GUIDELINES FOR ASSISTANCE TO NATIONAL SPORTS FEDERATIONS

I. Introduction

Sports and games have been widely recognised as an essential ingredient of Human Resource Development. The Government of India attaches considerable importance to development of sports in general and achieving excellence in the olympics and other international events in particular. Performance of Indian team in important International Sports events has, however, remained far from satisfactory which is a matter of serious concern for the Government. It has been the endeavour of the Govt. to streamline the procedures for effective coordination among various agencies involved in promotion of sports and extend required infrastructure, training and other facilities to the sportspersons for achieving excellence in the international events in the coming years.

1.2 Over the years a number of National Sports Federations (NSFs) have come up for development of specific games/sports disciplines. These Federations have been actively supported by the Government of India in achieving their objectives. Existing Guidelines for assisting National Sports Federations have been reviewed and revised based on the experience of our preparation for Asian Games, 1994 and Olympic Games, 1996 as well as recommendations of the Committees set up for promotion of sports. The revised Guidelines will have effect from 10th July, 1997.

1.3 These Guidelines mark an important departure from the approach followed in the past. The major innovations and changes included in these Guidelines are:

1. A clear demarcation and identification of the role and responsibility of the agencies involved in sports development and promotion.
2. A clearly defined criterion for determining priority categories for Government assistance.
3. A discipline specific project approach to be adopted in processing cases for financial assistance.
4. Detailed guidelines for preparation of Long Term Development Plans laid. Provision made for annual sanctions of development plans. Also greater flexibility in meeting the specific requirements of Federations.
5. Binding tripartite agreements between NSFs, the Ministry and the SAI to be drawn up.
6. An emphasis on professionalising and upgrading the administrative and financial management of Federations.
7. An emphasis on systems to handle players grievances.
8. The appointment of registered chartered accountants to ensure maintenance of proper and transparent accounts.
9. Recognition of the role of sports promoters, particularly in event management.
10. The flow of funds to Federations will also include a substantial portion of the funds of other major schemes of the Ministry apart from Grants to National Federations.

1.4 In short, these guidelines propose to replace the present approach with annual sanctions against an agreed programme for the development and promotion of each sport according to its unique requirements. This, in turn, requires significant improvements in the internal management practices of Federations. An important perspective in this exercise is to help Federations attain financial self sufficiency over a period of time thereby reducing their dependence on the Government.

II. Objective of the Guidelines

2.1 The objective of these Guidelines is three fold:

Firstly to define the areas of responsibility of the various agencies involved in the promotion and development of sports.

Secondly, to identify National Sports Federations eligible for coverage under these guidelines, to set priorities, and to detail the procedures to be followed by the Federation, to avail of Government sponsorship and assistance.

Thirdly, to state the conditions for eligibility which the Government will insist upon while releasing grants to Sports Federations.

III. Role and Responsibility of the Ministry of Youth affairs & Sports, National Sports Federations and the SAI

3.1 The role and responsibility of the agencies involved in implementation of the guidelines will be as follows:

1. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
1. will determine the eligibility conditions for recognition of NSFs;
2. will establish categories to determine quantum and scale of assistance which may be provided to NSFs depending on priority and other factors;
3. will lay down conditionalities which NSFs will have to fulfil if they wish to avail of Government support;
4. will provide assistance to NSF against agreed long term development programme.
2. National Sports Federation
   
   shall be fully responsible and accountable for the overall management, direction, control, regulation, promotion, development and sponsorship of the discipline for which they are recognised by the concerned International Federation. They will be expected to discharge these responsibilities in consonance with the principles laid down in the Olympic Charter or in the charter of the India Olympic Association or the relevant International Federation, as the case may be.
3. Sports Authority of India
   
   will provide the necessary support to NSF for the identification, training and coaching of sportspersons, including provision of infrastructure, equipment and such other assistance as may be agreed to under the LTDPs.

