Swiss Taekwondo Talent Promotion Concept

Swiss Taekwondo Talent Promotion Concept SWISS TAEKWONDO FEDERATION Report Presented to Swiss Olympic by Dr. Walid YOUNES, Secretary General and Sport Director Swiss Taekwondo Federation Mr. Niko KRICKA, National Head Coach Swiss Taekwondo Federation December 2012

Swiss Taekwondo Talent Promotion Concept Due to the limited number of the members affiliated to the Swiss Taekwondo Federation, it is very difficult for Swiss Taekwondo to establish an internal challenge system between the athletes as it is the case in other big federations elsewhere. Fig. 1 For a given major tournament, the national coach selects some high performance athletes, in order to represent the Swiss Team. It means, whatever were the results of a given athlete, it is important to respect certain selection criteria. Selection Criteria: The following figure (Fig. 1) shows the criteria upon which selection is made for a given athlete to participate to a given Major Taekwondo Event. These criteria are not a determining factor for having a Swiss Olympic Talent card. The distribution of these Talent cards depends on the PISTE. Please refer to the attached appendix: (Swiss Taekwondo_Final_Ranglistentool_PISTE_2011_def)

The Selection criteria have to be respected during the whole selection pathway, and they are based on international ranking points, as well as results obtained during the European A-Class tournaments and other major international tournaments sanctioned by the World Taekwondo Federation. A provisional selection for training with national team is always carried out at least 6 months prior to a major championship figuring in the event calendar of European Taekwondo Union or World Taekwondo Federation. The selected athletes are contacted by an official written convocation and the selection is validated after receiving a written confirmation from the athletes. The three major selection criteria indicated in Figure 1 are indispensable but the degrees of importance are varied. In this subject, the coach s decision counts for 50% of the final selection, whereas the other two criteria count for 30% and 20% for completions results and training observation, respectively. However, the 80% has to be attained for the athlete to be selected and from this 80% the coach has to give at least 40%. In case of similar profiles and results of athletes of the same weight and age category, the screening is done according to a common decision by the National Coach, the Sport Director and the President of the Swiss Taekwondo Federation. They integrate all aspects for selection, in a fair way, considering that the final selection is based on who has the highest probability to win a medal. The following illustration (Figure 2) indicates the calendar of major Taekwondo event in which the cadets, juniors and U 21 Swiss national team is intending to participate for the year 2013. Figure 2

Taekwondo Performance Test For cadet, junior and Elite

Performance system Structure and Size The following figure (Fig. 3) illustrates the structure and size of the talent performance system. The system is divided into the following age groups: 7-11, 12-14, 15-17, U21 and Elite. Figure 3. Taekwondo cadres Structure Cadre Denomination Cards Elite High Performance N = 7 Under 21 N = 3 Elite National Cadres S 2 B 1 E 4-21 National Cadres N 3 Juniors N = 10 Juniors National Cadres N 2 Cadets N = 12 Clubs NLZ Cadets National Cadre N 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 +24 Age Offspring Elite T / Jan

School structure and development programme They all start in dojang and/or clubs and have the possibility to join a special School/Sport programme. The federation is collaborating with some specialised establishment, among which; Sport School from Bern, United School of sport in Zurich and Sport-Kultur-Studium in Biel as well as some sport-friendly apprenticeship structures. Up till now, when the National Coach spots a talent, who is in a school level, the technical team (Niko KRICKA & Walid YOUNES) start s to establish contact with the athlete s coach and parents. The parents and/or the responsible coach have the possibility to get in direct relation with the National Coach or Sport Director to find together the optimum structure in which the talented athlete could be integrated. The High performance training structure is offering an exchange platform with parents through the organization of annual open-door meetings or through sending periodic information by mail to all Swiss Taekwondo affiliated Clubs. The talented athletes could join a Regional level by integrating the RLZ. The RLZ structure could then introduce their selected talented athletes to the national level, including cadets and juniors and Elite to a lesser extent. The Dojang level in Switzerland contains around 3000 members or participants (Popular Sport), in which 150 to 200 contestants are participating annually to the Swiss National Championship. The categories in the Swiss national championships are: Minims, Cadets, Juniors and Seniors, for both males and females. The high performance training structure includes 32 athletes, comprising all age categories, males and females. Elite High performance level includes 7 athletes. Two from the Elites athletes are receiving the Silver Swiss Olympic Cards, one bronze card while the other 4 got their Elite Swiss Olympic Cards. U 21 level includes 3 athletes with 3 National SO Cards. Some of the juniors became U21. However, we have a total of 10 juniors in the High Performance structure, only 2 of them have the National SO Cards. And the last group of cadets includes 12 athletes, but they do not have a SO Card yet. As illustrated in Figure 3, we do not have any local or regional SO Cards. The RLZ is a new structure, and it is not yet evaluated. We hope that by the end of the Year 2013, the 1 st RLZ structure of the Swiss Taekwondo Federation in Basel well follow an evaluation process and the results will be given to Swiss Olympic. According to this future evaluation, we could decide to renew this RLZ structure or even giving a chance to other new RLZ structures in the other two geographical areas.

