaching

1.1 Progressing Coaching 5-9

02 Performance & Coaching Structure

2.1 Performance & Coaching Structure 10

2.2 Job Descriptions 11-14

03 Athlete Support

3.1 Support Structure 15

3.2 Athlete Support Packages 16

3.3 Criteria for Athlete Support 17

3.4 Athlete Support Expectations 17

3.5 Athlete Performance Targets 18

3.6 Facilities 18-19

3.7 Equipment 19

04 Competition

4.1 Competition Structure for Performance Athletes 20-21

4.2 Selection Process for International Competitions 21

4.3 Selection Guidelines for International Competitions 22-23

05 Summary 24

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Foreword

Wales has a reputation for being a great sporting nation and at times over-achieves for a country of

its size. The purpose of the 2011-2015 Welsh Athletics Progressing Coaching for Performance plan is

to establish a consistent level of International Performance across all age groups and clearly define a

pathway for progression. The aim of ‘Preparing Coaches and Athletes to represent Wales and win

Commonwealth Games medals’ is a shift in focus for Welsh Athletics.

To achieve our objective, performance athletics in Wales will be focussing on progressing coaches,

providing appropriate support systems for our highest performing athletes and to ensure there are

suitable competition opportunities throughout the four year cycle towards Glasgow 2014.

Working in partnership with United Kingdom Athletics (UKA), the quality of performance across all

levels of practice will be the focus in the build up to the 2012 London Olympics. Welsh Athletics can

and will contribute to the rise of performance throughout this historic time in Great Britain.

In 2010 three Welsh athletes won European Athletics Championship medals and there were several

athletes on the UKA World Class Performance Plan. The 2011-2015 Welsh Athletics Progressing

Coaching for Performance plan will assist by providing expertise on a regular basis to Welsh athletes

and their coaches. This will further their development and contribute towards Wales’ success at

both the London 2012 Olympic Games and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Following the 2010 Commonwealth Games success of five medals and all twenty-three athletes

competing in a final, Sport Wales has selected Athletics as a Category A Sport. This classification

comes with a higher level of responsibility and therefore a comprehensive performance plan must

meet the demands of the 8 medal target set for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. These aspirations

will only be achieved by developing coaches and athletes with specific skill sets capable of

establishing Wales as consistent multiple medal contenders.

John Dagata

National Performance Coach

Welsh Athletics

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Purpose

The first step towards international success is preparing coaches and athletes capable of

representing Great Britain at the highest level, both junior and senior. Wales has a great history of

producing athletes capable of competing for Great Britain at these levels, and our top athletes at

present highlight this very fact. The next stage in the process is helping those identified athletes and

coaches produce performances at crucial times to be competitive in major games finals and

ultimately make the podium.

Sport Wales has set targets for the next Commonwealth Games (CWG) in Glasgow 2014 aiming to

achieve 25 base medals and 35 stretch medals as outlined in the Elite Sport Strategy. Following the

success Athletics experienced in Delhi, Welsh Athletics will be aiming to bring home 8 medals as a

sport, a significant increase on our medal count from Delhi. This is a jointly agreed target between

Welsh Athletics and Sport Wales and one we look forward to working hard towards as an

organisation. It is important that this task be taken on board with a clear strategy that demonstrates

how athletics in Wales will achieve this target in a little over 3 years.

The purpose of the Progressing Coaching for Performance plan is to clearly outline the direction

Welsh Athletics as the National Governing Body will be taking to respond to the targets set and how

we will develop Coaching and Performance in Wales over the next four year CWG cycle (April 2011 –

March 2015).

This document will focus on key areas including the Performance Structure, Athlete Support,

Coaching and the importance of having an International Competition structure that is both

sustainable and appropriate to ensure the highest level of success across all age groups.

The expectations UKA has for a return on their investment are equally challenging. The number and

quality of athletes progressing through the Performance Pathway to World Class competition levels

from Wales is one of the ways of reviewing how well UKA investment has been utilised.

8 Medals

Performance Structure

Progressing Coaching

Athlete Support

International Teams

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The Key Outcomes

• To progress the level of coach education opportunities relevant to the aims and ambitions of

the athlete and coach, with an athlete-centred approach

• To progress the implementation of the UKA Coach Development Pathway across Wales

• To develop a comprehensive level of Coach and Athlete performance support

• To establish a Performance structure with decision making capabilities in relation to

performance athletics and be held accountable for the success of international teams during

the 2014 CWG cycle

• To develop a Performance structure capable of achieving 8 medals in Glasgow 2014

• To significantly contribute to the preparation of Coaches and Athletes for international

competition

• To increase the number of Welsh Athletes achieving Great Britain vests

• To develop a demanding, yet realistic, set of performance guidelines for athletes to

represent Wales

• To increase the number of employed coaching opportunities in athletics

• To clarify the roles and responsibilities of each position within the coaching and

performance teams

This document contains four key sections;

Section 1: Coaching

Section 2: Performance & Coaching Structure

Section 3: Athlete Support

Section 4: Competitions

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Section 1: Coaching

1.1 Progressing Coaching

Introduction

The athlete and coach relationship is the foundation stone of athletics performance. Raising athletics

performance standards across all ages and stages is dependent on improving coaches’ knowledge

and the quality and consistency of delivery. Viewing coaching as a lifelong learning process is crucial

for a coach.

