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The recent review of the implementation of the New Zealand Coaching Strategy highlighted the fact that the sport and recreation sector has embraced and supports the Strategy. But for SPARC to move on, objectives have to be identified, resources allocated and partnerships created to implement an energised and integrated approach for coaching in New Zealand.

The review has become a reference point for change. We need to establish an agenda for the change process that clearly focuses attention on the need not only to deliver quality services but also to plan sensibly and think strategically about what we do and why.

While dependent on SPARC to drive this process, national sport organisations, regional sports organisations, clubs, schools and all who support sports coaching in one way or another – RSTs, TAs, tertiary – also share the responsibility.

If we are to meet this challenge, it is essential to harness the joint efforts of the many players internally and externally to address and tackle the issues, offer more opportunities and ultimately to achieve success on a community, regional and national basis. A framework of opportunity and real alignment should be the goal, as it is now too big and too complex for any one organisation to achieve everything.

The evidence from the review clearly shows that:

• Coaching is central to developing, sustaining and increasing participation in sport
• Coaching drives better performances and increased success as well as supporting key social, health and economic objectives
• At all levels of society, coaches guide improvement in technical, tactical, physical, mental and lifestyle skills.
  
  Fine-tuning the engine that drives coach development

The review has provided an opportunity for SPARC to undertake an internal review of the strategic investment and alignment of a whole-of-sport model for the ongoing implementation of the New Zealand Coaching Strategy, which will include:

• Creating collaborative partnerships to quality-assure and deliver enhanced investment
•  Having customer-focused investment streams and aligned service delivery
• Creating a continuous professional development strategy.
• Driving innovative solutions in through technology and applied research.

Mike McHugh

Team Leader - Coaching