pacific games, noumea 2011 - Oceania Athletics Association

Dear Friends and Colleagues,
In 2009 the Oceania Athletics Association (OAA) became
the first Area Association of the IAAF to embrace the
concept of ―decentralisation‖, being one of the goals
established for the future development of the sport of
athletics globally and embodied within the framework of the
World Athletics Plan.
As part of this process, the OAA has taken on the
responsibility for both the High Performance Training Centre
(HPTC) and the Regional Development Centre (RDC) and
they now form an integral part of the Association‘s structure.
The RDC ―Managers‖ role, as distinct from the previously
recognised ―Directors‖ role reflects this new arrangement
with the position being carefully integrated into the OAA
staffing and management structure which will ensure closer
coordination of activities and efficiencies in operations.
The OAA Council effectively fills the role as the RDC Board
of Management, in partnership with the IAAF Member
Services Department, which allows Oceania Member
Federations a greater degree of input, through their elected
representatives, into the planning and operations of the
RDC with courses identified and tailored specifically to the
needs of the region.
The Oceania Gold Coast, RDC continues to deliver the high
standard of services and course opportunities expected of
RDC‘s around the world, of which this bulletin is one small
but important part.
An attempt has been made to ensure as far as is possible
that the articles in this Bulletin are relevant to Oceania and
penned by ―home grown‖ identities from around the region
including a selection of respected statisticians, sports
scientists, team coaches and others. Included also is the
outline of recently introduced IAAF Coaching Education and
Certification framework which is designed, in part, to
underpin the establishment of a workable coaching structure
within our member federations. It has become clear that this
―structure― element of coaching development is not well
understood and a matter which we plan to address in future
relevant RDC course content and during OAA workshops.
The report on the Kids Athletics program in Oceania is
timely particularly now that all of our Member Federations
have actively embraced this initiative with qualified
instructors in place throughout Oceania. It is important that
EDITORIAL
the rollout of this activity continues and that the instructors
remain active to ensure our sport remains the leading
participatory sport in schools across the region, providing
a solid foundation for the future development of Athletics
at all levels.
I am sure you will find this edition interesting and
informative, however if you would like to share news of
activities in your Federation or to share your expertise in
your chosen field with your colleagues across Oceania,
then please consider submitting articles and stories for
future Bulletins by contacting the OAA Office.
Geoff Gardner
OAA President
Oceania RDC Bulletin 2011 Page 4