DIPAS Framework Application for Practitioners

The DIPAS framework is created to present the findings of this study in a medium that is accessible for practitioners and academics. It is intended not only to be used as a presentation of knowledge and to prompt further

153

research in this area, but also as a framework to aid decision-makers in para-athletics. The research was conducted in the UK. At the outset the findings were intended to be used by UK Athletics to determine the effective allocation of resources, ensuring efficient use of public spend and increase the success of the British Athletics Para Team.

The DIPAS framework, while created in the context of the UK, has implications for the management and development of para-athletics globally. The intention is to assess the applicability of the DIPAS framework in other nations creating a platform for comparative research in the field of para- athletics and therefore parasport more broadly. Aside from the knowledge created by this and future research, the framework is designed to be used by practitioners in para-athletics to increase competitive success and enhance the elite sport systems that support para-athletes. To that end, it can be used in the creation and development of national elite parasport systems. The DIPAS framework presents the determining factors that lead to international parasport success in para-athletics. Additionally, in the absence of any existing parasport framework, sport specific or generic, the DIPAS framework is worthy of consideration for nations designing all elite parasport systems.

The framework can also be used to determine how best to support an individual. A practitioner can consult the framework to identify the support level needs of a specific athlete. Consideration of their specific needs should be structured around their nature of impairment, support level needs and care level needs, not just classification and event based. The DIPAS

154

framework can be used within club and educational institution setting to efficiently allocate resources, target funds and implement support services. The practitioner will simply answer three questions to help design a bespoke, individualised support programme: What is the nature of the athlete’s impairment? What are their individual care needs? What are their equipment needs?

Taking a specific factor into consideration as an example, practitioners can use the framework to develop para-athletics talent programmes. Consultation with the framework prompts consideration of the diverse nature of impairment and encourage the inclusion of separate approaches for individuals with acquired and congenital impairments rather than on a classification or event basis alone.

The DIPAS framework presents the para-athletics specific variables and their influence on the factors determining success. Practitioners can use the framework to design a differentiated elite sport system for para-athletics, which is dependent on the variable factors identified; nature of impairment, equipment needs and care needs. Understanding of these variables and the implications of them on the support of para-athletes, through the DIPAS framework, will assist in the development of strategic targeted funding to achieve two key objectives:

1. Increased return on investment

155

The amount invested by nations in the pursuit of international parasport success varies considerably. As nations increase funding, in order to maintain competitiveness in the ‘Global (Para)sporting Arms Race’, interpretation of the DIPAS framework provides developing nations with guidance for decision making. The DIPAS framework can help decide the best use of limited resources and will enable consideration of costs associated with the variable factors identified. The intention is to maximise both success in the design of a system and ensure calculated allocation of resources.

156

TABLE 5.1

Determinants of International Para-Athletics Success (DIPAS) Framework

Financial support Governance, Organisation and Structure Sport Participation

Talent identification and development

Athletics and post- career support

Athlete carer pathways Training facilities

Coaching provision and

education (inter)national competition Scientific Research

Congenital

The complexity of increased federations

and disability sport associations (DSAs)

Mainstream schooling and non-disabled participation require para-athlete to overcome ability-based barriers and significant individual introduction to parasport. Specialist schooling

may introduce para-specific events in a high care need

environment

Rapid progression, National level to Major championships within

the short time frame (first international frequently major championships) Accessibility; buildings, transport,

Lack of support for para coaches, including:

Mentoring, specific education and development opportunities.

Appropriate inclusion of para coaching in mainstream coach education. Distinction needed between differentiation and inclusive practice. Progression

from participation to performance. An integrated approach (the club set up).

Linked to rapid progression, lack of classification competitive opportunities, variation depending on event group (increased competitive opportunities for wheelchair track and those who can compete against able-bodied

athletes)

Lack of research understanding training science for

specific impairments.

Acquired The complexity of increased federations

and disability sport associations (DSAs). Military rehabilitation centres; specific charities

(Help for Heroes') and event organisations (Invictus Games) Pre-impairment- acquisition non- disabled participation

Dependent on the age of impairment acquisition, able-

bodied participation pre- acquisition at lower level

Entry to sport at a late age. The transition from

rehabilitation to elite sport. High Support Needs Support needs to perform day to day

tasks (care needs) and sport specific care needs (V.I.

Guide) Specialist schooling may introduce para specific events in a

high care need environment.

Care needs support at competition. Classification based competition Coach/athlete/ carer relationship and dependency unexplored. High Equipment Needs Specialist equipment costs for wheelchair events, seated throw

frames and prosthetic limbs. Essential charity support to enable participation Bespoke, high-cost equipment needed to participate

Funding requirement to _{enable participation.} Throwing _facilities

Sport technology and engineering research is

157

5.3.2 PARTICIPATION AND TALENT MANAGEMENT IN