Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Decision Report

1. Executive Summary

1.1. This report considers an amendment to the list of sports formally linked to the Hampshire Talented Athlete Scheme (HTAS), Free Access for National Sportspeople (FANS)and Free Access for County Sports People (FACS) schemes.

1.2. Sport England is financially supporting 46 Governing Bodies of Sport. The current list of sports supported by HTAS, FANS and FACS does not match this and there is therefore some inconsistency across the three schemes.

1.3. All three schemes are constantly under review which is particularly relevant at a time when Whole Sport Plans are being submitted by National Governing Bodies which may in turn determine in some cases a degree of additional targeted support to the Hampshire area.

2. Background / Contextual Information:

2.1. Talented Athletes in targeted sports are invited to apply for annual partnership funding to assist them with the costs related to competing at a national/international level in their sport (HTAS). The support enables athletes to offset some of the expenses incurred by training and competing. Eligibility criteria for the scheme is set out in Appendix 1.

3. Budget Position:

3.1. The scheme runs annually from January to December and the base budget for 2009/10 is £46,000.

4. Criteria of Grant:

4.1. The partnership funding distribution criteria is set out in Appendix 1.

5. Other Considerations:

5.1. Legal Implications

The Council has wide powers under Section 19 Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 to provide recreational facilities and to contribute by way of grant or loan towards expenses incurred by voluntary bodies in providing such facilities.

5.2. Race and equality impact has been considered in the assessment of this application and no adverse impact has been identified.

6. Recommendations:

6.1. That the list of sports formally linked to HTAS, FANS and FACS is updated to reflect those currently supported by Sport England and that those 46 sports (with the exception of Exercise Movement & Dance as they have access to alternative funding) are included in all three schemes.

CORPORATE OR LEGAL INFORMATION:

Links to the Corporate Strategy

CRITERIA FOR THESE GRANTS:

HAMPSHIRE TALENTED ATHLETE SCHEME - APPLICATION INFORMATION

Deadline for applications is 30 October 2009

What is the Hampshire Talented Athlete Scheme (HTAS)?

Competing at the highest level in any sport is an expensive business. Travel, equipment, training, coaching and physiotherapy - the costs soon add up. Sport Hampshire & IOW and Hampshire County Council, in partnership with Southampton City Council and Portsmouth City Council, offer the HTAS to help reduce the financial burden on talented sportsmen and women and provide supplementary support for them to reach their full potential.

HTAS works at three award levels, Gold, Silver and Bronze, each providing varying levels of support. Award levels are determined by specific performance standards. Please see Appendix 1 for full details.

Who is eligible & what standard should I be participating?

The HTAS is aimed at young talented sportsmen and women who are residents of Hampshire, including the unitary authorities of Portsmouth and Southampton.

Applicants must be 11 years old or over, although the committee gives priority to individuals aged 11-25 years of age. Applications from other age groups are welcome, particularly where peak performance is normally achieved later.

To qualify for HTAS you must meet all the following criteria:

· Participating in a sport which is supported by the scheme - see Appendix 3

· Able to demonstrate that you are performing at an International or National competition standard in elite level sport, and / or inclusion in the National training squad.

N.B. Performance standards will be verified by each applicant's respective NGB. We will seek endorsement to ensure that individuals are competing at the appropriate level to match the criteria.

What type of support do I receive?

HTAS gives you flexibility to select which support packages best suit your circumstances. The following support is available:

· Grants up to £500

· Free access to training facilities - according to the operational guidelines of the FANS scheme

· Discounted 4SM fast track physiotherapy and sport science support

· Free or reduced public transport (subject to availability)

· School based mentoring scheme

· Access to an annual Sport Science Conference

For full details of the scheme support please see Appendix 2. Please note that benefits are subject to availability and are at the discretion of the awards panel committee.

Can I apply if I already receive sponsorship or funding?

Yes, sportsmen and women are actively encouraged to seek additional sponsorship and grants.

When can I apply?

Awards are made once a year, with applications open from August - October. The deadline for 2010 applications is the 30th October 2009 and successful athletes will become members of the scheme from January - December 2010. Applicants who are re-applying for support must demonstrate that they have made progress in their sport. Please see the application form for details.

How are applications made?

