SCA Plan 2013-2017 - Scottish Canoe Association
Transcription
SCA Plan 2013-2017 - Scottish Canoe Association
Scottish Canoe Association 2013 – 2017 Strategy Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing Helping and Inspiring people to go canoeing 1 Contents 3 Mission, Vision and Values 4 Who we are; SCA Infrastructure and Systems 5 A Record of Success 6 SCA Organisational Structure 7 Partnerships 8 SCA and Scottish National Policy 9 The People We Support 10 Places to go Canoeing (Access & Environment) 11 12 SCA Strategy 2013 - 2017 13 Programme Highlights 14 Coaching Programme 15 Coaching Programme (cont) 16 Performance Programme 17 Performance Programme (cont) 18 Performance Programme (cont) 19 Performance Programme (cont) 20 Performance Programme (cont) 21 Performance Programme (cont) 22 Development Programme 23 Development (cont) 24 Events Programme 25 Staffing structure 26 Facilities required to deliver the SCA Vision 27 Prioritisation of SCA Facility needs 28 Growing our sport through sponsorship and branding 29 sportscotland Success Measures Places To Go Canoeing (Providers, Clubs and Schools) Version 2.0 – 07/02/2013 Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing 2 SCA Mission “To help and inspire people to go canoeing and to enable people to progress throughout the sport” SCA Vision More Members SCA Values Integrity We act in a responsible and ethical manner Competence Whatever we do, we aim to do it to an appropriate and acceptable standard Leadership We rely on our Board and Committees to lead the development of canoeing in Scotland. Engagement We aim to engage and cooperate effectively with our members and external organisations Responsibility We take responsibility for our actions Enjoyment We want people to enjoy and appreciate all aspects of canoeing Continuous improvement We are always seeking to improve what we do and how we do it Sustainability To strengthen our membership benefits and services in order to attract new individual members To increase the influence of the SCA - representing all aspects of canoeing in Scotland To increase the capacity of the SCA to support the development of recreation, education and competition To deliver: More Canoeing, Stronger Clubs, Better Coaching and More Medals More Canoeing To make canoeing more accessible and to increase the number of canoeists in Scotland and visiting Scotland To work in partnership and to facilitate access to canoeing To introduce new SCA events in the different disciplines to encourage more participation To effectively represent members’ views in all relevant external consultations Stronger Clubs To provide support and advice to those running SCA Affiliated Clubs to develop well organised, well promoted, well connected and sustainable clubs To develop additional SCA membership benefits and innovative ways to join For club members to progress into SCA membership To have increased the number of volunteers involved in our sport and the support available for them Better Coaching To develop a strong coaching infrastructure in Scotland To support coaches at all levels and disciplines To improve the quality and quantity of coaching delivered in Scotland To make paddling safer in Scotland – through raising awareness and training More Medals Winning Olympic and World Championship medals across disciplines Full representation of Scottish athletes in GB teams for Olympic disciplines To build the SCA Performance Pathway, integrating a data management strategy, to align the future vision with that of GB Canoeing To establish principle training centres for the Performance Programme in Sprint and Slalom We plan for the future of canoeing and the environment Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing We will achieve our mission and vision through developing programmes to support the people and places involved in canoeing 3 Who we are Our Sport The SCA is the governing body for canoeing and kayaking in Scotland. We are one of the four home nation associations comprising the British Canoe Union. It was established in 1939 and federated with the BCU in 1979. The SCA is principally a membership organisation comprising 3,200 individual members in addition to a further 2,200 registered members of Affiliated Clubs. The sport of canoeing is diverse and has something for everyone including: adventure, education, relaxation, enjoyment and competition. The SCA recognises and supports the following disciplines: sea kayaking, white water kayaking, open canoeing, surf kayaking, canoe polo, wild water racing, canoe slalom, sprint racing, marathon racing, touring, freestyle kayaking, kayak fishing, sit on top (SOT) kayaking and stand up paddleboarding (SUP). We use the generic term “canoeing” to include all forms of canoeing and kayaking. SCA membership has grown 20% since March 2006 and the number of coaching members has grown 16% since the introduction of UKCC endorsed coaching awards in 2007. Infrastructure and systems SCA Office The SCA office in Edinburgh provides a base to service memberships, coaching course registrations and undertake the key administration processes for the association. Meeting rooms within the sportscotland House of Sport in which the SCA is based are often used for groups of SCA volunteers to meet and for course delivery. Managing members’ details The SCA has implemented a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system for all SCA data and records as part of a sportscotland project involving several other sports. The project has been a success in bringing together a lot of disparate data and enabling reports and trends to be monitored. Other Information Systems The SCA has recently implemented several other IT systems including ones to manage events and the time and attendance for staff. SCA Website The website is run and administered by a volunteer webmaster on the domain www.canoescotland.org. Accessed via the website is a Self Service area for members to review and update their own data as well as to book onto events and pay for their membership. Research and Development The SCA uses the accurate information and data from SCA Information Systems to analyse membership, coaching, leadership, club and equity statistics in aggregate form. This is then used to inform the Board’s decision planning the organisation’s future. Branding and Marketing The SCA is a recognisable and valued brand. The SCA will be seeking additional ways to use the brand to raise the profile of its work. Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing 4 A record of success Some of our Highlights include: Coaching Almost 1,000 candidates achieving the BCU UKCC Level 1 award in the first four years of the award Around 3,000 candidates completing BCU coaching, leadership, safety or performance awards in Scotland each year Governance Achieving the Foundation and Preliminary Levels in the Equality Standard in Sport (Intermediate result pending) Achieving all eight child protection minimum operating requirements by March 2012 Environment & access The inclusion of access to water as well as to land in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code Favourable outcome to 2009 Braan Inquiry – to protect the opportunities to use the river for canoeing Great Glen Canoe Trail completed in 2012 Leading environmental protection work by the SCA on Gyrodactylus Salaris etc., other non-native species as well as the production of SCA advice leaflets on Wild Camping, Sea Kayaking and Human Sanitation Events Performance Over 2,000 visitors to the Scottish Canoe & Kayak show and over 400 participants in Tay Descent Establishment of the SCA Performance Programme in 2007 and having 8 Scottish athletes selected for Junior GB teams across Sprint and Slalom in 2012 Scottish athletes achieving at an international level including Gold and Silver medals in 2012 Olympics and Silver medals at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing 5 Over the last decade the SCA has grown its membership significantly. Participation in training and qualification courses, success in the Olympic