STRATEGIC PLAN 2015-2025 STEP TO THE LINE 2
THEME FOR THE PLAN THIS PLAN SETS OUT A STRETCHING, AMBITIOUS FUTURE OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS FOR THE GAME IN IRELAND, AS WELL AS THROUGH TO 2025. STEP TO THE LINE sets out our vision to bring the game to where it should be part of a global inclusive family, delivering a positive experience for players from children to seniors, while also achieving international success and recognition. We recognise that our plan is ambitious and that in striving to achieve them we will up our game across all levels. Our sport is about people and our membership is our sport we will become a participation focused organisation that serves its players, members, clubs and schools. The commitment and dedication of our volunteers will remain our greatest asset, and will allow us to achieve the long-term aims for our sport. Our sport is also about performance and we believe that to gain and retain an important place in the national psyche our senior teams must be performing at their highest possible level of attainment, both on the national and international stage. We want to make our Premier League games must-attend fixtures of a large swathe of the population. We want to make our country proud of our international teams underage and seniors whether in 5x5 or 3x3 format. We also believe that international performance should not come at a price we believe in a structured return to the international stage with a three-year advance commitment, and as and when it is financially viable. delivering a positive experience for players from children to seniors, while also achieving international success and recognition. We have no intention of our plan being a drain on the game s existing resources on the contrary this plan sets out to grow them. We will develop a financial plan to align to the technical model proposed. We intend to raise the profile of the game, and also to use our contacts to best grow the game, both on a national level and with our diaspora. We will integrate that work with our national facility plan work, whereby our goal is to have four regional centres of excellence, as well as ensuring access to facilities for our clubs. In order to achieve the above we must simplify our structure and ensure it best serves the needs of our sport. We need to ensure the shortest and most effective access between our member and our decision-making authority. We need to ensure our regional structure is best of class, and allows for clearest alignment between Basketball Ireland and the regions within it. We will incorporate FIBA best practice into all that we do. Player pathways, long-term athlete development and a technical model for our sport are all areas that are critical for us to develop in order for our sport to develop as we wish. The recruitment of key technical staff will be critical in achieving these goals. In turn these pathways and technical models will deliver success over the long-term by developing fundamental skills programmes from young children through to adults, while ensuring continuous education and learning for coaches, referees and officials. Underpinning all of the above is a resource plan, and also the tireless work of all those within basketball, who have brought the sport this far, and with whom we look forward to working on this exciting next stage. Jackie Dunne, Chair of BI Board Bernard O Byrne, BI CEO Gerry Kelly, BI President 1 2
HEAD AND SHOULDERS ABOVE THE REST To achieve our ambition we are declaring our headline targets for 2020, as well as our stretch targets for 2025. BY 2020 WE PLAN TO HAVE: All our international teams achieve and retain A status Improve retention from schools to clubs and colleges Identify four centres of excellence and have completed two The structure to support this strategy in place An expanded management team in place, underpinned by a financial plan Part of the national conversation (measured in column inches) BY 2025 WE PLAN TO HAVE: 10,000 diaspora financial supporters in place A leading role in FIBA initiatives 300 clubs in operation An extra 10m added to the asset base Increase our current 17,000 registered players three-fold 3 4
OUR VISION That Basketball is a much-talked about, high-visibility, exciting national sport, which is well financed, and is played to a high-level and enjoyed all throughout the island of Ireland OUR VALUES Inclusive Integrity Respect The pursuit of excellence Teamwork OUR MISSION To excite, to grow, to differentiate, to internationalise, to be an integral part of a global inclusive sport INCLUSIVE INTEGRITY RESPECT PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE TEAMWORK Basketball is an accessible-to-all sport, male and female, available in every town in Ireland. It is welcoming and inclusive of wheelchair basketball which can also be played by able-bodied people. It is welcoming to all those new Irish many of whom are very familiar with Basketball in their home countries. It provides opportunities in playing, coaching, officiating for all in a welcoming manner. Basketball is about a healthy lifestyle and athleticism; it is about the discipline of sport and respect for the rules. It is about social integrity. It is about welcoming the new Irish of first and second generation into our sport. Basketball values respect; its members respect others in the way they would like to be respected. Basketball values and supports all its members in the pursuit of excellence in their roles, on and off the court Basketball is committed to the future success of the sport and works hard to achieve that success. Both behind the scenes and on the court teamwork is valued in this sport. All volunteers, players and staff contribute in the best possible way and support each other in their roles. 5 6
