Participation vs Elitism

Participation vs Elitism

Presentation by Rob Colombo

2nd Vice PresidentCompetitive Standards Committee (Chair)

Question:What are your memories from participating in high school sports?


Question:As coach, what is your defining memory?


Why is it so often that these views conflict? Students tend focus on memories of

participation Coaches tend focus on competition results Teachers coaches’ views tend to be

different from community coaches’ views


Brings people together New skills are learned New friendships made There is a sense of belonging in

which everyone realizes they're part of one team, which is their school

Participation

http://www.mg.co.za/article/2010-11-30-competition-vs-participation

Competition is also healthy. It motivates learners to try even

harder. Winning is a morale booster. Further develops skills. There is also the sheer enjoyment

and fun of taking part in winning.

Competition


Positive competition involves determined but, crucially important, friendly rivalry.

Values such as perseverance, respect, being humble in victory and gracious in defeat are learnt.

When the competition involves teamwork, important life skills are taught. Everyone knows the team is more important than the individual. Together they can do so much more.

Competition


Increasing numbers of children who specialize in a sport at an early age

Media coverage of national & international competition has focused attention on very talented but very young competitors.

The successes of young athletes can serve as a powerful inducement for others to follow.

Elitism

Pediatrics, Jul2000, Vol. 106 Issue 1, p154, 4p

, train year-round for a sportand/or compete on an "elite" level.

Along with media coverage, the lure of college scholarship or a professional career can also motivate athletes (and their parents) to commit to specialized training regimens at an early age.

The low probability of reaching these

lofty goals does not appear to discourage many aspirants.

Elitism


Most Olympic sports have selection processes that attempt to identify future champions and initiate specialized training--often before the prospect finishes elementary school.

Elitism


“Traditionally, physical education in the schools, recreational sports, and elite sport have been developed separately…fails to ensure that all children, including those who may choose to become elite athletes, are given a solid foundation and knowledge base”

SPORT FOR LIFE

http://www.canadiansportforlife.ca/

(“Own the Podium”)

“The results of the survey show that while sport school programs have grown and evolved in BC, they are not currently catering to high performance athletes and may not be providing a high quality training environment for their student-athletes”

SPORT FOR LIFE

http://www.canadiansportforlife.ca/

(“Own the Podium”)

1. The enrichment of the high school experiences of students within the context of the educational mission of schools.

2. As such, school sports should be educational and contribute to the overall education of all students, not athletes only.

3. Citizenship, Sportsmanship, fair play, teamwork, respect, and health and welfare of all students not only during the school years but continuing into

adulthood.

SCHOOL SPORTSEncyclopedia of Education, 2002

The Objective of School Sports:

There is a lack of uniform standards for coaches education

“Rogue Schools” that focus on single sports, elite programs, & recruiting

High School programs generally emphasize competition and program success


Other Findings:

(rather than developing skills for the next level of athletic competition)

Programs for talented young athletes (and by extension some coaches) to participate in a sport after the school season, but during the school year and have expanded in the summer

Some of these programs also compete directly with school sports


Nonschool Sports:

In Terms of Participation:

In a small group, record you answers on the forms given.

What does BCSS do right?

LINK

In Terms of Competition:

In a small group, record you answers on the forms given.

What does BCSS do right?

Inconsistencies between sport commissions Inability to attract financial support RECRUITING (rogue schools)

Requires members to report Public vs Non-Public schools (perceived) Requires court proof evidence

THESE ARE ADULT PROBLEMS!

What are some concerns with the BCSS model?

1. Are we about participation or elitism?

2. Are we meeting the needs of our students (athletes)?

3. What should we continue to do well?4. What can we do better?5. How do we address our concerns?

Solutions?????

Participation vs Elitism

Sports

Transcript of Participation vs Elitism