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GUIDELINES FOR ASSISTANCE TO
NATIONAL SPORTS FEDERATIONS
Objective &
Guidelines
II Recognition
II Eligibility
II Grants Coverage
II Procedure
1. Introduction
Sports and games have been widely recognized as an essential ingredient of
Human Resource Development. The Government of India attaches considerable
importance to development of sports in general and achieving excellence in
the Olympics and other international events in particular. Performance of
Indian team in important International Sports events has, however, remained
for from satisfactory, which is a matter of serious concern for the
Government. It has been the endeavor of the Government to streamline the
procedures for effective coordination among various agencies involved in
promotion of sports and extend required infrastructure, training and other
facilities to the sportspersons for achieving excellence in the
international events in the coming years.
1.2 Over the years a number of National Sports Federations (NSFs) have
come up for development of specific games/sports disciplines. The Government
of India in achieving their objectives has actively supported these
Federations. Existing Guidelines for assisting National Sports Federations
had been reviewed and revised based on the experience of our preparation for
Asian Games, 1994 and Olympic Games, 1996 as well as recommendations of the
Committees set up for promotion of sports. The revised Guidelines were given
effect from 10th July, 1997.
Keeping in view the discussions held with IOA and National Sports
Federations some provision of these Guidelines have again been amended.
1.3 These Guidelines mark an important departure from the approach
followed in the past. The major innovations and changes included in these
Guidelines are
(i) A clear demarcation and identification of the role and
responsibility of the agencies involved in sports development and promotion.
(ii) Clearly defined criterion for determining priority categories
for Government assistance.
(iii) A discipline specific project approach to be adopted in
processing cases for financial assistance.
(iv) Detailed guidelines for preparation of Long Term Development
Plans laid. Provision made for annual sanctions of development plans. Also
greater flexibility in meeting the specific requirements of Federations.
(v) Binding tripartite agreements between NSFs, the Ministry and
the SAI to be drawn up.
(vi) An emphasis on professionalising and upgrading the
administrative and financial management of Federations.
(vii) An emphasis on systems to handle players grievances.
(viii) The appointment of registered chartered accountants to
ensure maintenance of proper and transparent accounts.
(ix) Recognition of the role of sports promoters, particularly in
event management.
(x) The flow of funds to Federations will also include a
substantial portion of the funds of other major schemes apart from Grants to
National Federations.
1.4 In short, these guidelines propose to replace the present approach
with annual sanctions against an agreed programme for the development and
promotion of each sport according to its unique requirements. This, in turn,
requires significant improvements in the internal management practices of
Federations. An important perspective in this exercise is to help
Federations attain financial self sufficiency over a period of time thereby
reducing their dependence on the Government.
II. Objective of the Guidelines
2.1 The objective of these Guidelines is three fold:
Firstly to define the areas of responsibility of the various agencies
involved in the promotion and development of sports.
Secondly, to
identify National Sports Federations eligible for coverage under these
guidelines, to set priorities, and to detail the procedures to be followed
by the Federation, to avail of Government sponsorship and assistance.
Thirdly, to
state the conditions for eligibility which the Government will insist upon
while releasing grants to Sports Federations.
III. Role and Responsibility of the Ministry of Youth affairs &
Sports, National Sports Federations and the SAI
3.1 The role and responsibility of the agencies involved in
implementation of the guidelines will be as follows:
(a) The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
(i) will determine the eligibility conditions for recognition of
NSFs;
(ii) will establish categories to determine quantum and scale of
assistance which may be provided to NSFs will have to fulfill if they wish
to avail of Government support.
(iii) will lay down conditionalities which NSFs will have to
fulfill if they wish to avail of Government support;
(iv) will provide assistance to NSF against agreed long term
development programme.
(b) National Sports Federation
Shall be fully responsible and accountable for the overall
management, direction, control, regulation, promotion, development and
sponsorship of the discipline for which they are recognised by the
concerned International Federation. They will be expected to discharge
these responsibilities in consonance with the principles laid down in the
Olympic Charter or in the charter of the India Olympic Association or the
relevant International Federation, as the case may be.
