Principles of Competition

Principles of Competition

All SSP competitions will aim to follow the School Games principles of competition:

1. The young persons motivation, competence and confidence are at the centre of the competition.
2. The focus is on the process rather than the outcome (on the learning and values development of the young person rather than the result).
3. Volunteers, leaders and officials are appropriately trained and display behaviours reflective of the nature of the competition.
4. The environment is safe and creates opportunities to learn and maximise social development.
5. The facility and the environment that is created for the competition reflects the motivations, competence and confidence of the young people and format of the competition.

SMILES

If all of the the competition principles are followed that should result in SMILES.

• SAFE – participants feel physically and emotionally safe
• MAXIMUM PARTICIPATION – participants are fully involved all of the time i.e. not hanging around.
• INCLUSIVE – all participants can take part, activities are designed to suit and develop their abilities.
• LEARNING – participants develop personal, social, creative, thinking and/or physical skills.
• ENJOYMENT – activities recognise individuals’ personal needs and interests
• SUCCESS – participants feel they are making progress and getting satisfaction.

NB – While there isnt a specific letter for fair play, SMILES only happen for all participants if they feel a sense of fairness. Fairness underpins inclusion, enjoyment and success; it isn’t just about rules.