STRATEGIC ACTION AREAS We have identified the following strategic action areas as critical to realising our ambitions: 1. LEADING THE SPORT 2. SUPPORTING OUR SPORT 3. PLAYER PATHWAYS & TECHNICAL SYSTEMS 4. SUCCESSFUL SENIOR LEAGUES AND INTERNATIONAL TEAMS 5. RAISING THE PROFILE 6. HAVING GREAT FACILITIES 2016 2018 2020 7
HOW DO THESE STRATEGIC ACTION AREAS FIT TOGETHER? 2016 2018 2020 SUPPORTING OUR SPORT LEADING THE SPORT Best leadership is the structural backbone of our sport. If we get this right it will go on to unlock all the other strategic areas With good leadership we will build sustainable club and school structures as a key element of our national development plan PLAYER PATHWAYS & TECHNICAL SYSTEMS SUCCESSFUL SENIOR LEAGUES AND INTERNATIONAL TEAMS Successful teams should be a natural consequence of strong support structures and a good technical model RAISING THE PROFILE Having a strong product in our senior teams to showcase will enable an enhanced profile of our sport across all media With good leadership we can build clear pathways for all levels and a national basketball technical model HAVING GREAT FACILITIES Leadership, combined with solid public affairs and diaspora programmes will pave the route to national centres of excellence 9 10
SLAM DUNK KEY INITIATIVES AND PROJECTS TO DELIVER
STRATEGIC AREAS 2018/19 2020 Direct Access Model LEADING THE SPORT SUPPORTING OUR SPORT PLAYER PATHWAYS AND TECHNICAL SYSTEMS SUCCESSFUL SENIOR LEAGUES AND INTERNATIONAL TEAMS RAISING THE PROFILE HAVING GREAT FACILITIES Communications Policy Competition Review Countrywide Volunteer Programme Development Officer System Head of Performance and a Technical Director International Club Competitions Competitive Review Communications Policy Public Affairs Media Plan Succession Planning International Governance Best Practice Financial Management Plan Club Support School Fundamental Skills Long Term Athlete Development Programme Basketball Ireland Technical Model International Programme Diversity Initiatives Partners Programme Coach Education Programme Diaspora Programme National Facilities Plan 13 14
STRATEGIC ACTION AREA 1 KEY INITIATIVES / PROJECTS TO DELIVER LEADING THE SPORT OUR GOAL To build decision-making structures based on best-in-class NGBs, in the interests of members and the principle of the shortest distance between local and national interests VISION 2025 To have a highly efficient and simple structure that supports basketball for the best delivery of the sport in Ireland PROJECT Basketball Ireland will implement a direct access model which brings the participants and officials closer to the decision makers and simplifies the structure for the best delivery of the sport and in line with best practice. This will be phased and options that will be considered are: The structure of Council and Board will be reviewed with a view to moving the sport forward All independent representatives and Chair to go before a nomination committee, and to undergo an induction President and Chair of the Board remain as two separate roles Committees meet a number of times a year and advise the governing body on their area of expertise Committees ensure that there is a democratic and practicable way for initiatives to be submitted and decisions made and that there is a practical way for clubs, schools and players to feed directly into the decision making process Move to an interprovincial structure for the regional delivery of the sport, with four provinces instead of area boards. All changes to go before an EGM and constitution to be updated to reflect changes TIMELINE Ensure succession planning in place for our key roles (Executive Management) 2018/19 OUR VALUES INCLUSIVE INTEGRITY RESPECT THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE TEAMWORK Ensure international governance best practice is adhered to, including: Directors having capacity at committee level Directors having history of director experience Best of class reporting mechanisms Commitment of those in key roles Rotation of roles, induction and interview Ensure that the communication policy is being adhered to, with output of: Advancing the communication level within the different technical areas of basketball T he communication process between grassroots, community and head office Solid ongoing financial management plan which ensures a solid asset based financial structure with predictable income and expenditure flows 2018/19 2018/19 15 16
STRATEGIC ACTION AREA 2 SUPPORTING OUR SPORT KEY INITIATIVES / PROJECTS TO DELIVER OUR GOAL To sustain and support clubs, while schools basketball and structures will be integrated into and contribute towards the national development plan. VISION 2025 Participation levels in Ireland will be increased by 10%, with basketball clubs linked to schools and colleges in every county in Ireland. PROJECT Undertake a competition review programme, which develops competition structures designed to facilitate retention and cater for growth in participation. This will include the relaxation of rigid boundaries to facilitate more games at different age groups at less cost. Establish a countrywide volunteer programme to develop a culture of transparency, inclusivity, and responsibility and to support the expansion and the player base This will involve: Identification of the key roles i.e. clubs, schools, PROs, managers, fundraisers etc. Training with clear job descriptions, terms of reference and a compliance mechanism to ensure governance Consistent, fair and successful recruitment process in place A recognition and thanks/awards system in full operation Establish a club / school / college support programme, with clear targets for the sustainability and support of clubs / schools / colleges, and which also includes an appropriate resource in the role of National Liaison Manager TIMELINE 2016/19 2018/19 OUR VALUES INCLUSIVE INTEGRITY RESPECT THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE TEAMWORK Expansion of a structured and sustainable Development Officer system throughout the country, to support clubs, schools and volunteers Clear pathways and fundamental skills programme implemented in schools (as part of the Basketball Ireland Technical Model) Establish a partners programme (twinning programme between clubs and schools/ colleges) and ensure there are school-club and college-club link-ups for all clubs, schools and colleges in the country by programme completion, with the goal of improving retention 2018/19 2020 17 18
