NZ Sport & Recreation Pathway

www.sparc.org.nz

NZ Sport & Recreation PathwayGeneral Principles

Models the lifelong pathway in sport and recreation for active participants in a 5 stage, 3 phase model.

Recognises that all New Zealanders have a right to access quality sport and recreational experiences.

Promotes the concept that an individual’s transition through the pathway occurs when they are ready rather than at any predetermined age.

Identifies the dual outcomes of the sport and recreational pathway – lifelong participation and high performance and that these two outcomes are achieved as part of one integrated sport and recreational system.

NZ Sport and Recreation PathwayThe Stages

Participate

Excel

Perform

Learn

Explore

NZ Sport and Recreation PathwayThe Phases

Participate

Excel

Perform

Learn

Explore

Talent Identification

Foundation Phase

Talented Athlete Phase (TAP)

Community sport & recreation phase

Foundation Phase

Progression through explore and learn stages. Recognises that early childhood movement experiences

(pre-sport and recreation) are critical in the development of the skills, attitudes and confidence required to become an active participant in sport and recreation.

Recognises that early sport and recreational experiences need to be structured to meet the needs of children within a planned pathway targeting sequential development and retention in sport and recreation through youth and adult life.

Foundation PhaseExplore Stage

The majority of children will transition through this stage at some time in the first seven years of life.

Development is fostered through an environment around the child that is caring, safe and supportive and encourages movement exploration, play and fun.

Critical to being able to enter sport and recreation (learn stage) is the development at this stage of

– basic movement patterns and skills

– confidence in movement and a willingness to attempt new activities

Children at this stage need many and varied movement experiences every day.

Foundation PhaseLearn Stage

Entry level to sport and physical recreation activities. Most children will transition through this stage by age twelve. Development is fostered through providing playful, fun and

supportive environments where children can experience success, develop skills and learn positive attitudes towards sport and recreation.

A long term approach from coaches, parents and clubs is critical, the development of skills and positive attitudes in every child is more important than winning every week (does not imply that children should not strive to win).

Specialisation should be avoided.– Multiple sport / recreational experiences important.– Multiple positional / roles within sports important.

Talent identification and representative programmes are not required.

Community Sport and Recreation Phase

Sport and physical recreation for youth / adult life (beyond childhood). Very diverse and complex set of requirements. Enjoyment and fun are the key drivers for participation. Need to provide for dual aspirations –

– social participation• factors other than performance are the key objective • e.g. social interaction, experiencing the physical environment

– competitive participation• Performance, challenge and improvement are the key objectives

Need to provide for wide age range. Availability of multiple formats and options that cater for the diverse needs

of this stage. Most participants will change activities of choice through this stage and

need to “retrain”. The pathway through this stage is not linear and changes in direction and

aspiration are common.

Community Sport and Recreation PhaseParticipate Stage

Participate Stage

Retrain to participate in new sports and physical recreations

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Learn

Explore

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Excel

Perform

Talented Athlete Phase

This phase is all about realising performance potential of athletes.

Athletes in the participation stage are “identified” with the potential to perform to a very high level in the future (talent identification).

These athletes then transition through the perform stage with the ultimate goal of reaching the excel stage and maximising their performance level.

Talented Athlete PhaseTalent Identification

When to start the process of identification is sport specific but should be based around the following principles;

– should be inclusive rather than exclusive

– conducted at multiple stages throughout the participate stage as individuals will develop at varying rates (long-term process)

– early specialisation should be avoided even with identified athletes as this will lead to athlete burnout / drop out

– clear development programmes need to be implemented around identified individuals with development rather than competition success as the key outcome

Talented Athlete PhasePerform Stage

Open age Involvement in multiple sports but only one (or perhaps two)

pursued “seriously”. Higher frequency of deliberate practice with a focus on skill

development. Position / roles identified within chosen sports. Success and failure both viewed as valuable experiences. Long term vision around development of individual is key.

Talented Athlete PhaseExcel Stage

Open age. Athletes who are able to translate their training and technical

skills into competing at a world-class level and achieving excellence in one sport.

Focus of stage is on optimisation of performance. Athletes need to be integrated into the decision-making

process. Need for specialised support to deal with stresses

associated with elite competition.