SAS 700: Promoting Rural, National, Paralympic & Olympic Sports

Introduction: SAS 700, titled ‘Training to Promote Rural Sports, Nationally Recognized Sports, Paralympic Sports, and Olympic Sports,’ aims to support initiatives that promote sports and provide training, establish academies, and offer other forms of assistance for rural sports, nationally recognized sports, Paralympic sports, and Olympic sports. The social audit process plays a crucial role in evaluating the impact of these initiatives and ensuring their effectiveness in achieving their goals.

Process of Social Audit:

The process of social audit under SAS 700 involves comprehensive data gathering and engagement with relevant stakeholders. The social auditors (SA) are responsible for contacting various stakeholders involved in sports development, including non-profit entities, implementing partners, target populations, government institutions, media agencies, academic institutions, professional groups, monitoring agencies, staff members, board of advisors/trustees/directors, and key officials of the reporting entity. By engaging with these stakeholders, the SA can collect valuable data and insights regarding the effectiveness and impact of the sports development initiatives.

The SA should employ a variety of data collection methods to ensure comprehensive information gathering. These methods may include surveys, interviews, physical inspections, and analysis of existing data. The data collected should cover a wide range of aspects related to sports development, including infrastructure, accessibility, training programs, resources, participation rates, and the overall impact on the target populations.

Evaluation Questions:

The social audit process under SAS 700 involves asking key evaluation questions to assess the impact and effectiveness of the sports development initiatives. These evaluation questions serve as the foundation for the Social Impact Assessment Report. Some of the questions that may be considered include:

1. Existing Situation of Sports in India:
   • What are the current challenges and opportunities in the field of sports in India?
   • How does the availability of sports infrastructure and resources vary across different regions?
   • Are there any specific barriers or limitations hindering sports development in rural areas?
2. Access to Sports Development Platforms:
   • Has there been an increase in access to sports development platforms for young sporting talents?
   • Are there sufficient opportunities for training and skill enhancement in various sports disciplines?
   • How accessible are these platforms to individuals from marginalized communities and rural areas?
3. Availability of Resources for Pursuing Sports Careers:
   • Are there adequate resources and support systems available for individuals pursuing sports as a career?
   • What are the financial and infrastructural challenges faced by aspiring athletes?
4. Recognition and Valuation of Sports:
   • Is there a perception that sports is undervalued compared to other professions in India?
   • Is there a hegemony of one nationally recognized sport, such as cricket, over other sports in terms of recognition and resources?
5. Changes in Sports Development Over Time:
   • What significant changes have been witnessed in the field of sports development in the country over the last two decades?
   • How have government policies and initiatives contributed to these changes?
6. Government Initiatives and Resources:
   • What are the different government initiatives and resources available from both the central and state governments to support sports development?
   • How effective are these initiatives in promoting equal opportunities and inclusivity in sports?
7. Impact on Paralympic Sports:
   • Has the program positively impacted the rights and inclusion of differently-abled individuals in Paralympic sports?
   • What specific measures have been taken to ensure accessibility and support for Paralympic athletes?
8. Availability of Coaches and Trainers:
   • Are there sufficient numbers of qualified sports coaches and trainers to train young talents for national and international sports competitions?
   • What measures have been taken to enhance the quality and availability of coaching facilities?
9. Integration of Sports in Education:
   • What changes are required in the Indian education system to promote sports as an equally important subject in academia?
   • How can sports be integrated into the curriculum to encourage participation and skill development?

Key Metrics: Framing and Assessment:

The SA should develop a framework for evaluating the impact of sports development initiatives based on the data collected. This framework should include key metrics and indicators that reflect the goals and objectives of the initiatives. The SA can assess the performance of the social enterprise or organization based on these metrics and derive meaningful conclusions about the impact of their efforts.

The key metrics may include:

1. Baseline Measurement:
   • Establishing the starting point of the project/program and measuring the actual changes brought about by the intervention.
2. Past Performance Trend:
   • Assessing the historical performance of the entity involved in sports development initiatives to understand the progress and identify areas for improvement.
3. Highlights and Key Achievements:
   • Identifying and analyzing the noteworthy achievements and positive outcomes of the sports development initiatives during the reporting period.
4. Demography and Socio-Economic Profile:
   • Analyzing the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the target group or population affected by the initiatives, such as age distribution, marital status, educational qualifications, social categories, and economic background.
5. Resource Mapping:
   • Assessing the availability and allocation of resources, both financial and infrastructural, to support sports development in different regions.
6. Impact Assessment:
   • Evaluating the impact of sports development initiatives on various aspects, such as the change in human capital, economic empowerment of sports professionals at the district, state, and national levels, and the rights and opportunities for Paralympic sports professionals.
7. Relevance and Usefulness of Project Activities:
   • Assessing the effectiveness and relevance of the project activities in addressing the specific needs and challenges of the target population.
8. Quality of Delivery Mechanism:
   • Evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of the delivery mechanism employed to implement the sports development initiatives, including the training programs, infrastructure development, and overall management.

