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ANNEX A
The role of the First Minister's Sport Summit in the revision of Sport 21
Shaping the Strategy
The preface to this document set out the background to the revision of Sport 21. Sport 21 was produced following extensive consultation with the sport and sport-related sectors through a series of road-shows, seminars and meetings across the country. Given that the principles of Sport 21 have been carried forward into the revised strategy, consultation on Reaching Higher focused on the changes required to deliver our plan for sport including the definition of clear roles and responsibilities for the Scottish Executive and each of our key partners.
It was important to have a clear appreciation of the obstacles to delivering previous sport strategies. It was also imperative to understand the changes required to make sport an integral aspect of people's lives, ensure that talent is nurtured, and our sportsmen and women reach their potential.
Members of the group which guided the drafting process each had a unique perspective of the challenges which need to be overcome. We are extremely grateful for their contribution. Many others were consulted and opportunities were available through sportscotland's website for anyone wishing to contribute to the process. Views and insights were carefully considered and while contributors may not find specific references to their views in the strategy, their input has been invaluable and has helped to shape the strategy's recommendations.
The First Minister was keen to ensure that the direction and thrust of the strategy would address the many concerns people have shared with him on the development of sport participation and our talented and elite performers. While Scotland achieved unprecedented success at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games this was not the case for every sport. The First Minister was keen to explore how future investment in sport could be used to greater effect from grassroots to the elite level across a wide spectrum of sporting activities. On his return from Melbourne, the First Minister announced his intention to hold a summit to enable Ministers and the Executive to engage those key to the development of Scottish sport and to secure their views and advice on the development of the revised strategy. The Sport Summit was held on 12 September 2006 in Stirling Management Centre and was attended by over 50 athletes, coaches, managers, administrators and decision makers involved in Scottish sport.
The First Minister's Sport Summit
The Sport Summit provided a unique opportunity for the sport sector to engage in, and contribute to, the development of the strategy. Delegates were given an extract from an early draft of the strategy setting out Ministers' priorities for sport: the challenges; agenda for change; and an outline of the roles and responsibilities key partners would need to fulfil to secure change. They were invited to consider the paper and be ready to contribute to workshops on two of the six priorities. Presentations at the Summit expanded on the issues the strategy sought to address and participants were invited to challenge, propose changes and additional issues to be addressed by the strategy.
The Summit attendees were very positive about the focus and direction of the draft strategy but wanted key areas of the document strengthened and expanded. Points raised during the course of the day were carefully considered and the strategy reflects this process. Some issues such as attitudes to winning, the delivery of multi-purpose sports clubs and inter-school competition are challenging and provoke different responses and ideas. The strategy provides a vehicle through which these and other concerns can be progressed.
Key issues from the Sport Summit
Recommendation
It is important to give young people opportunities to experience a range of sports from an early age. Schools have a vital role to play in providing quality physical education and extra-curricular sporting activities. There was general agreement that there was a need to improve provision particularly in secondary schools.
Action Taken
These points are specifically addressed in the sections on Increasing Participation and Providing the Player Pathway as well as in the Roles and Responsibilities of the Scottish Executive and Local Authorities.
Recommendation
Sports clubs are key to encouraging people to make a lifelong commitment to sport but the quality and spread of clubs is variable. A focused approach to club development was considered essential and new innovative approaches should be developed such as developing multi sport clubs.
Action Taken
These points have been addressed in the section on Strong Organisations and in the Roles and Responsibilities of Local Authorities and Sports Governing Bodies.
Recommendation
The school estate is an under-utilised resource. Schools should be open for community use with a particular emphasis on providing affordable access for sports clubs. PPP contracts must incorporate community access. Sport and Education need to work together at national and local level to secure change.
Action Taken
The sections on Quality Facilities and the Roles and Responsibilities of the Scottish Executive and Local Authorities were strengthened to reflect this issue.
Recommendation
New approaches required in the provision of sports facilities. Co-location, responsive programming of events and opening hours can increase use, profitability and sustainability.
Action Taken
The Quality Facilities section and the Roles and Responsibilities of Local Authorities have been revised to address these issues.
Recommendation
Parents, teachers and volunteers play a vital role in encouraging and supporting children's involvement in sport. Their contribution must be recognised and supported as they are highly influential in encouraging young people to progress in sport.
Action Taken
These important points are now reflected in the sections on Increasing Participation, Improving Performance and Providing the Pathway.
Recommendation
It is important to expose young people to competition within a supportive environment. Competition improves the skills of participants, it helps them find and sustain a level of competition appropriate to their abilities. Competition is often an incentive for coaches to develop their skills which in turn raises standards.
Action Taken
Competition is important within a supportive environment but an infrastructure is required within schools, clubs and sports governing bodies before this can be progressed. This is reflected in the Improving Performance section and needs to be reconsidered when progress has been made in developing the infrastructure necessary to deliver a meaningful experience.
Recommendation
Coaches must have skills commensurate to their level of operation. Ensuring they have the right blend of skills and experience is crucial. Many coaches have tapped into The Institute of Sport Network's knowledge and skills exchange but this could be widened.
Action Taken
The development of coaching and coaches is reflected throughout the strategy and particularly in the sections on Increasing Participation, Well-Trained People, Agenda for Change, Delivery Planning Framework, National Planning and Delivery and in the Roles and Responsibilities of the sportscotland. While the suggested role of the Institute of Sport Network has not been incorporated into the strategy this kind of support network has been considered by sportscotland in its review of coaching and will be addressed in its forthcoming coaching strategy.
Recommendation
Identifying potentially talented athletes is vital and teachers and coaches are well placed to help but need to have the necessary skills.
Action Taken
The sections on Increasing Participation, Improving Performance and Providing the Pathway have been expanded to address this issue.
Recommendation
Relationships and links between sports governing bodies should be strengthened and resources, knowledge and expertise shared.
Action Taken
This is a key aspect of securing strong organisations and has been highlighted in the Strong Organisations and Delivery sections of the strategy.
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