IV. Priority Sports

4.1 The Ministry has reviewed the system by which sports disciplines were assigned priority status in the past and has evolved a set of criteria, listed against each category, which have been used to assign a particular discipline to a category. The list of disciplines in the respective categories are given at ANNEXURE - I.

a. Category A:

Sports which are included in Olympic Commonwealth and Asian Games and where standards are at, or close to, international competitive levels, and where the teams or individuals are likely to win medals in future.

b. Category B:

Sports, which are included in Olympic, Commonwealth and Asian Games, and where there is a proven aptitude but not yet close to international competitive levels.

c. Category C:

Other sports, not covered in categories A & B including sports for the physically handicapped youth.

4.2 The above categorization is, however, not conclusive and will be reviewed from time to time depending upon the relative performance, status and popularity etc. of various disciplines.

V. Recognition of National Sports Federation

5.1 The purpose of this chapter is to lay down the conditions which NSFs will be expected to fulfill while applying for recognition. The intention is further to ensure that NSFs maintain certain basic standards, norms and procedures with regard to their internal functioning, which conform to the high principles and objectives laid down by the concerned International Federation, and which are also in complete consonance with the principles laid down in the Olympic Charter or in the constitution of the Indian Olympic Association.

5.2 NSFs seeking recongnition will have to apply as per Guidelines given at Annexure II. While considering the proposals for recognition, the Ministry will be guided by the following:

• The current legal status of the organisation.
• Recognition by the International and Asian Federation.
• Recognition by the IOA.
• Its undisputed status as an Apex Body in India.
• Its all India spread.
• The role and contribution of the organisation in promoting and developing Sports in India.
• Its internal financial and management practices and standards.
• Its electoral practices.
• Its protection and promotion of players interests and welfare.

5.3 The Ministry reserves the right to suspend or withdraw the recognition of NSF, in the event of serious irregularities being detected in their internal functioning. The procedure and consequences of suspension and derecognition are indicated at Annexure III.

VI. Conditions for Eligibility

6.1 For NSFs to be eligible for financial assistance and sponsorship, organisations must maintain their Recognised status with the Ministry.

6.2 Further in order to be eligible for assistance the national sporting organisations must meet the following criteria:

• be in existence and operating effectively for at least three years after recognition (this should be supported by annual reports and financial statements for this period).
• follow proper, democratic and healthy management practices which provide for greater accountability and transparency at all levels.
• have proper accounting procedures at all levels and produce annual financial statements.
• produce an annual report within six months of completion of the year.
• have impartial and transparent selection procedures.
• provide a positive exposure to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as a major sponsor of sport in India.

VII. Flow of Funds

7.1 The flow of funds to NSFs, will be now from two streams:

1. From Grants to National Sports Federations.
2. From other Schemes of the Ministry.

7.2 The items for which the Ministry will continue to provide assistance to NSF under grants to National Federations will be as under:

• For training requirements (including coaching camps in India, training abroad, hiring of coaches/equipment etc.)
• For purchase of equipment.
• For participation in tournaments abroad.
• For hosting and holding tournaments in India including international tournaments.
• For administrative support.

VIII. Grants to National Federations

National Sports Federation in category "A" & "B" may avail assistance as indicated below. National Sports Federations in category "C" shall, however, be entitled for assistance for holding National Championships only as per provisions of para 8.7.

8.1 Coaching Camps

Full assistance will be provided for approved coaching camps at scales to be notified by the SAI. This will cover to and for journeys by first class Rail for Senior Players and by second class Rail for Junior and Sub Junior players from place of residence, board & lodging, training Kits, medical coverage and insurance. Scales of ration will be decided by SAI in consultation with Govt. of India on the basis of actual requirement of trainees as assessed by National Institute of Nutrition. Scales of ration and training kits will be notified by SAI after obtaining the approval of Govt. Application on prescribed form (Annexure IV) may be made at least six weeks in advance to ED (Teams), SAI.