This pathway is well illustrated in the next pathway diagram (Fig. 4). Figure 4 NLZ Magglingen

Technique Tactics Table 1. Talent Promotion Concept for the Swiss National Team Swiss Taekwondo Federation Athletic Physical Coordination Kids Minim Cadets Junior U 21 Elite 5-7 Years 8-11 Years 12-14 Years 15-17 Under 21 Years Over 21 Years 6 th Kup Blue Belt Basic Techniques Let them PLAY 4 th Kup Blue Belt Basic Techniques Foot work Endurance contest 2 nd Kup Red Belt Basic & Advanced Techniques Special Foot work Competition techniques Endurance contest Let them FIGHT 1 st Poom Black Belt Basic & Advanced Techniques Competition techniques Golden point scenario Multi-player contests Contest rules 1 st Dan and Higher Advanced Techniques Individual Personalized Tech s Drilling Situations Golden point scenario Contest rules 1 st Dan and higher Advanced Techniques Individual Personalized Tech s Drilling Situations Golden point scenario Contest rules See following document See following document See following document See following document See following document See following document Training intensity Personal Mental Competition Medical School Career Sport Awar eness Supervised training 2 to 3 Hours/week 2 to 3 trainings/week Based on 10 months/year 80-120 Hours Club meeting, Interclub sparing Participation in championships for this category is based not only on age but also the belt colour. Obligatory School 3 to 6 Hours/week 2~3 to 4 trainings/week Including: 1 non-supervised training per week, Based on Conditions & Stretching. Based on 10 months/year 120-240 Hours Club meeting, Interclub sparing National Championships International Clubs Sparing Participation in championships for this category is based not only on age but also the belt colour. Obligatory School Career awareness 6 to 10 Hours/week 3 to 5 trainings/week Including: 1~2 non-supervised training per week, Based on Conditions & Stretching & Core training. Based on 10 months/year 240-400 Hours Interclub sparing, National Championships, European Championships, Participation in championships for this category is based not only on age but also the belt colour. International Championships National team with only black belt. Obligatory School Future prospective Career (Sensibilisation) Fairness and Friendship Fairness and Friendship Fair play & Sport Ethics Competitions Rules Including: 2 non-supervised trainings per week, Based on Conditions & Stretching, Core training & Strengthing exercises. 10 to 14 Hours/week 5 to 7 trainings/week 1~2 training/weekend 2 weeks ends/month Based on 10 months/year 400-560 Hours Personalized training plan Win/loss situation Time lag management Weight management Repeated tournaments Mental Training National Championships European Championships International Championships Youth Olympic Tournaments National team with only black belt. Annual Check Supplementary advice Accidents prevention Sport/School Coordination Special Education Programme National Training Centre RLZ and Dojang support Anti-doping Procedures Nutrition Including: 2~3 non-supervised trainings per week, Based on Conditions & Stretching, Core training, Strengthing exercises, TKD Techniques & analyses. 12 to 18 Hours/week 6 to 10 trainings/week 1~2 training/weekend 2 weeks ends/month Based on 11 months/year 530-800 Hours Personalized training plan Win/loss situation Time lag management Weight management Repeated tournaments Mental Training National Championships European Championships International Championships Youth Olympic Tournaments Universiade National team with only black belt. Annual Check Supplementary advice Accidents prevention Sport/Professional coordination Military sport University Sport Anti-doping Procedures Nutrition Career Including: 3 non-supervised trainings per week, Based on Conditions & Stretching, Core training, Strengthing exercises, TKD Techniques & analyses. 16 to 22 Hours/week 8 to 12 trainings/week 2~3 training/weekend 2 weeks ends/month Based on 11 months/year 700-1000 Hours Personalized training plan Win/loss situation Time lag management Weight management Repeated tournaments Mental Training National Championships European Championships International Championships Olympic Tournaments Universiade - Military Games Individual Competition National team with only black belt. Annual Check Supplementary advice High Performance diagnostics Physiotherapy Accidents prevention Athletes support system and career planning provided recently by Swiss Olympic Military sport career Anti-doping Procedures Nutrition Sports Science & medicine

