SPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN 2013-2016

SPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN 2013-2016

INTRODUCTION THE STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS FOR SASK SPORT ENGAGED ITS ACTIVE AND AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP AND FIRST NATIONS AND MÉTIS COMMUNITIES FOR IDEAS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A STRATEGIC PLAN TO GUIDE SASK SPORT S FOCUS THROUGH 2016. The Strategic Plan is a combination of the emerging themes from the engagement of Sask Sport s members and affi liates, and alignment with the Canadian Sport Policy 2012 framework. This will ensure that Sask Sport s members and affi liates priorities and concerns are addressed, and also supports the future vision of sport development across Canada as outlined with the Canadian Sport Policy 2012. This Strategic Plan charts a course that will maximize both sport excellence and the contribution sport can make to our society. Simply put, the plan focuses on: MORE SPORT. Better access to more sport opportunities for more people. BETTER SPORT. The pursuit of all forms of sport excellence at all levels, consistent with the best values of sport. MORE INTENTIONAL USE OF SPORT. Actively putting sport to work to help achieve broader community goals. MISSION STATEMENT SASK SPORT INC., AS THE FEDERATION OF PROVINCIAL SPORT GOVERNING BODIES, SUPPORTS THE SPORT DELIVERY SYSTEM TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SASKATCHEWAN RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE AT INTRODUCTORY, RECREATIONAL, COMPETITIVE AND HIGH PERFORMANCE LEVELS. 1

VISION SASKATCHEWAN HAS A SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT THAT HAS MORE RESIDENTS FROM EVERY SEGMENT OF THE POPULATION PARTICIPATING IN SPORT, AND INCREASED NUMBERS OF HIGH PERFORMANCE ATHLETES ARE ACHIEVING HIGHER RESULTS. This vision stretches the provincial sport delivery system to: Address the barriers of entry into sport in Saskatchewan to increase participation. Enable and support an increased number of high performance athletes to achieve higher results. Ensure a high level of collaboration and partnership among stakeholders. Advocate and promote the benefi ts of sport. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES THE FOLLOWING FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES GUIDE SASK SPORT: 1. The volunteer driven amateur sport system builds stronger and more inclusive communities and contributes signifi cantly to the social capital, quality of life, and economy of the province. 2. The lottery system in Saskatchewan is an essential fundraiser for sustaining the sport, culture and recreation delivery system. 3. Sport delivery is accessible and equitable and refl ects the full breadth of interests, motivations, objectives, abilities and the diversity and culture of Saskatchewan society. In Saskatchewan, we strive for broad based participation and success at high performance levels. 4. Principles of Canadian Sport for Life inform programming in all contexts of sport participation, recognizing that different participant pathway models exist. 5. Sport programs are based on clear objectives in order to achieve their desired outcomes. Monitoring and evaluation of programs and policies support improvement, innovation and accountability. 6. All sport programs are values-based, designed to increase ethical conduct and reduce unethical behaviour. Safety, fairness and ethical behaviour are foundational to attractive, fun, valuable participant experience. 7. Organizational capacity, partnerships, innovative funding, and sharing of resources are important to achieve system objectives.. The governance, management and operation of Sask Sport Inc. and its members will be consistent with democratic principles. The autonomy of each member to run their own affairs except where the action of one member affects the welfare of other members is respected. Members are mutually accountable to advance the broader interests of the sport system. 2

