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Sport Manitoba hosted a special series of workshops for Manitoba’s sport Leaders from December 3-5th, 2008 in planning and implementing the Long Term Athlete Development. The workshops featured Canada’s Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Experts, the principle authors of Canada’s LTAD model and proponents of the Canadian Sport for Life movement.
Sport Manitoba asked someone who attended each workshop to write a quick summary on what they learned, here are some of the responses:
Workshop A – Learning from Beijing and Games and Multi-Year Planning By Donna Kay
During LTAD Workshop A, Manitoba coaches and sport administrators were treated to insights and observations from two of Canada’s foremost experts on athlete development and international podium performance Alex Gardiner and Istvan Balyi shared observations from Beijing and discussed the importance of multi year planning with provincial games athletes. Alex provided an overview of key observations from the Beijing Olympics. The following are three highlights: 1) Athletes are faster, leaner and stronger than they have ever been; 2) Athletes who are on the podium are (overwhelmingly) experienced international athletes who, most of the time, have previous Olympic experience and are working with coaches who have produced medalists before, and 3) Countries who are experiencing success are targeting specific sports or families of specific sports (i.e. power sports, combative sports) instead of trying to be successful across a number of different sports. Istvan reviewed basic LTAD principles but focused most of his presentation on the importance of using multi-year plans for Western Canada and Canada Games athletes. He provided examples of how other provinces have used this approach with success. Also outlined was the importance of taper plans – developing them and using them.
Workshop Power Point Presentation Games and Multi-Year Planning
Workshop Power Point Presentation History and Science of LTAD
Workshop B – How to Develop a ‘Sport for Life’ Plan in my Community By Bobby McMahon
In a one hour presentation Richard Way made a compelling case for local sports groups to develop strategic plans that align with provincial and national sports goals. Using the Canadian Sport for Life – Long Term Athlete Development model as a centre piece, Mr Way challenged sport leaders in the Province to set a clear direction for their sport and their participants. Citing the need for higher quality sport, Mr. Way suggested in order to improve the experiences of athletes a paradigm shift in sport organization’s thinking is needed. Some of the changes that he believes are required will led to sport becoming more inclusionary, placing a greater emphasis on quality, looking to integrate with the plans of other organizations and thinking long-term rather than short term. The positive outcomes include a healthier and more active population, a greater appreciation by politicians and government staff of the social and health benefits of sport and a greater leveraging of community resources.”
Workshop Power Point Presentation Linking CS4L to Community Planning
Workshop C - Developing Team Dynamics: A Coach’s Role in Building a Strong Team by Shawnee Scatliff
Summary of points learned 4 Principles or Team Goal Setting.
1) Team goals are more effective than individual goals for team Success
2) Team goals should be established by or in consultation with all athletes on the team if possible
3) Coach support is essential for team-goal setting effectiveness
4) Evaluation, feedback, and re-evaluation are essential for team-goal setting effectiveness
Team Cohesion Team is drawn to a common goal and are integrated around the pursuit. Role Acceptance is the degree to which a player is satisfied with their role.
1) Increasing role clarity will increase team cohesion
2) Increasing role acceptance will increase team cohesion
Establishing Acceptable Standards for Behavior
1) Team norms should exist for competitions, practices, the off season and for social situations
2) Unacceptable behavior requires appropriate sanctioning.
Workshop C - Additional Learnings by Craig Baker
- Great discussion occurred regarding various aspects of Team Building. This was a very interactive and informative session.
- Discussion and group breakouts occurred for 3 main areas of Team building. These included Team Goals, Team Norms & Team Cohesion.
Workshop Power Point Presentation Team Building
Workshop D - Developing Physical Literacy in Athletes: A Practical Resource Tookit for Coaches by Patti Makinson
The goal of the Developing Physical Literacy workshop is to inroduce fundamental movement skills to children at an early age. It incorporates activities that specifically teach agility, balance and coordination so that the child gains the confidence and tools when they engage in physical activity for fun, health or competition.
Workshop E - LTAD & Sport Physchology
Coming Soon
Workshop F - PSO-CS4L/LTAD Implementation
Coming Soon
Workshop G - Physical Activity And Exercise Promotion: The Role That Groups Play
Workshop Power Point Presentation Excercise
Additional LTAD information/resources are available for High Performance Coaches...more
