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CSC representatives were also asked to identify services that they believe are missing but that should be provided outside the CSC. A number of gaps in the current system of services were identified. These are:
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Basic needs of athletes: some CSC representatives argue that the basic needs of athletes must be met (i.e., food and accommodation) in order to free the athlete to focus on their training and development. Athletes often face difficulties in “making ends meet”. They may retire with a significant debt load. This additional stress detracts from their training. One respondent contrasted Canada to the US, stating that universities in the US are providing meals to athletes, ensuring that they receive three balanced, nutritious meals daily.
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High quality coaching: Additional assistance or emphasis on high quality coaching was identified as a need by a large number of interview respondents. Several interview respondents argue that all high performance athletes should have access to high quality coaching, yet some sports do not have a full-time national coach, or coaches have too many athletes under their responsibility. Some noted that coaches’ salaries are paid on a piecemeal basis, and that many coaches are not even working full-time. Sport Canada, NSOs and CSC are all contributing to coaching salaries. Respondents argue that this is too fragmented and inconsistent. One respondent stated that Canada is not supporting our coaches sufficiently, and is losing the best to other countries. Several also identify a need to increase the number of specialists working with coaches (e.g., sport psychology).
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A less fragmented system: Several interview respondents noted that the sport system in Canada is very fragmented. A great number of organizations are involved in sport. Often, athletes (as well as the public) do not know where to go for different issues or needs. As a result, one interview respondent stated that CSCs end up acting as a referral service for requests. One respondent also stated that the fragmentation of our system is also evident in our piecemeal training environment.
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Additional competitive opportunities: A number of interview respondents argue that many athletes do not have sufficient competitive opportunities, either nationally or internationally. Athletes need exposure to competition (particularly international competition) in order to learn to perform under pressure. In addition to more competitive opportunities, a few respondents noted the need for financial support or assistance to get athletes to events. Some athletes are asked to pay large sums out of pocket to attend competitive events which they may not have the financial means to do.
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Better links between sport and education: A few respondents believe that sports should be better integrated with education in many instances. Many athletes do not have access to flexibility in their education to accommodate their training schedule. One respondent highlights the difference between varsity and non-varsity sports, and argues that more sports should be offered in varsity. This respondent believes that athletes in varsity sports have better access to services, and are given much more flexibility in their education (e.g., in schedule).
Gaps identified by one or a small minority of interview respondents include:
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Re-entry of previously carded athletes: One interview respondent noted that there should be a way for previously carded athletes to re-enter the sport system without having to start over from zero. This individual noted that there have been cases where an athlete has won a medal, retired, but then changed their mind. They return into the system, but have lost their status, and are treated almost as a burden to their sport.
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A need for incentive systems: One interview respondent argues that the system should recognize higher levels of achievement or performance by providing additional access to services.
11.5How to Allocate Additional Resources
CSC representatives (athlete service managers and presidents) were asked to identify what they would change about the services they offer high performance athletes if they were to receive additional resources in their annual budget. Specifically, they were asked what they would do differently with an extra 10 per cent annually, an extra 30 per cent annually, or an extra 10 to 30 per cent for one year only.
Most interview respondents stated that if their budget were to increase by 10 per cent annually, they would simply provide more services in the categories they are already providing to improve access to services and provide greater support to athletes. One respondent also noted that they would contract sports health and science experts to provide services to ensure that athletes can continue to return to the same suppliers, thereby building a rapport. A few respondents stated that they would invest the additional 10 per cent in coaching salaries.
A few respondents stated that with 10 to 30 per cent more in their budget they would focus on providing additional assistance to the high end athletes with the greatest performance, and provide these athletes with additional services and equipment. According to one respondent, this investment will help further improve the performance of these athletes, resulting in more medals, inspiring the next generation of athletes and having a positive impact on the system overall.
With 30 per cent more resources annually, many interview respondents indicate that they would focus in additional areas of need, such as increasing support for coaches, and services to developing athletes (future national and Olympic team members). Several emphasize the importance of investing additional resources in coaching. One respondent also noted that they would retain more sport science and health experts (e.g., sports psychology, strength training, nutrition, physiologists) with an additional 30 per cent.
Several respondents also noted that with a 30 per cent increase in budget, they would attempt to focus on developing centralized facilities, where athletes could meet and train together, and receive services in an integrated fashion.
With additional resources for one year only, some stated that they would make the same investments identified above, but only for one year. Several, however stated that if the increase were for one year only, they would invest in equipment and materials. This could include sport science equipment, computers, or sports equipment. One respondent noted that if they received additional funds in an Olympic year, they would provide additional support to athletes and coaches to help them prepare (including support to attend competitive events at which they can prepare). A few respondents also noted that a one-year investment is not a very worthwhile option, as it does not make sense to make a short-term investment in coaching or athletes.
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