Strategies
We are pleased to present the Scottish Gymnastics Association’s first published Development Plan. This Plan for the Advancement of Gymnastics in Scotland has been based on an extensive review of the current state of the sport in Scotland and has been formulated to strengthen the existing infrastructure of the sport and to promote its growth so that the thousands of Scottish children who wish to participate in this sport which is the foundation of all sport are able to.
The plan has been based on extensive background research including the a Coaching Audit, and a Workforce Development Survey both of which were commissioned by the SGA and conducted by John Lyle Associates on behalf of the Association. The findings of these two major pieces of research have been used in conjunction with a regional analysis of the demographics of our membership and geospatial data analysis using Mappoint.
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If you would like any further information regarding this development plan please contact Jackie Archibald, Coaching and Development Director, on 01786-466232.
National Facilities Plan 2007 - 2014
Scottish Gymnastics has two overarching strategies which form the basis of all its planning and are linked directly to the national strategy for sport “Reaching Higher” namely,
Strategy 1; For gymnastics to become a key sport for the delivery of grass roots exercise in Scotland.
Strategy 2; To improve pathways for all who wish to exploit them
The strategic process recently undertaken by Scottish Gymnastics supports both these High Level objectives and within this process it has been recognised that one of the main inhibitors to the growth of the sport is a lack of access to facilities at all levels. Indeed this is supported by the recent independent “Workforce Development Audit” (Dec 2006) undertaken by John Lyle Consultants on behalf of Scottish Gymnastics. The audit noted significant waiting lists throughout Scotland due largely to under provision/access to appropriate facilities. This is particularly concerning as the widely held view is that activity levels are falling particularly with teenage girls. Gymnastics has a strong opportunity to contribute to the reversal of this trend.
Scottish Gymnastics has also struggled in recent years to secure appropriate training time for regional/national squads. This is a major concern as gymnastics of the highest level requires significant training time in performance facilities (25-35 hours per week per gymnast). While it is recognised that Coaching standards are the main driver to reaching the top level, successful coaching cannot take place without facility access. Indeed, Scottish Gymnastics has employed its first two full time coaches in recent months and is looking to expand this network over the next 5 years. This process must however be complemented with a network of accessible performance facilities if we are to truly support our talent pathway.
Scottish Gymnastics is committed to providing complete pathways and with this in mind the association aims to create a network of dedicated facilities covering ALL Scottish Gymnastics disciplines across Sports Partnership areas. The main priority will be artistic facilities including new dedicated National standard facilities in Grampian, Tayside/Fife, Central and Highland. However the association will also aim to support the development of facilities for Rhythmic, Acro, Trampoline and Team Gym with GMPD access integrated into all development.
To read the full document please click here
