From britdisc-owner@csv.warwick.ac.uk Wed May 14 16:57:36 1997 Received: by pansy.csv.warwick.ac.uk id QAA03193; Wed, 14 May 1997 16:40:27 +0100 (BST) Received: from [137.205.222.1] by pansy.csv.warwick.ac.uk with ESMTP id QAA03141; Wed, 14 May 1997 16:40:12 +0100 (BST) X-Sender: serai@mail.csv.warwick.ac.uk Message-Id: <l03102805af9f8ba4dded@[137.205.222.1]> In-Reply-To: <199705141526.QAA26067@nernst.chem.gla.ac.uk> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Date: Wed, 14 May 1997 16:42:06 +0100 To: britdisc@csv.warwick.ac.uk From: Dave Neilson <D.P.Neilson@csv.warwick.ac.uk> Subject: Re: Sports Council recognition Sender: owner-britdisc@csv.warwick.ac.uk Precedence: bulk Simon (Mud Culture) wrote: >Excuse my ignorance, but what exactly is at stake here? What would the BFDF >gain from Sports Council recognition? Would it be just a wad of money, or >would they help or advise us in setting up coaching sessions at schools / >universities, aim to qualify current or past players as coaches, or what? This is a good question. The following is an extract from the latest letter written in support of our (BFDF) application: QUOTE As you will be chairing the next meeting of the recognition group, I thought that this might be an appropriate time to re-iterate why we, the organisers of Flying Disc Sports in Britain, are applying for Sports Council recognition. What benefits does Sports Council recognition bring? Credibility First and foremost gaining recognition by a government body brings with it a seal of approval which can open doors. It helps gain media exposure; plays its part in reassuring potential corporate sponsors and gives credence in dealings with other organisations. Confidence With official recognition comes the confidence for those administering an emerging sport (which may already have achieved some sort of critical mass amongst its playing population) to drive for longer term goals. The creation of coaching schemes, schools development initiatives, investment in personnel and facilities, all of these activities require the longer term planning that can only come with the reassurance that the sport will be attracting new members and improving in ten or twenty years time. Compatibility When other countries are actively developing their youth development programmes and giving their national squads exposure to competition at international level, it requires a nationally recognised organisational body to act as a focus for information and action. Official recognition assists the development of the sport beyond the inward vision of those playing at local and county level, and encourages a broader vision and active participation in the governing of the sport on a world stage. You will already have our completed application form along with a wealth of supporting documentation which I submitted for the May meeting of the recognition group. Since you were not present at that meeting, I think that a reminder might be useful. Overleaf [below] is a brief summary of what we perceive as the benefits of Disc Sports which, I think, brings out their appropriateness to both school and community-based development programmes. Disc Sports ... ... are Simple to Play. There are many variations of disc games - just as there are numerous school yard ball games - which are very simple to teach and learn, but there are also a collection of disc sports played to a set of internationally agreed rules. This family of sports includes individual, pairs and team activities which can be played competitively and recreationally. ... are Inexpensive. There are a range of sports discs suited to all standards and disciplines, but even the most specialist are very low in price compared to other sports equipment. ... Promote Fair Play. When the rules of disc sports were first drafted in the mid to late sixties, the founders introduced a mutual respect clause which perhaps captured the mood of those times. Subsequent changes to the rules have retained this 'Spirit of The Game' placing responsibility for good conduct and fair play in the hands of the individual disc player. Consequently, the need for referees or umpires is effectively removed. There were doubters back in the sixties, but over twenty five years later even the world finals are contested without referees and with no apparent loss of competitive edge! ... are for Everyone. Disc sports are strictly non-contact which makes them accessible to all age groups and both sexes. In addition, since disc skills are transferable across the family of sports, the disc enthusiast can develop throwing and catching techniques throughout a lifetime of sporting activity. ... are Different! Disc sports offer a refreshing change to other team and individual sports most of which use a ball. The hand/eye co-ordination required to achieve a degree of competence in throwing and catching a flying disc is reward in itself, but the quick learning of the basics rapidly leads the newly captivated disc thrower to test out their disc skills in a situation more demanding than simple throw & catch. ... are FUN! The infectious friendly spirit which pervades all disc sports is not confined to the field of play and the social aspect is an integral part of every tournament and gathering. This attitude is also reflected in the colours and designs of discs themselves, as well as in the innovative sportswear and fashions. We look forward to your reply. UNQUOTE The above was copied to everyone on the SC Recognition Panel. In a nutshell, recognition does not mean automatic DOSH! But as Kevin Lowe has graphically explained, without SC recognition we cannot apply for Lottery money and many other doors remain closed to us. Sam Neilson BFDF.