2. Bank of
Scotland Talented Young Athlete Regional Squads
What's the Aim?
The main
objectives of the squads are to:
Provide a
manageable athlete and coach development structure devolved to the six
regions within Scotland (Central, East, Grampian, Highland, Tayside & Fife
and West)
Increase the
number of talented athletes and personal coaches benefiting from support
for development at a key stage
Raise the competency levels of coaches throughout
Scotland
Raise the competencies and performance standards
of Regional Scottish athletes
Increase the
number of athletes overall (all ages) in each individual event in each Region
in Scotland (Power of 10)
Increase the
10th best threshold ranked athletes in each age group in each event in
Scotland (Power of 10)
Increase the
number of athletes competing in each event year on year in each age group
at Scottish District and Scottish National Championships (benchmarking
required)
Provide
attainable steps for club/local level athletes on the Athlete Pathway
Provide a
feeder to both Regional Academies and Event Development Squads and a
step toward to National Squads
Promote greater participation by athletes in
events and championships outside of
Scotland e.g. English Open/UK age group championships, CAU Inter-Counties,
Irish/Northern Irish/Welsh Open Champs etc.
How Do Athletes
Qualify?
To be selected
for a Regional Squad you should:
Live, have been born in, work, attend full-time
education or be a member of a club in
the Region
Achieve the Power of 10 target for Scotland for
their event and age group
Be 15 years old A first year U17 athlete or older
Must be up-to-date members of scottishathletics
What Are The
Athlete Benefits?
Athletes will
derive a number of benefits from the Regional squad:
Training with like-minded, comparably talented and
motivated athletes
Monthly exposure to a new coaching experience
Access to specific support expertise and
inspiration
Opportunity to compete at a higher level
Squad identity
Pooling of resources
How Do Coaches
Qualify?
To be involved
in a Regional Squad you should:
Be a
qualified and currently licensed UKA Coach at any level (1-4)
Have undergone Disclosure Scotland verification
Be actively involved in or have a specific desire
to coach in the event
Be an up-to-date member of scottishathletics (free
registration)
N.B. It is not
necessary to be the personal coach to a qualifying athlete in order
to attend,
contribute to and benefit from regional squad activities
What Are The
Coach Benefits?
Support for development through the regional
coaching workforce, of enhanced
coaching skills, knowledge and experience through direct involvement in
the running of sessions
More regular communication and pooling of ideas
with other coaches
Coaching Forums to maximise discussion between
lead coaches/personal coaches/National Event Coaches
A direct opportunity for supported
practice/mentoring in line with the requirements of
UKA Coach qualifications
Benefits to clubs through transfer of athlete
coach experiences back to the club
environment.
What Does
scottishathletics Expect From Athletes?
Commitment to your event
Desire to learn and improve by working with others
Determination to be successful in your event
Dedication to attend all sessions (wherever
possible)
Act as a regional role model for the sport
What
Competitions Are Athletes Expected To Do?
scottishathletics East, West or North District
Championships (indoor/outdoor
track and field, cross country - appropriate discipline)
scottishathletics National Championships
(indoor/outdoor track and field, cross country - appropriate discipline)
AAAs
Championships (assuming qualifying standard is achieved - indoor/outdoor
track and field, cross country - appropriate discipline)
N.B. A separate
Code of Conduct is available for regional squad athletes (to follow soon)
