UKA are currently working with the Youth Sport Trust amongst others to develop guidance for competition amongst young children in a school environment. This unerpinning principals of this guidance can be applied in the community club setting of course but work in piloting this guidance is starting with schools through the growing network of competition managers of which there are currently 62 in England.
Competition Review
Athletics is currently in the midst of a key competition review which is examining competition at every level, including school age. This is a wide ranging review; it is likely to recommend radical change. Associated with that review, the sport is examining player pathways and questioning much that is current practice, especially in younger age groups.
For example we discourage talent identification in primary schools and advocate that all competition is entirely inclusive and based upon development of sound techniques and behaviours rather than focusing on results and performance. The current framework addresses primary school competition. A secondary section will follow shortly.
Who to contact
Callum Orr, UKA Head of Coaching and Teaching, is leading the development of the competition framework, however, a Schools Competition Coordinator will be appointed shortly and he/she will become the main UKA contact.
For regional delivery, the Regional Office will be the first point of contact (list of contacts attached).
Existing information
The UKA and England Athletics websites are a good staring point for information
www.ukathletics.net or www.englandathletics.org/east
Sportshall athletics and shine awards are key elements in the primary pathway:
www.sportshall.org/ www.norwichunionshineawards.com/
Key priorities for Competition Managers Using the Competition Framework
1 Ensure that running, jumping and throwing are key features of the competition provision
Athletics in schools often depends upon the motivation provided by one person or a small group within a school or area. We welcome the appointment of competition managers who can bring a strategic lead to the development of athletics in schools through providing appropriate competition opportunities for all students.
2 Ensure that athletics is delivered in a fun, inclusive, but challenging environment
The provision of athletics competition for children in primary schools is massively diverse, ranging from full "Olympic athletics" with standard distances, equipment and format, through the traditional schools sports day (complete with sack and egg & spoon races) to much more enlightened multi activity, fun and inclusive events. Athletics supports the move to an integrated and diverse experience for all children and welcomes multi skills events (albeit with a focus on good running, jumping and throwing). Local and sub regional sportshall athletics (or an outdoor version) should be the peak of athletic competition at primary school. The challenge for athletics (and we invite CMs to take up the baton) is to persuade key competition providers and the school networks that this is the case.
3 Change the perception that athletics can only happen in May, June and July
Athletics can be a year round activity that supports success in nearly all other sports and physical activities (any where running, jumping or throwing are significant skills). Early autumn term is often the best time for athletics – the weather is usually better and a major athletics championships (in 2007, the World Championships) has just finished.
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