Student Athlete Support: Nick Beasant.

Over the past decade, performance sport within the higher education sector has grown and developed at an ever increasing rate.  New government initiatives, National Governing Body partnerships, a focused strategic steer from BUCS and an institution’s own desire to develop both their sporting status and their own athletes have all moved the sector into a competitive and attractive marketplace for applicants.

Institutions will have their own target sports and performance programmes, all driven by differing factors such as geography, infrastructure and funding.  However, many sports specific leads, coaches and service deliverers all face similar issues when dealing with the challenges faced by balancing sport and academia within an HE environment.  Creating and managing a support network for athletes which develops their understanding of what is required to produce both academic and sporting excellence is vital.

At an institution which aspires to be ranked top 10 both academically and within the BUCS arena, it is recognised that athletes continually need to be supported in their sport-education life balance.  Tackling this includes offering detailed inductions, development and exit strategies for all designated athletes as well as offering personal mentoring, workshops and web based resources to assist with ongoing issues.

 A flexible approach to study and gaining an institutional wide ‘buy in’ to support this is vital.  Establishing a liaison with departments to oversee academic flexibility and being able to manage the relevant procedures surrounding deferrals and referrals offers athletes the choice and the opportunities to compete at the highest level even though there is a non-negotiable commitment to academic progression and completion.

 There is of course the added challenge of prioritising sporting obligations to ensure that not only the athlete benefits, but so do the NGB or squad in their chosen sport along with the University, as all of these parties will go a long way to supporting the individual’s development towards success.

 Establishing athlete agreements which clearly detail where University priorities lay and what expectations there are for sportsmen and women will avoid potential conflict and confusion.  However, the need to work with a specific sport to understand its pathway, the individual athlete’s position within the pathway in addition to their tournament and events schedule will mean that communication can be clear and potential clashes flagged up and resolved.  Acknowledging that athletes gain valuable experience and exposure whilst away with international squads, or at national competitions, can mean that they return better players, with fresh ideas and will become  leaders in their chosen sports back in University competition.

 Ultimately, the importance placed upon treating sportsmen and women as student-athletes will go a long way to ensuring that they retain a realistic work/sport balance but will also be able to focus upon and achieve their sporting aspirations.”

Nick Beasant- Sports Performance Manager at University of Exeter.