(c) Sports Authority of India
Will provide the necessary support to NSF for the identification,
training and coaching of sportspersons, including provision of
infrastructure, equipment and such other assistance as may be agreed to
under the LTDPs
IV. Priority Sports
4.1 Will provide the necessary support to NSF for the identification,
training and coaching of sportspersons, including provision of
infrastructure, equipment and such other assistance as may be agreed to
under the LTDPs
(a) Priority :
In this category such Sports can be listed which are included in
Olympic Commonwealth and Asian Games or such other sports for which
internationally recognized tournaments are held in which at least twenty
(20) countries participate, subject to the fulfillment of the following
conditions:
(i) Sports which the current standards are at or close to
international competitive levels; and
(ii) Where the teams or individuals are likely to win medals in
future.
(b) General Category:
Sports, which are included in Olympic, Commonwealth and Asian
Games, and where there is a proven aptitude but not yet close to
international competitive levels.
(c) Others Category:
In this category such Sports can be listed which are not
covered under above-mentioned Priority and General Categories.
Provided that, the assistance may be provided to physically and mentally
handicapped sports persons who possess the standard equal to or close to the
international standards prevalent in the recognized tournaments in that
sports through the concerned National Sports Federation and not to any
individual directly.
Provided further that the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) dealing
with the promotion and organization of multi-disciplinary sports at school
level, may be assisted for such multi-disciplinary sports at the scales
prescribed for the junior and sub-junior teams in terms of provisions
contained in Paras 8.3.2 and 8.3.3 of the Scheme.
4.2 The Long Term development Plan (LTDP) should be for a period of four
years and categorization once done shall be valid for one LTDP period. The
categorization can be subject to review depending on the change in the
performance indicator of the teams/individuals in national/international
tournaments in respect of specific sport. Ministry of Youth Affairs and
Sports shall issue suitable guidelines and set procedure for categorization
of various sports to ensure objectivity and transparency.
V. Recognition of National Sports Federation
5.1 The purpose of this chapter is to lay down the conditions which NSFs
will be expected to fulfill while applying for recognition. The intention is
further to ensure that NSFs maintain certain basic standards, norms and
procedures with regard to their internal functioning, which conform to the
high principles and objectives laid down by the concerned International
Federation, and which are also in complete consonance with the principles
laid down in the Olympic Charter or in the constitution of the Indian
Olympic Association.
5.2 The purpose of this chapter is to lay down the conditions which NSFs
will be expected to fulfill while applying for recognition. The intention is
further to ensure that NSFs maintain certain basic standards, norms and
procedures with regard to their internal functioning, which conform to the
high principles and objectives laid down by the concerned International
Federation, and which are also in complete consonance with the principles
laid down in the Olympic Charter or in the constitution of the Indian
Olympic Association.
• The current legal status of the organisation.
• Recognition by the International and Asian Federation.
• Recognition by the IOA.
• ts undisputed status as an Apex Body in India
• Its all India spread.
• The role and contribution of the organisation in promoting and
developing Sports in India.
• Its internal financial and management practices and standards.
• Its electoral practices.
• Its protection and promotion of players interests and welfare.
5.3 The Ministry reserves the right to suspend or withdraw the
recognition of NSF, in the event of serious irregularities being detected in
their internal functioning. The procedure and consequences of suspension and
de-recognition are indicated at Annexure III.
VI. Conditions for Eligibility
6.1 For NSFs to be eligible for financial assistance and sponsorship,
organizations must maintain their Recognised status with the Ministry. In
addition to National Sports Federations, financial assistance will also be
provided to non-Government Organizations like Jawaharlal Nehru Hockey
Tournament Society and Subroto Mukherjee Educational Society recognized by
the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. However, financial assistance to
these Societies will only be given in the disciplines of hockey and football
for junior and sub-junior category as per admissibility.
6.2 Further in order to be eligible for assistance the national sporting
organisations must meet the following criteria:
• The National Sports Federations will be eligible for assistance
under these Guidelines immediately after recognition.
• follow proper, democratic and healthy management practices which
provide for greater accountability and transparency at all levels.
• have proper accounting procedures at all levels and produce annual
financial statements.
• produce an annual report within six months of completion of the year.
• have impartial and transparent selection procedures.
• provide a positive exposure to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and
Sports as a major sponsor of sport in India.
• Will ensure that the dope test of all its players be conducted
regularly as per norms/standards laid by the International Federation of the
concerned discipline.
VII. Flow of Funds
7.1 The flow of funds to NSFs, will be now from two streams:
(i) From Grants to National Sports Federations.
