New funding and accountability framework for sport
OTTAWA, March 31, 1995 - National amateur sport organizations (NSOs) were given details today of a Sport Funding and Accountability Framework (SFAF) that will determine the federal funding levels to NSOs in the coming years. The program is administered by Sport Canada, a branch of the Department of Canadian Heritage.The SFAF is a comprehensive, objective tool to ensure that federal funds are allocated to NSOs that contribute directly to the achievement of federal sport objectives and priorities. As announced by the Minister of Canadian Heritage in November 1994, the over-arching policy objective is the achievement of excellence through fair and ethical means. Athletes and the programs that directly support them constitute the government's first policy priority to achieve this objective.
Funding decisions are zero-based, which means that criteria are applied to assess eligibility and to determine funding levels. In the past, funding levels were simply based on historical reference, i.e. what an NSO had received in the previous year.
The primary function of the Framework is to tie federal government priorities for sport to funding decisions by Sport Canada respecting the individual NSO's objectives and programs, through assessment mechanisms under SFAF.
The SFAF encompasses three main components: eligibility, funding determination and a contributions-accountability contract. NSOs completed a comprehensive assessment questionnaire at the end of January and, using a detailed rating guide, Sport Canada evaluated the responses to determine which NSOs would be eligible to receive federal support, and, if eligible, their levels of funding. The 1995 assessment considered data for the period from January 1, 1988 to December 31, 1994.
The SFAF assesses an NSO's eligibility based on objective standards measured against the data submitted in its responses to the questionnaire. The rating of factors for the purposes of assessment was as follows: high performance (60%); sport development (30%); and management (10%).
Athlete results and the high performance system are the basis for determining an organization's score in the high performance category. Sport development is centred on the three program areas of athlete development, coach development, and officiating. The management category examines the areas of governance (including athlete- centredness), finance, official languages, and women in sport.
Each area is further sub-divided to ensure full consideration is given to other major aspects of an NSO's overall activities. For example, sub-areas include participation in the Olympics and world championships; national or provincial championships; membership levels; certification of coaches and officials; planning and delivery of services; and more.
Actual levels of funding for eligible NSOs will be determined once contributions applications have been submitted by NSOs and assessed by Sport Canada. The application due date is April 19, 1995.
Federal sport funding under the new system will be phased in over 1995, with adjustments made as necessary. The SFAF will be fully implemented in 1996, following further consultation with the sport community.
Information:
Adam Ostry
Director General, Sport Canada
Canadian Heritage
(819) 956-8151
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