12.1 While drawing up the LTDPs, NSFs, may also keep in mind Ministry broad approach on the views mentioned below:
(a) Promotion of Sportspersons’ Interest and Measures for their Welfare
The MYAS recognises that all the measures contained in the Guidelines, though they may pertain to plans and programmes of NSFs, are essentially meant to provide the right sort of environment in which a sportsperson or an athlete is able to perform to his maximum capability. Hence, an essential feature of the conditionalities included in the Guidelines will relate to the protection of sportspersons’ interests and their welfare, and for the quick and impartial redressal of their grievances.
The major issues involved have been identified as follows:
Introduction of transparent selection procedures at all levels. Where possible and practical, NSF will be required to introduce seeding and ranking systems which will provide an automatic and transparent system of selection. The selection criteria as notified by the NSF, shall be circulated and explained to all the athletes concerned at least two to three years in advance as far as major competitions such as Commonwealth/Asian/Olympic Games is concerned and in respect of other important championships, this shall be done at least six months in advance, In all cases selection procedures as laid down in Para X shall be invariably followed.
Each NSF will be required to introduce a machinery for the redressal of players grievances. This machinery will be required to be vested with the authority to redress grievances speedily. Appeal and other procedures are therefore to be codified and circulated.
NSFs will be required to evolve a system by which players on the verge of retirement may opt for any specialised training required to become coaches, referees, umpires, technical officials, judges etc. as the case may be. Financial assistance to assist in this programme will be provided by the Ministry.
(b) Holding of International Tournaments in India
The Ministry recognises the importance of attracting international tournaments to India. The impact of such events on the spread, popularity and general development of a sport can be considerable, and far outweighs any direct expenditure involved.
However, it is equally important to ensure that these events are properly and professionally managed, so that India develops a credible image abroad as a reliable venue to host and hold such tournaments.
From the stage of bidding, upto the actual conduct of the tournament itself, it is important for all the agencies involved to work in the closest possible coordination, especially considering the large number of clearances and approvals required both at the State and Central levels.
On being informed of an NSFs interest in hosting any major international tournament in India, a Special Task Force is to be constituted by the National Sports Federation in each case to coordinate all follow-up action to be taken.
Separately, the Ministry will consider in detail, requests for financial assistance against specific items of expenditure for equipment or infrastructure development. In doing so, the Ministry will be guided by the following points:
The importance of the event.
Profile of the sport in India.
Total budget of the event, including foreign exchange outflow/earnings.
Extent to which the tournament it compatible with the objectives stated in the LTDP.
Potential for TV coverage, and hence sponsorship.
Whether it involves the construction of an international level facility.
Whether the management and organisation of the tournament is in professional hands.
The Ministry also recognises the vital role of reputed sports promoters in assisting NSFs in hosting and conducting such tournaments, especially as bigger and more prestigious tournaments are allotted to India in the years to come.
The Ministry also recognises the crucial importance of commercial TV coverage, both as a source of income for the organisers, and also as a means to spread the popularity of a sport, and will, therefore, pursue all related matters with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
(c) National Tournament Schedules
The Ministry realises that a strong domestic tournament schedule, with the widest possible spread throughout the country, if properly organised and managed is the best way to popularise a sport, while simultaneously raising standards.
While preparing their Long Term Development Programmes, NSFs will be required to commit themselves to developing a properly coordinated and comprehensive domestic Tournament Schedule, identifying clearly the organisers at each level, costs involved.
The NSFs organising the tournaments should take care to make good arrangements for the boarding and lodging of players so that the players are able to perform in a congenial environment.
(d) Upgrading and Professionalising Managing Practices
One of the most striking and debilitating elements of sports management in India is the lack of professional skills available to National Federations to plan and implement detailed programmes for the long term improvement of sports. This problem is becoming more acute with the increase in commercial practice followed by Federations worldwide. An analysis of systems followed elsewhere in the world shows that, in general, office-bearers are honorary employees and therefore, find it difficult to manage the complex workings of large Federations without taking outside help. This approach has been found to be practical and workable without diminishing in any way the status or responsibility of Federation Executives.
