Athletics Ireland to Manage Athlete Carding Scheme

 Athletics Ireland has published the new Carding Scheme for 2014 which it will operate in partnership with the Irish Sports Council.

This significant development for Irish athletics arises from the implementation of the Council’s International Carding Scheme Review which was carried out in 2012.

The Review recommended that direct funding to athletes be retained and that it should be delivered via the performance plan of the National Governing Body. Importantly, this transition will see all direct financial supports from the Irish Sports Council and Athletics Ireland consolidated into one programme.

The Carding process will become a seamless element of Athletics Ireland’s Performance Plan which is dedicated to delivering success for Irish athletics at the highest levels of international competition.

Kevin Ankrom, Performance Director, designed the Carding Scheme for the specific requirements of Athletics Ireland and to ensure the transition brings real benefit to the athletes. Ankrom will work in close collaboration with the Irish Sports Council to ensure a smooth transition and the complete implementation of the Review.

The Carding Scheme for athletes for 2014 identifies athletes who will receive support in the calendar year based on their performances at major championships and their ability to deliver medal opportunities in the future.

The key elements of the 2014 programme include:

1. The establishment of a new selection panel for 2014 which includes High Performance Director, Ankrom, National Endurance Coach, Chris Jones and Junior Performance Manager, Jacqui Freyne
2. The Carding Scheme includes five levels of cash grant aid plus various degrees of services including; sports science and medical assistance, support to travel to key international competitions and major championships, and support for personal coaches.
3. A newly established appeals process with independent panel members has been introduced.

The 2014 Carding Scheme will again involve five layers of cash support in addition to substantial extra support services provided by Athletics Ireland.

– Podium athletes are seen as having medal potential for 2016/2020 and can receive up to €40,000. For example, to receive the funding they will have had to deliver a medal performance at World Championships or Olympics Games.

– World Class, International and Development athletes are seen as having realistic Olympic potential in 2016/2020. World Class athletes can receive up to €20,000 and will have for example have delivered a top 6 European Championships performance/ top 12 at World or Olympic Championships. International athletes can receive up to €12,000 and will have for example delivered top 8 performance at European Championships /top 16 at World or Olympic Games. Development athletes can receive up to €8,000 and will for example have achieved a top 16 at European Championships/ top 8 European U23 Championships.

– Emerging athletes are seen as having Olympic potential for 2020 and can receive up to €3,000. To receive funding they will for example have achieved a top 12 performance at World Junior Track and Field Championships/ top 8 at European Junior Track and Field Championships

In addition, carded athletes will also receive sports science and medical support in the form of physiotherapist services, nutritionists and financial support to enable athletes to travel to key competitions which are seen as integral in preparation for major championships.

For an athlete receiving the maximum cash grant of €40,000 with the added performance services, travel and competition and coaching support the estimated value of funding support can total up to more than €65,000.

Athletes receiving the second layer cash grant of €20,000 will also likely benefit from support services to the value of more than €30,000 while the athlete receiving €12,000 cash can also avail of the package totalling approximately €20,000.

The 2014 Carding Scheme will also include an appeals process, established by Athletics Ireland with independent members which will provide an avenue for athletes to resolve possible disputes over carding in an efficient, expeditious and fair manner.

The appeals process will comprise a 3 person panel approved by the board of Athletics Ireland. This process will assist athletes who wish to appeal the decision of the selection panel in the carding scheme process.

Kevin Ankrom stated: “The selection panel is confident that we have delivered a fair and equitable carding system with robust criteria which will support athletes in delivering more medals on the world stage over the next three years. The levels of assistance in cash and support services are very favourable when compared with countries of similar size and scale and we are confident that the tiered approach gives the maximum number of athletes an opportunity to step up to the plate and receive support from the Association and the Irish Sports Council”.

John Foley said: “I am delighted that as an organisation that the Sports Council deem our governance to be in position where we can now manage our carding process. He added that “We have been fortunate in challenging times to have continued to receive significant investment for our High Performance Programme from the Irish Sports Council and we’re happy that our system reflects the responsibility associated with receiving this grant support.”

 

Athletics Ireland

For Further Information see High Performance Details

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