(ii) From other Schemes of the Ministry.
7.2 The items for which the Ministry will continue to provide assistance
to NSF under grants to National Federations will be as under:
• For training requirements (including coaching camps in India,
training abroad, hiring of coaches/equipment etc.)
• For purchase of equipment.
• For participation in tournaments abroad.
• For hosting and holding tournaments in India including international
tournaments.
• For administrative support.
VIII. Grants to National Federations
National Sports Federation in category "Priority" and "General"
category may avail assistance as indicated below. National Sports
Federations in "Others" category shall, however, be entitled for assistance
for holding National Championships only as per provisions of para 8.7.
8.1 Coaching Camps
Financial assistance will be provided for approved Coaching camps at scales
to be notified by the SAI. This will cover to and for journeys by AC II Rail
for senior players and by 2nd Sleeper Class for Junior and Sub Junior
players from place of residence to the coaching camp and back to the place
of residence, board & lodging, training Kits, medical coverage and
insurance. Scales of ration will be decided by SAI in consultation with
Government of India on the basis of actual requirement of trainees as
assessed by National Institute of Nutrition. Scales of ration and training
kits will be notified by SAI after obtaining the approval of Government.
Provided that all coach(es), doctor (s) and physiotherapist(s) shall be
entitled to travel in AC II. The assistance will only be extended to SAI or
the concerned federations and not to the coaches.
For coaching camps organized in North East region, except Sikkim, economy
class air fare may be given between Calcutta and the place of coaching and
back to Calcutta.
8.2 Equipment
Assistance will be provided by the SAI for required equipment for
national camps. The equipment will be owned and maintained by the SAI.
8.2.2 National Sports Federations may also be assisted for purchase of
sports equipment/sports sciences equipment for training/competition upto 75
per cent of the cost. Requests for purchase of equipment may be made to MYAS
on prescribed proforma (Annexure V). These should be accompanied by a list
of equipment to be purchased. In case the equipment is to be purchased from
indigenous suppliers it should be purchased from suppliers on the rate
contract of SAI. In case it is to be imported it should be from firms
recommended by International Federations.
8.3 For Participation in International Competitions and Training Abroad
Subject to availability of funds, assistance for participation in
international tournaments and for training abroad in case of
teams/sportspersons may cover the following:
8.3.1 Air Passage Cost :
This will include to and for international/domestic travel by
excursion/economy class, visa fees, airport tax, incidentals on account of
inter-airport transfers, and insurance.
8.3.2 Board and Lodging for teams including Coaches Senior Teams
Priority Category A Sports
For participation in Olympics, World, Asian, Commonwealth, SAF and
Afro-Asian Championships/Games or mandatory required international
pre-qualifying tournaments for these championships, full assistance may be
provided. In addition free board and lodging as per the approved norms may
be provided for two other training-cum-competition exposures to be agreed
upon in the Long Term Development Plan (LTDP) meetings per year. Allowances
for board and lodging will be provided on the recommendation of Federation
supported by details of rates for boarding and lodging indicated by the
organizers. For remaining exposures limited to a maximum of four only in
year, air passage cost may be provided as at para
8.3.1 above. General Category Sports
Board and lodging for participation in Olympics, World, Asian and
Commonwealth Championships/Games or pre-qualifying tournament for these
championships may be provided in case the teams qualify for such
participation, two exposures at air passage cost may be allowed.
Junior Teams: Priority Category
For the Junior teams in addition to participation in World/Asian
Cups/Championships for which full assistance may provided, two exposure with
all costs paid may be allowed. In addition, one exposure at air passage cost
only may be allowed. General Category;
For the Junior teams two exposures with all costs paid may be allowed.
Sub-Junior Teams:
For the Junior teams two exposure with all costs paid and one exposure at
air passage cost only may be allowed.
8.3.3 Hiring/Transportation of Equipments:
For hiring of equipment locally, actual amount required wherever necessary,
may be advanced. Horses along with their diets for equestrian events and
boats/yachts etc. shall be treated as equipment for reimbursement of
hiring/transportation.
Out of pocket allowance @ USD 20 per day is to be provided to players for
participating in major International events like Olympics, Asian,
Commonwealth and SAP Games
8.4 For Proposal at "No Cost to Government" National Federation will not
be required to obtain prior approval of the Government in future. In the
event that any Federation seeks approval at 'No Cost', the selection
procedures as laid down in the guidelines must be followed.
