Post summary
A coherent and aligned participant development model (PDM) forms the basis of decision making for National Governing Bodies (NGBs) in sport. Past iterations of the PDM delivered by Cycling Ireland have been anchored to existing models such as the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Model. This linear model based primarily on the physiological attributes of development does not speak to the nonlinear and biopsychosocial nature of the talent development environment. This means the model of reliance for developing cyclists is based on general observations and key windows of development along a physical maturation continuum. This standardised approach negates aspects such as late entry to the sport, participants not wanting to move towards competition, or a performer wanting to move back to participation from their previous competitive endeavours. While attempts have been made to align this LTAD model to the multitude of reasons and motivations for participation (see Appendix 9 Cycling Ireland LTAD Booklet), this model presents an idealistic model “for” the development space within Cycling Ireland but not necessarily “of” it. The model also suggests routes for movement between both participation and performance yet does not allude to how this is supported. From existing research, we are distinctly aware that the performance and participation continuums are not mutually exclusive and are interlinked or “synergistic” (Bailey et al. 2010). At present there is a gap in knowledge relating to; (a) performers and participants direct experiences of their journey in cycling, (b) how support for growth is given to those viewed as “plateaued” on the existing model and (c) how alignment is reached across the multiple departments within Cycling Ireland. Concerning Cycling Ireland’s strategic plans the proposed research aligns itself to pillars one through three (participate, performance, enablers for success) by identifying what participants and performers wants and needs are right across this space.
Therefore, our aim in the proposed study is to conduct an appraisal of the needs of cyclists along the developmental continuum in an aim to:
(i) inform and/or align pre-existing models developed by Cycling Ireland with a view to aid in the creation of a new participant development model (should one not already exist) and
(ii) understand the key transition points and the support structures needed to ensure continued participation at these junctions.
The proposed study aims to conduct an appraisal of the needs of cyclists along the developmental continuum in an aim to:
(i) inform and/or align pre-existing models developed by Cycling Ireland with a view to aid in the creation of a new participant development model (should one not already exist).
(ii) Understand the key transition points and the support structures needed to ensure continued participation at these junctions.
The following research questions will be encompassed and addressed in our research design:
From an active start, fundamentals and learning to play and practice standpoint, do adolescent participants at this stage in their development envisage they will go on to further engage with cycling?
If not, what are the barriers to access and / or continued progression, has sport been continued outside of cycling?
How do regularly active participants suggest sustained participation can be developed to enhance membership in the organization and/or further develop the participation base?
What are the retrospective viewpoints of performance-oriented participants on their journey along the developmental continuum and where do they see their sustained performance progressing or regressing too?
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