STRATEGIC PLAN FRAMEWORK THE STRATEGIC PLAN ENCOMPASSES THE FULL SPECTRUM OF AMATEUR SPORT PARTICIPATION. There were a number of key factors that contributed and influenced the discussion and development of the strategic plan and its framework. The fi rst Canadian Sport Policy, developed in 2002, introduced the four primary goals of Enhanced Participation, Excellence, Capacity and Interaction. It was adapted as the framework for Sask Sport s previous planning processes, and the core funding blocks for provincial sport organizations funding submissions shortly thereafter. The Canadian Sport Policy 2012, endorsed by Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers in June 2012, encompasses revised goals related to the participation contexts of introductory, Recreational, Competitive and High Performance sport. As mentioned, it also identifi ed Sport for Development as a policy goal. Strategic Public Interest Priorities were identifi ed between the Government of Saskatchewan and Sask Sport related to the distribution of funds from the Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund for the term of the current lottery agreement. These priorities give focus to certain current and future needs of citizens in communities throughout the province. The Aboriginal Sport Development: A Four-Year Strategy, Building a Foundation for the Future had been developed as a call to action to further mobilize the volunteer sport system in support of First Nation and Métis sport initiatives. The Canadian Sport For Life model, which recognizes the seven stages of Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) as a progressive pathway to build athletic ability and improve our sport programs. Alliances with national organizations such as KidSport Canada and the Canadian Sport Center network continue to develop, which influence the refi nement of operations and priorities. Most importantly, the feedback and dialogue with the membership during the Strategic Plan engagement process gave understanding to their priorities and concerns for the future vision of sport development in Saskatchewan. The fi nal result is that the Sask Sport Strategic Plan Framework will continue to utilize the four primary goals of Enhanced Participation, Excellence, Capacity and Interaction to guide our work over the next three years. However, a fi fth goal Sport for Development has been added (infl uenced by Canadian Sport Policy 2012). This new goal will capture sport s over-arching contributions as a tool for community building, social and economic development purposes, and the promotion of positive values. Additionally, First Nation and Métis population will continue to rise. As a result, consolidated objectives are retained in the Strategic Plan specifi c to First Nations and Métis populations. 3

The following diagram shows the interconnections and relationships the 2013-2016 Strategic Plan framework retains in regard to the key infl uences listed on the previous page. The Sport Division Forward Plan will use this framework to detail the annual operational initiatives enacted to reach desired outcomes for sport development throughout the province. MEMBERSHIP NEEDS & INTERESTS STRATEGIC PUBLIC INTEREST PRIORITIES CANADIAN SPORT POLICY 2012 SASK SPORT STRATEGIC PLAN 2013-2016 KIDSPORT CANADA 1. Enhanced Participation 2. Enhanced Excellence 3. Enhanced Capacity 4. Enhanced Interaction 5. Sport for Development CANADIAN SPORT CENTRE NETWORK PRIORITIES CANADIAN SPORT FOR LIFE LONG TERM ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT ABORIGINAL SPORT DEVELOPMENT PLAN 4

GOAL AREAS (2013-2016) GOAL 1 ENHANCED PARTICIPATION INTRODUCTION: Increasing life-long appreciation and participation across Saskatchewan communities is an important goal of Sask Sport. It will require increased collaboration, partnerships and resources within the Sport system and other sectors to achieve its potential to be sustainable, inclusive, and effective for all Saskatchewan citizens regardless of geographic, socio-economic, age or gender demographics. GOAL STATEMENT: Saskatchewan residents will engage in quality sport programs that will provide opportunities for communities, volunteers and athletes to participate in sport within the Long Term Athlete Development stages of: Active Start, FUNdamentals, Learn to Train, Train to Train, and Active for Life. OUTCOME #1 GUIDED BY THE LONG TERM ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT STAGES OF CANADIAN SPORT FOR LIFE (CS4L), THE NUMBER AND DIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN RESIDENTS ACTIVELY ENGAGED AS PARTICIPANTS, ATHLETES, COACHES AND OFFICIALS WILL INCREASE. Increase the number and accessibility of community sport programs providing participants with a fun and safe experience. Improve physical literacy of Saskatchewan children and youth. Qualifi ed community coaches and leaders deliver technically-sound fundamentals and skill development and are guided by ethical principles. Reduce barriers of entry to sport for marginalized populations such as inner city residents, disabled persons and new immigrants. Increase participation of girls and women in sport as athletes, coaches, offi cials, volunteers, and administrators. Introduce more sport opportunities within schools through greater collaboration and partnership with education systems. Athletes at all levels of organized sport have access to certifi ed coaches and offi cials. Sport competitions are offi ciated by competent offi cials who have the skill and judgement to support fair and safe competition. OUTCOME #2 FIRST NATIONS AND MÉTIS POPULATIONS ARE ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN ALL ASPECTS OF SPORT PARTICIPATION, DEVELOPMENT AND LEADERSHIP. Implement a comprehensive system to identify Aboriginal participation. Opportunities for leadership roles across First Nations and Métis communities are increased. Increase understanding the socio-economic and cultural landscapes of First Nations and Métis communities and how sport programming can be more effectively delivered through effective partnerships with First Nations and Métis organizations. Reduce barrier issues of First Nations and Métis communities, and enhance participation opportunities through the identifi cation and prioritization of specifi c challenges that First Nations and Métis people face. Increase understanding of the unique requirements of northern and remote communities, so that these unique needs are considered in program plans, resource allocation and scheduling. 5

