LONG-TERM ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT - Skate Canada

8. Domestic Competition Review
An optimal competition structure at all stages is critical
to athlete development; any structure must favour
athlete development. The structure of competition in a
sport has implications for selection, talent identification,
safety, cost and adolescent periodization tailor–made
to athletes’ developmental ages and their health. The
domestic competition and event calendar must support
and be consistent with LTAD.
Our current system of competition is based on tradition.
In redesigning our competition structure in Canada, we
need to consider that each stage of development and
level of participation have different requirements for
the type, frequency and level of competition. At some
stages of development, training and development take
precedence over competitions and short-term success.
At later stages, it becomes more important for athletes
to experience a variety of competitive situations and to
perform well at international and other high level events.
9. System Alignment and Integration
With so many partners, across so vast a country, with
different demographic composition, system integration
and alignment is a major challenge. Long-term athlete
development is only successful when all facets of
the organization work together in a coordinated and
integrated way. We have defined parents, leadership
and facilities as the main factors in system alignment
and integration. The role of each stakeholder and/
or infrastructure will vary according to the specific
stage of development. The following provides a brief
commentary on parents/guardians, leadership and
facilities. Please see Appendix B for further information
specific to the stage of development.
L o n g - Te r m A t h l e t e D e v e l o p m e n t
865 Sheord Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1J 1H9
Phone 613.747.1007 I Toll Free 1.888.747.2372 I Fax 613.748.5718 I Toll Free Fax 1.877.211.2372
11
Role of Parents/Guardians
Parents/guardians play a critical role in athlete
development although the exact roles and
responsibilities will change according to the stage. It
is important to note that at all stages of development,
the primary coach needs to direct the development of
the athlete in terms of on and off-ice training. Parents/
guardians should act as a source of emotional and
financial support and be aware of the critical focus of
each stage. One of the most significant contributions
parents/guardians can make to athlete development
is through the provision of healthy diets, the
encouragement of lifelong involvement in sport and
physical activity, and in particular at the earlier stages of
development, by acting as a role model in both of these
regards.
Leadership
Leadership in our sport is defined as club, section,
national volunteers/board members, professional
staff, official and athletes’ support team member. The
key role of Skate Canada leadership is to support and
enhance the decisions being made by the primary
coach by providing relevant and appropriate training
opportunities, programming, training environments,
performance and competition opportunities.
Facilities and Training Environment
Facilities and training environments must first and
foremost be safe and accessible for all participants.
The specific needs will vary according to programs
being offered within the specific facility but beyond
appropriate ice conditions, space should be provided
for off–ice training opportunities, adequate locker room
facilities for all participants/coaches, and space for club
promotional materials. Ideally, facilities will be warm and
welcoming, creating an environment optimal for athlete
progression.
“I make reference to LTAD now every time I’m doing a seminar, a coaching course or having a
discussion with colleagues. It makes total sense and is the way to future success in Canadian
skating; not just at the highest competitive levels, but from the entry level to Active for Life. I
believe in it!”
Louis Stong
Skate Canada Skating Development Advisor
Former World/Olympic Coach