HAVERING MAYESBROOK A.C.

COMPETITION AIMS SUMMER 2003

Key Principles

The club aims to provide a range of appropriate competitive opportunities for our large and growing membership of all ages.  In line with the uk:athletics’ proposals, our approach is therefore primarily athlete centred and has the development of athletes at its core.

This means that through the club’s participation in a variety of league and other events, athletes will be able to take part in competitions appropriate to their ability and experience that will enable them to improve and progress as athletes and to fulfil their aspirations, ambitions and potential in the sport.

Athletes should compete in their own age group wherever possible but where opportunities for competition clash on a particular date, the guiding principle for team managers, coaches and athletes should be to give priority to the competition which best meets the needs of the athletes concerned. In stating this principle, the club accept that this may from time to time conflict with the desire to field the best possible team. 

To support team managers in working to these principles, the club has set out the following priorities for competition in the summer 2003 season.  The fact that some competitions may be given lower priority than others does not mean that the club values these competitions less. Rather it means that we value them as important opportunities for

(a)       the development and progression of those many athletes who may not be automatic first choice selections; and

(b)       for athletes who may already be first choice selections, to compete in events other than those they specialise in, as part of their development. 

Key Priorities for 2003

General aim: To continue to provide high level competitive opportunities in the relevant national leagues.

Seniors 

To improve, or at worst consolidate and retain, our position in the National Leagues – i.e. British Athletic League Division 4 (Men) and UK Women’s Athletic League.

To compete with distinction in the national Cup Competition(s).

Juniors:

Ladies – To secure a top four placing in the NJAL Southern Premier League and thereby qualify for the national final.

Men – To win a place in the annual promotion fixture providing the chance to gain promotion to NJAL Southern Premier Division, in order to provide enhanced competition opportunities.

Under 17s

National Young Athletes League – To gain a high enough placing in the Southern Premier Division, to gain a place in the national final in September.

Specific aim: To encourage athletes to seek appropriate development and progression opportunities through other relevant competitions e.g. open meetings, county championships, regional championships, national championships.

Other Priorities for 2003

General aim: To continue to compete with distinction and remain at the highest possible level in all relevant regional and other leagues.

Southern Men: Seek promotion to SML Division 2, to close the gap in standards between BAL and Southern League

Southern Women: To consolidate a place in SWL Division 1 in order to provide additional good standard competition for senior and junior athletes already competing in the UKWAL teams and those who aspire to be.  Also to provide additional and appropriate competition opportunities for under 15s (and u17s in designated events), while recognising the heavy demands on these athletes and seeking to protect them from over-competition wherever possible.

Eastern Young Athletes League: To secure, through a top-6/8 league finish, a place in the annual end of season Trophy Final, while at the same time providing relevant competition and club representative opportunities for a wide range of young athletes.