GOAL 2 ENHANCED EXCELLENCE INTRODUCTION: Achieving excellence was equally important to Saskatchewan stakeholders. It was identifi ed that important needs were access to affordable facilities, high performance coaching and offi ciating, high performance competition, fi nancial support programs, and other performance support services for athletes and coaches. GOAL STATEMENT: Create an increased pool of Saskatchewan athletes, coaches, offi cials and teams who are systematically achieving success at regional, national and international levels through fair and ethical means following Canadian Sport for Life principles. OUTCOME #3 AN INCREASED POOL OF SASKATCHEWAN ATHLETES, COACHES, OFFICIALS AND TEAMS WHO ARE CONSISTENTLY ACHIEVING SUCCESS AT REGIONAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVELS THROUGH FAIR AND ETHICAL MEANS. High performance athletes living and training in Saskatchewan have access to Canadian Sport Center services that provide a world-class, multi-sport daily training environment through expert leadership, services and programs. Continue with programs that support employment of high performance coaches. Coaches and offi cials have access to customized professional development, and advanced education and certifi cation opportunties. Improve strategies for the systematic identifi cation and development of potential high performance athletes. High performance development is guided by the stages of the Long Term Athlete Development model and performance improvement infl uenced by sport medicine and science discipline services. Identify new, innovative and diversifi ed funding sources to support the developmental needs of high performance athletes, coaches and offi cials. Promote and profi le high achieving athletes, teams, coaches and offi cials. Strong partnerships and linkages with national and provincial sport organizations and agencies align, leverage and maximize developmental opportunities. 6

OUTCOME #4 KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS ARE ESTABLISHED TO MEASURE AND EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HIGH PERFORMANCE PROGRAMS. Advanced high performance planning initiatives lead to the improvement of high performance programs and results. Accountability measures are developed that assist sports to improve the effectiveness of high performance elements such as talent identifi cation, training, selection, competition, sport science and medicine, quality coaching, and organizational governance. Best practices, knowledge, and experiences are shared through networking opportunities to build a culture of excellence within the high performance community. OUTCOME #5 INCREASING NUMBERS OF HIGH PERFORMANCE ATHLETES, COACHES AND OFFICIALS FROM FIRST NATIONS AND MÉTIS POPULATIONS ARE ENGAGED IN HIGH PERFORMANCE SPORT OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH THE RECOGNITION OF THEIR SKILLS AND ABILITIES, AND SUPPORTED BY RESOURCES THAT ADDRESS BARRIERS TO DEVELOPMENT AND ADVANCEMENT. First Nations and Métis athletes are identifi ed and recruited for high performance talent identifi cation and training opportunities. The unique needs and conditions of Northern, First Nation and Métis persons are considered within strategic and operational high performance planning / scheduling. Extend support through the Aboriginal Coaches and Offi cials Program to include advanced Coaching and Offi ciating opportunities. Explore specialized fi nancial assistance opportunities to support First Nations and Métis athletes who have qualifi ed for provincial teams. 7

