There is an ongoing and wide ranging competition review which is being led by Jack Buckner on behalf of UK Athletics in partnership with the home countries.
The scope of the review covers the whole sport at all levels and interim papers are available on request. Full implementation of recommendations will take several years – this therefore is a short term interim framework for schools athletics.
However, the generic underpinning principals could be applied to community athletics of course.
The competition review has researched widely and as proposals come forward, detailed consultation will occur with all key providers and other bodies. UKA recognises the Youth Sport Trust as one key agency and welcomes the introduction of Competition Managers into School Sport Partnerships.
Benefits
The review has encouraged a fresh look at competition and the pathways provided for young people. UKA is determined to put in place a framework that puts the development of young people at its heart and is keen to work with other NGBs and key agencies to ensure that this happens.
Ultimately, we intend to have in place a framework that ensures that appropriate competition is available to every child and athlete throughout the UK. We strongly believe that a child’s early experience of running jumping and throwing and the environment within which that occurs is crucial in mapping out a life that is active, engages in sport and allows those with the ability to compete and achieve at the highest levels.
Key Messages
Running jumping and throwing underpin most sporting movement and good athleticism contributes to success in nearly all sports and physical activities
Early competition should not isolate these skills but should encourage multi skill and multi sport activity, RJT as part of a wider provision
Athletics can be enjoyed by all – it is not a sport just for the fastest biggest or fittest. It is a sport which can encourage full inclusion of all children, including those with a disability.
Athletics for children should always be fun, engaging and inclusive, and generally team based. It is important to offer activities which allow children to be an important part of the team without placing undue pressure on them "not to let the team down" – this is a challenge.
Emphasis should be on quality of performance as much as on objective measures of performance
Supporting Resources
Norwich Union Elevating Athletics, Shine:Awards and Startrack resources, Sportshall equipment and written material.
The Framework
The competition framework for athletics allows young people to move from multi-skills into Sportshall athletics, into modified outdoor athletics and towards the senior version of the sport. There is a parallel pathway for extended running over multi terrain (aka cross country running).
Delivery
Multiskills competitions information here:
www.youthsporttrust.org/linkAttachments/yst_multi%20skills_061.pdf
Sportshall event organisers’ information available here: http://www.sportshall.org/downloads.htm
Further support for delivery of outdoor events and cross country available from UKA
Many clubs with be able to assist with organisation of events and the provision of coaches. Your local club can be found here: www.ukathletics.net/clubs/search/
Information on running Startrack events here: www.ukathletics.net/getting-started/startrack/
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