Part of this lifelong process requires coaches to maintain an up to date understanding of important

theoretical topics such as long term athlete development. An understanding of these principles will

aid the coach in creating the most appropriate training environment relevant to the athlete’s

development stage. The track side implementation of this knowledge will help further enhance the

level of delivery, providing the athlete with a high quality experience planned to progress them from

a talented junior athlete to a successful senior.

Furthering ones knowledge can be a timely and demanding process, but one that is both rewarding

and enjoyable. Part of what makes coaching such a satisfying role is relishing the challenges and

responsibilities ahead, by maintaining an adaptive approach to producing athletes. An effective

coach will ensure that the progression and achievement of every athlete within the group is of equal

importance, especially during the early development stages.

Education Pathways – Qualifications & Coaching Programmes

The progression of a coach from an educational perspective can be summarised into two distinct

pathways of learning; Qualifications and Continuous Personal Development (CPD).

The qualifications aspect of learning follows a uniform programme of delivery designed to provide all

coaches with a consistent introduction to coaching. These courses help to provide a framework from

which coaches can build a personal action plan and begin to create a network of coaches that will

contribute to their progression over a period of time. Creating a personal network is a great way of

exploring new areas of study, benefiting from the experience and advice provided by other coaches

and creating bonds with people that turn into lifelong friendships.

Qualifications are essential for coaches to be able to practice the art of coaching in a safe, effective

environment for athletes. A coach that achieves a qualification, which is part of the UKA Coach

Development Pathway, will become a licensed coach with UKA and insured to deliver within the

remit of that chosen role. The progression of qualifications for a Coach would be; Coaching Assistant

(qualified to assist) followed by either Children’s Coach or Athletics Coach (qualified to coach

independently).

For detailed information about the new coaching qualifications structure, please refer to the ‘UKA

Coaching Qualifications Q&A’ document available to download from the qualifications page of the

Welsh Athletics coaching web pages.

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Athletics is a sport that consists of many different events that require coaches to attain a range of

unique skill sets, knowledge and understanding. Events can be categorised by ‘Event Group’ which

combines several events that have a similar theme, these are traditionally covered by the following

event groups;

• Speed

• Endurance

• Throws

• Jumps

Combined events covers all of the event groups which requires a fully diverse range of technical

knowledge and skills, as well as detailed programming to incorporate all of the disciplines with a

training cycle. Often this means coordinating a network of coaches that can assist with the

development of an all round combined events athlete.

The event groups will play a significant role within the Progressing Coaching for Performance plan

and each area will be led by a National Event Group Lead coach (NEGL). The event leads will in part

be responsible for progressing both the coaches within their event group, as well as providing

support to the athlete and coach pairs identified within the Athlete Support tiers.

As part of their roles and responsibilities the NEGL will be required to deliver coaching workshops

across Wales throughout the year. These will be delivered in various formats including evening, half

day or full day sessions. These workshops will be delivered as part of the coaching programmes, as

well as addressing the specific event group needs identified by the NEGL.

The two main aims of the Progressing Coaching for Performance plan are;

1) Progressing Coaching in Wales

2) Win Commonwealth Games medals

To fulfil these aims two Coach Development programmes will contribute to the progression of

coaching throughout Wales at all levels;

• Club Coach Programme

• Commonwealth Games Podium Coach Programme

Club Coach Programme

The target audience for the Club Coach Programme will be club coaches working with Young athletes

(u13-u17) and Junior athletes (u17/u20).

The key objectives of the Club Coach Programme are;

1. To help coaches prepare athletes to represent Wales, with particular emphasis on the u20

age group.

2. To progress coaches who have responsibility for Young athlete development, by expanding

skills, knowledge and understanding through resources and structures capable of

implementing successful developmental programmes across Wales.

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The Club Coach Programme will focus on the development of fundamental skills and general athletic

ability, which athletes require from an early age, as well as event specific progressions. Working with

the Development team we aim to establish a progressive and successful introduction programme

utilising resources currently available such as Elevating Athletics, Athletics 365 and our very own

Athletics Development Centre curriculum. Coaches and clubs can implement these schemes locally

over the course of a year. [For more information about Club and Junior Development please refer to

the ‘Athletics Network Club Development Plan’ document published by Welsh Athletics.]