8.2 Equipment

Assistance will be provided by the SAI for required equipment for national camps. The equipment will be owned and maintained by the SAI.

8.2.2. National Sports Federations may also be assisted for purchase of sports equipment/sports sciences equipment for training/competition upto 75 per cent of the cost. Requests for purchase of equipment may be made to DYAS on prescribed proforma (Annexure V). These should be accompanied by a list of equipment to be purchased. In case the equipment is to be purchased from indigenous suppliers it should be purchased from suppliers on the rate contract of SAI. In case it is to be imported it should be from firms recommended by International Federations.

8.3 For Participation in International Competitions and Training Abroad

Subject to availability of funds, assistance for participation in international tournaments and for training abroad in case of teams/sportspersons may cover the following:

8.3.1 Air Passage Cost : This will include to and for international/domestic travel by excursion/economy class, visa fees, airport tax, incidentals on account of inter-airport transfers, and insurance.

8.3.2 Board and Lodging for teams including Coaches

Senior Teams

Category A Sports

For participation in Olympics, World, Asian and Commonwealth Championships/Games or mandatory required international prequalifying tournaments for these championships, full assistance may be provided. In addition free board and lodging as per the approved norms may be provided for two other training-cum-competition exposures to be agreed upon in the Long Term Development Plan (LTDP) meetings per year. Allowances for board and lodging will be provided on the recommendation of Federation supported by details details of rates for boarding and lodging indicated by the organisers. For remaining exposures limited to a maximum of four only in year, air passage cost may be provided as at para 8.3.1 above.

Category B Sports

Board and lodging for participation in Olympics, World, Asian and Commonwealth Championships/Games or pre-qualifying tournament for these championships may be provided in case the teams qualify for such participation. In addition, two exposures at air passage cost may be allowed.

Junior Teams

Category A

For the Junior teams in addition to participation in World/Asian Cups/Championships for which full assistance may provided, one exposure with all costs paid may be allowed. In addition, one exposure at air passage cost only may be allowed.

Category B

For the Junior teams one exposure with all costs paid may be allowed. In addition, one exposure at air passage cost only may be allowed.

Sub-junior Teams

For the Sub-Junior teams one exposure with all costs paid may be allowed.

8.3.3 Hiring/Transportation of Equipments: For hiring of equipment locally, the Government may advance the actual amount required wherever necessary, after examining the case on merits. Government may also reimburse cost of transportation of the equipment, wherever necessary.

8.4 For Proposal at "No Cost to Government"

National Federation will not be required to obtain prior approval of the Government in future. In the event that any Federation seeks approval at 'No Cost', the selection procedures as laid down in the guidelines must be followed.

Participation at 'No Cost' shall not be allowed in major multi-discipline international sports events like Asian Games/Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games.

8.5 For Proposal "At Cost to the Government"

National Federations should forward proposals in the prescribed proforma (Annexure VI) to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports at least three months prior to the event alongwith selection committee minutes. These proposals should be in consonance with the LTDP already approved. Generally speaking, and subject to the availability of funds and the standards achieved by the team, the Government will clear all proposals which have been previously agreed upon in the meetings between the DYAS and the NSF at the time of the LTDP discussions.

8.5.1 While submitting proposals for teams to go abroad for training or competition, detailed justification for the inclusion of officials including doctor, physiotherapist, masseur, referee, umpire in each case is to be given. Final clearance will depend upon the duties assigned to these persons in the context of their responsibilities during the tour abroad.

8.6 Coaches

The Government of India may appoint foreign coaches and meet the expenditure on salary and other benefits as per contract. Wherever the foreign coaches are training the sportspersons, these shall be included as members of the team when being sent for foreign exposure.

Each National Federation relating to Category A & B diciplines will be required to appoint a National Coach from a Panel offered by SAI only and the Government of India will reimburse the salary of the National Coach upto Rs. 15,000/- per month. The National Coach will be selected by a Committee as per composition indicated in para 10.5.

