World Class Performance Update

[Mrs H]

Well you might miss this on the BOF website because for some reason the Edinburgh coaching post has been bumped up the news page (I wonder why?)

It sounds interesting - but possibly because I can't quite fathom out what it actually means - I suspect the key phrase is the one about a

move away from a segregated, strictly aged based structure towards one that better accommodates the athletes by grouping them by ability.

Anyone able to explain what the changes will actually look like on the ground?

[greywolf]

never mind what it means - admire the shiny graphic!

[mharky]

The graphic makes it pretty clear,

Basically the squads will be divided up on talent/ability/performance/potential/insert-word-here rather than on age. So, if we have some juniors and seniors who are medal winners, they will be at the top of the pyramid in the World Class Podium squad. Those looking at top 20's (or whatever) will be in the World Class Performance Squad. Those looking at results like that in the next few years will be in the World Class Academy. Those showing early talent & promise will be in the World Class Talent, this will be fed by the regional squads and those in turn will be fed by club based squads.

An elite development pathway.

I think it's a great move by BOF. The senior squad has been pretty small recently due to funding, so there have been several athletes who have to potential to be performing well at WOC in the next few years who have had to be left out because it is senior performance or nothing.

[graeme]

The reason you can understand it is that you're not supposed to - it's completely meaningless managementspeak. The hope is that you will project your own preferences onto the graphic, as Mharky has done.

In practice, I think it means they're getting away from rigid well defined structures and that the professional squad leaders can do whatever they like, giving support to whoever they likes. In particular, slopping money between different groups. Maybe Gareth can enlighten us?

I'm more interested in what the Edinburgh job means.

[mharky]

What it means?

They tell us what it involves...

This newly created position involves supporting and coaching British and Scottish Orienteering Squad athletes, along with nominated student orienteers under Scotland’s University of Sporting Excellence’s ‘Winning students’ initiative, and working within a multi-disciplinary team to deliver a programme capable of developing athletes to win medals at major international competitions.

Pretty straightforward

[Gross]

Basically the squads will be divided up on talent/ability/performance/potential/insert-word-here rather than on age. So, if we have some juniors and seniors who are medal winners, they will be at the top of the pyramid in the World Class Podium squad. Those looking at top 20's (or whatever) will be in the World Class Performance Squad.

So just like the World Class Programme was when it was first set up.... and lower down just like NEDS / SEDS were when first established... i.e. age doesn't matter but ability and potential do....

What size of tyres on that wheel?

[Gross]

Funny reading the BOF Development minutes from Sept 12th... which says they will keep the under25 Development Squad 'in mind' with regard to new international set up

[greywolf]

Basically the squads will be divided up on talent/ability/performance/potential/insert-word-here rather than on age. So, if we have some juniors and seniors who are medal winners, they will be at the top of the pyramid in the World Class Podium squad.

Now that sounds sensible...can't imagine what response it will get from those factions in BOF who oppose including M/W18s in the rankings list because of the extra pressure....

[mappingmum]

More info here