MODERNISATION OF SNOWSPORTS - Alan Jones NWSF

In November 2003, Fiona McNeilly, Operations Director of Snowsport GB (SSGB) gave a presentation to its Congress on Modernisation. This followed the publication by UK Sport of a report ‘Investing in Change’ – High Level Review of the Modernisation Programme for Governing Bodies of Sport (IC), prepared by Deloitte and Touche. Fiona was one of the consultees selected to represent National Governing Bodies (NGBs). A booklet, National Governing Bodies of Sport: Success Criteria / Model Framework (MF) has also been published to assist NGBs in considering and implementing a modernisation programme. The Congress agreed that major organisations would compile a report on their ideas by the end of January. This is just within the very tight time scale suggested in the Reports.

Independently (knowing that the Sports Councils were offering funding to assist with modernisation), I had resurrected and updated my proposals (first circulated some years ago) for a single governing body for snowsports in the UK. The new version was circulated to Snowsport National Governing Bodies (SSNGBs) in May 2003 (copy attached). It would appear that my arguments for change are similar to those presented by Fiona. However, she did not go so far as to suggest a possible new structure, as I have done. I have received little response to my paper and I am not aware that it has been debated within any of the SSNGBs as yet.

I have now had a chance to study the IC report and MF. Although hard reading, these documents appear to offer very positive opportunities and support to the NGBs. They give the NGBs the opportunity for self assessment and comparison with an appropriate model (depending on the size of the NGB and other criteria). There is no compulsion for NGBs to modernise nor are structures rigid or prescriptive. However, the guidelines are clear and detailed, and NGBs are being offered appropriate assistance from the Sports Councils both to draw up and to implement an appropriate strategy for modernisation. I think they would be foolish not to take advantage of this opportunity and, indeed, some are known to be doing so already.

Unfortunately it is not practicable to try to make a brief summary of the IC and MF: the recommendations are too wide ranging and complex. Even the Executives Summary within the IC runs to 8 pages. I have however selected a few quotations which I think are of particular relevance to snowsports and these are attached. It is worth noting the high staffing levels being recommended: probably higher than any of the SSNGBs employed in their heyday.

This paper is intended to stimulate debate from the grass roots and to ensure that the Boards of the SSNGBs give due consideration to the matter. It is important that any new major planning strategy has wide support within the organisation. I have already circulated a number of papers on Development Planning (in addition to those on facilities) for Snowsport England (SSE formerly ESC) which have not always been favourably received. However, it appears to me, from what IC recommends NGBs should be doing, that the SSNGBs (SSE in particular) are not completely fulfilling their roles as Governing Bodies of Sport (as seen by a consensus of NGBs). I am therefore encouraged to think that my views on Development Planning are along the right lines. This, in particular, refers to the need to serve the sport as a whole (not just the Members) and to consult widely with all stakeholders.

From studying the IC and MF, it seems to me that, if the SSNGBs do not modernise, they will soon die. If the SSNGBs do not look after the interests of all snowsport participants, whether or not in membership, there can be little justification for public funding (except perhaps the elite through SSGB). I would therefore recommend that the Boards of all the SSNGBs and their Members should give very serious consideration to the IC and MF, through as wide a debate as possible. Unfortunately meaningful debate can only take place between those who have taken the trouble to study these documents together with A Sporting Future for All.

Before SSNGBs spend too much time on detailed planning, they must come to a clear agreement on whether to go for a single SSNGB or to retain separate SSNGBs for the four Home Nations (or to adopt the halfway position outlined in my paper). IC does not recommend one or the other, but draws attention to the implications of both structures, which need to be considered in relation to the particular sport. In considering this difficult issue, the key differences between snowsports and other sports need to be taken into account. I see these as the fact that snowsports can only take place to the full abroad (or in Scotland, climate permitting); and that snowsports comprise an exceptionally wide variety of activities. Some research amongst all snowsport enthusiasts (not just SSNGB Members) will be needed to resolve this issue and others in the modernisation programme. Research will also be needed to determine appropriate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the sport as a whole and to determine demands for local facilities more accurately.

It is interesting to note that IC offers some advice to the Sports Councils as well as to NGBs. It is disturbing to note from the reported discussions of the Congress that the representatives of the Home Nations did not appear to have been aware of the recommendations within IC in advance, although it had been published four months before the Congress. Furthermore, it was well known before this that funding was available from the Sports Councils for modernisation. In these circumstances, I would have expected Modernisation to have been a major item on the agenda for the November meeting of the SSE Council and a significant item within the Snowsport England Development Plan 2004-2007. I have not seen Plans for other SSNGBs.

Alan Jones, a grass roots skier (in several disciplines) of 40 years standing.

References

‘Investing in Change’ – High Level Review of the Modernisation Programme for Governing Bodies of Sport, UK Sport, July 2003

National Governing Bodies of Sport: Success Criteria/Model Framework, UK Sport, July 2003

The above may be viewed, downloaded or ordered through http://www.uksport.gov.uk
or access local copies: 'Investing in Change',   'Model Framework' Part 1 and 'Model Framework' Part 2.

A Sporting Future for All, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, April 2000

The above may be viewed, downloaded or ordered through www.culture.gov.uk or access local copy.