FOCUS - Talent pathway

[Mrs H]

You want harsh? I'll show you harsh! and I don't for one moment think that report had anything to do with the board - whom as you say have only met for the first time recently.

BOF Central does on the other hand employ a good many people - and it seems more by the month (coaching administrator appointed a couple of weeks ago - to administer what appears to be a rapidly deminishing coaching program) Paid for by sport england or some such which is why we have to spend half our volunteer time jumping through hoops of fire getting clubmark and welfare officers and filling in forms rather than actually putting on orienteering events - going out training and practicing and doing other stuff which might actually enhance our enjoyment of the sport and make us better orienteers!

It's no secret that the government is keen to get as many people employed in the sports industry as possible the attitude is everywhere "why get a volunteer to do it when we can pay someone"? (even if they can't do the job as well).

Sit back and consider who is actually dictating the direction this sport is moving in - anyone who went to the last BOF AGM can tell you it is not the members!

[geomorph]

The fundamental problem with government jargon - if you accept that jargon demonstrates a lack of understanding - is that it means those in charge don't understand what they are doing (so they hide behind jargon).

This bit I don't disagree with, and infact they use it to hide their real intentions as well
And its not just government, but many professions that create security blankets of this type. Orienteering has some of its own.

any sane mind would see that it is an utter waste of money to have to do this stuff twice.

We are unfortunately lowly beggars at a feast the menu of which is not of our chosing.
To ensure we get some of the right crumbs directed our way we flatter the hosts in their language, but know our agenda inside out, and exploit the fact we know two languages/cultures.

So for the feasts of a different ilk that I have to attend...
Whilst I construct my flattery I constantly test it against the language of my peers, get feedback against anomalies and idiosyncrasies, and through that process I end up with two versions achieving the same end game, both of which have been made much better as a result, and which keep everybody properly informed .

Yes its painful, and I'd love not to do it, but I also want to win, and so I train hard.

[Oldman]

You want harsh? I'll show you harsh! and I don't for one moment think that report had anything to do with the board - whom as you say have only met for the first time recently.

BOF Central does on the other hand employ a good many people - and it seems more by the month (coaching administrator appointed a couple of weeks ago - to administer what appears to be a rapidly deminishing coaching program) Paid for by sport england or some such which is why we have to spend half our volunteer time jumping through hoops of fire getting clubmark and welfare officers and filling in forms rather than actually putting on orienteering events - going out training and practicing and doing other stuff which might actually enhance our enjoyment of the sport and make us better orienteers!

It's no secret that the government is keen to get as many people employed in the sports industry as possible the attitude is everywhere "why get a volunteer to do it when we can pay someone"? (even if they can't do the job as well).

Sit back and consider who is actually dictating the direction this sport is moving in - anyone who went to the last BOF AGM can tell you it is not the members!

I think I detect that there is something bugging you beyond an article in Focus
I will just restrict myself to saying that I profoundly disagree with your comments. Your comments strike me as a pity given the good work everyone says you have done.

[geomorph]

How about this?


People (parents/participants) asking these questions will be:
.......
*including (presumably!) a 'Pathway' for 35+ athletes

So getting back to where we want to take the wording, firstly Gnitworp have you offered your services to Spookster cos we need your type of input, as he suggests?

And secondly the 35+ pathway is a must, for both individuals and BO(F); combine it with increased recognition of 35+ competition and achievements, seamless event stucture and rankings, and turn it into a marketing tool to attract newcomers/wavering returners and eventually new commercial sponsors whose brands target the successful, fitness-oriented greying market (and urban/campus/park 'sprints' will help increase their desire to be associated with us).
And the gobbledegook of this type of sponsor is a lot less painful to work with, though you still have to manage the conflicting agendas.

Pratical implementation of Pathways (for any age) will need to also be built from the ground up, that is via the clubs and associations, because we must ensure that clubs and volunteers can help achieve the goals within their operational constraints.

[Gnitworp]

[So getting back to where we want to take the wording, firstly Gnitworp have you offered your services to Spookster cos we need your type of input, as he suggests?

No - to Mike Hamilton.

[geomorph]

No - to Mike Hamilton.

oh no - upstaged - yep you''ll do well lad; just watch out for devious government agents lurking in the pits hidden in the six foot bracken, who keep moving the control marker just as you get there

[EddieH]

Geomorp wrote,

"And secondly the 35+ pathway is a must, for both individuals and BO(F); combine it with increased recognition of 35+ competition and achievements, seamless event stucture and rankings, and turn it into a marketing tool to attract newcomers/wavering returners and eventually new commercial sponsors whose brands target the successful, fitness-oriented greying market (and urban/campus/park 'sprints' will help increase their desire to be associated with us)."

That's why BO(F) are taking 3 years to finally provide a British Sprint Championships where the greyer members can compete for themselves instead of simply paying championship prices to run a standard event

[geomorph]

That's why BO(F) are taking 3 years to finally provide a British Sprint Championships where the greyer members can compete for themselves instead of simply paying championship prices to run a standard event

at last, some'body' even slower than me. My rise to the podium has begun.

Getting the balance right between rapid response and riskless progress wasn't right in this case. Whilst we need to appreciate that event organisers are stretched enough without having the scope significantly changed half way through, we should have be able to achieve the change at the second championship following the decision.

Sprint's climb up the ladder of recognition outpaced nearly everybody. Whether you love it or hate it, it's potential is enormous. Just let's ensure it isn't the cuckoo chick.