Development opportunities will be available to all coaches working with all levels of athlete;

however even when working with the junior age groups, the concept of developing athlete’s long

term for performance purposes should always be at the forefront of our vision. The key message for

all developmental coaches should be that Wales is seeking to create a nation of ‘Commonwealth

Champions’ rather than a nation of ‘junior champions’ that do not progress to senior athletics.

Athletics is a late specialisation sport with the average age of top level international finalists being in

their mid 20’s to early 30’s.

Throughout every level, appropriate competition should be utilised providing the coach with

opportunities to continually refine the art of preparing athletes for International representation and

moving athletes to the next stage.

Every year there are major domestic competitions both in Wales and across the UK in the form

Welsh Championships and UK Championships for all age groups. These competitions provide the

stepping stones to international representation and should be a major focus of club coaching and

athlete performance.

Key areas to address;

• Provide athletes with a relevant and comprehensive athlete progression pathway from both

a training and competition perspective

• The transition from Junior to Senior athletics; Implement gradual and appropriate training

and competition plans to help athletes remain competitive through these crucial years and

prepare them for future Commonwealth Games and success in the sport

The junior to senior transition element of the programme will, over time, help address the common

perception that athletes leave the sport during or prior to their involvement in the u20 age group.

There are a number of potential reasons cited as to why this may be the case; however the majority

of drop out issues can be addressed through coaching.

If athletes continue to progress their level of performance, achieve personal targets, remain injury

free and enjoy the time they invest into the sport, the retention of athletes becomes a less

significant task.

Commonwealth Games Podium Coach Programme

The task of winning Commonwealth Games medals from a coaching standpoint has led to the

creation of a targeted coaching programme. It is important to create opportunities for coaches

working with Commonwealth Games potential athletes to network and provide both an open and

sharing culture, in which coaches can exchange experiences and further develop their knowledge.

Creating a positive working relationship with fellow coaches is important to progress coaching at all

levels.

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The podium group of coaches need to be well supported and valued. There would be great benefit

from the informal nature of the sessions by effectively providing a form of mentorship to one

another, but also to provide the opportunity to learn from some highly respected coaching experts.

With the aim of winning 8 medals at Glasgow 2014 the Commonwealth Games Podium Coach

Programme will be a key factor in helping athletics secure the medal target set.

The Commonwealth Games Podium Coach Programme will have one specific focus;

1. To help coaches prepare athletes to win Commonwealth Games medals.

Coaches will primarily be invited to be part of this programme and they will be identified through

the performance level of the athletes they are working with. All coaches currently working with

Commonwealth Games (CWG) level athletes, as well as coaches to athletes identified via the CWG

short and long list will be invited. The short and long list athletes are those considered by the

Performance team to have the potential to medal and/or final at the Glasgow 2014 games and

beyond.

The National Event Group Leads (NEGL) will contribute to the delivery and success of this

programme. Along with the NEGL we will be targeting coaches residing in the UK that have coached

athletes to podium performances at previous major games or championships. As well as the UK-

based coaches, we will also be drawing upon the expertise of coaches from other countries.

Athletics coaching in the UK is currently in a very strong position in the build up to London 2012.

There is a wealth of knowledge throughout the UK, and many coaches have considerable experience

and proven success in preparing athletes to achieving medal winning performances at global events.

As well as the UK based coaches we will also be working with UKA and England Athletics to bring

international guest speakers to Wales. We aim to utilise these valuable relationships to help further

the progression of coaching in Wales.

This process started in December 2010 when Welsh Athletics jointly hosted a coaching conference

with England Athletics and UKA. This event managed to secure the expertise of Loren Seagrave as a

keynote speaker, as well as workshops delivered by successful coaches from Wales and across the

UK.

The podium programme will predominately be delivered at the National Indoor Athletics Centre

building relationships between Welsh Athletics and the Sport Science expertise from the University

of Wales Institute Cardiff. On occasion Podium Programme sessions will be held at other facilities

across Wales such as hotels & conference centres, universities and the Sport Wales National centre.

Continuous Personal Development (CPD)

Through the delivery of the coaching programmes Welsh Athletics will begin to prioritise additional

support to coaches who will significantly contribute to achieving the Progressing Coaching for

Performance plan vision. These coaches will be offered support to create a personal development

plan, which will be owned by the individual coach and remain their responsibility to implement and

monitor with guidance. This will help in two ways;

1. Coaches will be required to self analyse their current coaching practice and provide a

detailed SWOT analysis. This will provide a basis from which to identify consistent areas of

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development required to meet coaches’ needs across Wales.

2. Welsh Athletics can specifically address these needs by organising workshops and material

based on the requirements of coaches as well as utilising the strengths of these individuals

to help with the delivery of the Club Coach Programme.

