European Athletics High-Performance Conference

1. European Athletics High-Performance Conference 23-24 November 2013, Frankfurt (GER)

2. Group Members

3. General observations • Real diversity of members of the group • Federations facing existential challenges • Small steps of improvements within their capabilities have been done • Two strong themes • Need for coach develpment • Need to promote relationhips

4. What can federations really do to affect the performances of elite athletes? • Ensure there is a track and facilities • Develop coaches • Relationship • Education • Build relationships with the athletes • Promote physical education in schools • Develope a medical service framework

5. What are the reasons European athletes seem to compete less than successful athletes from other areas? • Training methodology • Lack of opportunities • Finance – expensive to travel to competitions • Pressure to keep funding

6. What can we do to improve the planning of performance developement and the provision of services to elite athletes and their coaches? • Recentralise services and management • Develop coaches • Manage medical status through a smartphone app • National focus on a particular event • Build tracks => competition scheme • Reduce the stress of athletes

7. Professional coaches • Document the work of coaches • Know your history to avoid making the same mistakes • Finance of athletes and coaches • Service contracts with athletes and coaches • Training centers

8. Recommendations for European Athletics • More communication • Encourage IAAF to stage the WC later in the year • High performace coaching summits • More competitons for young athletes who dont reach the top competitions • Training centers and camps • Joint cliniques for coaches and athletes • Internet forum for head coaches • Model for talent identification system

9. Thank you