STRATEGIC ACTION AREA 3 KEY INITIATIVES / PROJECTS TO DELIVER PLAYER PATHWAYS AND TECHNICAL SYSTEMS OUR GOAL To have clear pathways for all levels and to have a national basketball technical model in operation. VISION 2025 Irish style of play, incorporating best practice from Europe, played by all teams with basketball thriving as an elite sport and as a fun social activity for all ages. OUR VALUES INCLUSIVE INTEGRITY RESPECT THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE TEAMWORK PROJECT Through the appointment of the Technical Director and the Performance Director, and their development of the Basketball Ireland Technical Model, (for how the players are developed) we will achieve the following: A strong accepted base in operation, whether 3x3 or 5x5 Identifiable and integrated competition structure and training courses Table officials, commissioners, coaches and referees working together closely to develop the game Accountability and robust governance model for all officials Clear CPD and pathways for coaches, referees and table officials Regular transition into FIBA ranks for referees Development of library of contacts to enhance international platforms Regional Centres of Excellence act as hubs for technical excellence and development A target number of coaches completing the FECC annually New coaches / referees / officials coming to the sport on a continuous basis Develop a Basketball Ireland Long Term Player Development programme (LTPD - player pathways) based on international best practice with the aim of developing all players to their potential and fostering a lifelong love of the game through a systematic and consistent approach and the use of fundamental movement and life skills. Best in class talent identification pathway Clear pathways and opportunities for non-elite section of the game, incl. link between primary school programme and clubs LTPD programme in full operation across the sport, with clear gains in terms of athletic development of player Continuous improvement and physical and technical education to be key elements of the LTPD Implement a tested underage platform which facilitates and allows for progression to seniors Core movement and fundamentals programme for primary schools Retention of players as central part of the pathway Expand the Coach Education Programme based on the LTPD and Technical models. Every coach has content from the LTPD and Technical model in their education programme Online courses to be made available The Basketball Ireland course educates all coaches throughout the country TIMELINE 2018/19 2018/19 2020 19 20
STRATEGIC ACTION AREA 4 KEY INITIATIVES / PROJECTS TO DELIVER SUCCESSFUL SENIOR LEAGUES AND INTERNATIONAL TEAMS OUR GOAL To achieve a sustainable and successful return to international FIBA senior basketball within 3 years, at both 5x5 and 3x3 levels, and position national teams and players as aspirational role models. Everytime we go to Europe we will do something better. VISION 2025 To be a recognised sport of choice for a generation and to be recognised nationally as one of the top sports in Ireland. PROJECT Appointment of a Head of Performance and a Technical Director, who will use the regional centres of excellence to develop links between different teams, and share coaching philosophy, pursue excellence, and share best practice Examine the possibility of international club competitions which creates international opportunities for Premier League winners, men and women, to compete against league winners from similar countries, and formalise the steps to undertake that As part of the competition review programme, ensure that there is participation at all levels over 14 years of age in National Competitions Undertake a structured international programme funded by Basketball Ireland through registration income and commercial inflows/sponsorships. This will include: A full platform of 5x5 competition in Europe and the World A full platform of 3x3 levels competition in Europe and the World Expansion of international teams player recruitment by implementing appropriate FIBA rules Achievement and retention of level A status for all those teams TIMELINE 2018/19 OUR VALUES INCLUSIVE INTEGRITY RESPECT THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE TEAMWORK 20 21
STRATEGIC ACTION AREA 5 KEY INITIATIVES / PROJECTS TO DELIVER RAISING THE PROFILE OUR GOAL To raise the profile of basketball at local, national and international level and show our values at all times. VISION 2025 Basketball Ireland is recognised widely as a media-savvy and communications friendly organisation, with intelligent use of all media platforms. OUR VALUES INCLUSIVE INTEGRITY RESPECT THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE TEAMWORK PROJECT Basketball Ireland will develop a designated basketball communications policy that includes the following: Education for PROs Community links person Clear two-way communication with clubs with full clarity for clubs on how to access information and supports Annual member engagement to communicate with grassroots Basketball Ireland will implement a public affairs programme, which includes the following: Establishing strong links with FIBA and other sporting bodies Finding a leadership and participation position in the new FIBA initiatives Establishing strong links with public bodies and local authorities in Ireland, North and South, with a view to being part of planning and facilities decisions Basketball Ireland will implement a diversity and inclusion programme