Funds will be available for coaches working with athletes at the highest levels, including the NEGL to

help further their development. This can be provided in several ways;

• Part or whole contribution to conference fees

• Part of whole contribution towards coach education courses

• Part or whole contribution towards travel to other countries to source information and

spend time with expert coaches in their field

• The purchasing of educational resources / library of information for coaches

Mentoring Support

The programmes identified above will provide opportunity to begin a system of focused coach

support. Mentoring is a term often used and can sometimes be perceived as an area that requires

considerable resource and a comprehensive structure to support it. In simple terms mentoring could

be considered to be the ‘sharing of information between people’. This can be achieved formally in

the way of scheduled one to one sessions, or simply the occasional email, telephone conversation or

brief encounter during a training night. Mentoring can also occur during an organised coach

development event or indeed as a consequence of networking with other coaches.

As the National Governing Body, Welsh Athletics encourage clubs and coaches to pursue individual

mentoring programmes and to seek mentors that suit their individual needs. By encouraging

interaction between coaches within the same club and indeed between clubs, this would provide the

basis from which to produce a nationally based mentoring programme. In due course a more

widespread mentoring programme will be established.

In the first instance the NEGL coaches will help to progress both coaches and athletes within their

event group of which mentoring will be a part. Additionally with the performance vision at the

forefront of everything we do, resources will be aligned to meet the needs of coaches contributing

towards ‘Preparing Athletes to Represent Wales & win Commonwealth Games Medals’.

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Section 2: Performance & Coaching Structure

2.1 Performance & Coaching Structure

The Off Track running community have an opportunity to engage with the Run Wales initiative to

raise the profile of off track events and enhance athlete experiences. The Performance and Coaching

structures will engage with both the Run Wales and Development functions of the sport. A joined up

approach is important for the successful delivery of all Welsh Athletics plans.

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2.2 Job Descriptions

National Performance Coach – Full Time

Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer

Responsible for: National Event Group Lead Coaches

(Joint scheduling responsibility with the Coaching Manager)

Physiotherapist

Sport Wales Science and Medicine resources

Key interface with: UKA Strategic Head of Coaching and Development

Sport Wales Performance Team

Location: National Indoor Athletics Centre

Budget Responsibilities: Performance

Overall Purpose of the role: The leader of Welsh Athletics Performance, as outlined in the

Progressing Coaching for Performance plan 2011-2015. The NPC will

be required to provide strategic direction and leadership to the

team that deliver performance athletics for Wales.

Key Responsibilities:

• To deliver Performance within the Progressing Coaching for Performance plan

• To report on the Performance delivery of the Progressing Coaching for Performance plan to

the appropriate governance structures of Welsh Athletics

• To manage, control and report on the relevant budget headings

• To act as the primary Welsh Athletics interface with the Sport Wales Performance Team

• To provide leadership and direction to the Performance Team

• To provide leadership to all athlete and coach partnerships as identified in the plan and to

ensure all matters related to performance coaching are effectively delivered

• To jointly manage all performance staff, including a 6 month review and annual appraisal

Performance Preparation and Delivery

• To achieve success at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, winning 8 medals

• To be responsible to the Chief Executive Officer on all matters pertaining to team

performance across all disciplines

• To work with the Coach Development Manager to ensure effective use of the National Event

Group Lead Coaches

• To appoint and oversee a team of relevant experts to act as the ‘Selection Advisory Group’

for International Selection for all Welsh International teams of all age groups and their

support staff

• To lead all Welsh International teams of all age groups and their support staff, including all

Welsh teams on training camps and competition preparation events. Alternatively, select

and be responsible for deploying a replacement as and when necessary

• To work with the relevant committees to appoint all support staff for International

competitions for all age groups including; Team Coaches, Team Management and Medical

staff

• To be responsible for and to monitor the performances of Welsh athletes identified through

the Athlete Support Systems

• To complete all necessary performance administration duties

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• To liaise with the Welsh Athletics Competition Manager with reference to International team

logistics

• To coordinate Sport Science and Sport Medicine services

Coach Development Manager – Full Time

Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer

Responsible for: National Event Group Lead Coaches

(Joint scheduling responsibility with the National Performance

Coach)

Key interface with: Athletics Networks Manager

UKA Strategic Head of Coaching and Development

Sport Wales Coaching Team

Location: Cardiff International Sports Stadium

Budget Responsibilities: Coach Development and Education

Overall Purpose of the role: The leader of Welsh Athletics Coach Development and Education, as

outlined in the Progressing Coaching for Performance plan 2011-

2015

Key Responsibilities:

• To deliver Coach Development within the Progressing Coaching for Performance plan

• To report on the delivery of Coach Development within the Progressing Coaching for

Performance plan to the appropriate governance structures of Welsh Athletics

• To manage, control and report on the relevant budget headings

• To coordinate and implement the ‘UKA Coach Development Pathway’ in Wales

• To work closely with the National Event Group Lead Coaches to coordinate and deliver the