8.7 National Championships

Federations organising the Championship at National level may be assisted at rates, subject to the following conditions, provided that in case more than one Championship is held at the same venue and at the same time, the ceiling shall be restricted to Rs. 3.00 lakhs at the maximum:

1. Senior (men & women): Rs. 1.00 lakh
2. Junior (men & Women): Rs. 2.00 lakhs
3. Sub-Junior (men & women): Rs. 3.00 lakhs

In case, however, men and women championship is organised separately, only 50% of the total grant shall be released. For calculating the assistance boarding & lodging and transportation cost at the rate of Rs. 300/- per head for 'A' class cities and at the rate of Rs. 200/- per head for other cities subject to the ceilings of Rs. 90,000/- for championship at (i) Rs. 1.80 lakh for championship at (ii) and Rs. 2.70 lakhs for championship at (iii) above. In addition, Rs. 10,000/-, Rs. 20,000/- and Rs. 30,000/- respectively for championships at (i) to (iii) above will be given to Federation/Association for actual rent of playfields and cost of consumable equipment including certificates and medals.

Grants shall be released only in case;

1. 75% of the affiliated units participate. In case percentage of participation is between 50 and 74.9, Government grant will be reduced by 25%. However, no grant will be payable for participation below 50%.
2. free boarding and lodging is provided to the sportspersons by the organisers. For its purpose 'sportspersons' will include coach, manager, referee, doctor and masseur accompanying the teams.

The assistance for the Senior Championships will further be subject to the conditions that the concerned National Sports Federation holds the Sub-Junior and Junior National Championships in the same financial r in which Senior Championships are held. In case the National Federation defaults in holding the Junior and Sub-Junior Championships, it will not be entitled to any grant for the Senior Championship.

Application on the prescribed proforma (Annexure VII) will be sent to DYAS with a copy to ED (Teams), SAI, three months before the date of the championship.

8.8 International Tournaments

Government will provide assistance to the National Sports Federations for holding of international tournaments in India as per the following scales:

1. World Cup/World/Commonwealth/Asian Championship : Rs. 5.00 lakhs;
2. Other International tournaments : Rs. 3.00 lakhs

The application for financial assistance in prescribed proforma (Annexure VIII) will have to be submitted to DYAS with a copy to ED (Teams), SAI three months before the date of the championship.

8.8.2 The reimbursement of expenditure on boarding, lodging and transportation will be @ Rs. 1,000/- per head per day in 'A' class cities and Rs. 700/- per head per day in other cities subject to ceiling of Rs. 4.50 lakhs for tournament at (i) and Rs. 2.70 lakhs for tournament at (ii) above. In addition, Rs. 50,000/- in case of category (i) and Rs. 30,000/- in case of category (ii) above will be given to Federation/Association for actual rent of playfields and cost of consumable equipment including certificate and medals. The application for financial assistance will have to be submitted to Government three months prior to the event alongwith details indicating the number of countries, players and officials expected to participate in the event.

8.8.3 75% of the amount indicated at paras 8.7 and 8.8 above will be released before the event. The balance will be released on receipt of a report from the National Sports Federation/Association giving a statement of actual expenditure certified by a practising Chartered Accountant on the basis of participation of sportspersons per day in the event. The accounts of Associations/Federations shall be open to scrutiny by Government Agency or person designated by it in this behalf.

8.9 Cultural Exchange

Subject to availability of funds, National Sports Federations, may be assisted for meeting expenses on local hospitality of foreign teams visiting India under Cultural Exchange Programme on quid pro-quo basis i.e. similar facilities being extended to Indian teams while visiting the said country. Local hospitality shall cover boarding, lodging, internal travel and such other expenses as are provided for the Cultural Exchange Programmes. Application in this respect may be submitted in the proforma at Annexure VI for teams going abroad and in proforma at Annexure VIII for teams coming to India, under such programmes. These applications will be submitted to DYAS 3 months before the event with a copy to SAI.

