The Sports Scholarship Scheme at the University of Bath: A Systematic Approach to Meeting the Needs of the Elite Academic Athlete.

The Sports Scholarship at Bath was established in 1976 and has provided a systematic approach to combining academic studies with sporting achievement at the highest level. This has entailed long-term planning, with the implementation and management of a selection of procedures and facilities for the scholars' training and support. This study aims to analyse the formation and development of the Scheme over the period 1976 - 1994. To place this in perspective, the thesis begins with an exploration of the concept of sporting excellence and the implications for the Bath Scheme. It reviews ways in which other countries have approached the problem of fostering sporting talent. It discusses the particular problems facing the elite academic athlete in combining sport and academic work, the rationale of the Bath Scheme and the problems facing its early development. Major components of the Scheme are considered including management and organisation, design and development of the sports scholar's programme and the specialist coaching and training requirements. It examines the formative decisions that have been made in building up resources and methods to enhance the scholars' performance and it presents evidence of their progress. Consideration is given to the physiological aspects and training procedures and to the psychological factors and preparation for competition. The conclusion assesses the position now reached by the Scheme and its potential for development. Overall the thesis presents a case study which should be of value to other institutions or organisations contemplating similar programmes