Die Athletische Entwicklung eines Taekwondo-Kämpfers 5-7 jährig Ausdauer mit spielerischem Charakter kurze und mittlere Belastungen dann wieder lohnende Erholungspausen. Schnelligkeit und ihre Unterfaktoren und Koordination stehen im Zentrum der Ausbildung. Krafttraining ist immer als koordinative Herausforderung zu gestalten. Dabei gilt es das Eigengewicht gezielt einzusetzen. Spielformen mit Sprüngen in die Belastung integrieren. Die Beweglichkeit von Kindern durch weit ausladende Bewegungen Flexibilität bis zum maximalen Bewegungsumfang aufrechterhalten. Das klassische, statische «Stretching» ist nicht kindsgerecht (U12) und macht somit wenig Sinn. Dehnen wird durch Flexibilität in der Dynamik trainiert. 8-11 jährig Ausdauer mit intermittierendem Charakter kurze und intensive Belastungen dann wieder längere Erholungspausen. Schnelligkeit und ihre Unterfaktoren und Koordination stehen im Zentrum der Ausbildung. Krafttraining ist immer als koordinative Herausforderung zu gestalten. Mit einfachen Hilfsmitteln (z.b. Besenstiel für die Reisskniebeugen) Aktivitäten mit hohen Belastungen auf die Knochen in die Lektion integrieren alle möglichen Hüpfformen (Springseil, etc.). Dynamisches Rumpfkrafttraining in die Lektionen integrieren. Die Beweglichkeit von Kindern durch weit ausladende Bewegungen Flexibilität bis zum maximalen Bewegungsumfang aufrechterhalten. Das klassische, statische «Stretching» ist nicht kindsgerecht (U12) und macht somit wenig Sinn. Dehnen wird durch Flexibilität in der Dynamik trainiert. 12-14 jährig Die Kinder sind aufnahmefähig für hohe Trainierbarkeit (Schnelligkeit, Kraft und Ausdauer). Ausdauer mit intermittierendem Charakter kurze und intensive Belastungen, dann wieder längere Erholungspausen. Bei den Belastungen werden nebst Laufformen auch schon Schnelligkeitsübungen, Springseilformen oder Kräftigungsübungen verwenden. Das Schnelligkeitstraining verfolgt das Prinzip: «schnell und präzise».