8.10 Administrative

Government shall provide financial assistance to the Federations to meet the pay and allowances of Joint Secretaries/Assistant Secretaries as per Guidelines issued vide Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports letters No. 1-27/86-D(SP) dated 3rd September, 1988 and No. 1/28/88-SP IV dated 21st February, 1989 (Annexure IX).

IX. Clubbing and Dovetailing of Schemes of SAI and the Ministry

9.1 At present the Ministry and the SAI operate a number of independent schemes apart from Grants to National Federations, which have a direct bearing on the promotion and development of sports in the country. A significant portion of these schemes are now proposed to be brought within the framework of these Guidelines and will be implemented for specified purposes which may find mention in the agreements to be signed between NSFs, the Ministry and the SAI.

The schemes involved are as under:

1. Exchange of Physical Education Teachers etc. (CEPs)
2. Rural Sports Programme
3. National Championship for Women
4. Grants for Creation of sports infrastructure
5. Grants to Universities and Colleges
6. Assistance for synthetic surfaces
7. Scholarships for training abroad

Expenditure under these schemes will therefore now be co-ordinated, where required with LTDPs of the concerned NSFs.

9.2 With respect to these schemes of the Ministry suitable enabling clauses will be added to each scheme so as to enable Federations to avail of the assistance offered under these programmes.

X. Selection Procedure

10.1 NSFs are primarily responsible for judicious selection of sportspersons for participation in major international events based on merit and with the objective of enhancing national prestige and bringing glory to the country. As such the best sportspersons/team has to be chosen for representing the country.

10.2 The Selection Committee upto now consisted of the President, a representative of the Indian Olympic Association, an ex-international (an Arjuna Awardee or an international medal winner) to be nominated by the Govt., a nominee of SAI and the National Coach.

10.3 The Selection Committee now will be constituted by the Federation comprising of the President, the National Coach and eminent ex-sportspersons. From the Selection Committee Govt. and SAI Nominees are being withdrawn. Instead Govt. will appoint a Govt. Observer for each discipline, who will be associated with all the activities of the National Federation. It will be mandatory for the Federation to inform him about Selection Committee Meetings, important national and international competitions.

10.4 The Selection Committee shall make the following selections:

1. Probables for intensive coaching and final teams for major competitions like Olympic, World, Asian and Commonwealth Games/Championships and other important international events.
2. Internationally qualified official including referees/judges etc. to assist in the preparation of the national teams.
3. Medical personnel and sports scientists to assist in the preparation of the teams on continuous and systematic basis.

10.5 The National Coach will be selected by a Committee with President of the concerned NSF as its Chairman, DG, SAI, ED(TEAMS), SAI, one ex-international (preferably an Arjuna Awardee or an international medal winner) to be nominated by the Govt. and a nominee of IOA as its members from a panel prepared by SAI. The National Coach will be appointed by SAI after careful consideration of the name recommended by the Selection Committee.

10.6 The Selection Committee, in consultation with the Coach will chose other members of the Coaching Team.

10.7 The Team of Coaches, sports sciences experts etc. shall not normally be changed or modified once chosen until the Asian/Olympics Games are over.

10.8 The National Coach will evaluate the progress and performance of the sportspersons in the coaching camps and make recommendations to the Selection Committee regarding elimination of Sportspersons who show unsatisfactory performance. He may also recommend inclusion of new probables. The Selection Committee will decide the elimination/inclusion of sportspersons as recommended by the National Coach.

10.9 The SAI shall reimburse TA/DA to the National Coach and Govt. Observer for attending the meetings of the Selection Committee.