Progressing Coaching programmes for each event group

• To coordinate both the Podium Coach and Club Coach programmes

• To coordinate coaching conferences and seminars

• To develop a coaching mentorship scheme in line with the Progressing Coaching for

Performance plan

• To be the key interface with the UKA Coaching and Development team

• To be the key interface with the Athletics Networks club development team

• To establish an annual programme of education, training and CPD courses at all levels across

Wales

• To be responsible for the coaching database

• To take a lead on coach welfare within the equality framework

• To increase the number of coaches to improve the infra-structure within the sport in Wales

• To actively support coaches following initial training

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National Event Group Lead Coaches

(Endurance, Sprints and hurdles, Jumps, Throws)

Employer: Welsh Athletics Ltd

Location: National Indoor Athletics Centre, Cardiff

Salary: Individual contracts (full time or part time) depending on experience

Contract: To 2014, subject to ongoing external funding

Coordinated by: National Performance Coach, Coach Development Manager

Main purpose of role: Welsh Athletics is responsible for leading Athletics in Wales and is seeking to

appoint dynamic and motivated individuals to performance and coach education roles, to work with

coaches & athletes in their event group, ensuring that their improvement is supported in accordance

with the ‘Progressing Coaching for Performance Plan’.

The successful candidates will work as part of the ‘Progressing Coaching for Performance Group’ to

contribute to preparing athletes and coaches to represent Wales and win Commonwealth Games

medals and to deliver Wales-wide coach education. The preparation of coaches and athletes is vital

to success at future major international events including the London 2012 Olympic Games and the

Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Key responsibilities:

• To work with the National Performance Coach and Coach Development Manager to deliver

the Welsh Athletics Progressing Coaching for Performance plan

• To create and deliver an event group coaching programme that inspires learning

• To deliver event group specific and generic coach education opportunities across Wales

• To provide coaching & mentoring support to the coaches of athletes identified through the

Athlete Support Systems

• To provide coaching support, where required, to athletes identified through the Athlete

Support Systems

• To attend all selection advisory team meetings and provide selection recommendations for

all relevant internationals

• To be the event group coach for all relevant Welsh International competitions and training

camps

• To achieve success at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, winning 2 medals within their event

group

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Medical Staff / Sport Science Support Services

Lead Physiotherapist [2 days a week or 16 hours]

• To coordinate the medical support staff on a daily basis

• To develop a working plan to coordinate the medical team under the guidance of the

National Performance Coach

• To develop and maintain an Injury Audit of athletes identified via the Athlete Support

Systems

• To provide appropriate provision of acute and over-use injury management

• To coordinate athlete support services led by the National Performance Coach, including

the rehabilitation planning for injured athletes, establishing Strength and Conditioning (S&C)

support and offering guidance for the personal coach during ongoing implementation

• To develop preventative strategies for CWG and WAA athletes

• To conduct annual musculoskeletal profiling, group sessions to target key areas for each

discipline coordinated by the physiotherapist for the S&C Coach and Personal Coaches to

continue

• To provide education to coaches, and work closely with the Coach Development Manager to

organise workshops with input from Physiotherapists, S&C Coaches and the National Event

Group Leads

• To organise appropriate medical and physiotherapy cover at Welsh Championships, training

camps and potentially other events organised by Welsh Athletics for performance athletes

identified & supported by Welsh Athletics

Services Accessed Via Sport Wales:

• Sports Doctor [½ a day a week or 4 hours]

• Sports Massage [1 day a week or 8 hours]

• Strength & Conditioning Coach [2 days or 16 hours]

• Nutritionist

• Sport Physiologist

• Biomechanist

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Section 3: Athlete Support

3.1 Support Structure

Key:

Sports Aid = Financial assistance available for athletes aged 16-22

Welsh Athletics Academy = Support packages available for athletes with CWG potential, aged 17-22

Welsh Athletics CWG = Support packages for potential Commonwealth Games medallists, aged 22+

UKA Futures = UKA support for athletes and their coaches. Targeting athletes aged 17-20.

http://www.uka.org.uk/world-class/uka-futures-programme/

UKA WCPP Development & UKA WCPP Podium = UKA support for high performance athletes

http://www.uka.org.uk/world-class/2010-2011-funded-athletes/

WCPP = World Class Performance Pathway

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The Welsh Athletics Athlete Support systems will integrate with the UKA model, and will also focus

on providing financial and sporting assistance to Welsh Athletes who have the potential to deliver

success at the next Commonwealth Games or, who are an U20 (or U17 in some exceptional cases)

athlete who the Performance Team feel has the ability to deliver at the Commonwealth Games for

Wales in the future. This will therefore be divided into 2 support strands;

1. Commonwealth Games support (Levels 1, 2 and 3)

2. Welsh Athletics Academy support (Levels 1, 2 and 3)

The CWG support will be targeted at Senior and U23 athletes who have the ability to make the final

of the Commonwealth Games in 2014. The WAA is intended to support future Welsh talent.