Pathways and attendance at events have also increased. SCA Organisation Volunteers SCA Staff The SCA is a volunteer led organisation with a number of SCA committees made up of volunteers supported by two staff teams. The Board of Directors are responsible for leading the strategy and direction of the association. SCA Committees are sub-committees working under the jurisdiction of the SCA Board. Each committee is responsible for the development of the sport in their particular area and organises programmes and events. The Committees are: • Access • Canoe Polo • Canoe Slalom • Coaching • Marathon Racing • Recreational Rivers • Sprint Racing • Surf Kayaking • Touring • Wild Water Racing There are two teams of SCA staff as follows: Coaching and Development Team – led by the Coaching and Development Manager. This team manages the delivery of the BCU coaching scheme in Scotland and the development of and support for Affiliated Clubs and SCA events. Performance Team – led by the Performance Director. This team provides coach led training in the Olympic disciplines of Canoe Slalom and Canoe Sprint for young paddlers meeting specific performance criteria. Staff are based in various locations across Scotland, some working in partnership with other organisations and/or SCA Affiliated Clubs. Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing Subject to identifying additional investment, a network of regional development officers is planned. These staff would support the development of the sport and work with clubs, centres, providers, and schools in their area. 6 Partnerships The SCA operates according to the principles of cooperation and partnership. We work with other organisations in order to achieve far more than we would on our own. Partners (formal and informal) include those listed below. British Canoe Union (BCU) – the umbrella UK body for the sport sportscotland – the national agency for sport and the Institute of Sport The Scottish Government through its vision for a more active Scotland and athletes winning Olympic medals. Also: Marine Scotland, Visit Scotland and Event Scotland sportscotland National Centre at Glenmore Lodge Local Sports Councils Other providers of canoeing activities Affiliated Clubs –volunteer clubs across Scotland Winning Scotland Foundation. The SCA works in partnership with the Winning Scotland Foundation through the Work Out For Sport scheme. Local Authorities and Leisure Trusts. The SCA works with specific local authorities and leisure trusts particularly in the delivery of the SCA Performance Programme. Further / Higher Education sector. Several colleges across Scottish Disability Sport Scotland deliver outdoor education programmes as well Scottish Natural Heritage as universities with canoe clubs Local Access Forums Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) – the Joint Services including the Joint Services Mountain Training Centre Government agency protecting and improving the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme environment Youth organisations. This includes a range of youth RNLI and HM Coastguard groups such as the Scout Association, Girl Guiding, Princes Scottish Advisory Panel for Outdoor Education (SAPOE) Trust. Scottish Boating Alliance and its members including RYA Scotland and British Marine Federation Approved Paddlesport Providers – accredited third party Riparian owners, Fishery Interests and the Developers of Renewable energy schemes Mountaineering Council of Scotland (public sector and independent) providers such as outdoor centres Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing 7 SCA and Scottish National Policy “Scotland, where sport is a way of life” Scotland Performs (wealthier & fairer, smarter, healthier, safer & stronger, greener) The SCA’s contribution The SCA programmes contribute to the sportscotland identified areas of: Performance sport Club sport School sport Outcomes for Scotland • A More Active Nation • More Participation • More Performance • More Success Canoeing is the perfect sport for encouraging people of all backgrounds to be more active. The age and gender profiles for the sport indicate that there is no barrier to participation and the SCA is actively working to remove perceived barriers for younger people, older people, females and people with a disability. Our programmes are centred on the People involved in our sport and the Places where our sport takes place. Canoeing is relevant to the spectrum of Formal and Informal sport. Formal Sport: Structured, coach-led sessions at Approved Paddlesport Providers, Affiliated Clubs and Schools Managed coaching sessions as part of the SCA Performance Pathways and through the respective technical committees Coaches and prospective coaches undergoing specific training and assessment Alignment with sportscotland investment principles sportscotland have identified four key investment areas for sports governing bodies: • • • • Performance Development Workforce Governance Informal Sport: Ad hoc recreational paddling Individuals training for competitions Canoe journeys and individuals following canoe trails Each of the SCA Priorities for 2017 aligns with at least one of the sportscotland investment areas. Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing 8 The people we support We support: the coaches and leaders who provide the training and guidance across the disciplines of canoeing the volunteers who organise events, competitions and activities and the board and committee members who provide leadership and support the experts with technical and geographic knowledge of our sport in Scotland Members Members are vital to the SCA as a membership organisation. The number of members provides the legitimacy for the SCA to engage with policy makers on behalf of members and other canoeists in Scotland. The SCA aims to provide an efficient service for our members and to continue to seek ways to consult with members on topics ranging from renewable energy development to safety on the water. Approximately 50% of SCA individual members renew via direct debit and 25% of memberships are now serviced online following the introduction of Self Service in 2010. We believe canoeing offers something for everyone. We will regularly monitor against the characteristics of age, gender, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation and religion and take positive action where applicable to address inequalities or perceived barriers for particular groups. We have increased the ratio of females completing core coaching awards from 20% to 30% in the last five years. Athletes The SCA has members who are committed to one or more specific competitive disciplines, competing within Scotland and for Great Britain. In Sprint and Slalom disciplines, sportscotland investment enables the employment of a number of SCA Development Coaches to provide coach led training for athletes who meet the criteria for the relevant GB athlete pathway. Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing 9 Governance and Organisational Development Every National Governing Body of Sport must have good governance both for its members and for potential funders and sponsors. The SCA Board of Directors is committed to establishing and maintaining the necessary policies and procedures for the SCA to be run with good governance - and for overseeing the association’s activities to ensure that the policies and procedures are followed. The organisational structure and operation of the association are regularly reviewed to ensure that they meet the needs of members. Induction and training programmes are carried out for Directors, staff and volunteers. Key topics include Child Protection, Equity and Governance. Coaches More than half of SCA individual members hold a coaching or leadership award. These coaches and leaders are fundamental to the future development of the sport; delivering coaching to thousands of paddlers across Scotland through schools, clubs, outdoor and activity centres. Good coaches also need coach education and Continuous Personal Development (CPD) and the SCA has a strong network of educators and tutors across Scotland. The SCA works in partnership with the three other Home Nation Associations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the BCU to develop and implement the BCU Coaching Scheme. Places to go canoeing Access Scotland provides some of the best natural environments for canoeing – including inland lochs and canals, surf breaks, intricate coastlines, challenging coastal crossing, and extreme white water as well as a whole network of whitewater rivers offering every grade of paddling. The Land Reform 2003 (Scotland) Act and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code provide a right of responsible access to most land and water in Scotland and in addition there is access to most coastal water. Environment The SCA is committed to protecting the environment in which we canoe. We have compiled several environmental codes to aid paddlers looking after the natural landscape. To go canoeing, we need: access to the natural water environment access to facilities such as swimming pools, changing rooms, toilets, parking, boat storage and places to camp specific training environments and facilities/equipment in order to run training/education courses and to excel at specific disciplines – including the majority of competition disciplines Facilities Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing A complete range of facilities are required to support the development of recreational canoeing in Scotland and the various competition pathways. Clubs require somewhere to meet, change/shower, store equipment and ideally a clubhouse to provide a focal point for the club and enable land based training and/or a classroom for training courses Recreational paddlers need places to park and accessible routes to rivers, lochs and the sea. Their journeys are often multi-day expeditions requiring places to camp, rest and shelter along the way Coaches and teachers need to access a variety of water “environments” across Scotland in order to deliver an extensive range of coaching, personal performance and safety training courses and assessments. It is important to be able to access suitable sites locally and regionally in order to make training and courses accessible to participants Those wishing to compete need more specialised training centres catering for their specific discipline. These include permanent slalom courses, extended sections of white water, artificial white water courses, polo pitches, regatta courses, play waves and specific coastal and sea environments. Competitors also need access to sports halls for land based training, gyms, video analysis, physio etc There is a hierarchy of facilities required for canoeing ranging from local club based facilities, which could be fulfilled through a Community Sports Hub, to an International standard pumped and including everything in between. 10 Approved Paddlesport Providers The SCA accredits Approved Paddlesport Providers (APP) through scheduled inspections according to strict criteria agreed across the home nations that comprise the British Canoe Union. The SCA provides listings of APP details/courses online and in printed form and prioritises work with APPs in preference to other providers on ad hoc projects including the Go Canoeing campaign. Schools For many, canoeing arranged through their school may be their first experience of the sport. Whilst many school children already have the opportunity to try canoeing, the new Curriculum for Excellence provides a wider opportunity to integrate canoeing with the learning needs of children. The SCA is committed to working with schools, and Active Schools to find ways to increase the canoeing opportunities for pupils in schools. Canoe Clubs Canoe clubs in Scotland can affiliate to the SCA if they meet certain basic criteria in terms of equality, governance, administrative and legal requirements such as Child Protection (where the club is open to juniors). Clubs vary in size and focus. Some clubs are single discipline but an increasing number offer much more variety. Many clubs have taken advantage of their affiliation to the SCA in order to apply for Awards for All grants to purchase new equipment. A few clubs have substantial premises but most clubs do not have their own club house or changing rooms and either meet at specific paddling locations or share premises with other organisations. The SCA is committed to finding ways to support the development of good governance and good practices within Affiliated Clubs. Specifically the SCA seeks ways to support the development of volunteer club coaches and leaders and this is the main reason for the annual Club Coach Development event Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing 11 SCA Strategy 2013 – 2017 Realising the Vision The SCA will deliver a Mission To help and inspire people to go canoeing and to enable people to progress throughout the sport series of programmes to support the people Vision involved in canoeing and the places where Programmes canoeing takes place. Development Coaching Performance Events As a result, we will Volunteers achieve our vision of: • More Members • More Canoeing • Stronger Clubs • Better Coaching • More Medals Coaches People Athletes Members Places Enabled by: Governance & Organisational Development Staff Partnerships Infrastructure & Systems R&D Branding & Marketing Programmes We deliver 4 principal SCA New Performance Training Centres High Performance Pathway Promoting Success and Role Models Athlete/ Coach Contact Time More Medals Coaching Model programmes Recruitment & retention programmes Professional regulated vocation Better Coaching Coach Education and CPD • Events • Development • Coaching • Performance Each programme contains a Discipline Specific Competitions More Members Research & Development range of projects to support the People and develop the Canoe Show, Conferences Workshops More Canoeing Support for Volunteers Stronger Clubs go canoeing. Well Organised Clubs Third party Routes to Membership Membership Categories & Benefits SCA & Club Introductory Events Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing Places we need in order to These programmes are led and delivered by volunteers Improved Club Facilities and staff. 12 Coaching implement Coaching Scotland 2011-2015, the sportscotland framework, within canoeing; providing the environment and infrastructure to support the development of coaches. support new and current coaches so that they further their expertise and qualifications and deliver regular coaching. deliver a comprehensive coach education and paddler development programme across all disciplines of the sport. undertake research and development to influence and inform future programmes and developments. Performance establish and develop Regional Excellence Hubs for Olympic disciplines, concentrate resources at these locations and maximise coach contact time delivered to athletes with the potential to enter into GB Canoeing programmes. Provide multiple opportunities to meet high standard race environments through the organisation of training days, training camps and race support for identified athletes encourage additional clubs and volunteers to become involved with slalom, sprint and paracanoe disciplines and mentor them by providing support and development opportunities promote the early introduction to canoeing within schools and competition clubs increase the amount of investment/sponsorship to allow the provision of additional resources to run SCA Performance programmes. Events continue to deliver an annual calendar of national events, such as the Scottish Canoe and Kayak Show, Coaching Conferences and Coaching Matters series. organise competition events in the disciplines of surf kayaking, canoe polo, wild water racing, canoe slalom, sprint racing and marathon racing. organise a range of non-competitive and participation based events such as the Tay Descent, Wet West Paddlefest and Tours. coordinate the further development of introductory events such as ‘Go Canoeing’ Supporting clubs to run their own introductory events in order to attract new members. Development develop strengthen membership benefits and methods of joining / renewing. support responsible access to canoeing facilities and respond to related consultations (access, renewables, non-native species). engage, support and recognise volunteers and staff to meet the changing needs of our sport. support the development of well organised, better connected, well promoted and sustainable clubs with great people. develop the SCA’s communications and services to members. Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing 13 Coaching Model Front line coaching Support for Coaches Coaching Programme • Implement a coaching plan that is aligned to Coaching Scotland • Establish fully aligned and inclusive paddler and coach pathways • Manage effective communication and monitoring systems • Establish processes and programmes to recruit and train coaches • Establish programmes that support coaching in the education sector • Establish retention programmes that lead to more coaches continuing to coach • Manage an integrated coach education and development programme • Maintain current and develop new qualifications in coaching/leadership/safety • Strengthen the network of tutors, coach educators and developers Professionally regulated vocation • Further develop the reward & recognition programmes for coaches • Establish current and future workforce needs • Increase the number of paid full and part time coaching posts Research and development • Undertake research to inform long term decisions for coaching The UK Coaching Framework and Coaching Scotland 2011-2015 are the two main external influences on the future development in coaching. The SCA Coaching Programme for 2013-2017 has been developed in consultation with relevant partners. The SCA engages in the BCU Coaching Strategy Group and Coaching Operations Group and has a number of volunteer technical experts on the BCU discipline technical groups. The SCA Coaching Programme 20132017 follows the five priority areas of Coaching Scotland. The Coaching Model What we will do What success will look like in 2017 Implement a coaching plan that is aligned to Coaching a coaching plan that is aligned to all of the priorities Scotland, consulting with relevant partners of Coaching Scotland and considers the needs of all relevant partners Establish fully aligned and inclusive paddler and coach pathways a paddler and coach pathway which are aligned, inclusive and are used to inform long term Manage effective communication and monitoring education, development and deployment of coaches systems for the planning and delivery of education and development for coaches effective communication and monitoring systems for coaching that is fully implemented and is accessible to all relevant partners with engagement across members and partners Front line coaching We will focus on recruiting and retaining quality coaches, recognising and rewarding their success. We will strengthen the link between coaches achieving qualifications and being deployed. We will actively engage with our members and partners to inspire existing coaches to commit to and develop longer term, and support and motivate the next generation of coaches. What we will do What success will look like in 2017 Establish processes and programmes to recruit and established recruitment processes and programmes train coaches that lead to the education and that are fully delivered by the sport and relevant deployment of coaches partners leading to the deployment of coaches Establish programmes that support coaching in the developed programmes to support coaching in all education sector relevant elements of the education sector Establish retention programmes that lead to more established retention programmes that are fully coaches remaining deployed in coaching. Examples delivered by the sport and all relevant partners include scholarships, subsidised training, targeted CPD leading to the deployment of coaches Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing 14 Coaching In Scotland the SCA will lead on the development of coaching in canoeing, providing clear strategic direction for coaching, strengthening links between the paddler/athlete and coach pathways, and ensuring a planned approach to the education, development and deployment of coaches in Scotland. Support for Coaches It is crucial to canoeing and the achievement of success that we retain and develop our best coaches. To help with this, we will provide a range of education and development opportunities for paddlers and coaches at all stages of the pathways. We will focus on growing Scottish talent at all levels of coaching. What we will do Manage an integrated coach education and development programme for coaches at all stages of the coaching pathway Establish integrated coach education and development programmes for participants at all stages of the paddler pathway Alongside other Home Nation Associations and the BCU, maintain current and, where relevant, develop new training and qualifications in coaching , leadership and safety, to industry standard Strengthen the network of tutors, coach educators and developers What success will look like in 2017 developed and delivered an integrated coach education and development programme for coaches at all stages of the coaching pathway developed and delivered an integrated coach education and development programme for coaches at all stages of the paddler pathway industry standard training and qualifications in coaching, performance, leadership, and safety, maintained for all stages of the coaching pathway an appropriate network of tutors, coach educators and developers covering all stages of the coach and paddler pathways Professionally regulated vocation To ensure the on-going quality and retention of our coaches, future development of the Coach Update/licencing scheme is a priority. Where applicable, we will want to see more full and part-time paid coaches delivering sport and we will continue to raise the profile of coaching and coaches throughout Scotland. Further develop the reward & recognition programmes for coaches Establish current and future workforce needs (volunteer and paid) Increase number of paid full and part time coaching posts Manage the Approved Paddlesport Provider accreditation scheme Widen opportunities for other accreditations (e.g. Adventuremark, Learning Outside the Classroom, Curriculum for Excellence) What success will look like in 2017 reward and recognition programmes identified and implemented for all stages of the coaching pathway. in conjunction with relevant partners has identified current and future workforce development and deployment needs developed a programme to fully meet the needs of their sport by creating paid full and part time posts with all relevant partners A network of Approved Paddlesport Providers throughout Scotland Research and development To ensure the continual development and targeted support of coaches we need to understand the supply and demand for coaching, the impact of coaches on participation and on coaching, and we need to understand what works. We will commit to utilising this evidence to make effective decisions for coaching and sport. There are many canoeing disciplines, recreational and competitive, and one key aim will be to understand how to help coaches seek out opportunities to develop their skills through a wider involvement in the sport What we will do Undertake research to inform long term decisions for coaching Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing What success will look like in 2017 developed and delivered its research priorities with all relevant partners 15 Coaching What we will do SCA Performance SCA Performance aims to enable talented young Scots to enter GB Canoeing programmes and go on to win Olympic Medals in Sprint and Slalom. The performance framework is different from the development of competition across all disciplines – which is taken care of by the respective SCA Competition committees. Our aim is to develop talent and deliver success To do this we invest in athletes that present a high potential to convert their commitment to reach GB Canoeing Podium Potential Programmes, leading to medal at future Olympic Games The 4 year cycle starting in 2013 should be seen as a transition phase leading to a competition structure sustained by the Scottish clubs. SCA Performance is fully committed in its duty of investing in elite athletes with Olympic potential. SCA Performance Mission We will make Scotland a reference in the UK and the world for Talent Development and Performance delivery SCA Performance Pathway SCA Performance aims to align all forces towards a common vision to succeed. We are designing an integrated Pathway with all performance stakeholders involved in the journey to win Gold at the Olympic Games. Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing 16 Performance We will contribute to make GB “To be the number 1 Olympic canoeing nation with success and depth of excellence at every level” Regional Excellence Hub SCA Performance will focus its effort at key locations to enable Scottish athletes to have a competitive and wellstructured training place. This strategy will enable us to work on the basics at home in order to maximise the efficiency of each training camp taking place outwith Scotland to meet the National and International standards. We will encourage the development of facilities meeting standards required to allow talented athletes and support staff to get the most out of their commitment, thanks to: o o o Developing Regional Excellence Hubs at key locations to enable Vision and Horizon programme athletes to train effectively and avoid unnecessary travel time and cost. Helping the development of competition clubs, leading by example and through the mentoring programme Ensuring training locations are accessible to Paracanoeing to prepare for the Scottish Paracanoe Development. The needs of the athletes will govern how the Training places: Regional Excellence Hubs are structured We will encourage the development of a Performance Support Staff network o o Involving Key volunteers with the support of SCA employed staff Developing a growth mind-set with clear goals and responsibilities Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing The SCA manages training centres to maximise the quality of athlete training and their time management. The SCA manages, coordinates or partners at least: 2017 target National Training Centre Long term plan Regional Excellence Hub 5 Competition Clubs 10 For each Regional Excellence Hub, the SCA has secured the necessary access to facilities with arrangements that work for the athletes and coaches. Regional Excellence Hubs present a concentration of all required facilities close to a school or the most frequently used training site. Sprint paddlers have access to a proper regatta course in Scotland Slalom paddlers have access to an artificial whitewater course, suitable for training and national competition in Scotland. 17 Performance Ensuring the quality of the home based Daily Training Environment What we will do What success will look like in 2017 SCA Performance - Coaching Staff Performance Programmes The current structure of competition canoeing in Scotland has led SCA Performance to focus on the early stages (discovering, learning and improving) of the athlete pathway in order to secure sufficient Scottish competitors to feed the Performance Pathway. SCA Performance now moves towards 2 core programmes (Vision and Horizon) focused on talented athletes and 2 structural programmes (Club mentoring and School) to build sustainability and in-depth research of excellence. Vision programme: a fast track programme aiming to enable Scottish athletes to access the GB Podium Potential Programme Horizon programme: a mainstream programme to build high level competition skills to enter GB Teams Mentoring Club Programme: a mentoring process to develop and support clubs School Programme: an early opportunity to promote canoeing with a competition aim Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing 18 Performance Our coaching resouces are stretched to both support athletes stepping into the GB Team and programmes as well as to provide support for new talented athletes going through the pathway. Over the next 4 years we will refocus our coaching effort onto nominated athletes, in disciplines in which we currently succeed, in order to sustain the success from 2012 Junior GB selections in both sprint and slalom. We are also keen that our staff who work at the top end of our pathway colaborate with GB Canoeing, in order to ensure a smoth transition between our national programme and the one manage by GB Canoeing. In addition to this reinforcement, we aim to engage with clubs so that they deliver the first stages of the pathway and develop new Olympic disciplines (Sprint Canoe, Paracanoe and Ladies’ Canoe in Slalom) We will employ coaches based in the Regional Excellence Hubs, managing athletes nominated to the core programmes We will develop partnerships with identified competition clubs to help them access professional coach contact time We will cultivate and support volunteer coaches We will engage the SCA coaches in a continuous professional development process, reaching Level 3 and above BCU UKCC coaching qualifications. Vision & Horizon Programmes GB Canoeing is targeting 7 Medal in 2016 and a full range in 2020, promoting that the currency for medals is Gold. Moreover the performance supporting model is shifting from a pyramid to a high rate conversion into selection and medals. More focus on performance achievement at key events leads the SCA to design a new athlete development approach Coach Contact Time We work with high calibre people to deliver coach led training to paddlers targeting world class Race Environment Contact Time We organise training camps and support races to give paddlers experience to prepare and succeed at major events Daily Training Environment This is our commitment to raise the standard of local training in Scotland R&D Encourage paddlers to dream of success and then help them to get back down to earth in order to deliver Junior and U23 world class success in Olympic disciplines What we will do We will align our performance pathway with GB Canoeing to ensure a smooth transition from our programmes to GB Programmes We will support the athletes in their daily training, optimising their training environment, giving clear guidance and goals. We will support the athletes to meet the race environment standards, organising training camps opportunities in the best locations in Scotland, UK and the world to get the skills and feel for future major events We will support athletes during the key events to ensure their integration into GB Team and their further international success We will ensure a professional and evidence based approach in our selection and operational processes. We will work with the coaches, sportscotland Institute of Sport and universities to create sport specific protocols combining scientific and sport specific approaches Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing What success will look like in 2017 The Vision programme converting 40% of its athletes to GB Podium Potential programme Scottish athletes regularly entering final at World and European Championships 40% of the athletes nominated in the Horizon programme meet the criteria to step into the Vision programme Each Year, we continue to have athletes selected into GB Junior Teams SCA Performance enters into measured and controlled processes. 