XI. Long Term Development Plans

11.1 To avail of Government assistance, a National Sports Federation will be required to prepare detailed Long Term Development Plans, based on a 5(Five) years cycle which coincides with the five year plan period or any other significant milestone. Detailed Guidelines for drawing of LTDPs have already been issued to the National Federations for the Olympic/Asian Games disciplines, which are at Annexure X.

11.2 These plans are to cover all aspects of the sports, and will be expected to incorporate detailed plans covering the following specific aspects:

• Development of Sportsperson
• Coaching
• Officiating
• Participation and Broadbasing
• Development of Clubs
• Domestic tournament Schedule
• Participation in International Tournaments
• Hosting of Major Events
• Professionalisation of management
• Financial management
• Marketing and promotion
• Sports sciences
• Facilities and equipment
• Special Projects
•  

11.3 Structure of the Plan

Structure of the Plan would include the following:

1. A statement of specific and measurable objective against each of the items mentioned above.
2. A statement of the long term perspective for the sport.
3. A Special five year plan for the IX Plan period i.e. 1997-98 to 2001-02
4. A detailed annual plan for the Calendar year.
5. A detailed financial statement of the cost involved and the projected income.
6. Detailed proposals for introducing professional management practices.

11.4 As most NSFs may require expert assistance to prepare detailed plans and also to follow-up in implementation, the NSFs may consider either appointing a committee of technical experts or a qualified professional for this work. The term of appointment of the technical committee or the professional, as the case may be, should correspond with the plan cycle (i.e. 5 years).

11.5 Procedure for approval and monitoring the Plan

The plans as drawn up by the National Federations will be discussed in meeting of the Federation, the Ministry and SAI and an agreed programme will be finalised and concluded. This programme will include the following commitments:

1. The concerned National Federation will implement the provisions of the agreement and achieve the targets as set.
2. That the Ministry will commit its share of financial assistance.
3. That the SAI will make its facilities available according to the schedule approved.

11.6 To monitor compliance or non-compliance, a Committee consisting of representatives of the National Federations, the Ministry and the SAI will review the progress made against the targets set every quarter and will suggest corrective steps to be taken by the three agencies involved.Corrective measures as agreed upon will be taken immediately by the concerned parties.

11.7 In formulating their plans NSFs should also give due consideration to the following issues:

1. Democratic and healthy management practices, which provide for greater accountability and transparency at all levels.
2. Proper accounting procedures at all levels.
3. Proper functioning of affiliated units.
4. Measures for the protection of players interests, both during their playing careers and thereafter.
5. Introduction of an impartial machinery for the redressal of player's grievances.
6. Organisation of tournaments at all levels.
7. Measures to broadbase and popularise sports, especially through the establishment of clubs, the organisation of local tournaments, and the creation of infrastructure.

11.8 The Ministry will provide necessary support and assistance to the proposals of various NSFs for the following items, with the concerned agencies, in order to ensure that the LTDPs, as agreed upon, are fully implemented:

1. For foreign exchange as required.
2. For import of all sports equipment, as required.
3. For customs duty exemption for these imports.
4. Sponsorship e.g. commercial T.V. sponsorship.
5. To upgrade the technical qualification and standards of tournament officials to enable them to do duty in major international tournaments.
6. For training of athletes and coaches abroad under Cultural Exchange Programmes.
7. For holding and hosting of major international tournaments in India.
8. For investments in infrastructure, sports promotion and sports sponsorship.

XII. Miscellaneous

12.1 While drawing up the LTDPs, NSFs, may also keep in mind Ministry broad approach on the views mentioned below:

1. Promotion of Sportspersons' Interest and Measures for their Welfare
   
   The Ministry Of Youth Affairs & Sports recognises that all the measures contained in the Guidelines, though they may pertain to plans and programmes of NSFs, are essentially meant to provide the right sort of environment in which a sportsperson or an athlete is able to perform to his maximum capability. Hence, an essential feature of the conditionalities included in the Guidelines will relate to the protection of sportspersons' interests and their welfare, and for the quick and impartial redressal of their grievances.
   
