THE CHALLENGES WE FACE


Throughout the Canadian sport system, shortcomings have been identified that can be addressed by implementing the principles of long-term athlete development in sport programs across the country. Ultimate Canada has reflected on the shortcomings and articulated how these impact Ultimate and athlete development. All parts of our system must recognize program shortcomings that impact athletes in the long-term – including coach and player development, leadership, facilities and competition.


Player Development


To excel in Ultimate, players must be aware of the development pathway and be educated and exposed to appropriate training conditions throughout their development. Without an agreed-upon national model to follow, the athlete’s development pathway is unclear and Ultimate players will continue to be developed across the country in an inconsistent manner. Current Ultimate development opportunities are inconsistent with sport development literature, which supports a stage-by-stage approach.


Shortcoming


Fundamental movement skills are not taught properly during childhood.


Developmental athletes over-compete and under-train.


Impact


Athletes lack fundamental movement skills when joining youth Ultimate programs leading to a longer learning curve in order to perform basic Ultimate-specific skills.


Preparation is geared to the short-term outcome — winning games — and not to the process (e.g. skill development).


Over-competing leads to chronic injuries and burnout.


Process and criteria for identifying elite players is not nationally defined.


There is no talent identification (TID) system. Parents are not educated about LTAD.


Parents do not necessarily register their children in developmentally appropriate programs. Important development stages are skipped or shortened.


Ultimate Canada could be missing talented athletes. Athletes may miss out on opportunities to excel in Ultimate.


ULTIMATE CANADA LTAD


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