Virtual Athletics LeagueKey information for Stage 2 Pilot Schools

Content of PresentationIntroduction to National PilotHistory so far - Somerset PilotAims & ObjectivesProjectOutcomes & ConsequencesAdvantages of putting the shine:award scheme on LineVirtual Athletic LeagueConcept & Competition formatBenefits and school requirementsNational ProjectRole of National Pilot SchoolsCode of Conduct

Virtual Athletics National PilotFurther to an initial pilot project run in Somerset during the early part of this year, the next stage of the development of this concept is to test it on a National basis.The aim of the National Pilot is apply the knowledge and experience acquired from the first stage and see if the proposed model and resources meet the needs of a national audience.This presentation aims to provide the participating schools with the information required to participate effectively in the next stage.

The history of the project so far - Somerset pilotIn November 2005 a Somerset based development officer approached UK Athletics to seek funding support for a County based Virtual Athletics League (VAL).After some initial development work, UKA took on the responsibility for the design, structure and management of all the technical aspects of the pilot.Further to evaluation and review of the pilot, UKA acquired funding to develop the pilot into a National ProjectThe Somerset VAL was launched on the 18th April 06 and closed on 12th July 06 The National Pilot will take place between Nov 06 and Feb 07

Initial Aims & ObjectivesThe aim of Somerset VAL was to provide a competition format for a group of relatively isolated primary and inner city schools, who, due to the difficulties associated with transportation and location, had not been able to access athletics competitions on a regular basis. The objectives of the VAL were to:provide two league tables: displaying individual performances and school / team performances.provide the same audio/visual support found on the shine:awards CD ROM

Somerset Project Key dataInvolved 72 schools, 1600 PupilsFocused on the Tone School Partnership7 Primary Clusters7 School Sport CoordinatorsBased upon 10 Events from the shine:awardsMulti-skills in format: including 1 run, 1 jump, 1 throw Participation in 5 events resulted in a shine:awardParticipation in 7 events contributed towards the team score

Somerset Pilot - OutcomesOver 50% of the schools entered performance dataThe project raised the profile of athleticsPupils showed a huge interest in the resultsDemonstrated success in putting on an alternative format of competitionIncreased awareness of shine:awardsVery significant impact on cross curricular deliveryAffected pupils approach to Health Related FitnessActed as a catalyst for teachers to share best practiceSchools became very committed to do it better next yearOther members of Partnership network developed a strong interest in the idea

Development ConsequencesParticipation in the project served as an action learning opportunity for the development of the shine:awards

The project highlighted the need to replicate the shine:awards CD ROM as a web based resource, and that a very high percentage of schools now had the ICT infrastructure to access the resource in this format

Putting the shine:awards on-line provides a platform for a wider, national VAL, with many flexible options

Shine on line Web advantages Content changes and updates are far easier to implement, and will therefore be more currentData input and management is easier and more openThe ordering and purchase of awards is easierAwards can be customised Pupils will be able to see their results at home.Data to support talent identification becomes an an integral part of the processEasier identification of successful individuals and teams

Virtual AthleticsIs a web based conceptFundamentally aims to improve participationWorks in real time, which means it is based on live resultsInvolves schools/pupils entering performance data on specific nominated eventsDisplays team results based upon average scores of all individuals that take partProvides data on individual performances

Virtual CompetitionThe Competition format and structures can vary:Competitions can be run over different lengths of time, such as weeks or whole termsCompetition can be based on a wide variety of events, e.g. multi-events, or throws specificCompetitions can be focused on specific groups, such as disabled athletes or gifted and talented Competition can be considered from a National, regional, county, partnership or school perspective

Benefits Provided Open to all school based athletes regardless of age or abilityGives athletes immediate access to tables of results, which will provide motivation Supports athlete development by providing feedback on what is required in order to gain next levelAs a result of taking part, participants have the option of obtaining a shine:award Supports the assessment processes in schools, and supports talent identification for gifted athletes, regardless of their chosen sport

