Structuring 'HPU

High Performance Plan IRFU High Performance Unit

Structuring the High Performance Unit

As mentioned in my presentation on High Performance at our recent Representative Game Committee meeting (October ’05) there is a great need to collaborate on a definitive plan in constructing our ‘performance ideals’ that will ultimately drive our performance initiatives. I feel it is necessary to identify what our High Performance policy, objectives, targets etc are so we can all move in a common ‘manner’ toward specific goals. These goals need to be identified and supported through a collaborative approach before ‘signing off’ on how we go about the work that is required. This identification program will occur as a ‘matter of course’ complimenting the immediate needs of our Academy Structure and High Performance ‘Select’ player projects as discussed. As mentioned, it is imperative that we identify collectively how we move ‘performance’ forward to ensure long term planning initiatives we are currently discussing have the necessary systems, processes and mechanisms to support our talented youth and elite players.

Following are areas that need to be researched to firstly secure our collective thinking and secondly to construct the High Performance Plan relevant to our environment. Basically this program is to build on the research program conducted by Genesis and to introduce, educate and implement our high performance programs in a deliberate, supportive and scheduled manner.

At our Representative Game Committee meeting I eluded to the enormity of setting in motion a high performance program that will truly benefit and support our immediate and long term ideals. In this paper I have outlined how I will approach constructing a high performance program attempting to provide a clear understanding to the depth of detail that is required before a program of this nature can be truly beneficial. As yet I have to determine the actual data collection method but at some stage there will be surveys, forums and regular visitations conducted throughout the provinces.

Following is my program overview that highlights a ‘systematic approach’ to collating our thinking and to challenge our current perceptions in establishing a high performance policy. As mentioned at our RGC meeting a program of this nature necessitates a Performance Policy to ensure there is a genuine commitment from all ‘stakeholders’ to the content and tasks of the ‘plan’. I have also outlined an ‘Action Plan’ designating who I will be talking to and what steps and processes I will use. Outlined also is a list of possible ‘Objectives’ that are synonymous with ‘performance ideals’ in elite programs that will be discussed at length to isolate the plan’s Process Objectives. These objectives ultimately will drive the function of the High Performance Unit to achieving common and accepted goals.

High Performance Manager Steve Anderson 5/3/20231


PROGRAM OVERVIEW

System of Approach

Discuss and identify our main areas of concern Identify the ‘layers’ existing in our current operation Prioritise the concerns within the context of identified ‘layers’

Research Methodology

Establish our goals through a ‘collaborative’ approach Deliver an acceptable approach that reflects our established goals Focus on the ‘selling’ points and potential benefits of high performance

High Performance Ideals and Principles

Define ‘High Performance’ What are the ‘ideals’ that represent the high performance unit Designate and deliver principles that will drive identified performance

targets

Functions and interpretation

What are the functions of the High Performance Unit as distinct from the targets?

Communicate high performance functions, principles and operational tasks to all

Interpret the functional benefits of high performance for existing structures and how high performance will benefit and impact on those structures

Personnel – establishment of sections and roles

Identify World Class personnel to manage, deliver and interpret our performance programmes

Continual research and consult sport specific specialists to challenge and improve our staff delivery and program content

Sections, personnel and functions are to be representative of the High Performance Plan (I.e. change may be necessary in planning, staffing and structure to facilitate performance initiatives)

Implications and Cause Effects of Establishing the High Performance Unit

Identify the implications and benefits of High Performance for staff and players alike (refer above)



Identify how we are to assist with possible introduction and integration of programs to schools, domestic and national programs etc - The High performance Unit and associated programs are essential for our success at all levels of our rugby program

Action Plan

Following in this section is the course of action to collecting your thoughts, ideas and current thinking. Over the course of the coming months I will be endeavouring to conduct various forums, workshops discussions etc to challenge our thinking on high performance initiatives. Again by outlining my approach I am hoping to explain how I will collate relevant information but more importantly communicate the process of implementation. Unfortunately programmes of this nature require extensive research necessitating appropriate planning and systematic introductory steps.

(As noted below some of the action steps have been initiated or are ‘in-progress’)

Conduct Interviews with all section heads of IRFU and provinces including junior and senior development sections, coach education management, technical sections, chief executive officers, national coaching staff etc - To be commenced

Interviews with current Academy and Development Managers. - In Progress

Conduct ‘workshops’ with above personnel – to be commenced Meetings with provincial committees etc directly related to existing

pathway and academy initiatives - to be commenced Review Academy, Development and National programmes that directly

impact on high performance initiatives – In Progress Meet with various international organisations that are operating similar

plans - to be commenced Initiate meetings with Provincial team coaching staff members to

determine a cohesive and collaborative approach in thinking and application – to be commenced

Objectives – to determine the High Performance Unit and Plan’s function(s)

Clear Focus - Formalise a collective ‘model’ to maximise player performance. Process includes isolating our current development objectives, current talent identification objectives, academy and national performance objectives etc to secure a layered, common and progressive approach throughout our system

Clear Leadership - Formalise an acceptable ‘model of governance’ that reflects a performance policy, goals, objectives, tasks, roles, functions etc, highlighting direct relationships with current and future internal structures.



Clear and Collective Support – Formalise a commitment from all IRFU and provincial operators to ensure our objectives are supported collectively.

Clear and Identifiable Commitment to Review Processes - Formalise the High Performance Plan’s controls, measures and reviews in areas relating to (our possible) Performance Objectives. (Potential objectives below - as presented at RGC presentation October ’05)

1. Strategic Management of High Performance priorities2. Maximising approach for individual players enhancement3. Developing existing structures around individual performance 4. Increase opportunities for players and coaches to access

performance resources5. Raise overall quality and depth of coaching.

Clearly Identified Structure and Purpose – Formalise roles and functions of High Performance Unit through -

1. Clearly defined focus in operation2. Commitment to professional and methodical approach to

improvement of delivery.

Clear and Specific Section Functions – Formalise and identification each section by role and task through -

1. Broad based education programmes2. Direct involvement with provincial programs 3. Deal directly with performance initiatives to provide high

performance education.

Steve AndersonHigh Performance ManagerIRFU


Draft Overview – 1- Performance 05/03/23

Steve Anderson

Documents

Structuring 'HPU