3.2 Athlete Support Packages

Commonwealth Games Support

• Any athlete added to the CWG support programme will have access to coaching support

from the National Event Coach in their event group

• Any athlete added to the CWG support programme will have access to medical support on a

priority basis through levels 1-3.

• Any athlete added to the CWG support programme will have access to sport science

support* on a priority basis through levels 1-3 (* via Sport Wales)

• Any athlete added to the CWG support programme will have free access to facilities and

equipment at the main performance hub and satellite centres

• Athletes will be eligible to receive the additional financial assistance;

o Level 1 - £5000

o Level 2 - £3000

o Level 3 - £1500

Welsh Athletics Academy Support

• Any athlete added to the WAA support programme will have access to coaching support

from the National Event Coach in their area

• Any athlete added to the WAA support programme will have access to medical support on a

priority basis through levels 1-3

• Any athlete added to the WAA support programme will have access to sport science

support* on a priority basis through levels 1-3 (* via Sport Wales)

• Any athlete added to the WAA support programme will have free access to facilities and

equipment at the main performance hub and satellite centres

• Athletes will be eligible to receive the additional financial assistance;

o Level 1 - £3000

o Level 2 - £2000

o Level 3 - £1000

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3.3 Criteria for Athlete Support

Commonwealth Games and Welsh Athletics Academy Support

• The athlete should have attained the performance funding standard displayed in Appendix

A for their age / year of birth during the 2010 season

• The athlete should display a positive upward or stable performance profile trend

• The athlete should be considered by the Performance Team to have the potential to make a

final in Glasgow 2014

• The athlete should be in a positive, stable and recognised coaching support system

• The athlete should submit an annual training programme; detailing the competition plan,

training cycles, and other key information which will be considered by the National

Performance Coach and the performance team

• The athlete’s geographical location will be considered

Note: Following the assessment of these key criteria by the performance team, the athlete will then

either be assigned to a level of support at either Level 1, 2 or 3 or not supported.

3.4 Athlete Support Expectations

Commonwealth Games and Welsh Athletics Academy Athlete Support Expectations

• All athletes in receipt of CWG/WAA funding will be required to submit a bi-annual update

report on their progress throughout that period. This will include information on;

o Performance improvements (competition)

o Training improvements (testing and monitoring battery)

o Injury status

o Expenditure

o Future planning

o Review of the service provision

• All athletes in receipt of CWG/WAA funding will be expected to make themselves available

for any Welsh International events that they are selected for

• All athletes in receipt of CWG/WAA funding will be expected to compete at the UK senior

Championships for which they qualify

• All athletes in receipt of CWG/WAA funding will be mandatory to compete at the Welsh

Senior Championships in the Commonwealth Games year in their event

• All athletes in receipt of CWG/WAA funding will be expected to compete at the Welsh Senior

Championships in non-Commonwealth Games year

• All athletes in receipt of CWG/WAA funding will be expected to attend various marketing

and publicity events as required by Welsh Athletics (minimum 2 per year if requested)

• All athletes in receipt of CWG/WAA funding will be required to maintain a professional

working standard and be a strong ambassador for the sport of Athletics in Wales

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3.5 Athlete Performance Targets

2011-2012

Senior Great Britain Major Games Targets [World Championships]

Total Attendees 6

Finalists 1

Medals 1

Junior Great Britain Internationals [European U23/ European U20/ World University Games]

Total Attendees 14

Finalists 6

Medals 3

Youth Great Britain Internationals [World Youth Championships]

Total Attendees 2

Finalists 0

Medals 0

Youth Wales Internationals [Youth Commonwealth Games]

Total Attendees 6*

Finalists 4*

Medals 2

*These are projected figures based on the potential number of team places available

3.6 Facilities

In Wales we are very fortunate to have a versatile indoor arena capable of hosting a multitude of

athletics events for training and competition purposes. As part of the Progressing Coaching for

Performance plan, the National Indoor Athletics Centre will play a key role in the success of our

programme. Athletics needs to establish a priority presence in the centre and resources utilised

towards helping the sport achieve its primary performance objectives.

Partnership working between the University of Wales Institute Cardiff, Welsh Athletics, Sport Wales

and UKA is crucial if we are to drive forward a performance vision. Part of this relationship will help

retain our top junior Welsh athletes in Wales and training at the centre and attending university.

