Shortcomings and Consequences
Before LTAD can be implemented successfully, the many shortcomings and resultant consequences that are impeding the Canadian sport system must be addressed.
Shortcomings
What are the shortcomings?
- developmental athletes over-compete and under-train.
- adult training and competition programs are imposed on developing athletes.
- training methods and competition programs designed for male athletes are imposed on female athletes.
- preparation is geared to the short-term out-come — winning — and not to the process.
- chronological rather than developmental age is used in training and competition planning.
- coaches largely neglect the critical periods of accelerated adaptation to training.
- fundamental movement skills and sport skills are not taught properly.
- the most knowledgeable coaches work at the elite level; volunteers coach at the developmental level where quality, trained coaches are essential.
- parents are not educated about LTAD.
- developmental training needs of athletes with a disability are not well understood.
- in most sports, the competition system interferes with athlete development. there is no talent identification (TID) system.
- there is no integration between physical education programs in the schools, recreational community programs, and elite competitive programs.
- sports specialize too early in an attempt to attract and retain participants.
Consequences
What are the results of these shortcomings?
- failure to reach optimal performance levels in international competitions.
- poor movement abilities.
- lack of proper fitness.
- poor skill development.
- bad habits developed from over-competition focused on winning.
- undeveloped and unrefined skills due to under-training.
- female athlete potential not reached due to inappropriate programs.
- children not having fun as they play adult-based programs.
- no systematic development of the next generation of successful international athletes.
- athletes pulled in different directions by school, club, and provincial teams because of the structure of competition programs.
- remedial programs, implemented by provincial and national team coaches, to counteract the shortcomings of athlete preparation.
- fluctuating national performance due to lack of TID and a developmental pathway.
- athletes failing to reach their genetic potential and optimal performance level.
To date, implementation of LTAD in Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom indicates that the framework provided by LTAD aids in addressing these shortcomings and enhancing sport system alignment and integration.