Applications for HTAS should be made on the attached official application form. Applications that are not completed in full or not returned by the closing date will not be considered.

What additional information do I need to send with my application?

You will need to enclose the following with your application:

· 4 x passport photographs with your full name printed on the reverse of each photograph. Photocopied or scanned photos will not be accepted. Unsuccessful applicants will have their photographs returned.

· Completed bus pass application form (if required)

· Additional information as proof of performance standard eg competition results, or squad invitations (optional)

What do I have to do once I receive my HTAS award?

As part of the application form, you are asked to sign a declaration that states that you have read and agreed to the terms of conditions of HTAS. This includes agreeing to reference Sport Hampshire & IOW and Hampshire County Council's support in any press releases or interviews you undertake and making yourself available for promotional opportunities where possible. Terms and Conditions are detailed on the application form.

Financial Assistance for Talented Young people in Sport award (FATYPS)

The FATYPS award is an additional fund available from Hampshire County Council specifically to support athletes from low income families. If you wish to be considered for this award please complete the relevant section on the application form. You will then be contacted by Hampshire County Council in the near future to obtain further information and be put forward for the award. Please note that this award is only available to athletes who are under 18 and in full time education.

Appendix 1- Levels of Support

· Level 1 funding

· Sign up to 4SM scheme

· FANS membership

· Free Bus Travel Card

· Free Sport Science Conference

* The award level and possible support available is at the discretion of the awards panel committee and subject to availability

Appendix 2: Hampshire Talented Athlete Scheme Benefits:

Grants: To be used for any costs incurred in relation to elite sports performance. The grant will be in line with the award level gained and is at the discretion of the awards panel committee. A significant proportion of the funding made available has come from Hampshire County Council, with contributions coming from Southampton City Council and Portsmouth City Council.

Free Annual Bus Travel Card: This card gives selected HTAS members access to free travel upon selected bus networks within Hampshire including Southampton and Portsmouth. It has been developed in partnership with Stagecoach, First Group and Blue Star buses. Due to limited availability, the card will be available to selected athletes only with priority given to higher award levels.

Sport Science Conference: A sport science conference will take place once a year and will be offered to all HTAS awardees. The conference will be delivered by sport experts (BASES accredited) and will include areas such as:

· Sports Nutrition

· Strength & Conditioning

· Psychology

· Biomechanics

School based mentoring scheme: This has been developed to support those HTAS members that are within full time education. The following sets out how schools may be able to achieve enhanced mentoring with these specifically talented young people:

· Provide support, guidance and advocacy for young people on school/sport balance

· Provide a forum for listening to young people about worries and concerns over their school/sport life and intervene when possible.

· Help young people maintain both their academic and sporting achievements.

Appendix 2 (cont) - Hampshire Talented Athlete Scheme Benefits

Sport Science & Medicine for Hampshire's Talented Athletes (4SM)

What is the scheme
An opportunity for Hampshire's elite sportspeople to access high quality physiotherapy and podiatry.

What does it cost?

£35 for any HTAS member

Where can I get treatment?

The 4SM has agreements with both Southampton University General Hospital and Basingstoke Area Sports Injury Clinic (based at North Hampshire Hospital) to deliver acute injury treatment under the 4SM scheme. Details on how to contact these clinics will be given out if you select this support and are successful in your application.

Key benefits

· Fast track physiotherapy appointments offered within 3 working days of your initial call - no GP referral needed

· Treatment between 7.30am to 5pm, Monday-Friday

· Onward referral and cover for podiatry if required (cost of orthotics not covered)

· Full athlete report following appointment giving the name of the injury, a prognosis of optimal injury recovery, a management plan, advice on special exercises, recovery training and activities to avoid.

How long does it last?
Membership will be for 12 months from January to December 2010.

How do I apply?

Joining the 4SM is optional. Simply tick the box marked on your HTAS application form if you wish to join or opt out of the scheme. If your application is successful we will take the appropriate fee (£35) directly from your award. Your membership to 4SM will then last for 12 months.

Exclusions:

1. Athletes under 16 years with spinal trauma should go directly to their GP and not via this scheme as there is the possibility that this type of trauma can trigger something potentially more serious. If acute they should go to Accident & Emergency.