Additional Elements:

In addition to the key metrics mentioned above, there are several other factors that can be considered in the evaluation process. These factors may include:

1. Organization and Programme Strategy:
   • Assessing the clarity, effectiveness, and alignment of the organization’s strategy and program design in achieving the desired outcomes in sports development.
2. Resource Mobilization:
   • Evaluating the organization’s ability to mobilize resources, both financial and non-financial, to support sports development initiatives.
3. Leveraging Technology:
   • Assessing the extent to which technology has been leveraged to enhance the efficiency, accessibility, and impact of sports development initiatives.
4. Attracting, Retaining, and Nurturing Talent:
   • Evaluating the organization’s efforts in attracting, retaining, and nurturing talented individuals in the field of sports, including coaches, trainers, and athletes.
5. Socio-Economic Factors:
   • Assessing the impact of sports development initiatives on various socio-economic factors, such as improved social conditions, access to healthcare facilities, access to education opportunities, and social acceptance of sports as a viable career option.

Assessment of Evaluation Criteria:

The SA should recognize and employ both qualitative and quantitative evaluation criteria to assess the impact of sports development initiatives. Quantitative evaluation criteria involve measurable indicators, such as ratios of female to male participation in nationally recognized sports and the Olympics, the number of sports management institutions, the percentage of government budget allocated to sports development, and the availability of sports infrastructure in educational institutions. Qualitative evaluation criteria focus on assessing the extent of inequalities, discrimination, and representation of marginalized groups in sports, as well as the perception of sports as a viable career option.

Challenges/Areas for Improvement:

Identifying challenges and areas for improvement is essential for enhancing the effectiveness and impact of sports development initiatives. The SA should actively seek input and suggestions from stakeholders to identify difficulties and barriers that may hinder progress. Some common challenges and areas for improvement in the context of training to promote rural sports, nationally recognized sports, Paralympic sports, and Olympic sports may include:

1. Inadequate Government Budget for Sports Development:
   • The lack of sufficient financial resources allocated by the government for sports development initiatives.
2. Lack of International-Level Coaches and Sports Trainers:
   • The scarcity of qualified coaches and trainers with international-level expertise, which hampers the quality of training and skill development.
3. Biases Towards Paralympic Sports/Women Sports:
   • Societal biases and discrimination that limit opportunities and recognition for Paralympic sports and women’s sports.
4. Social Attitudes Towards Sports as a Viable Career Option:
   • The prevailing perception that sports is undervalued compared to other professions, resulting in limited support and opportunities for individuals pursuing a career in sports.
5. Lack of Sports as an Academic Subject:
   • The limited integration of sports as an equally important subject in the academic curriculum, compared to other subjects.
6. Lack of Adequate Sports Training Institutes:
   • Insufficient availability of sports training institutes in all states, particularly in rural areas, leading to limited access to professional training and skill enhancement.
7. Lack of Sports Infrastructure in Educational Institutions:
   • Inadequate sports infrastructure, such as sports facilities and equipment, in educational institutions, including schools and colleges.
8. Lack of Mentorship:
   • The absence of mentorship programs and guidance for aspiring athletes and sports professionals.
9. Affordability and Accessibility to Sports Training:
   • Challenges related to the affordability and accessibility of sports training programs, especially for individuals from marginalized communities and rural areas.
10. Societal Expectations Regarding Gender Roles:
    • Societal expectations that assign traditional gender roles, such as household work and childcare, which may limit the participation of women and girls in sports.
11. Cultural Mindsets and Stereotypes:
    • Deep-rooted cultural mindsets and stereotypes that affect the recognition and acceptance of various sports, especially those beyond the dominant sports.

Limitations:

During the social audit process, certain limitations may arise, and it is essential for the SA to acknowledge and address them. Some common limitations may include:

1. Cases of Non-Response:
   • Instances where respondents do not provide a response if the questionnaire is not administered in person.
2. Unanswered Questions:
   • Situations where respondents skip certain questions or leave them unanswered.
3. Non-Availability of Respondents:
   • Difficulty in contacting respondents due to their relocation or changes in contact details after completing the training or program.
4. Change in Contact Details:
   • Instances where contact details of respondents change, leading to challenges in reaching them for follow-up or further data collection.

The SA should highlight any significant challenges or limitations encountered during the social audit process in their report to provide transparency and ensure the validity of the findings and recommendations.

Conclusion:

The field of sports development in India holds immense potential, and recent achievements in global events have underscored the importance of nurturing talent and providing equal opportunities. The government, through initiatives like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), has been actively promoting sports development and inclusivity. As social auditors, it is crucial to approach the evaluation of sports development initiatives with diligence, sensitivity, and a commitment to maximizing their positive impact. By conducting thorough social audits, analyzing key metrics, addressing challenges, and considering stakeholder input, the SA can contribute to the advancement of sports in India and the holistic development of individuals through sports participation.