Virtual Athletics - Potential Sponsors Individual SchoolsPartnership Development Managers Competition ManagersCounty Sport Partnership OfficersLocal Education Sport Development Officers Athletic Clubs Multi activity clubs Sportshall Clubs

Virtual Athletics Aims of National ProjectTo provide an exciting, live, and alternative form of competition for all athletes of all abilities, that maximises the opportunity for participationTo demonstrate that athletics competition can take place throughout the year, not just in the summer. To allow user groups to administer the achievement of the Norwich Union shine:awards through a web based system.To test all aspects of the system and gain critical feedback prior to a national launch in Mar 2007

Virtual Athletics Participating SchoolsAgree to abide by the code of conductRegister groups and individualsInput performance dataChose to enter a variety of competition formatsLiaise with a nominated competition league manager over participation issuesEnsure teachers and pupils participate within the spirit of virtual competition Participate in competitions that they decide are the most appropriate to their pupils

For this stage and in the future, any school deciding to participate in Virtual Athletics will need to:

Virtual Athletic National Pilot SchoolsBe willing and able to participate in the next stage of the VAL pilotHave good availability to PCs with on-line accessAble to provide out of hours or lunch access for pupils to a gymnasium / Sportshall which contains appropriate indoor athletics equipmentWill require a nominated individual, e.g. teacher or assistant, who will be responsible for the project within the school.This role will principally involve ensuring:school and pupils are registered on line,pupils have supervised access to the Sportshall & equipment, pupils are able to learn about the different events, pupils participate with the spirit laid out in the code of conductperformance data is collected, data is entered on-line,communication with UKA over the projects progress. Schools who wish to support the next stage of the development project need to consider the following criteria:

Competition format Nov Feb Competition by school year age 7-8 years old8-9years old9-10years old10-11years old11-12years old12-13years oldWhole classes to compete! Everyones contribution is important.

Competition format Nov Feb for children aged 7-11 based upon multi skills : 7 events 2 run, 2 jump, 2 throw, 1 other. The choice of events being from: 50m sprint, 5 minute run, shuttle run (6 by 10m), Long Jump, Triple Jump, Vertical Jump, Soft-Javelin, chest push - size 4 ball, 1Kg shot put, speed bounce and criss cross.

Competition format Nov Feb for children aged 11-13 Based upon the Pentathlon, 5 events 1 speed, 1 endurance, 1 jump, 1 throw, 1 other. The choice of events being from: 80m sprint, shuttle run (6 by 10m), 150m sprint, 5 minute run, 800m, 1500m, Long Jump, Triple Jump, Vertical Jump, Shot put, Javelin/Turbo Javelin, Overhead Heave (1Kg,)

Competition format Nov Feb for children aged 11-13 Full details of how to run these events, the rules of competition, equipment required, scoring etc. will be provided.

Code of conductVery important to the success of the league!

Athletes:Participation and performance are just as valuable as results This is a team competition: the performance of every class member is significant and should be includedLearn the rules of each event and participate fairly within themRespect the decision and measurements of scorers and officials

Code of conductTeachers:Make sure that the activities selected are appropriate to the ability and experience of those taking partPromote the positive aspects of sport through participation, fair play and by applauding the performances of allAllow pupils to learn as they participate and accept any mistakes madeNever condone violation of the rules or unfair play Encourage athletes to respect each other and their overall team performanceMake every effort to measure each performance accurately and to record exactly the same result on the results listThe performance of every class member must be valued and entered, regardless of the score it achieves

Virtual Athletics

Graham NorrisSchools ManagerUK Athletics LtdAthletics HouseCentral Boulevard Blythe Valley Park Solihull West Midlands B90 8AJT: +44 (0) 870 9986800M +44 07920 532541F: +44 (0) 870 9986752W: www.ukathletics.net

Feedback on any development issues to: