Sports

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India has MOUs / Agreements pertaining to Sports with Australia, France, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Maldives, Mauritius, Netherland, New Zealand, Seychelles, Turkey and Turkmenistan.

• MOUs/Agreements with Australia
• MOUs/Agreements with France
• MOUs/Agreements with Hungary
• MOUs/Agreements with Kazakhstan
• MOUs/Agreements with Kuwait
• MOUs/Agreements with Maldives
• MOUs/Agreements with Mauritius
• MOUs/Agreements with Netherlands
• MOUs/Agreements with New Zealand
• MOUs/Agreements with Seychelles
• MOUs/Agreements with Turkey
• MOUs/Agreements with Turkmenistan

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.

11.1 To avail of Government assistance, a National Sports Federation will be required to prepare detailed Long Term Development Plans, based on a 4 (Four) years cycle. Detailed Guidelines for drawing of LTDPs have already been issued to the National Federations for the Olympic/Asian Games disciplines, which are at Annexure X.

11.2 These plans are to cover all aspects of the sports, and will be expected to incorporate detailed plans covering the following specific aspects:

Development of Sportsperson
Coaching
Officiating
Participation and Broadbasing
Development of Clubs
Domestic tournament Schedule
Participation in International Tournaments
Hosting of Major Events
Professionalisation of management
Financial management
Marketing and promotion
Sports sciences
Facilities and equipment
Special Projects

11.3 Structure of the Plan

Structure of the Plan would include the following:

A statement of specific and measurable objective against each of the items mentioned above.
A statement of the long term perspective for the sport.
A Special five year plan for the IX Plan period i.e. 2007-08 to 2112-13
A detailed annual plan for the Calendar year.
A detailed financial statement of the cost involved and the projected income.
Detailed proposals for introducing professional management practices.

11.4 As most NSFs may require expert assistance to prepare detailed plans and also to follow-up in implementation, the NSFs may consider either appointing a committee of technical experts or a qualified professional for this work. The term of appointment of the technical committee or the professional, as the case may be, should correspond with the plan cycle.

11.5 Procedure for approval and monitoring the Plan

The plans as drawn up by the National Federations will be discussed in meeting of the Federation, the Ministry and SAI and an agreed programme will be finalised and concluded. This programme will include the following commitments:

The concerned National Federation will implement the provisions of the agreement and achieve the targets as set.
That the Ministry will commit its share of financial assistance.
That the SAI will make its facilities available according to the schedule approved.
11.6 To monitor compliance or non-compliance, a Committee consisting of representatives of the National Federations, the Ministry and the SAI will review the progress made against the targets set every quarter and will suggest corrective steps to be taken by the three agencies involved.Corrective measures as agreed upon will be taken immediately by the concerned parties.

11.7 In formulating their plans NSFs should also give due consideration to the following issues:

i. Democratic and healthy management practices, which provide for greater accountability and transparency at all levels.

Proper accounting procedures at all levels.
Proper functioning of affiliated units.
Measures for the protection of players interests, both during their playing careers and thereafter.
Introduction of an impartial machinery for the redressal of player’s grievances.
Organisation of tournaments at all levels.
Measures to broadbase and popularise sports, especially through the establishment of clubs, the organisation of local tournaments, and the creation of infrastructure.

The Ministry will provide necessary support and assistance to the proposals of various NSFs for the following items, with the concerned agencies, in order to ensure that the LTDPs, as agreed upon, are fully implemented:

For foreign exchange as required.
For import of all sports equipment, as required.
For customs duty exemption for these imports.
Sponsorship e.g. commercial T.V. sponsorship.
To upgrade the technical qualification and standards of tournament officials to enable them to do duty in major international tournaments.
For training of athletes and coaches abroad under Cultural Exchange Programmes.
For holding and hosting of major international tournaments in India.

10.1 NSFs are primarily responsible for judicious selection of sportspersons for participation in major international events based on merit and with the objective of enhancing national prestige and bringing glory to the country. As such the best sportspersons/team has to be chosen for representing the country.

10.2 The Selection Committee upto now consisted of the President, a representative of the Indian Olympic Association, an ex-international (an Arjuna Awardee or an international medal winner) to be nominated by the Govt., a nominee of SAI and the National Coach.

10.3 The Selection Committee now will be constituted by the Federation comprising of the President, the National Coach and eminent ex-sportspersons. From the Selection Committee Govt. and SAI Nominees are being withdrawn. Instead Govt. will appoint a Govt. Observer for each discipline, who will be associated with all the activities of the National Federation. It will be mandatory for the Federation to inform him about Selection Committee Meetings, important national and international competitions.

10.4 The Selection Committee shall make the following selections:

a. Probables for intensive coaching and final teams for major competitions like Olympic, World, Asian and Commonwealth Games/Championships and other important international events.

Internationally qualified official including referees/judges etc. to assist in the preparation of the national teams.
Medical personnel and sports scientists to assist in the preparation of the teams on continuous and systematic basis.

10.5 The National Coach will be selected by a Committee with President of the concerned NSF as its Chairman, DG, SAI, ED (TEAMS), one ex-international (preferably an Arjuna Awardee or an international medal winner) to be nominated by the Govt. and a nominee of IOA as its members from a panel prepared by SAI. The National Coach will be appointed by SAI after careful consideration of the name recommended by the Selection Committee.

10.6 The Selection Committee, in consultation with the Coach will chose other members of the Coaching Team.

10.7 The Team of Coaches, sports sciences experts etc. shall not normally be changed or modified once chosen until the Asian/Olympics Games are over.

10.8 The National Coach will evaluate the progress and performance of the sportspersons in the coaching camps and make recommendations to the Selection Committee regarding elimination of Sportspersons who show unsatisfactory performance. He may also recommend inclusion of new probables. The Selection Committee will decide the elimination/inclusion of sportspersons as recommended by the National Coach.

10.9 The SAI shall reimburse TA/DA to the National Coach and Govt. Observer for attending the meetings of the Selection Committee.

9.1 Government shall provide financial assistance to the Federations to meet the pay and allowances of Joint Secretaries/Assistant Secretaries as per Guidelines issued vide ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports letters No. 1-27/86-D(SP) dated 3rd September, 1998 and No. 1/28/88-SP IV dated 21st February, 1989 (Annexure IX).

The schemes involved are as under:

Exchange of Physical Education Teachers etc. (CEPs)
Exchange of Physical Education Teachers etc. (CEPs)
National Championship for Women
Grants for Creation of sports infrastructure
Grants to Universities and Colleges
Assistance for synthetic surfaces
Scholarships for training abroad
Expenditure under these schemes will therefore now be coordinated, where required with LTDPs of the concerned NSFs.

9.12 With respect to these schemes of the Ministry suitable enabling clauses will be added to each scheme so as to enable Federations to avail of the assistance offered under these programmes.