19 Performance We create processes and protocols enabling our organisation and the paddlers to raise their awareness of the work delivered. Club Mentoring Programme SCA Performance supports competitive clubs through a mentoring programme delivered by highly qualified and motivated people We aim to raise the profile and standard of Scottish canoe clubs. The role of the club is to discover the talent of tomorrow and increase participation in competition at all divisions and levels What we will do We will provide education material to support What success will look like in 2017 We have produced best practice worksheets to School Programme SCA Performance uses a unique approach to engage with the next generation. We tailor our approach to each specific school’s needs and approach to sport The aim is to link with schools to promote an early introduction to a sport full of potential - providing young Scots with life skills and values such as fair play through to canoeing specific skills This strategy also ensures that the paddlers will arrive at the optimum time in the performance pathway to take every step leading to the highest level. What we will do What success will look like in 2017 We present canoeing as a outstanding educational tool We will work with clubs to ensure a transition between canoeing introduction courses and engagement with competition structures Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing Most of the competition clubs are linked with one or more schools so that children from 8-10 years old engage with the club competition structure 20 Performance present the most update best practices to support volunteer coaches gross roots development and young competitors We will work with clubs to help develop a model to willing to become top athletes. grow their capacity to organise daily training sessions throughout the year Club have the capacity to contribute to the We will facilitate joint club training camps sustainable employment of professional coaches We will organise monthly mentoring days for volunteers and coaches to engage in continuous The competition structure is supported by Scottish personal development Clubs M Development Programme Development covers a wide range of areas including volunteers, M governance, membership, sponsorship and clubs Membership Development As a membership organisation we are only as strong as our collective members. The SCA aims to enhance the membership offering What we will do What success will look like in 2017 Access and Facilities What we will do Promote the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and assist Local Access Forums and the National Access Forum with the interpretation of water access Introduce ‘Canoe Friendly’; a scheme to recognise and promote the use of businesses by canoeists Work with partners to develop canoe trails and other ad hoc access improvements particularly to make existing sites more accessible to all Work with other organisations, Affiliated Clubs or Approved Paddlesport Providers to support the development of artificial white water facilities: regional, national and international standard Maintain and develop the national, regional and local/club white water sites in Scotland such as: Alva, Grandtully, Aberfeldy, Seaton Park and Inverness Continue to develop the camping/parking/changing facilities at the Grandtully campsite including introducing an online booking and payment system Develop further environmental codes and advice Support volunteer networks to providing advice on specific inland and coastal locations Engage in consultations related to renewable developments offshore or inland including hydro, wind and tidal power Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing What success will look like in 2017 Well educated land managers, Local Authority Access Officers and access takers across Scotland Canoe friendly recognised throughout Scotland, similar to Cycle Friendly, Dog Friendly etc. New sheltered water trails and well maintained existing trails To provide the facilities needed by members, groups, clubs providers and the Performance Programme In order to allow people to book specific pitches online and to take the payment electronically and send confirmation emails automatically River levels integrated onto the SCA website rather than on standalone site A range of codes for environmental protection available to download from the SCA website To have a network of knowledgeable and dedicated members who advise on offshore renewable developments as well as inland hydro proposals To be a respected and consistent consultee for proposed offshore and inland developments. Fast and effective advice to developers; information for paddlers. Develop a fast response for developers, and a new guidance service for paddlers 21 Development Further add to the range of membership benefits to 3,600 individual members retain current and attract new members Investigate membership sales through third parties Some combination of Clubs, Providers and Retailers and/or via their products and services promoting and selling individual SCA membership – either packaged with other products/services or Continue to implement comprehensive Customer standalone Relationship Management (CRM) systems to manage SCA contact with members, clubs, providers and others Effective systems to manage, record and report on membership. Integration of systems so that the so Introduce differential membership fees (e.g. direct that events can be handled by the same systems for debit members or those renewing online) membership and coaching Promote awareness of the needs of paddlers with a Reduced cost of servicing SCA members by disability to encourage clubs and committees to plan encouraging members to pay by direct debit and for accessibility and inclusion supply the SCA with a valid email address Raising awareness of Scotland as a one of the best places for canoeing including Great Glen Canoe Trail, white water rivers (including dam release information) some of the best sea kayaking in the world Volunteers What we will do Develop and implement effective systems to recruit, retain and recognise volunteers. This includes raising the profile of key volunteers and highlighting their achievements Support volunteers through training and support Provide training to volunteers in areas including Equality Support Affiliated Clubs to implement and manage child protection processes What success will look like in 2017 Fully populated committees of volunteers developing their respective areas and delivering the overall SCA plan Annual awards to recognise volunteers Informed, educated and motivated volunteers All clubs with children achieving the Minimum Operating Standards (MORs) for Child Protection Club Development Clubs are where many people first get involved with the sport. Well organised, well connected, sustainable clubs will attract more participants into the sport and enable them to progress in their chosen discipline(s) What success will look like in 2017 Operate a club affiliation programme with defined, minimum standards for affiliation Support clubs to achieve good governance and good standards of operation Work with a selection of clubs to explore opportunities for clubs to employ coaches within their club Assist Affiliated Clubs to develop effective school/club links and stronger links between clubs, local providers and Active Schools Support Affiliated Clubs to develop appropriate facilities to support their activities - aligned with the overall SCA facilities plan (including Community Sports Hubs Encourage clubs to run local events under the auspices of the SCA in order to support cross discipline development and attract new club and SCA members A network of stronger, established clubs offering a full range of canoeing disciplines 3,000 club members in 90 clubs Well run clubs with committees that understand the club committee responsibilities and vastly exceed the minimum standards for affiliation Clubs with the capability to employ suitably qualified coaches More opportunities for young people to try canoeing. More opportunities for all to progress after their initial canoeing experience 10 new club facilities developed by club committees across Scotland A programme of local club-run SCA events together with SCA technical committees and other clubs – helping to provide the opportunities for paddlers to try out and get started in different disciplines Organisational Development What we will do Implement effective processes to safeguard children taking part in