Consultation in Building The SSA Competitive Stream Plan

 
Hello Member Organizations,
 
One of the primary focuses of the SSA Technical Department for 2015 is on the development of a Competitive Stream Plan to compliment the plans that have been developed for the High Performance, Recreational and Grassroots Streams and complete the planning process for the SSA stream-based model. The SSA is committed to creating a participant-centred system that focuses on positive experiences and development. Based on the Canadian Sport Policy and Long Term Player Development model, participants within the Grassroots, Recreational, Competitive and High Performance Streams have different motivations, needs and goals. By creating separate strategies, plans and programs for each Stream, the SSA and our Member Organizations and Entities are better positioned to meet the needs of all participants.
 
According to the Canadian Sport Policy, the primary goal of competitive sport is to provide Canadians with the opportunity to systematically improve and measure their performance against others in competition in a safe and ethical manner. Aligning to the Long Term Player Development (LTPD) model, the Competitive Stream is also defined as the Soccer for Life - Competitive stage (Stage 7 - Competitive). Within the stream-based model, the Competitive Stream sits beside the High Performance and Recreational Streams rather than above or below as is the case in a pyramidal structure, providing a series of programs targeting the unique needs and wants of participants within this Stream. In order to provide a reference point, currently, the Premier Soccer League (PSL), Club Nationals, Indoor Premier or First Divisions and some travelling teams (depending on their focuses) would be considered a part of the Competitive Stream. It should be noted that work is required within the Competitive Stream for senior participants; however, the focus of this initial stage of planning will be on youth ages from Under 14 to Under 18. Once this process is complete, work will commence with senior groups to ensure the Competitive Stream is also serving their participants well.       
 
In addition to being committed to developing a high quality plan for the Competitive Stream, the SSA is also committed to engaging and consulting with our membership to guide this process. The first stage of the planning process has been to develop a "Plan to Plan", which will guide the process and identify the methods and opportunities for engagement and feedback for the membership over the coming months, with a goal of having this plan complete by the end of 2015. With this stage of the planning process complete, we are very pleased to share it with the membership and begin the next stage of the planning process.
 
Using the framework from the "LTAD Competitions Review for Team Sports" as a guide, the planning process for the development of the SSA Competitive Stream plan will consist of four steps:
 
Step 1: Identify and Define the Key Components of the Competitive Stream (April - June 2015)
Step 2: Analyze the Competition System and Identify Issues (July - September 2015)
Step 3: Develop Solutions/Alternatives (October - November 2015)
Step 4: Make a decision on direction (i.e. confirm the Competitive Stream Plan) (December 2015)
 
** The SSA Membership, in addition to staff and external experts, will be engaged throughout the process, with the membership playing a key role at a number of crucial junctures. General feedback opportunities will be provided to the entire membership at each stage of the planning process through email communication (such as this one) and/or online tools such as surveys or questionnaires. In addition, several communities that are either current or identified as potential future participants within the Competitive Stream will be targeted for deeper engagement. Alternate opportunities will be provided for communities, who are not currently involved in Competitive Stream programs, focusing more on the means of accessing these opportunities. Targeted communities will be contacted directly over the second half of June in order to plan the feedback and consultation process; however, as engagement and broad-based feedback is a goal of this planning process, any Member Organization wishing to ensure they are actively engaged in the planning process should contact me directly to discuss further. **
 
As outlined above, the first step in the planning process is to identify and define the key components (or key success factors) of the Competitive Stream. In general, these are the broad areas that need to be done well in order for the overall stream (and programming and participants within it) to be successful. There will be significant drill down required in each component as the planning process progresses; however, these components help to guide the next stages of planning and bring focus to the overall process.
 
Based on a review of available research and documentation pertaining to competitions review as a part of the first step of the planning process, the following are proposed as the Key Components to the Competitive Stream:
 
1.     Clear Pathway
All participants have a clear understanding of the Competitive Stream Pathway; including, Stream and program entry, transition and exit points, individual and team opportunities, progression within the Stream, and transition between Streams. 
 
2.     Quality Support
Participants have access to the necessary resources to support the achievement of their soccer goals within the Competitive Stream; including, coaching, training opportunities, officiating, sport medicine and science, technology, sport administration and management, facilities, and equipment.
 
3.     Developmentally Appropriate and Meaningful Competition
Competition is modified to align with the developmental needs of the participants and leads to results that are not predictable, fostering belief amongst participants that they have a chance to succeed.
 
4.     Barriers to Participation Managed
Participants and stakeholders are educated about and understand the Competitive Stream, which supports accessible and affordable opportunities for any participant with the necessary commitment and desire through the management of barriers to participation.
 
As a starting point to the feedback process, Member Organizations and Entities are encouraged to share this information and provide feedback that is gathered to me via email at d.nutt@sasksoccer.com by Monday, June 15 in order to allow time to review all feedback and incorporate it in to the Key Components prior to developing the tools necessary for step two of the planning process.
 
On behalf of the SSA, I would like to thank you in advance for providing your valuable insight and for taking the time to engage in this process.
 
Should you require more information or wish to discuss the planning process, engagement and feedback opportunities, or the Key Components of the Competitive Stream, please feel free to contact me by phone or email at any time.
 
I look forward to working with you on this ambitious project and to developing an improved direction for the Competitive Stream.
 
Best regards,
 
Dave Nutt
Director of Soccer Operations
Saskatchewan Soccer Association
Phone: 306-975-0826
Email: d.nutt@sasksoccer.com
www.sasksoccer.com