Sprungformen werden als Elemente des Schnellkrafttrainings benützt Leistungsentwicklung soll erreicht werden (höher, weiter und kürzere Bodenkontaktzeiten). Das Krafttraining ist funktionell und berücksichtigt das Prinzip des Muskelschlingentrainings (intermuskuläre Koordination). Präzise koordinative Kraftbewegungen werden gelernt. Nebst der dymamischen Rumpfkraft wird auch das Core Training in die Einheiten integriert mit dem Ziel der Erhöhung der Rumpfstabilität (z.b. Sypoba, Slingtraining, usw.). Das Jahr wird bereits etwas durchgeplant. Ferien werden teilweise für intensiveres Training benützt. Die Spieler werden auf Turnierhöhepunkte technisch, taktisch und auch konditionell vorbereitet. 15-17 jährig Der Begriff «repeated sprint ability» (RSA) oder auch «high intensity training» (HIT) als Teilformen des intermittierenden Trainings werden wichtige Trainingsformen für die taekwondo Ausdauer. Die anderen Intensitätsstufen (extensiv und intensiv) sind noch immer Bestandteile des Ausdauertrainings. Ausschöpfen der VO2max (oder vitesse aerobie maximale VMA) ist ein Ziel des Ausdauertrainings. Durch die neu zur Verfügung stehende Kraft bekommt die Schnelligkeit einen zusätzlichen Aspekt. Es geht nun darum die «Stopp and Go»-Bewegungen mit der Kraft, sprich Schnellkraft, zu verbinden und damit eine zusätzliche Leistungssteigerung zu erreichen. Koordinativtechnisch effizientes Laufen (Beinarbeit) muss mit den physischen Fertigkeiten (Schnelligkeit/Schnellkraft) harmonisch verlaufen. Das Krafttraining ist aufgeteilt in drei Bereiche: Prophylaxentraining Leistungssteigerung (Querschnittstraining). «functional training» (intermuskuläre Koordination, generell und orientiert). Rumpfstabilisation. U21 Der Sportler ist nun Athlet und kann in allen Bereichen intensiv belastet werden. Die Zielausrichtung «Ausdauer der Schnellkraft», «Ausdauer der Schnelligkeit», «Ausdauer der Explosivität» wird angepeilt. Die Harmonisierung der Athletik mit der Koordination und Effizienz ist ein weiteres Ziel.

Elite Das Ausdauertraining beschränkt sich fast ausschliesslich auf taekwondospezifische Intervall-Einheiten. Es geht darum, koordinativ präziser zu werden und über einen längeren Zeitraum effizient zu bleiben. Die Planung und Periodisierung bestimmen die Trainingsinhalte. Es wird in Themen- und Aufbaublöcken gearbeitet, die langfristigen Zielsetzungen werden verfolgt. Die Tages- und Wochenbelastung muss mit dem Trainerteam abgesprochen werden. Erholungstage (24h) innerhalb einer Trainingswoche (5 6 Tage) sind nötig. Anstelle von zweiphasigem Training sollen auch Tage mit einer längeren Einheit (mehr als 3h) eingesetzt werden. Regelmässig präventive Physio-Checks können grössere Verletzungen verhindern. Der Athlet kann in allen Bereichen intensiv belastet werden. Die Harmonisierung der Athletik mit der Koordination und Effizienz ist das wichtigste Ziel. Das Ausdauertraining beschränkt sich ausschliesslich auf taekwondospezifische Intervall-Einheiten. Zu Regeneration werden Ausdauereinheiten im Bereich unter 1.5mm/mol (30-60Minuten) in die Trainingsplanung eingebaut. Es geht darum, koordinativ präziser zu werden und über einen längeren Zeitraum effizient zu bleiben. Die Planung und Periodisierung bestimmen die Trainingsinhalte. Es wird in Themen- und Aufbaublöcken gearbeitet, die langfristigen Zielsetzungen werden verfolgt. Die Tages- und Wochenbelastung muss mit dem Trainerteam abgesprochen werden. Erholungstage (24h) innerhalb einer Trainingswoche (5 6 Tage) sind nötig. Anstelle von zweiphasigem Training sollen auch Tage mit einer längeren Einheit (mehr als 3h) eingesetzt werden. Regelmässig präventive Physio-Checks können grössere Verletzungen verhindern.

Swiss Taekwondo Competition System The purpose of the Competition Rules is to manage fairly and smoothly all matters pertaining to competitions of all levels to be promoted and/or organized by the WTF, Continental Unions and Member National Associations, ensuring the application of standardized rules. According to the World Taekwondo Federation competition rules (WTF), any Member National Association wishing to modify some or any part of the Competition Rules must first gain the prior approval of the WTF. In the case that a Continental Union and/or a Member National Association violates WTF Competition Rules without prior approval of the WTF, the WTF may exercise its discretion to disapprove or revoke its approval of the concerned international tournament. The most updated World Taekwondo Federation Competition Rules are present for download at the following web site: http://www.wtf.org/wtf_eng/site/rules/competition.html The following table shows the weight categories for males and females, for cadets (10 Weight classes), juniors (10 Weight classes) and seniors (8 Weight classes). Individual competition shall normally be between contestants in the same weight class. When necessary, adjoining weight class may be combined to create a single classification. No contestant is allowed to participate in more than one (1) weight category in one event.

