Developing a sports programme for the whole school

Is developing a high-performance programme for the entire school a feasible dream? This was the key question for session 2 of the IBSC International Boys' Schools Coalition Boys in Sports Ideas Lab. High performance, in its truest form, seeks to unlock and maximise the full potential of each individual. (The aim of education?) Yet the journey towards achieving this ideal is shaped by many factors unique to each school programme. In reality, factors such as the number of pupils, the tradition of certain sports and the policy on participating in sports all influence how each school can develop a high-performance sports programme for the entire school. This exploration is about elevating student-athletic excellence and developing a sports environment where every student, regardless of their role in the team/sport, can thrive and reach their maximum potential. You have scenarios of overloaded students (often those playing in your ‘major’ sports A teams and especially those playing both a summer and winter sport) and students who are not engaged in sport at all.

Here are a few key takeaways from our session:

Defining success in sports- Success in sports can be a multifaceted concept. While winning and skill development are often considered crucial components. Is it possible to evaluate the smaller triumphs along the way, such as the number of boys playing that sport and whether students have a lasting desire to participate in sports? What are the little ‘wins’ along the way?

Sports Policy- When formulating sports policies for schools, it is necessary to review them to ensure students' comprehensive, holistic development. Schools should clearly state the priority/core/major and second/minor sports codes. The decision to offer certain sports is influenced by various factors, including the number of students playing the sport, financial requirements (coaches' budget, facility upkeep, equipment, etc) and the available sporting facilities. It's important to strike a balance between offering a diverse range of sports and achieving ‘high-performance’ outcomes. For instance, it is unfair to have 80 squash players when your facilities can only accommodate 40 players. The students cant maximise their development.

Workload- Managing the workload of top/dual student-athletes, particularly those who participate in the priority/core/major sport, presents an ongoing challenge. It is essential to emphasise the importance of education and the role of stakeholders, such as parents and coaches, in this process. Effective communication (what does that look like?) among coaches across different sports (summer and sport) is crucial in managing student-athletes overall well-being. Ultimately, the decision-makers must focus on the individual rather than the sport. The question remains: how much is too much, and how much is too little? Students must first and foremost perform in the classroom.

Year-round sports- Could we consider a comprehensive approach to student-athlete development that encompasses the whole year? That would involve physically preparing student-athletes for 365 days a year through cross-training and skill-focused workouts? Additionally, could we expand this approach to include the development of sport-specific emotional intelligence (EQ) and cognitive abilities (IQ)? How many practices are required for that sport and age group?

Education- Schools are in the business of education, and possibly it’s time for us to start looking more at the educational areas of physical/sport development? Educate students, parents, coaches, teachers about holistic development and overtraining etc. Implement physical testing at schools, and guide students through the process. Educate students about technique (gym) training, and nutrition.

Feeder schools- Building strong relationships with feeder schools is essential for a thriving sports programme.

A school sports programme is about maximising each student's ability and ensuring that every student thrives.

What challenges and solutions have you encountered in your school's sports programme?

Let's share and learn from each other's experiences. #IBSC #BoysInSports #HighPerformance #SchoolSports"

Jimmy Davies, Greg Di Losa Alan Lion-Cachet Jonny Mallett Benn McBrearty James Melville Charles Meredith Jamie Pybus Ashley Robson Reuben Spicer Jack Joslin Bruce Collins (he/him)