   The major issues involved have been identified as follows:
1. Introduction of transparent selection procedures at all levels. Where possible and practical, NSF will be required to introduce seeding and ranking systems which will provide an automatic and transparent system of selection. The selection criteria as notified by the NSF, shall be circulated and explained to all the athletes concerned at least two to three years in advance as far as major competitions such as Commonwealth/Asian/Olympic Games is concerned and in respect of other important championships, this shall be done at least six months in advance, In all cases selection procedures as laid down in Para X shall be invariably followed.
2. Each NSF will be required to introduce a machinery for the redressal of players grievances. This machinery will be required to be vested with the authority to redress grievances speedily. Appeal and other procedures are therefore to be codified and circulated.
3. NSFs will be required to evolve a system by which players on the verge of retirement may opt for any specialised training required to become coaches, referees, umpires, technical officials, judges etc. as the case may be. Financial assistance to assist in this programme will be provided by the Ministry.
2. Holding of International Tournaments in India
   
   The Ministry recognises the importance of attracting international tournaments to India. The impact of such events on the spread, popularity and general development of a sport can be considerable, and far outweighs any direct expenditure involved.

However, it is equally important to ensure that these events are properly and professionally managed, so that India develops a credible image abroad as a reliable venue to host and hold such tournaments.

From the stage of bidding, upto the actual conduct of the tournament itself, it is important for all the agencies involved to work in the closest possible coordination, especially considering the large number of clearances and approvals required both at the State and Central levels.

On being informed of an NSFs interest in hosting any major international tournament in India, a Special Task Force is to be constituted by the National Sports Federation in each case to coordinate all follow-up action to be taken.

Separately, the Ministry will consider in detail, requests for financial assistance against specific items of expenditure for equipment or infrastructure development. In doing so, the Ministry will be guided by the following points:

1. The importance of the event.
2. Profile of the sport in India.
3. Total budget of the event, including foreign exchange outflow/earnings.
4. Extent to which the tournament it compatible with the objectives stated in the LTDP.
5. Potential for TV coverage, and hence sponsorship.
6. Whether it involves the construction of an international level facility.
7. Whether the management and organisation of the tournament is in professional hands.

The Ministry also recognises the vital role of reputed sports promoters in assisting NSFs in hosting and conducting such tournaments, especially as bigger and more prestigious tournaments are allotted to India in the years to come.

The Ministry also recognises the crucial importance of commercial TV coverage, both as a source of income for the organisers, and also as a means to spread the popularity of a sport, and will, therefore, pursue all related matters with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

3. National Tournament Schedules
   
   The Ministry realises that a strong domestic tournament schedule, with the widest possible spread throughout the country, if properly organised and managed is the best way to popularise a sport, while simultaneously raising standards.

While preparing their Long Term Development Programmes, NSFs will be required to commit themselves to developing a properly coordinated and comprehensive domestic Tournament Schedule, identifying clearly the organisers at each level, costs involved.

The NSFs organising the tournaments should take care to make good arrangements for the boarding and lodging of players so that the players are able to perform in a congenial environment.

4. Upgrading and Professionalising Managing Practices
   
   One of the most striking and debilitating elements of sports management in India is the lack of professional skills available to National Federations to plan and implement detailed programmes for the long term improvement of sports. This problem is becoming more acute with the increase in commercial practice followed by Federations worldwide. An analysis of systems followed elsewhere in the world shows that, in general, office-bearers are honorary employees and therefore, find it difficult to manage the complex workings of large Federations without taking outside help. This approach has been found to be practical and workable without diminishing in any way the status or responsibility of Federation Executives.

The Ministry of Sports also recognises the importance of introducing similar practices in Indian Sports Federations, and would like the National Federations to upgrade their administrative and technical set up by appointment of qualified personnel in Finance, Administration and Coaching. DYAS may consider partially reimbursing the NSFs for meeting the cost of qualified personnel provided the norms laid down by the Ministry are followed. Normally Federations will be advised to employ persons only on contract basis.