The National Indoor Athletics Centre [NIAC]

To develop our top junior and senior athletes, fixed training times need to be established to avoid

clashes with university lecture timetables and external bookings. The table below outlines the

training times required for sole athletics use:

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Morning Afternoon Evening

Monday 09:00 - 12:00 (120m) 13:00 - 16:00 (200m & throws) 17:00 – 21:00

Tuesday

17:00 – 21:00

Wednesday 09:00 - 12:00 (120m) 13:00 - 16:00 (200m & throws) 17:00 – 21:00

Thursday

17:00 – 21:00

Friday 09:00 - 12:00 (120m) 13:00 - 16:00 (200m & throws) 17:00 – 21:00

Saturday 09:00 - 13:00 (whole arena) 17:00 – 21:00

The Weight Room

The NIAC weight room has undergone a significant transformation over the last few months with

investment secured from Welsh Athletics, UWIC and Sport Wales. This gym is to become an ‘Athlete

Only’ gym and an agreed list of users (both athletes and coaches) should be produced to help control

the quality of the training environment.

The Welsh Athletics National Performance Coach will liaise with the centre management regarding

the upkeep and maintenance of the facility. Issues such as equipment storage, track maintenance

and scheduling will become part of this regular dialogue. Processes and protocols need to be

developed with input from all major stakeholders; Welsh Athletics, UWIC, Sport Wales and UKA that

have an interest in the success of the centre with regards to athletics. These should include updating

the user agreement for the facility to be agreed upon, signed and monitored by all parties.

Any decisions that impact major changes to the usage, maintenance and development of the centre

should be discussed and agreed upon by all concerned. A monthly meeting should be put in place to

discuss all issues relating to the successful functioning of the centre.

3.7 Equipment

To maintain a performance orientated environment capable of winning 8 medals at the Glasgow

2014 Games, NIAC needs to be able to provide our top athletes and coaches with first class facilities

and equipment on a daily basis. The major training and competition items such as Pole Vault Beds,

High Jump Beds, maintenance of the Long/Triple Jump pits, netting and curtains, track surface etc

should remain the responsibility of the centre with grants available to access via Sport Wales in

conjunction with Welsh Athletics.

To enable Welsh Athletics to maintain equipment a safe and secure storage facility will be required

separate to that of the university and public. This facility will be controlled daily by our Performance

Staff. A signing in sheet and booking form process will also be implemented to monitor the usage

and maintenance of the equipment.

The replacement of larger more expensive items that may be damaged or broken during the course

of the year will need to be negotiated upon between Welsh Athletics, UWIC and Sport Wales.

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Section 4: Competition

4.1 Competition Structure for Performance Athletes

The WA competitions structure should not only be focussed on providing appropriate competition to

our CWG athletes, but also help to develop the next generation of CWG athletes. The CWG athletes

will be aiming to achieve the qualifying standards for the following events each season;

o Commonwealth Youth Games

o World Youth Games

o World Junior Championships

o European u20 / u23 Championships

o European Championships

o Commonwealth Games

o World Championships

o Olympic Games

The competition structure needs to provide clear pathways for both current international athletes

and talented junior athletes to gain vital International experience. Athletes that achieve the

International Guidelines and who are worthy of International standard competition will be selected

to compete in two international opportunities indoors and outdoors. These opportunities will

enhance their development and provide them with an appropriate platform to achieve qualifying

times for the events highlighted above, as well as credible performances to gain selection onto UKA

funding schemes.

The pathway has indentified the need for athletes to support and compete to a higher standard at

both Welsh National Championships and also UK National Championships for all age groups. Athletes

identified through the Athlete Support Systems are required to compete in Welsh Championship

events, to both help promote athletics in Wales and provide aspiring athletes the best possible

championship competition in Wales. The Welsh Championships should be a key stepping stone to UK

National championships at all age groups.

Under the new format, Welsh athletics aims to take teams to The UK Senior Championships and the

England Athletics u20 Championships, both indoors and outdoors. This will promote a strong team

ethos, thus helping the development towards 2014 CWG. This support also ensures that eligible

athletes are maximising the opportunities provided by competing at the UK Championships, and

provided with the correct level of support.

The Welsh and UK National Championships, provide progressive competitive opportunities that will

contribute to athlete’s progression towards International selection. Competing at the appropriate

UK Championships or England Age Group Championships will become a prerequisite to Welsh

representation at International competitions. This scheme also gives the potential CWG team

management more key interaction time with all athletes, whether it be seniors or those developing

through the age groups.

