PSN
ON THE FRONT FOOT November 2019
Issue Seven
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England rocked by concussion as South Africa win Rugby World Cup
Preview: International Player Care Conference confirms 400+ guests
Looking back on 2019 with PSN This year has seen rapid growth for PSN who have continued to captivate the minds and expertise of world respected individuals and sports organisations across the globe. Both the Finance in Sport and Recruitment in Sport brought together over 200 guests to discuss bestpractice in a relaxed and intimate environment, and the International Player Care Conference promises to deliver some of the biggest names across the industry as over 400+ guests across 18+ sports put ‘welfare’ at the heart of conversations. Behind the scenes, the PSN team have been working hard to deliver best-in-class education to those working with the athletes on a day-to-day basis and we are delighted to expand the player care network across Asia and Australia, as well as launch PSN’s Life-Skills programme which will take a dynamic approach to educating young athletes away from elite-level sport.
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Issue Seven
Contents
4 Rugby’s High Tackle Framework 5 VIP Guest Speakers 6 Agenda 7 Event Overview 10 The ECB Workload Management 11 Supporting Life Away From Sport 12 Young Guns 14 Moving Abroad 15 Famous Faces Supporting Player Care 16 The Impact of Sport on Wellbeing 18 A Look into 2020 with Premier Sports 20 Build on Your Potential 21 Lifeskills with Premier Sports Network 22 Developing the Superstars of Tomorrow 24 Report it and Kick it Out 25 Reducing the Impact of Travel on Performance 26 The Worlds Fastest Growing Sport 28 Behind the Scenes of Formula 1 29 Global Partnerships 30 Improving Communication 31 Murray’s Journey to the ATP title 32 Developing Awareness of Financial Risk 33 Managing Pressure Situations, an Internal Battle 34 Bridging the Gap Between Media and Sport 35 Sport is Looking Outside of Itself
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Welcome to November’s edition of PSN’s On The Front Foot magazine, the industry’s leading source of player care news. This year, PSN’s International Player Care Conference has doubled in size and welcomes the largest international audience to date! As the welfare departments behind the scenes work tirelessly to support athlete development, we take a look at what each sport is doing to better the support network across elite-level sport. This edition of On The Front Foot brings together a wealth of knowledge from across the world of sport, and delves into recent research and news concerning athlete and staff welfare. Following this, we take a look at Andy Murray’s first title since injury and the role mental preparation can play in the build up to competition. Sport across the world has stepped up it’s investment in the area of player care and following the recent concerns, there is no better time for clubs to offer the right support and guidance to athletes at the heart of sport. Spencer Hidge Director Premier Sports Network
Publisher Premier Sports Network Design ShandMedia To send feedback or articles for publication contact Premier Sports Network at: enquiries@premiersportsnetwork.com To enquire about advertising contact jordan@premiersports.agency On The Front Foot is published by the Premier Sports Network copyright ©2019. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced without permission.
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CONCUSSION
Changing the law on athlete welfare World Rugby’s “High Tackle Framework” makes instant impact on Rugby World Cup World Rugby have responded to calls to improve player safety on the pitch with the introduction of the new “High Tackle Framework”. We have seen this implemented for the first time at the 2019 World Cup taking place in Japan with the new law being introduced with the aim of reducing concussion; the most common injury in Premiership Rugby and a huge talking point in the build up ot the event. World Rugby have estimated that 70% of head injuries in the game are sustained by the tackler, hence the new framework being implemented to protect the tackler through punishment of yellow and red cards respectively, for identified high tackles that could put them in danger of a potential head injury. It had been expected that there would be far more yellow and red cards issued across the tournament, but how much impact has this new law had on the
results across the World Cup? The law has been well received across the industry, although having a huge impact on Ireland’s preparations for their Quarter-Final clash against the All Blacks. Ireland centre Bundee Aki was redcarded during Ireland’s last pool match against Samoa for a dangerous tackle on flyhalf Ulupano Seuteni. Likewise, France second-row Sébastien Vahaamahina
admitted foul play and missed out on the remaining World Cup fixtures. In all, the flow of games have not been dramatically affected in comparison to the introduction of VAR in football, although coming to the right decision and as a result protecting the welfare of the athletes is of high importance. Concerns that the new rule would affect the competitive nature of the game have been dismissed by the likes of England attacking coach, Wiesemantel who told the BBC that it makes total sense given “It’s for the players”. Although some feel that he new law would take away some of the physical aspects of the game, it is has been a fantastic move forward in prioritising the athlete’s welfare without removing the essence of the game. It may take time for players and supporters to get used to the new ruling, however this law could be vital for the long-term safety of the game and it’s athletes who are at risk following their career in professional rugby.