5. Registered Chartered Accountants to be appointed

One of the conditions which the Ministry will insist upon before committing themselves to providing extensive financial assistance to a NSF against agreed items of expenditure, will be the appointment of a registered chartered accountant and submission of annual audited statement of account for all Federations receiving grants. These accounts will have to be submitted to the Government alongwith the annual plan.

6. Towards Financial Self-Sufficiency

Should any NSF wish to become completely self-financing, and therefore autonomous in the true sense of the word, they may be considered for partial one time assistance to meet the cost of any consultant of professional agency, selected to help them achieve this objective.

The only condition in these cases is that the prior approval of the Ministry would be required to the terms and conditions of the consultancy.

In the event that an NSF opts for this offer, they will continue to have full access to SAI facilities, though on strictly commercial terms.

7. (g) Plans for Broadbasing

The lack of an extensive and organised playing base has been rightly identified as one of the main reasons for India's poor sporting standards.

While preparing their Long Term Development Plans. National Federations will be expected to identify the specific measures they propose to initiate to broaden the playing base.

This exercise is to be done with specific reference to the following:

1. School and Colleges.
2. Network of clubs.
3. System of extensive local competitions.
   Although the requirements and plans for each Federation will differ substantially, specific and achievable targets are to be projected by each Federation.
7. Special Training of Athletes

The requirements of the Federations in this sector would need to be distinctly and separately worked out for Seniors, Juniors and Sub-Juniors. Depending on the current standard, and other factors, due priority would be given at the appropriate level. For example, where current domestic standards are far below international standards, emphasis would be placed on the Junior and Sub-Junior programmes.

In order that the SAI can also develop and build its expertise in specific disciplines, it would be necessary to identify a specific training centre for each discipline so as to ensure that the best in coaching, equipment support, and scientific and medical support is available for that discipline at that venue. This would not mean that athletes cannot be trained at other venues (for altitude, winter training and other purposes) but hat one centre alone will maintain all their records.

9. Improvement in Coaching Standards
   
   The standards, utilisation and development of coaches in respect of each discipline, is basic to any long term plan to improve sports. The specific requirements of each Federation in respect of each aspect of coaching would therefore need to be worked out in detail. While undertaking this exercise, Federations are advised to consider the following:
1. Making better use of ex-Olympians and senior players, who have the potential for becoming a coach, by giving them the added responsibility of coaching.
2. Using the various facilities offered by International Federations and the IOC to significantly improve coaching standards.
3. Suggesting different coaching grades on the international pattern to make the best use of coaching skills.
4. Introducing a system of accountability for the performance of coaches at every level.
   
   t is acknowledged that the management of coaching is a complex problem requiring a detailed exercise in respect of each Federation. It is for this reason that proposals to enable Federation to make use of professional advice have been included in the section on improving management standards.
10. Plans for Upgrading Officiating Standards

Officiating standards in India, with a few exceptions, have yet to come up to internationally accepted levels.

A concerted effort now needs to be made to upgrade the standards of all categories of officials in each discipline. The objective, at the highest levels, should be to create a cadre of internationally accredited and recognised officials, who would be available for international duty.

The specific plans of each Federation, in this important area would need to be worked out in detail.

Where necessary and required, the assistance of the concerned International Federation itself should be taken.

11. Sports as Business - Promotion and Marketing

The Ministry recognises the significant commercial potential in organised sports, particularly at the senior level, and would like to see Federations develop making full use of this potential. To do so will require promotional and marketing skills of a high order.

The Ministry would therefore consider endorsing projects, which are basically commercial and self financing, which are implemented through reputed sports promoters or other commercial agencies.

In this endeavor, the Ministry would given particular priority to the hosting and holding of international tournaments which are recognised by the concerned Asian or International Federations.