to ensure that basketball becomes the sport of inclusivity and diversity, including: A campaign to develop recruitment and increase participation amongst new Irish communities Use of other languages (e.g. Polish, Spanish) on communication Outreach and welcome initiatives into immigrant communities Stronger liaison with wheelchair basketball Crossover with other sports Stronger liaison with Special Olympics Basketball Ireland will have a media plan with the goal of sustained media access throughout the year that includes: Designated spokespeople with capacity to represent the sport in the best possible light Working in tandem with commercial partners and their media teams Involve target basketball journalists in Ireland closely in initiatives and build relationships Basketball Ireland will undertake a diaspora programme, which will include: Developing a clear communications plan for working with corporates and the diaspora Development of long-term relationships with US basketball groups (Colleges, NBA) to help fund the development of the sport TIMELINE 2018/19 2020 22 23
STRATEGIC ACTION AREA 6 KEY INITIATIVES / PROJECTS TO DELIVER HAVING GREAT FACILITIES OUR GOAL To have significant investment to support four regional centres of excellence and a revamped National Basketball Arena. VISION 2025 Basketball has four centres of excellence around the island of Ireland. These centres will be regionally located, acting in concert with a national facility plan. Together the centres will work to raise standards, assist recruitment, allow technical areas of the game to work together, develop schools and colleges, be venues for international and NBA games and provide efficient venue solutions for clubs. PROJECT Basketball Ireland will develop a national facilities plan with the following outputs: Integration with the diaspora programme to source funding from angel investors in the worldwide Irish community Integration with public affairs programme so that basketball is at the table with public authorities across the island of Ireland with regards to facilities planning, building and access Appointment of national coordinator on facilities and engaging with schools/clubs Identification of four regional centres of excellence around Ireland, whether existing or new, where basketball can be anchor tenant Raising of standards in existing venues around the country, incl. ensuring that all televised venues appear in the best possible light Overhaul and refurbishment of the National Stadium in Tallaght, to have it as a state of the art multi-court accessible facility TIMELINE 2020 OUR VALUES INCLUSIVE INTEGRITY RESPECT THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE TEAMWORK 26 27
RESOURCE PLANNING To enable us to achieve our ambitious targets over the course of this plan we will ideally require additional resources, as outlined above: We are aware that substantial increased funding is required for such additional resources and that these are ambitious targets to have, which will be contingent on increased funding in line with increased activity. All of the activities in this plan are only achievable with strong financial commitment, protocols and governance and we will put together a solid ongoing financial management plan to underpin them. We believe it is most critical to employ a Technical Director, and that subsequent roles can be sequenced as appropriate. The appointment of a National Liaison Manager to support our clubs / schools / colleges is also critical in achieving many elements of this strategy. The Development Officers and Head of Performance can be recruited as the game grows. Succession planning for our key roles is also critical and forms part of this strategy. 28
PROCESS OF IMPLEMENTATION Our vision for implementing the strategic plan is that a series of goals will be reached through tactical activities as shown below MISSION GOALS TACTICS WHY ARE WE DOING THIS? WHAT DO WE WANT TO ACCOMPLISH? HOW WILL WE ACHIEVE OUR GOALS? TO EXCITE, TO GROW, TO DIFFERENTIATE, TO INTERNATIONALISE, TO BE AN INTEGRAL PART OF A GLOBAL INCLUSIVE SPORT To build decision making structures based on best in class NGBs, in the interests of members and the principle of the shortest distance between local and national interests KPI: To sustain and support clubs while school basketball and structures will be integrated into and contribute towards the national development plan KPI: To have clear pathways for all levels and to have a national basketball technical model in operation KPI: To achieve a sustainable and successful return to international FIBA senior basketball within 3 years, at both 5x5 and 3x3 levels, and position national teams and players as aspirational role models KPI: Direct Access Model Succession Planning International Governance Best Practice Communications Policy Financial Management Plan Competition Review Countrywide Volunteer Programme Club Support Development Officer system School Fundamental Skills Partners Programme Long Term Player Development Programme Basketball Ireland Technical Model Coach Education Programme Head of Performance and a Technical Director International Club Competitions Competitive Review International Programme To raise the profile of basketball at local, national and international level and show our values at all times KPI: Communications policy Public Affairs Diversity Initiatives Media Plan Diaspora Programme To have significant investment to support four regional centres of excellence and a revamped National Basketball Arena KPI: National Facilities Plan 30 31
THANKS With thanks to all those who contributed to this process, all those who answered the survey, came to meetings, spoke to our consultants at matches and events, or by phone, as well as to the Steering Committee and team in Basketball Ireland. BASKETBALL IRELAND National Basketball Arena, Tymon Park, Dublin 24 Telephone: +353 1 459 0211 Email: info@basketballireland.ie 32