In the drive to improve performance levels, valuable assistance can be provided by appropriate support services including: Sports Science, Sports Medicine and Lifestyle management.
In this section we look at some of the support services currently on offer to enable Governing Bodies to provide an integrated approach to Performance & Development.
Sports Science Services
The Sports Science Support Programme (SSSP), funded by SCNI, is designed to encourage and facilitate Governing Bodies of Sport to access appropriate sports science services.
Sports Governing Bodies decide in consultation with SCNI and BASES accredited Sports Scientists what help they need. This ensures that:
- relevant problems are addressed
- good relationships are developed among
coaches, performers and scientists
- theory is integrated with practice
Three key principles of the programme are:
- assessment of needs
- access to accredited
laboratories/scientists
- review procedures for projects
Services Provided
Psychological: the mental processes that influence sporting
performance and how these may be adapted to training
Physiological: the body's physical responses and adaptations
to training
Biomechanical: the study of the mechanics of human movement
(technique) and equipment and how they interact with the body
Nutritional: the science underlying the link between diet and
performance
The Governing Body is also encouraged to utilise the information by disseminating it at local coach education workshops for the benefit of performers/coaches outside of the elite squads.
Sports Medicine Services
Access to quality sports medicine services is vitally important for performance sport. The SCNI in association with the Northern Ireland branch of the British Association of Sport and Medicine has produced a 'Sports Medicine, Exercise and Science Register for NI.'
The register, which is available form the Sports Council, details qualified practitioners including Doctors, Physiotherapists, Sports Injury Clinics, Podiatrists, Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Sport and Exercise Scientists and Sports Dieticians.
Lifestyle Support Services
To perform successfully at the elite level athletes must take a balanced approach to their training and other commitments. SCNI offers 'Planning for Success' workshops and other educational and personal development courses, to help performers effectively manage their demanding schedules. From January 2000 the Athlete Career and Education programme will be extended to Northern Ireland. This programme of services will be available to the Province's top performers through the UKSI (NI) Network Centre.
Contact: Barney Ball
|
|