GOAL 3 ENHANCED CAPACITY INTRODUCTION: A diversifi ed source of fi nancial resources, modern facilities, and a strong core of human resources are needed to increase the capacity for growth from grassroots participation to high performance development. GOAL STATEMENT: A provincial sport system comprised of organizations, individuals, communities and institutions with suffi cient dedicated fi nancial and human resources to sustain development and enable growth. OUTCOME #6 LINKAGES AND PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN AND AMONG SPORT ORGANIZATIONS, MUNICIPALITIES / LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS ALIGN AND LEVERAGE ATHLETE, COACH AND OFFICIALS DEVELOPMENT, AND MAXIMIZE FACILITY UTILIZATION. Encourage collaboration among stakeholders to increase the availability of facilities for introductory, recreational, competitive and high performance sport. Advocate for a long term facility development strategy and facility support programs that can suffi ciently meet the high standards of competition and hosting needs of amateur sport. OUTCOME #7 A SUSTAINABLE AND DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL RESOURCE BASE IS IN PLACE FOR THE ONGOING DEVELOPMENT OF AMATEUR SPORT AT ALL LEVELS. Retain Saskatchewan Lotteries as the core fundraiser for amateur sport development within the province. Identify additional revenue opportunities for amateur sport through the National Sport Trust Fund charitable opportunities, Sport Legacy initiatives, charitable foundations, the private sector, and other fundraising opportunities. Ensure funding programs of the Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund are effectively supporting the critical needs of amateur sport, guided by sound principles, adjudicated fairly through the identifi cation of key performance indicators, and safe-guarded with high accountability standards. OUTCOME # CAPABLE VOLUNTEERS AND A PROFESSIONAL WORK FORCE ARE RECRUITED, TRAINED AND RETAINED. Identify strategies to increase the number of volunteers and salaried workforce across Saskatchewan supporting the development of amateur sport. Profi le and recognize the important contributions of volunteers within the sport system. Provide organizational developmental opportunities for volunteers to increase knowledge and awareness of their important governance responsibilities. Provide professional developmental opportunities for staff positions to support the development of their leadership skills and management functions. Continue to advance value-added services to provincial sport organizations such as sport consulting and administrative services.

GOAL 4 ENHANCED INTERACTION INTRODUCTION: Partnerships, collaboration and sharing of organizational knowledge, resources, and best practices are essential to achieve sport system objectives. GOAL STATEMENT: The components of the sport system are better connected, coordinated and accountable as a result of committed collaboration and communication amongst stakeholders. OUTCOME #9 INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIPS AND LINKAGES ALIGN AND LEVERAGE EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCIES AT COMMUNITY, PROVINCIAL AND NATIONAL LEVELS. Promote the benefi ts of sport as a builder of strong communities, a key contributor to healthy lifestyles, and essential to the quality of life in Saskatchewan. Continue working with other sport system stakeholders, as well as the private sector, to promote the intentional use of sport to increase participation towards improving the overall health and quality of life for residents. Enhance communication and partnerships with First Nations and Métis communities, leaders and organizations to increase cultural understanding and build relationships that lead to their increased involvement in the sport system. Incorporate the use of social media (as well as the enhanced use of the website) to more frequently communicate pertinent sport information and news. Provide effective forums to discuss essential issues and share information with the membership. 9

GOAL 5 SPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT INTRODUCTION: Recognizing that sport participation, particularly in recreational sport, contributes to a wide array of community benefits, there is growing awareness of the potential to use sport for social development purposes. The sport sector recognizes the importance of working together to deliver sport programs that build respect, tolerance and foster inter-cultural awareness and relationships, assist in the integration of new Canadians, and provide opportunities for youth at risk. Sport for Development is not generally associated with pathways or stages of development as described earlier in this Strategic Plan, as the emphasis is on social and economic outcomes, not the technical development of the participant. GOAL STATEMENT: Sport is an effective vehicle to enhance linkages and partnerships among stakeholders that foster and support social and economic development. OUTCOME #10 SPORT IS USED AS A TOOL FOR SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND THE PROMOTION OF POSITIVE VALUES. Sport and community development organizations collaborate to leverage sport programming intentionally for community building and social development objectives. The value of sport to develop leaders and role models in society is recognized and supported. Foster relationships with charitable sources and encourage charitable giving to support efforts for marginalized children and youth to experience the benefi ts of sport. Support opportunities to host regional, national and international events that increase visitors and promotes tourism to our province. Promote the value and impact of the sport system as an important economic generator and a positive contributor to reducing social, justice and health care costs within the province. 10

SASK SPORT INC. 170 Lorne Street, Regina, SK S4P 2L7 306.70.9300 www.sasksport.sk.ca