On the 20th and 21st November 2024, in Lausanne, Switzerland, EOSE attended a sport development and education workshop organised for the members of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF). The event attracted over 60 experts from over 30 International Federations to gain new insights, share best practice and learn from each other.
Ben Gittus, EOSE Director of Standards, was invited to attend the event by ASIOF and World Rugby, to take part in a panel session on coaching licenses and certification and present the work EOSE carried out for World Rugby to produce the Rugby Coaching Qualifications Global Mapping and Equivalency Report.
Day 1 of the event began with a keynote address by Stefan Ljutzkanov, Chief Product Officer Business & Development, Sport ERP Limited on Technology in Sport – The next 10 years. This provided a fascinating exploration of the role of technology in coaching and performance, including new technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, drones, and wearables. It was interesting to hear how international federations could improve decision making, accelerate growth and foster inclusivity through technological advances.
The second session involved a panel on education and technology in sports, where delegates heard from representatives from World Athletics, FIFA and International Table Tennis Association. The use of online learning platforms to build capacity was particularly insightful.
Further sessions included presentations on a women’s judging programme in surfing, national association survey in tennis, and an online academy in hockey. The success story of FIBAs 3×3 basketball initiative inspired delegates with a focus on a new sports format to drive participation and engagement. Day 1 finished with an update on the Olympic Solidarity funding programme.
Day 2 began with a keynote presentation from the International Council for Coaching Excellence, covering global coaching frameworks and initiatives. Ben then took his place on the coaching panel alongside representatives from the International Tennis Federation and International Biathlon Union for a panel session moderated by Deqa Niamkey, Development Director, United World Wrestling.
During Ben’s brief presentation he covered the methodology undertaken under the direction of World Rugby to liaise with 23 national rugby federations to explore and report on their coach education system. A key part of the rugby project presented by Ben is the demonstration of equivalence of coaching qualifications from around the world to support coach mobility.
The event concluded with a session on a Community Coaching Pilot Study, which focused on rugby and badminton with the involvement of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) through the Olympism365 initiative.
Following the event Ben Gittus said:
“EOSE is very happy to work with international sport federations where we can add value to their objectives in education and workforce development. We would like to thank ASOIF and World Rugby for the invitation to attend and present the World Rugby mapping project and for making me feel welcome at the event. Hopefully we can support the work of ASOIF and other international federations in the future”.