canoeing and meet all related legislation Implement further initiatives to reduce barriers to participation, deliver equality awareness training as appropriate and monitor the diversity of members Work and share knowledge with the other BCU Home Nation Associations and clarify the relationship with BCU Good governance, systems and processes in order to meet the requirements for Development Audits including effective financial management and reporting Aim to establish a regional network of Development Officers across Scotland (subject to investment) Monitor and evaluate our activities and services Utilise a range of formats to communicate with members and the wider canoeing audience Explore, and pursue where applicable, opportunities for additional Modern Apprenticeships within clubs and/or Approved Paddlesport Providers and other employment training opportunities (e.g. Internships) Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing What success will look like in 2017 Continue to meet all Minimum Operating Requirements (MORs) for Child Protection Have been awarded the Advanced level of the Equality Standard Best practice shared and clear service agreement and charges Fit for Purpose audit – Limited Assurance A network of staff to support the Affiliated Clubs and Approved Paddlesport Providers, linking with education, assisting in the running of coached sessions in clubs – including the delivery of regular slalom and sprint disciplines Effective feedback mechanisms to track satisfaction/success and inform future development A range of digital and physical communications Additional Modern apprentices placed in canoeing in Scotland and Interns completing specific projects e.g. analysis, communication 22 Development What we will do Events Programme There are a huge number of canoeing events each year ranging from recreational tours to ranked, discipline specific competitions and from coach education events to mass participation festivals. In addition the SCA organises an annual weekend Canoe Show comprising a trade fair as well as a conference with talks and workshops. Events are mainly run by SCA committees, often in collaboration with their English/British counterparts particularly where there are ranking divisional competitions. SCA events are open to SCA members. Some events are also open to non-members if they take out day membership. The SCA operates a policy of refunding day membership fees (within a certain period) against an initial membership fee in order to provide an easy route for non-members to consider joining the SCA for the first time. Introductory Events What we will do What success will look like in 2017 Organise an annual Go Canoeing campaign to introduce beginners to the sport To have established an annual programme which results in newcomers then joining an Affiliated Club, joining the SCA and/or taking further instruction with an Approved Paddlesport Provider Recreational Events What we will do What success will look like in 2017 To have at least one calendar event per month for both of inland and sea, with options across the year for each of the three trip grades To have this as an annual event with good participation from the tour organisers and regular participants (ideally 50% or more each year) Mass Participation Events What we will do What success will look like in 2017 Further develop the Tay Descent event and increase the number of participants across all disciplines Continue to organise the Wet West Paddle Fest for white water kayaking and explore options for additional events of this kind at other times of year To reach 600 participants taking part in Tay Descent from across the UK and beyond To maintain the popularity of this event and increase participation as far as practicable within the confines of the venues. Ideally to host another similar event at an alternative location Competitive Events What we will do What success will look like in 2017 Continue to deliver annual programmes of events and competitions across: Surf, Polo, Slalom, Marathon, Sprint and Wild Water Racing More participants at the events and increase the number of people who take part in more than one discipline Events for Coaches What we will do What success will look like in 2017 Deliver an annual or bi-annual Coaching Conference attracting coaches from all disciplines To have built a sense of community and cohesion amongst coaches and to have up skilled the coaches that attend the conferences Other Events What we will do What success will look like in 2017 Continue to develop and organise the Scottish Canoe & Kayak Show with a mix of retailers, workshops and other attractions Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing 2,200 attendees by 2017 and 70 blocks of exhibitor space booked 23 Events Increase the number of inland and sea tours to provide a good variety of tour locations and grades appropriate for a wide range of participants Plan a weekend of safety training for tour organisers and participants to practise rescue techniques, as part of the annual touring calendar Staffing Structure SCA Staffing comprises two teams: Development and Performance Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing 24 Facilities required to deliver the SCA Vision Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing 25 Prioritisation of SCA Facility needs The facility needs are listed and shown in the preceding diagram. Basic facilities are needed across Scotland to enable people of all backgrounds to take to the water. Club Facilities Whilst some canoe clubs and SCA Competition Committees currently make do with what is available, improved facilities are needed to continue to make the sport more accessible to participants regardless of age, gender, ethnic origin, belief, ability and sexual orientation. Whilst a group of e.g. young male Scottish adults might not mind changing in a car park with no toilet available, this lack of basic facilities will act as a barrier to other potential participants. Some clubs have already invested in new facilities. Others, through a lack of available site and/or money still struggle. As an example, one canoe club in the central belt established almost 80 years ago and currently with over 200 members does not have running water or a toilet. This club has had to move premises several times and has been unable to find a suitable base. As a minimum the SCA would like to see each club having somewhere to store equipment, somewhere to change and accessible toilets. Owning a car and your own equipment should not be a prerequisite for taking up canoeing. Clubs such as Inverness Canoe Club have already indicated their intention to move to a new site and set up their own facilities. The SCA supports Inverness and other clubs who strive to do the same. Recreation and Touring Facilities Even if people belong to a club that has adequate facilities, a lot of canoeing takes place on rivers, lochs and the sea further afield. There is a growing group of paddlers who tour and they need places to park cars, places to camp and access to fresh water and toilet facilities. With the development of much of the land near water, the ability to park and camp is diminished. There are already a number of hotspots around Scotland that the SCA seeks to alleviate through negotiation and partnership. There are key rivers and lochs that paddlers use as well as key starting points and overnight locations for those sea kayaking. Examples of sea kayaking car parking issues (not an exhaustive list) are: Skye - Kilmarie Bay Connel - Falls of Lora Mallaig - for Skye, and Lochs Nevis & Hourn Arduine Loch Sunart Seil Island - Atlantic Bridge Mull - Ulva ferry west side Seil - Cuan Sound ferry Fionnphort - for Iona Ardfern - whole peninsula Port Appin Crinan - both for sea, and also Crinan canal Oban - Ganavan bay Tarbert -both sides of village Training and Competition Facilities Whilst club facilities and those used by Approved Paddlesport Providers are key in order to get people started in the sport and going canoeing regularly, there are a whole range of other