Appendix 2 (cont) Hampshire Talented Athlete Scheme Benefits

Free Access for National Sportspeople (FANS)

The FANS scheme is an important sports development initiative that aims to provide support and encouragement to the county's leading elite sports performers. The scheme provides International and National level sportspeople with free access to a number of the county's sport and leisure facilities at times agreed with the facility, for personal training and development.

Your Entitlement:

· Each FANS member will be entitled to free use of facilities of their choice during designated times, when the facility is open, provided there is no disruption to other users and no additional cost is incurred by the facility.

· FANS members will choose their top three facilities in order of preference.

· FANS members will be allowed one free training partner if the sport so requires and/or a personal coach if appropriate.

Your Responsibility

· Members and their parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring that the Member's use of a facility is both safe and appropriate.

· Once the athlete has received the FANS card, he/she must, the first time they go to use the designated leisure facility/school, make their presence known to the staff/management responsible for FANS, and discuss practical arrangements and specific guidelines established within the facility.

Application Process

Membership to the FANS scheme is optional. Simply tick the box marked on your HTAS application form if you wish to join or opt out of the scheme. If you wish to join the scheme, please indicate your three facility choices in the spaces provided. For a list of available facilities, please visit www.sporthampshireiow.co.uk//funding_and_support/talentedathletes. If your application is successful we will issue you with your relevant card at which point your membership will then be in place for 12 months.

Appendix 3 - HTAS Supported Sports

This year we are working with the 45 sports Sport England have invested money in for their whole sport development plans:

Angling Boxing Golf Netball Snowsport Waterskiing

Archery Canoeing Gymnastics Orienteering Squash Weightlifting

Athletics Cricket Handball Rounders Swimming Wheelchair Basketball

Badminton Cycling Hockey Rowing Table Tennis Wheelchair Rugby

Baseball/Softball Equestrian Judo Rugby League Taekwondo Wrestling

Basketball Fencing Lacrosse Rugby Union Tennis

Boccia Football - Girls Modern Pentathlon Sailing Triathlon

Bowls Goalball Mountaineering Shooting Volleyball

Guidance Notes for Application

Before you start:

1. Ensure that you meet the following criteria:

a) You are competing Nationally or Internationally. To qualify you should be ranked #15 or higher nationally in your age in elite level competition and / or representing your country as part of a national team or squad.

b) You are competing in one of the 45 sports listed in appendix 3.

c) You are a resident of Hampshire. Please note that if you are a student, either yourself or your parents should live full time in Hampshire.

d) You are aged between 11-25years (however applications will be considered from sports where peak performance is usually achieved later).

During completion:

1. Ensure you complete all the sections as stated, providing as much information as possible. Incomplete forms will not be considered

2. Ensure you have read the Terms and Conditions (section D).

3. Ensure that the application declaration (section C) is signed by the athlete or the athlete's parent or guardian (if under 18yrs).

4. Ensure that you have completed the photo consent (section C).

5. Ensure that you have selected all the benefits you wish to access (section E).

After completion:

1. Once completed, check your application and complete the application checklist on the front page.

2. Ensure you have enclosed all the following:

a) 4x passport photographs with your name printed on the reverse.

b) Any results, or national squad invites that can be used as supporting evidence of your performance level.

c) Your completed bus pass application form (should you require it).

3. Return the completed form to:

HTAS Applications

Hampshire County Council

Sport Section

Mottisfont Court

High Street

Winchester

SO23 8ZF

Please note that any applications received after the deadline date (30 October 2009) will not be considered.

Once returned:

1. Once we have received your application, it will be checked.

a. If sections are incomplete, the application will be returned to you requesting further information.

b. If the application is completed fully, you will receive notification that it has been received and that it will go forward to the November awards panel meeting.

2. Your application will be sent to a representative from your National Governing Body to verify your performance level and to seek recommendation for an award.

3. If successful at the awards panel you will receive a letter detailing your award and all other relevant information. Please be aware that your details will also be added to our HTAS web page profiling you as an athlete.

4. If unsuccessful, you will be notified by letter no later than 2 weeks post the awards panel meeting date.

If at any stage you require assistance in completing this application form, please do not hesitate to contact the team; 01962 845178, [email protected]