The age limit is based on the year, not on the date. For instance, for a Championship to be held on February 10, 2013, those contestants born between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 1998 are eligible to participate as juniors, while those born between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2001 are eligible to participate as Cadets. The athletes of the Swiss National Team, including all age categories are participating to national and international championships. The Swiss Taekwondo Federation is applying exactly the same rules as those of the World Taekwondo Federation. There are some differences in some championships (National and International) where age categories are divided into beginners and advanced sub-categories according to the belt colour. Anyway, the national team direction decided to limit the access to the training with the team for those having the 2 nd Red Belt. The Swiss Team athletes have to participate to the Swiss National Championship. This is organised once every year, in a different canton and every time with a different club as organizer. It is mandatory for all national team athletes to participate and no exceptions are given, whatever the reason is, except prior to major championship to prevent injuries. The National Coach and the Sport Director are responsible for these special decisions. The duration of the contest shall be three rounds of two minutes each, with a one-minute rest period between rounds. The duration of each round may be adjusted to 1 minute x 3 rounds, 1 minute 30 seconds x 3 rounds or 2 minutes x 2 rounds upon the decision of the Technical Delegate for the pertinent Championships. In case of a tie score after the completion of the 3 rd round, a 4 th round of two minutes will be conducted as a Golden Point overtime Round, after a one-minute rest period following the 3 rd round. In case of a contest advances to a 4 th round, all scores and penalties awarded during the first three (3) rounds shall be void, and the decision shall be made only by the result of the 4 th round. The first contestant to score a point in the extra round shall be declared the winner. In the event that neither contestant has scored a point after the completion of the 4 th round, the winner shall be decided by superiority as determined by the refereeing officials. The final decision shall be based on the criterion of superiority for the 4 th round only. The initiative is judged by technical dominance of an opponent through aggressive match management, the greater number of techniques executed the use of the more advanced techniques both in difficulty and complexity and display of the better competition manner.

Since the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, there have been a number of changes to the scoring system for Taekwondo. The Protector and Scoring System (PSS) and the Instant Video Review system (IVR) have been introduced; the points scale has changed; and deduction points are now added to the opponent s score rather than deducted from the score of the penalized competitor. The competition is now managed by one (1) referee, three (3) judges and a review jury. Each competitor s score is the sum of the points scored in all three (3) rounds, taking all penalties into account. If either competitor is given four (4) penalty deduction points, the contest is stopped and the other competitor is declared the winner. The valid points are divided into one (1) point for a valid foot attack on trunk protector, two (2) points for a valid turning kick to trunk protector, three (3) points for a valid kick to the head, four (4) points for a valid turning kick to the head. In the case of 12 points difference between two athletes at the time of the completion of 2 nd round and/or at any time during the 3 rd round, the referee shall stop the contest and shall declare the winner by point gap. Source: Media Kit/Taekwondo Competition at 2012 London Olympic Game: www.wtf.org/wtf_eng/site/olymic_games/00_olympic_main.html Competition system shall have a positive impact on performance and development of athletes, increasing the quality and depth of talent for both Junior and Cadet levels. All athletes will have a specific training and performance measures established by the National Coaches and the High Performance Staff. The future events and tournaments are communicated to all the athletes at least 6 months in advance. Participation and winning in Taekwondo competitions considered to be one the most important way to measure and to evaluate the progress and development of the High-Performance athletes during their whole career. Athlete who wins a medal at major international competitions will receive ranking points. The international or even the national ranking points of an athlete will give him more chance to represent the weight and age category in case of the presence of two athletes with same age, weight and belt. The competition system allows the seeding of the top ranked athletes, in which they will only meet at the final rounds. Walid YOUNES & Niko KRICKA, Swiss Taekwondo Federation Talent Promotion Concept December 2012