facilities (mainly based on specific types of water) that are required for the various competition disciplines. These are often used by club groups too but are also used for squad training and local, regional and national competitions. As well as the two Olympic disciplines of Slalom and Sprint, facilities are required for Canoe Polo and Freestyle. Although Surf is weather dependent, there is a lack of accommodation and other facilities close to the main surfing locations. Performance Facilities In addition to the priorities for facilities outlined above, specific sites are needed for Sprint and Slalom in order to provide the appropriate daily training environment for athletes on Olympic Pathways. These facilities are defined in more detail within the Performance section of this document. A priority for Slalom athletes (as well as the benefit for recreational paddlers) remains an artificial whitewater course in the central belt – close to a centre of population. The Pinkston project will be a great asset to canoeing in the west of Scotland overall and it will specifically benefit the Slalom Olympic Pathway. The Pinkston project, or even better a full length international standard course, will allow Slalom athletes to train in representative water conditions in Scotland and not be disadvantaged compared to athletes in England and Wales. Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing 26 Growing our sport through sponsorship and branding Website: www.canoescotland.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/ScottishCanoeAssociation Twitter: @scottishcanoe Managing the brand The SCA is a brand that is recognised and supported by the canoe world to link our different communities of practice. To manage its brand and maximise the development of its brand the SCA has to create communication support through paper, electronic and internet. The SCA is willing to live closer to media, and network opportunities to help people know about canoeing and especially to promote the commitment and the outstanding result of our Scottish paddlers. The complexity of the different branches of our sport, together with the numerous sources of exposure leads the SCA to nominate a sponsor coordinator that should build the different support, identify the key target, work out the different policies, and communicate our network (internal and external) to upgrade SCA brand. Defining the sponsorship offers The SCA through its facilities, squads, and equipment own numerous opportunities for sponsoring support. Our organisation needs to set a hierarchy and target level for each of the different sponsorship opportunities in order to enable specific partners to decide on their level of support As well as branding support, the SCA has “savoir-faire” that can attract partners. We are able to set-up a safe environment to welcome organisations and their staff into wild and unknown water environments. We have exceptional experiences to showcase, either competition (Gold and Silver Olympians) or adventure through other forms of canoeing. The SCA is convinced that to enable its development and to improve on past and current achievements we need to encourage all canoeists to support the work being undertaken What we will do We will manage a website that showcases our talent outstanding achievement, and presents a range of partnership opportunities We will consolidate presentation support and regular news to send to media and partners We will use potential branding space on equipment and facilities to sell advertising to sponsors We will coordinate all sponsoring agreements to leverage the different partnerships and to ensure the alignment with our policies and external regulation We will reach out to SCA members/partners and work in partnership with them to build the brand of our sport Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing What success will look like in 2017 The SCA signed up sponsors and investors partnership: The SCA as a whole The overall SCA Performance Programme The individual sprint and slalom programme of the SCA Performance Programme Other specific disciplines and activities during National, Regional or Local events 27 sportscotland Success Measures sportscotland success measures* SCA contribution to sportscotland’s success Major progress is made in all key areas required for the development of a world class sporting system. The SCA is committed to supporting the “people” involved in running our sport and to working to facilitate access to places to go canoeing. Two Scottish Canoe Slalom athletes will compete at London 2012 in 3 categories. 2011-2015 is the most successful 4 year cycle for Scotland in terms of performance outcomes (London 2012, Sochi 2014 and Glasgow 2014). All our supported performance athletes are the best ever prepared for all targeted events through the provision of quality services. An increasing number of Scottish Governing Bodies are fit for purpose and fit for performance. Major progress in growing sustainable levels of competent and skilled coaches, officials, administrators, specialists (paid and voluntary) within Scotland. A greater and more integrated role for outdoor and adventure sport, maximising Scotland’s unique attributes and heritage. Stronger club networks with greater community involvement. Increased sports opportunities for children and young people through schools and improved access to the school estate. Organisation development strengthens the impact of our work and we are driven by continuous quality improvement. The SCA Performance Programme has reached new levels of success. In 2012 40% of the GB Junior Canoe Slalom Team is Scottish (6 athletes) and a further 2 Scottish athletes have been selected for the GB Junior Canoe Sprint Team. The SCA Board is committed to good governance and effective business processes and continual improvement. Coach-led training is the key for both recreational and competitive canoeing. There continues to be positive growth in the number of people taking coaching, personal performance and safety awards in Scotland. The SCA continues to seek out opportunities to increase the amount of coaching delivered as well as to recruit new coaches and leaders. Through the SCA’s efforts, water access forms an important aspect of the Land Reform Act (Scotland) 2003 and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The SCA continues to work for greater access for canoeists and has taken the lead by organising key events/festivals including the Wet West Paddlefest and Tay Descent. Vibrant and well run clubs across Scotland have been a key area for SCA support. The SCA continues to provide opportunities for clubs to improve and expand their offering to new members and the wider community as well as providing help and advice to club committees. The SCA is committed to equal opportunity and one of the priority areas concerns young people going canoeing. One of the new areas of focus for this SCA Strategic Plan is the work to be carried out forging links between clubs and schools and integrating canoeing into the Curriculum for Excellence Continuous improvement has long been one of the core SCA values and the organisation is always planning for the successful future based on lessons learnt in the past. The introduction of the SCA CRM system and other systems for managing events has increased the opportunities for members to book online and gives the ability to update their personal details themselves. The SCA strives to be effective and efficient and to maximise benefits to the sport of investment received. sportscotland is seen as one of the leading public bodies in Scotland in terms of delivery, effectiveness and efficiency. *Source: Developing and supporting a world class sporting system - sportscotland Corporate Plan 2011-2015 Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing 28 Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing Scottish Canoe Association Caledonia House 1 Redheughs Rigg, South Gyle Edinburgh, EH12 9DQ 0131 317 7314 canoescotland.org Helping and inspiring people to go canoeing 29