The vision of the National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) is for track and field to be recognized as the premier sport in Trinidad and Tobago. To achieve this objective a comprehensive sporting development programme for junior athletes in Trinidad and Tobago was conceptualized in the National Elite Youth Track and Field Programme.
The program's overarching vision is to develop a cadre of well-rounded, high performing junior track and field athletes through the implementation of a multi-disciplinary approach, thus creating a feeder system for Senior National Teams.
Accomplishing this requires hard work, dedication, unwavering support and financial assistance.
The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC) is the major sponsor of Track and Field in Trinidad and Tobago. NGC and NAAA share a sterling commitment to the support of youth in Trinidad and Tobago and in the belief that the achievement of athletic excellence can be realized at every level. NGC partners with the NAAA to provide funding for NAAA's major competitions, but its main interest is in the promoting of training and development in the field of sport using a science-based approach.
The YEP relies on a scientific approach to athlete development and this makes it the most comprehensive sporting development programme for junior athletes in Trinidad and Tobago. Powering the progress of junior athletes in sport is also a part of NGC's wider objective with respect to sport development and from inception, NGC is the primary partner of the YEP.
The Youth Elite Program (YEP) commenced as a pilot project in January 2017 with a cadre of ten (10) locally based junior athletes. These athletes were selected to the programme-based on continued performance at local, regional and internationally held competitions. The programme has since evolved and selection is based on varied criteria with performance as the highest indicator. The programme adopts a holistic view of athlete development and involves a multi-discipline approach to achieving the program's goals.
YEP is a performance-based programme and therefore KPIs are a critical element in an athlete's selection to the programme and in retention or elevation to a particular tier. The selection of athletes to the programme is the responsibility of NAAA through a selection committee co-opted by the Board.
Youth Elite Programme Structure |
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Tier 1 | ||||
KPI | Instrument | Measurement | Remark | |
---|---|---|---|---|
01 | Local Ranking | NAAA Ranking | Top 1 | Age group ranking |
02 | Regional Ranking | World Athletics Regional Ranking | Top 24 | Age group ranking |
03 | World Ranking | World Athletics World Ranking | Top 60 | Age group ranking |
03 | National Team Selection | Ratified Selection Team List | Achieve the qualifying standard | Exclusive of relay teams |
04 | Podium Results | Certified Meet Results | Medal at regional and international meets | |
05 | Training Attendance | Coach's Report | At least 80% training attendance | YEP events |
06 | Examination Results | Report card | Passing grades in at least 75% of courses taken for school term | |
Tier 2 | ||||
KPI | Instrument | Measurement | Remark | |
01 | Local Ranking | NAAA Ranking | Top 4 | Age group ranking |
02 | Regional Ranking | World Athletics Regional Ranking | Top 40 | Age group ranking |
03 | World Ranking | World Athletics World Ranking | Top 100 | Age group ranking |
04 | National Team Selection | Ratified Selection Team List | Achieve the qualifying standard | Inclusive of relay teams |
05 | Podium Results | Certified Meet Results | Medal at regional meets or qualification to event final | |
06 | Training Attendance | Coach's Report | At least 80% training attendance | YEP events |
07 | Examination Results | Report card | Passing grades in at least 75% of courses taken for school term | |
Tier 3 | ||||
KPI | Instrument | Measurement | Remark | |
01 | Local Ranking | NAAA Ranking | Top 8 | Senior Ranking |
02 | Regional Ranking | World Athletics Regional Ranking | Top 36 | Senior ranking |
03 | World Ranking | World Athletics World Ranking | Top 100 | Age group ranking |
04 | National Team Selection | Ratified Selection Team List | Achieve the qualifying standard | Inclusive of relay teams |
05 | Podium Results | Certified Meet Results | Medal at National Championships, regional and international meets | |
06 | Academic Progress | Grade report | Maintenance of Passing Grade Point Average (GPA) | Monitored up to end of Olympic Cycle |
At the end of each cycle and prior to the on boarding of new athletes from Tier 2 to Tier 1, an evaluation of the program and feedback is required from all stakeholders. The process includes
Ian Carter
Iancarter_43@yahoo.com