Frequently asked Questions
What is the STS Performance Programme?
The STS Performance Programme is designed to prepare and support Scottish athletes to achieve the following objectives, ranked in order of priority:
To achieve places on Team GB and Paralympics GB, competing at the Olympic and Paralympic Games;
To win medals for Scotland at the Commonwealth Games;
To be selected for British teams for, and achieve final places and win medals at ISSF and WSPS World Cups, European & World Championships;
To achieve Podium and Podium Potential places on the British Shooting World Class Programme and;
To achieve Academy places on the British Shooting World Class Programme.
The Performance Programme is an inclusive pathway, open to both able-bodied athletes and athletes with a disability, structured to support athletes at various stages in their progression – from athletes working towards Olympic selection, all the way down to those just starting out on their journey.
STS Performance Programme Structure
What Do the Different Levels Mean?
Tier 1 athletes are those athletes either delivering or close to delivering the objectives of the STS Performance Programme.
Tier 2 athletes are those athletes demonstrating the potential to deliver against the objectives of the Performance Programme in 4-8 years.
Tier 3 athletes are young/junior athletes (there is an upper age-limit of 25) showing long-term potential to deliver against the objectives of the Performance Programme in the future.
All athletes in the Performance Programme will receive the following support:
Performance planning & review
Access to coaching support and designated training facilities
Education on performance related services
Tier 1 athletes may also receive financial support with training and competition costs, and some may be nominated to receive a personalised package delivered through sportscotland’s Institute of Sport Support Services team.
What coaching is available through the Performance Programme?
Tier 1 & Tier 2 athletes receive coaching from the discipline-specific Performance Coach (listed on the STS website).Tier 3 athletes receive coaching support from the discipline Breakthrough Coach(es), who are in turn supported by their discipline Performance Coach.
DO I Need to Be a Member of STS?
Athletes do not need to be members of STS to apply to be on the performance programme but membership of STS will be required as a condition of acceptance if the athlete is then selected to be on the Performance Programme. The level of membership an athlete is required to have will be confirmed by the Performance and Pathways Manager at the time of offering a place on the Performance Programme.
What is the Purpose of the Selection Policy?
The Selection Policy is used to identify and select Scottish athletes who have demonstrated the abilities or potential to achieve the objectives listed above. The Selection Policy also provides information on matters such as eligibility and selection process.
How does the Selection Process Work?
The selection policy describes in detail the process and criteria by which athletes are selected to the Performance Programme. The process is slightly different for new athletes wishing to be considered for the first time compared to existing programme athletes seeking reselection – however, the criteria considered is the same for all athletes.
The process for new applicants is as follows:
Prospective athletes submit the application form, available below and/or upon request.
Applications are reviewed by the Performance & Pathways Manager, with input from the discipline-appropriate Performance Coach. Short-listed athletes will then be invited to an assessment day at a specified date and venue.
The discipline-appropriate Performance Coach will evaluate the applicant’s ability and/or potential during the assessment day. The applicant will also be required to attend an interview with the Performance & Pathways Manager.
The Performance & Pathways Manager will present the recommendations of the Performance Coaches and Performance & Pathways Manager to the STS Performance & Pathways Group for approval.
The process for existing programme athletes seeking reselection is as follows:
Existing athletes will be asked to submit written notice to the Performance & Pathways Manager, expressing their wish to continue with the Performance Programme.
The discipline-appropriate Performance Coach submits a report on each athlete’s progress to the Performance & Pathways Manager as part of every athlete’s annual review process.
As part of this same process, programme athletes may be requested to attend an interview with the Performance & Pathways Manager.
The Performance & Pathways Manager will present the recommendations of the Performance Coaches and Performance & Pathways Manager to the STS Performance & Pathways Group for approval..
What are the Selection Criteria?
Athletes competing in an ISSF or WSPS event must have met the requisite Minimum Consideration Score(s) in order to be eligible for selection. Achievement of these MCS scores alone does not guarantee selection as other criteria and factors will also be taken into consideration, including but not limited to:
Results at major and minor international competitions (scores and placings);
Results at major and minor domestic competitions (scores and placings);
Achievement of performance and development goals where relevant;
Progression in training and competition, including predicted development and/or performance trajectory;
Demonstration of skills and attributes necessary to achieve against the objectives of the programme, in the expert view of the Performance Coaches and Performance & Pathways Manager; and
Available finances in the Performance Programme.
Talent Transfer
Athletes who have not competed in an ISSF or WSPS event, and therefore have not met a relevant MCS, may still be eligible for selection under a Talent Transfer programme, whereby they will be supported to transition to a relevant ISSF or WSPS event. They will be assessed by the appropriate Performance Coach and interviewed by the Performance & Pathways Manager, who will evaluate whether the athlete has the skills and attributes necessary to transition to an ISSF or WSPS event and achieve against the objectives of the programme.
What are the Minimum Consideration Scores (MCS) and how have they been established?
The Minimum Consideration Score is, as you might expect, the minimum score required to be considered for selection. Achievement of this score in no way guarantees selection. We collated and analysed performance data from major competitions, over a minimum of the last 12 months (where the data was available), to generate baseline scores required to achieve our objectives and from there considered what the appropriate progression and standard would be for each Tier.
These scores can be found in Appendix A of the Selection Policy.
Tier 1 athletes are required to meet their MCS at least twice within the selection period in the same event, in order to demonstrate the level of consistency required for athletes at this standard.
When does the Performance Programme run from and to?
The Performance Programme is selected every year in the autumn. Exact dates will vary dependant on the competition calendar for that year, but generally from October until September of the following year.
How Do I Get Selected to Compete internationally for Scotland?
All athletes in the STS Performance Programme are eligible to represent Scotland at international matches – selection for these events will be agreed between the relevant Performance Coach and the Performance & Pathways Manager.
This will generally be limited to Tier 1 athletes, however consideration may be given to Tier 2 and Tier 3 athletes if selection for such events is deemed necessary for their development and there is sufficient budget available.
Can I Appeal The Decision?
If an athlete believes the Selection Policy has not been followed correctly, then they can appeal the decision. An Appeal will only review to ensure the policy has been followed, it will not consider any perceived contention with the policy itself.
