| Philosophy Enshrined
in the Objects of the IAAF Constitution is the strongest possible commitment to world-wide
development of athletics. This, of course, is a huge and complex task. The challenge is to
create the conditions under which as many athletes as possible can express their potential
in competition and derive the maximum benefit from the sport in the country of each IAAF
Member Federation.
The central principle of the IAAF's development philosophy is
co-operation between the IAAF, its Member Federations and other partners. As each
Member Federation is responsible for athletics within its country, it has a leading role
in operating and developing the sport. The IAAF's contribution is to assist Member
Federations in fulfilling this role as effectively as possible.
Strategy
The IAAF development strategy focuses on
seven areas of activity which contribute to and are indispensable for the growth and
strength of sport in any country:
- Athletics Culture.
- Member Federation Activities and Administration.
- Coaching.
- Officiating
- Competition Opportunities and Organisation.
- Facilities and Equipment.
- Scientific and Medical Support.
Programme
Under the direction of the IAAF Development
Commission, the Development Department, working closely with athletics experts around the
world, is responsible for the design, implementation and monitoring of a wide variety of
activities to address the needs in the above mentioned areas. These include:
- Educational measures.
- Technical publications.
- Consultancies.
- Financial assistance.
- Scientific research.
The IAAF invests more than $6 million
annually in the Development programme. In addition, the IAAF works closely with other
agencies throughout the world involved in development activities.
Regional Development Centres
The strongest sign of the IAAF’s
commitment to development is its network of Regional Development Centres (RDCs). The main
role of the RDCs is to function as a "branch office" of the IAAF supporting the
work of the Member Federations and providing a focal point for the programme of
development actions in the areas they serve. The IAAF Development Department’s role
is the macro-management of the programme, while the RDCs are responsible for its
micro-management. The activities of the RDCs include:
- Regular communication with the Member Federations of their
region.
- High level courses and seminars for coaches and technical
officials.
- Seminars and workshops for the other specialist personnel of
Member Federations such as General Secretaries, competition organisers, sports medicine
personnel, statisticians etc.
- Co-ordination of grass root level courses for coaches,
technical officials, etc. in the countries of their region.
- Publication of regional technical bulletins and other
materials.
- Research projects.
- Training camps for young athletes.
Presently the IAAF operates the following 10
RDCs:
- RDC Adelaide, Australia (serving Oceania).
- RDC Beijing, China (serving East Asia).
- RDC Cairo, Egypt (serving Arabic-speaking Africa and Asia).
- RDC Dakar, Senegal (serving French-speaking Africa).
- RDC Jakarta, Indonesia (serving South and south-east Asia).
- RDC Lisbon, Portugal (serving Portuguese-speaking Africa).
- RDC Moscow, Russia (serving Europe and central Asian
countries).
- RDC Nairobi, Kenya (serving English-speaking Africa).
- RDC Salinas, Puerto Rico (serving Central America and the
Caribbean).
- RDC Santa Fe, Argentina (serving South America).
Coaching
To carry out their work effectively coaches
need proper education and training. The IAAF has established a world-wide Coaches Education and Certification System (CECS), featuring basic
level courses taught in each country as well as advanced courses staged at the IAAF's
RDCs.
Officiating
 Technical Officials are essential for the conduct of competitions. The
IAAF has developed a Technical Officials Education and Certification
System (TOECS), featuring basic levels courses taught in each country as well as more
advanced courses taught at the IAAF RDCs. |