The Ministry of Sports also recognises the importance of introducing similar practices in Indian Sports Federations, and would like the National Federations to upgrade their administrative and technical set up by appointment of qualified personnel in Finance, Administration and Coaching. MYAS may consider partially reimbursing the NSFs for meeting the cost of qualified personnel provided the norms laid down by the Ministry are followed. Normally Federations will be advised to employ persons only on contract basis.
(e) Registered Chartered Accountants to be appointed
One of the conditions which the Ministry will insist upon before committing themselves to providing extensive financial assistance to a NSF against agreed items of expenditure, will be the appointment of a registered chartered accountant and submission of annual audited statement of account for all Federations receiving grants. These accounts will have to be submitted to the Government alongwith the annual plan.
(f) Towards Financial Self-Sufficiency
Should any NSF wish to become completely self-financing, and therefore autonomous in the true sense of the word, they may be considered for partial one time assistance to meet the cost of any consultant of professional agency, selected to help them achieve this objective.
The only condition in these cases is that the prior approval of the Ministry would be required to the terms and conditions of the consultancy.
(g) Plans for Broadbasing
The lack of an extensive and organised playing base has been rightly identified as one of the main reasons for India’s poor sporting standards.
While preparing their Long Term Development Plans. National Federations will be expected to identify the specific measures they propose to initiate to broaden the playing base.
This exercise is to be done with specific reference to the following:
i. School and Colleges.
ii. Network of clubs.
iii. System of extensive local competitions.
Although the requirements and plans for each Federation will differ substantially, specific and achievable targets are to be projected by each Federation.
(h) Special Training of Athletes
The requirements of the Federations in this sector would need to be distinctly and separately worked out for Seniors, Juniors and Sub-Juniors. Depending on the current standard, and other factors, due priority would be given at the appropriate level. For example, where current domestic standards are far below international standards, emphasis would be placed on the Junior and Sub-Junior programmes.
In order that the SAI can also develop and build its expertise in specific disciplines, it would be necessary to identify a specific training centre for each discipline so as to ensure that the best in coaching, equipment support, and scientific and medical support is available for that discipline at that venue. This would not mean that athletes cannot be trained at other venues (for altitude, winter training and other purposes) but hat one centre alone will maintain all their records.
(i) Improvement in Coaching Standards
The standards, utilisation and development of coaches in respect of each discipline, is basic to any long term plan to improve sports. The specific requirements of each Federation in respect of each aspect of coaching would therefore need to be worked out in detail. While undertaking this exercise, Federations are advised to consider the following:
Making better use of ex-Olympians and senior players, who have the potential for becoming a coach, by giving them the added responsibility of coaching.
Using the various facilities offered by International Federations and the IOC to significantly improve coaching standards.
Suggesting different coaching grades on the international pattern to make the best use of coaching skills.
Introducing a system of accountability for the performance of coaches at every level.
It is acknowledged that the management of coaching is a complex problem requiring a detailed exercise in respect of each Federation. It is for this reason that proposals to enable Federation to make use of professional advice have been included in the section on improving management standards.
(j) Plans for Upgrading Officiating Standards
Officiating standards in India, with a few exceptions, have yet to come up to internationally accepted levels.
A concerted effort now needs to be made to upgrade the standards of all categories of officials in each discipline. The objective, at the highest levels, should be to create a cadre of internationally accredited and recognised officials, who would be available for international duty.
The specific plans of each Federation, in this important area would need to be worked out in detail.
Where necessary and required, the assistance of the concerned International Federation itself should be taken.
(k) Sports as Business - Promotion and Marketing
The Ministry recognises the significant commercial potential in organised sports, particularly at the senior level, and would like to see Federations develop making full use of this potential. To do so will require promotional and marketing skills of a high order.
The Ministry would therefore consider endorsing projects, which are basically commercial and self financing, which are implemented through reputed sports promoters or other commercial agencies.
