BRITISH UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES SPORT SURFING STRATEGY

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1 BRITISH UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES SPORT SURFING STRATEGY Introduction This document outlines realistic strategic aims for the development of Surfing in Higher Education in the UK. The BUCS Surfing strategy covers the period The aim of the strategy is to improve BUCS Surfing across three key areas; Participation, Competition, and Performance. Both sport and HE is experiencing significant changes, having been directly affected by recent political and economic factors. This strategy needs to reflect the added financial pressures on HE sports provision over the next few years, and be mindful of the increased pressure across HE to improve the quality of student experience and enhance graduate employability. The strategy, therefore aims to support this and ensure that surfing provides a valuable role in this. The aim of the Surfing strategy for the period is to improve and increase Surfing over 3 key areas: Participation Competition Performance Background: The British Surf Association BUCS were notified in January 2011 that the British Surf Association had gone into liquidation. Another body has been set up called Surfing GB who have said the following In October 2010 it became clear that the BSA s undeclared liabilities meant it was trading whilst insolvent, leading to its liquidation in January Surfing GB was set up as successor body to the BSA, with the aim of becoming formally recognised as the National Governing Body (NGB) for British surfing. That process is now underway, with some support from Sport England, however Sport England only recognise sporting body s as NGB s if they have been in existence for more than two years (among other criteria). When Surfing GB was set up in January 2011 it was agreed that all coaching qualifications awarded by the BSA would be temporarily transferred to Surfing GB until the review was completed. The demise of the BSA obviously delayed the review process, but did offer the opportunity to wipe the slate clean and start again. The invalidation of the BSA/UKCC courses has, in any case, made this unavoidable.

2 The BSA is specifically aiming to review and revitalisation of the Approved Surf School scheme; review of the basic coaching structure in line with their commitments to coaching in the UK; conducting contests, encouraging and supporting membership; specific sponsorship initiatives; developing new partnerships and training and selecting representative teams. The BSA had, and Surfing GB are continuing a strategic partnership agreement with Cornwall College & Local Area School authorities for: FE & HE and secondary education inclusion of BSA surf coaching education products and services (surfing is now available to study as a degree in a number of HEI s). BSA Membership In 2009 the BSA had 1731 Individual members: 296 Coach Membership 289 Family Membership 983 Senior Membership 105 Insured Only Membership 58 Junior Membership In 2010 there were 38 BSA registered Surf Clubs In 2010 there were 34 BSA registered University Surf Clubs. In the past BUCS has ensured that all competitors entering the BUCS Surfing Championships affiliate to British Surf Association, primarily for insurance reasons as surfing is regarded as a relatively hazardous sport, and it is not always clear whether individual AU s cover their athletes for events such as surfing. It is acknowledged however that given that in 2010 there were 350+ entrants, that this represented the largest single affiliation sign up for the BSA and this would need to be recognised moving forward in terms of the BSA s (or now Surfing GB) commitment and work in the HE sector (were it to continue). BUCS will not enforce the affiliation to Surfing GB until they are recognised as the official national governing body and BUCS are confident that those who are affiliated are covered by a high level of insurance, along with tangible additional benefits.

3 Participation Communication Is via the BUCS website ( where there is a specific surf page and also via a fan based Facebook page (currently has 641 fans) Event Strategy: Surfing Growth: The actual surf competition is growing steadily but cannot get much bigger before it needs to be either another day longer, or have two events. We have made the surf championships an event, with many people coming to them who are not competing, we have done this by working with an accommodation partner to offer a weekend package with accommodation, entertainment, and on site transport. We have managed to attract over 700 students to take up this option, creating a fantastic atmosphere at the event, and really adding to the student experience. We are looking to build further on this, one way in which we can grow the event is by adding further sports to the event, whilst keeping the focus on the surf championships. We trialled this in 2010 with Rounders to some success. Possible BUCS sports that could be included: Rugby 7 s pitches available in Newquay Ultimate Frisbee Beach Volleyball Road Cycling Tennis Golf (non-elite tournament) Non-BUCS sports that could be played and help them make the step up to becoming BUCS Sports are: Rounders (either beach or field) Kite-surfing Beach Football Beach volleyball We are looking to start this process at the 2011 BUCS Surf Championships by holding an Ultimate Frisbee tournament and a Beach Volleyball tournament (no BUCS points).

4 The aim is to grow the amount of people at the event, improving the atmosphere and student experience, whilst increasing participation in both Ultimate and Volleyball. Participation There are a range of factors to consider when looking at increasing participation in surfing. These range from geographical factors (some universities being a great distance from a decent surfing break), to the current position of Surfing GB as the unofficial national governing body. We have focused on growing the surf championships as an event, and capitalising on the participation opportunities that this will then create. Strategy for Developing Participation Focus Aim Measures of success Add an extra day to the BUCS Surf Championships. Produce engagement and club development guidelines for individual clubs to access to encourage new members to join Explore the option of working with a third party to assist development of intramural competitions, or create a series of competitions/events throughout the year. Develop event strategy to grow the event, increase the number of people attending the event, and make it as easy as possible to try the sport. To increase participation in all teams, especially from players that are new to the sport. To increase the number of individuals and teams entering the championships Regular competitions that players can compete in aside from the BUCS Championships, that may encourage new surfers to take part in a less highprofile competition. To increase participation in all teams, especially from players that are new to the sport. A good number of new players participating at the development event and then going on to play the sport regularly. More clubs with more members New competitions between University clubs. A good number of new players participating at the development event and then going on to play the sport regularly.

5 Competition SWOT analysis of Championships Strengths Pinnacle of University Surfing Well run by BSA staff supported by BUCS staff Good current venue iconic venue Fistral Beach, Newquay Safety good cover of physio, lifeguards, medical staff. Second biggest surfing competition in the world. Weaknesses No functioning NGB involvement One stand-alone event full extent of BUCS surfing offer Opportunities Secondary spend (increasing student satisfaction) Increase number of other sports at the Championships Option to increase number of surf events. Threats Size/capacity Weather Other sports Club funding Other commercial competitions Developing the Competition Focus Aim Measures of success Continue to hold BUCS Championship Final at Iconic Venue to grow the event. Increase the number of sports played at the Surf Champs Work with the NGB to offer more surfing opportunities for additional students at the BUCS Surf Champs. To increase the profile of the event, show that the event is developing and that the Finals are a celebration of the sport. To grow the event, improve the student experience. Increase participation among non-surfing students. Provide lasting memories for participants. Improve the student experience. More sports and more participants at the BUCS Surf Champs. More new surfers taking up BUCS surf offer at BUCS Surf Champs.

6 Performance There is no current performance pathway established. There is no student international competition currently. The BSA selected a GB representative squad to compete at International World Cup events, however the representation of student surfers who make up this squad is relatively small and it is unclear whether Surfing GB will be doing this in the future Focus Aim Measures of success Be open to work with Surfing GB to Provide a pathway for More student surfers establish a performance programme student surfers to aim for to reaching high performance with some form of International representative opportunity. enable them to reach the pinnacle of the sport. levels with Surfing GB. Open to work with Surfing GB and the HE sector to offer more coaching to more clubs. To bring the representative and university sector together. Improved standard of competitors. Next Steps The actions and time-lines are detailed in the BUCS Surfing Implementation Plan.