Participation at 'No Cost' shall not be allowed in major multi-discipline
international sports events like Asian Games/Commonwealth Games and Olympic
Games.
8.5 For Proposal "At Cost to the Government" National Federations should
forward proposals in the prescribed proforma (Annexure VI) to the Ministry
of Youth Affairs and Sports at least three months prior to the event
along-with selection committee minutes. These proposals should be in
consonance with the LTDP already approved. Generally speaking, and subject
to the availability of funds and the standards achieved by the team, the
Government will clear all proposals which have been previously agreed upon
in the meetings between the MYAS and the NSF at the time of the LTDP
discussions.
8.5.1 For Proposal "At Cost to the Government" National Federations
should forward proposals in the prescribed proforma (Annexure VI) to the
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports at least three months prior to the
event along-with selection committee minutes. These proposals should be in
consonance with the LTDP already approved. Generally speaking, and subject
to the availability of funds and the standards achieved by the team, the
Government will clear all proposals which have been previously agreed upon
in the meetings between the MYAS and the NSF at the time of the LTDP
discussions.
8.6 Coaches
The Government of India may appoint foreign coaches and meet the expenditure
on salary and other benefits as per contract. Wherever the foreign coaches
are training the sportspersons, these shall be included as members of the
team when being sent for foreign exposure.
SAI may prepare a scheme after obtaining the approval of Government for
imparting training to support personnel like masseurs, GTMT experts and
doctors.
Each National Federation relating to Priority and General Category
disciplines will be required to appoint a National Coach from a Panel
offered by SAI only and the Government of India will reimburse the salary of
the National Coach upto Rs. 15,000/- per month. The National Coach will be
selected by a Committee as per composition indicated in para 10.5.
8.7 National Championships
National Sports Federations will be assisted for organising one National
level Championship @ Rs. 2.00 lakh for seniors, Rs. 4.00 lakh for Junior
Championship and Rs. 6.00 lakh for sub-junior championship in a year. In
addition, NSFs will also be assisted for upto six regional championships as
preparatory to nationals @ Rs. 1.00 lakh per championship. In case the
federations organize the championship for men and women separately, only 50%
of the admissible grant will be sanctioned for each category.
The assistance indicated above shall be primarily for provision of boarding
and lodging and transportation to the participants. Assistance at the rate
of Rs. 300/- per head per day for 'A' class cities and at the rate of Rs.
200/- per head per day in other venues will be reimbursed, subject to the
ceilings of 90% of the admissible grant. Balance amount will be utilized for
hiring of infrastructure and cost of consumables, provision of certificates
and medals for conducting tournaments. Federations shall take steps for
mobilizing resources from sponsors and other sources for meeting other
expenditure for organization of the tournament.
The Federations shall take steps to ensure participation of all the
affiliated units in the national level championship. In case less than 75%
of the affiliated units participate, the scale assistance will be reduced by
25% and no grant shall be provided in, case less than 50% of the affiliated
units participate/Federations who will fail to organize championship for
junior and sub-junior categories will not be entitled for grant for Senior
category.
Application on the prescribed proforma (Annexure VII) will be sent to MYAS
with a copy to ED (teams), SAI, three months before the date of the
championship.
8.8 International Tournaments
National Sports Federations will be assisted for holding of international
tournaments in India as per the following scales
(1) World Cup/World/Commonwealth/Asian Championship : Rs. 10.00 lakhs;
(2) Other International tournaments : Rs. 6.00 lakhs
The application for financial assistance in prescribed proforma (Annexure
VIII) will have to be submitted to MYAS with a copy to ED (Teams), SAI three
months before the date of the championship.
8.8.2 The reimbursement of expenditure on boarding, lodging and
transportation will be @ Rs. 1,000/- per head per day in 'A' class cities
and Rs. 700/- per head per day in other cities subject to ceiling of Rs.
9.00 lakhs for tournament at (i) and Rs. 5.40 lakhs for tournament at (ii)
above. In addition, Rs. 100,000/- in case of category (i) and Rs. 60,000/-
in case of category (ii) above will be given to Federation/Association for
actual rent of playfields and cost of consumable equipment including
certificate and medals. The application for financial assistance will have
to be submitted to Government three months prior to the event along-with
details indicating the number of countries, players and officials expected
to participate in the event.
