Overview Of The Frameworks

The Sport Pathways Framework and Balance is Better are complementary approaches that support quality sport opportunities and experiences for young people.

Sport Pathways Framework

The Sport Pathways Framework provides a broad view of the sport system, recognising four domains: foundation, social, competitive and performance.

It helps sport providers and partners understand different participant motivations and provide opportunities that are safe, supportive and appropriate to people’s needs and aspirations.

Balance is Better

Balance is Better is a youth sport approach focused specifically on the quality of young people’s sport experiences. It encourages a balance between competing pressures in youth sport, including winning and enjoyment, adult expectations and young people’s motivations, and a single-sport focus and other sports and commitments.

How they work together

The Sport Pathways Framework provides the broader picture of quality sport across the system, while Balance is Better provides a specific approach for improving experiences for young people.

For more information, see the detailed Sport Pathways Framework and Balance is Better document below.

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What Does This Look Like For TSSSA?

For TSSSA, together the frameworks help guide how we provide a range of quality sporting opportunities that meet the different needs, motivations and aspirations of secondary school students.

The people

TSSSA works alongside:

• Secondary schools and students

• Sport Taranaki - The Regional Sports Trust

• Regional and National Sports Organisations

• Clubs, coaches and officials

• Community and youth organisations

What this can look like

Social & Participation Events: Providing opportunities beyond traditional competition, including Modified Sports Week. 

Competitive Sport: Providing quality competition for students who are motivated by competition and performance.

​​​​​​​All Ability Events: Creating opportunities for students with different abilities and needs to participate in sport.

How the frameworks support our work

Sport Pathways Framework: Helps us provide opportunities across foundation, social, competitive and performance sport.

Balance is Better: Helps us focus on quality sport experiences for young people and consider their needs, motivations and the balance between different pressures.

For TSSSA, this means: Creating a range of quality opportunities, listening to student voice, working with the right partners, and adapting sport to better meet the needs of young people.

TSSSA is also an active member of the Taranaki Good Sports Group, a collective of Regional Sports Organisations, clubs and the Regional Sports Trust working together to share and promote the principles of Balance is Better.