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Figure 1. Competition Pathways Indoors

Junior

Senior

Open Meetings

Open Meetings

↓

↓

Welsh Junior Championships

Welsh Championships

↓

↓

England Junior Championships

UK Championships

↓

↓

Welsh International Opportunities

Welsh International Opportunities

Celtic Cup

Celtic Cup

International Invitation Meets

↓

Grand Prix Meets

↓

GB Internationals

Figure 2. Competition Pathways Outdoors

Junior

Senior

Open Meetings

Open Meetings

↓

↓

Regional Championships

Regional Championships

↓

↓

Welsh Junior Championships

Welsh Championships

↓

↓

England Junior Championships

UK Championships

↓

↓

Welsh International Opportunities

Welsh International Opportunities

Celtic Games

Loughborough International

↓

↓

GB Internationals

GB Internationals

4.2 Selection Process for International Competitions

The selection panel will consist of the relevant committee selectors and team managers plus the

following Performance Staff;

• National Performance Coach

• National Event Group Lead Coaches (advisory)

The National Event Group Leads will research the athlete performances within their event group and

provide a comprehensive list of athletes for ‘consideration’. To obtain this information the Event

Leads may call upon the services of assistants and personal coaches to provide the most accurate

information possible at the time of selection.

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4.3 Selection Guidelines for International Competitions

Welsh Athletics has previously issued a set of International Selection guidelines for both Senior and

Junior athletes. Athlete’s achieving these guidelines will be eligible for selection to represent Wales.

The guidelines are designed to enhance the significance and value of gaining a Welsh international

Vest. These guidelines are shown below in Figures 3 & 4 and include both outdoor and indoor

performances required from U16 through to senior level.

Figure 3. Indoor International Guidelines

Senior Men Event Senior Women U20 Men Event U20 Women

6.85 60m* 7.70 7.15 60m* 8.00

21.8 200m* 24.4 22.4 200m* 25.4

48.5 400m* 56.0 50.5 400m* 58.0

01:52.0 800m* 02:10.0 01:56.0 800m* 02:15.0

03:50.0 1500m* 04:24.0 04:00.0 1500m* 04:38.0

8.15 60mh* 8.80 8.50 60mh* 9.25

2.03 HJ 1.72 2.00 HJ 1.70

4.70 PV 3.80 4.40 PV 3.55

7.15 LJ 5.65 7.00 LJ 5.40

14.25 TJ 12.30 13.75 TJ 11.75

14.55 SP 13.00 14.25 SP 12.00

Figure 4. Outdoor International Guidelines

Senior Men Event Senior Women U20 Men Event U20 Women

10.7 100m 11.9 11.0 100m 12.3

21.7 200m 24.3 22.3 200m 25.2

48.5 400m 55.5 49.9 400m 57.5

01:51.8 800m 02:09.5 01:54.8 800m 02:14.2

03:48.5 1500m 04:24.0 03:55.0 1500m 04:35.0

3000m 09:40.0 8:40.0 3000m 10:00.0

14:15.0 5000m 16:10.0 14:45.0 5000m 17:00.0

08:58.5 3K/2K SC 10:10.0 06:05.5 2K SC 7:50.0

14.2 110/100mh 14.0 14.4 110/100mh 14.5

52.6 400mh 61.0 55.0 400mh 62.8

2.03 HJ 1.72 2.00 HJ 1.70

4.70 PV 3.80 4.40 PV 3.55

7.15 LJ 5.65 7.00 LJ 5.40

14.25 TJ 12.30 13.75 TJ 11.75

14.55 SP 13.00 14.25 SP 12.00

46.75 DT 45.00 45.00 DT 38.00

59.50 HT 50.00 61.10 HT 48.00

65.00 JT 45.00 58.00 JT 40.00

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U18 Men Event U18 Women U16 Men Event U16 Women

11.1 100m 12.5 11.8 100m 12.8

22.6 200m 25.7 24.1 200m 26.6

51.0 400/300m 42.0 54.4 400/300m 43.00

01:57.0 800m 02:15.0 02:07.5 800m 02:21.0

04:04.0 1500m 04:40.0 04:27.5 1500m 04:52.0

08:57.5 3000m 10:15.0 12.00 80/75mh 12.00

06:26.0 2K SC 08:00.0 1.72 HJ 1.60

13.8 100/80mh 11.75 3.30 PV 3.05

56.5 400/300mh 45.00 5.90 LJ 5.00

1.90 HJ 1.68 12.75 SP 10.00

4.20 PV 3.45 35.00 DT 27.00

6.40 LJ 5.35 45.00 HT 40.00

13.25 TJ 11.35 42.5 JT 30.00

14.00 SP 11.15

43.00 DT 34.00

53.00 HT 43.00

53.00 JT 38.00

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Section 5: Summary

As a National Governing Body we feel the proposed plan will help contribute towards the rise of

performance athletics at the Commonwealth Games level, as well as the club and regional level that

are vital for developing the next generation of champions.

The positive steps taken and the significant shift towards a performance culture within Wales, will

lead to an area of the sport that is innovative, forward-thinking, accountable and most importantly

in control of its own destiny.

The considerable target set for athletics of achieving 8 medals in Glasgow 2014 starts here and we

are ready to direct energy and resources into achieving this target and elevating the importance of

‘Preparing Athletes to Represent Wales & win Commonwealth Games Medals’.