8.8.3 75% of the amount indicated at paras 8.7 and 8.8 above will be
released before the event. The balance will be released on receipt of a
report from the National Sports Federation/Association giving a statement of
actual expenditure certified by a practising Chartered Accountant on the
basis of participation of sportspersons per day in the event. The accounts
of Associations/Federations shall be open to scrutiny by Government Agency
or person designated by it in this behalf.
8.9 Subject to availability of funds, National Sports Federations, may
be assisted for meeting expenses on local hospitality of foreign teams
visiting India under Cultural Exchange Programme on quid pro-quo basis i.e.
similar facilities being extended to Indian teams while visiting the said
country. Local hospitality shall cover boarding, lodging, internal travel
and such other expenses as are provided for the Cultural Exchange Programmes.
Application in this respect may be submitted in the proforma at Annexure VI
for teams going abroad and in proforma at Annexure VIII for teams coming to
India, under such programmes. These applications will be submitted to MYAS 3
months before the event with a copy to SAI.
8.10 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).
IX. Clubbing and Dovetailing of Schemes of SAI and the Ministry
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:
(i) Exchange of Physical Education Teachers etc. (CEPs)
(ii) Exchange of Physical Education Teachers etc. (CEPs)
(iii) National Championship for Women
(iv) Grants for Creation of sports infrastructure
(v) Grants to Universities and Colleges
(vi) Assistance for synthetic surfaces
(vii) 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.
X. Selection Procedure
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) Probable for intensive coaching and final teams for major
competitions like Olympic, World, Asian and Commonwealth Games/Championships
and other important international events.
(b) Internationally qualified official including referees/judges etc. to
assist in the preparation of the national teams.
(c) 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.
XI. Long Term Development Plans
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:
(i) A statement of specific and measurable objective against each of the
items mentioned above.
(ii) A statement of the long term perspective for the sport.
(iii) A Special five year plan for the IX Plan period i.e. 2007-08 to
2112-13
(iv) A detailed annual plan for the Calendar year.
(v) A detailed financial statement of the cost involved and the
projected income.
(vi) 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:
1 The concerned National Federation will implement the provisions of the
agreement and achieve the targets as set.
2 That the Ministry will commit its share of financial assistance.
3 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.
(ii) Proper accounting procedures at all levels.
(iii) Proper functioning of affiliated units.
(iv) Measures for the protection of players interests, both during their
playing careers and thereafter.
(v) Introduction of an impartial machinery for the redressal of player's
grievances.
(vi) Organisation of tournaments at all levels.
(vii) 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:
(i) For foreign exchange as required.
(ii) For import of all sports equipment, as required.
(iii) For customs duty exemption for these imports.
(iv) Sponsorship e.g. commercial T.V. sponsorship.
(v) To upgrade the technical qualification and standards of tournament
officials to enable them to do duty in major international tournaments.
(vi) For training of athletes and coaches abroad under Cultural Exchange
Programmes.
(vii) For holding and hosting of major international tournaments in
India.
(vii) For investments in infrastructure, sports promotion and sports
sponsorship.
XII. Miscellaneous
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:
(i) 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.
(ii) 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.
(iii) 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 recognizes 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:
(i) The importance of the event.
(ii) Profile of the sport in India.
(iii) Total budget of the event, including foreign exchange
outflow/earnings.
(iv) Extent to which the tournament it compatible with the objectives
stated in the LTDP.
(v) Potential for TV coverage, and hence sponsorship.
(vi) Whether it involves the construction of an international level
facility.
(vii) Whether the management and organization of the tournament is in
professional hands.
The Ministry also recognizes 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 recognizes the crucial importance of commercial TV
coverage, both as a source of income for the organizers, 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 realizes that a strong domestic tournament schedule, with the
widest possible spread throughout the country, if properly organized 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
organizers 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 Professionalizing 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 recognizes 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 along with 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 Broad basing
The lack of an extensive and organized 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:
(i) 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.
(ii) Using the various facilities offered by International Federations
and the IOC to significantly improve coaching standards.
(iii) Suggesting different coaching grades on the international pattern
to make the best use of coaching skills.
(iv) 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
recognized 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 recognizes the significant commercial potential in organized
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.
In this endeavor, the Ministry would given particular priority to the
hosting and holding of international tournaments which are recognized by the
concerned Asian or International Federations |
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