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SPEAKERS
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INTERNATIONAL PLAYER CARE CONFERENCE VIP SPEAKERS Peter Crouch Former Professional Footballer
Peter Crolla Team Manager at Haas F1
James Franklin Head Coach at Durham CCC
Molly Downtain Team Administrator at US Women’s Soccer
Marvin Sordell Former Professional Footballer
Kate Doyle Early Careers Manager at Knight Frank
Joe Munro Graduate, Knight Frank
Andy McCann Associate at Breathe
Alastair Campbell Former Downing Street Press Secretary
Monty Panesar Former Professional Cricketer
Leonor Colon Senior Director International and Domestic Player Operations at MLBPA
Rosie Ranganathan People Director at The ECB
Jeremy Stone Senior Legal Counsel at ROKiT Williams Racing
Mark Darbon CEO at Northampton Saints
Thomas Junod Head of Academy at UEFA Academy
Stuart Worden Principal at The BRIT School
Dominic Pearson Investment Director at Ruffer LLP
James Copson Partner at Withersworldwide
David James Former Professional Footballer
Frank Bruno Former Professional Boxer
Mitch Heath Co-Founder at Teamworks
Ameesh Manek First Team Operations at Arsenal FC
Bianca Thiel Team Services Manager at New Zealand Rugby
Ray Haughan First Team Operations at Liverpool FC
Introducing our Conference Moderator Adam Leventhal Sky Sports News Paul Buck CEO at EPIC Risk Management
John Hartson Former Professional Footballer
Ben McGregor Head of Gain Line at The RPA
Marcus Puddephatt Head of Safeguarding at Crystal Palace FC
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INTERNATIONAL PLAYER CARE CONFERENCE
Agenda 9am Welcome 9:50
One on one with Peter Crouch
10:10 - Workshop 1: Communication and Leadership 11:00 10:20 The Matchday Experience 11:00
Remembrance Day – Minute Silence
11:00 Lifeskills with Knight Frank 11:10 Coffee Break 11:50 Enhancing Athlete Welfare Through Education 12:00- Workshop 2: Safeguarding and Crisis Management 12:50 12:20 Results from Survey & The Progression of Staff and Player Care 13:00 Lunch Break 14:20 UEFA Academy : Players Initiative 14:40 Supporting Athlete Development 15:20 One on one with Frank Bruno 16:00 Drinks & Networking
INTERNATIONAL PLAYER CARE CONFERENCE 2019
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MONDAY 11TH NOVEMBER
09:00 – 09:50
WELCOME
09:50 – 10:20
Q&A WITH PETER CROUCH
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Taking us into the mind-set of a professional sportsman, Peter will discuss his career highs and lows, as well as sharing what welfare means to him. Having played in high pressure games for club and country, we learn how clubs can best support athletes with welfare without taking away focus from on-field success.
10:20 – 11:00
THE MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE (PANEL)
Speakers
Match-days encompass all the hard work and preparation that goes on behind the scenes as athletes face extremely highpressured situations and carry a heavy burden of expectation. The panel share best practice when it comes to allowing athletes to focus on the job at hand and perform to their best ability.
Peter Crolla Team Manager at Haas F1 James Franklin Head Coach at Durham CCC Molly Downtain Womens National Team Adminstrator at U.S. Soccer Marvin Sordell Former Professional Footballer
11:00 – 11:10
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
11:10 – 11:50
LIFESKILLS WITH KNIGHT FRANK Taking education to the heart of elite-sports organisations, Knight Frank partner Premier Sports’ Lifeskills programme and share the value of education for athletes preparing for a career away from professional sport.
COFFEE BREAK
BREAKOUT SESSION
10:10 – 11:00 WORKSHOP 1: COMMUNICATION & LEADERSHIP Key to any organisation, communication is key to efficiency and success behind the scenes; and joining PSN to share expertise and problem resolutions are the world’s best known sports organisations and those at the heart of the success of business on and off the field. An interactive session led by industry experts, discussions will turn towards technology and leadership within organisational communication.
Speakers Mitch Heath Co-Founder at Teamworks Ameesh Manek First Team Operations Manager at Arsenal FC Bianca Thiel Team Services Manager – New Zealand Rugby Ray Haughan Team Admin Manager – Liverpool FC
INTERNATIONAL PLAYER CARE CONFERENCE 2019 INTERNATIONAL PLAYER CARE CONFERENCE
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MONDAY 11TH NOVEMBER
11:50 – 12:20 Speakers Alastair Campbell Former Labour MP Andy McCann Associate at Breathe Monty Panesar Former Professional Cricketer
12:20 – 13:00 Speakers Leonor Colon Director of Player Operations at MLB Players Association Rosie Ranganthan People Director at The ECB Jeremy Stone Legal Counsel at ROKiT Williams Racing Mark Darbon CEO at Northampton Saints
13:00 – 14:20
ENHANCING ATHLETE WELFARE THROUGH EDUCATION (PANEL) From the perspective of a former professional athlete and leading professionals, we discuss what support is truly valuable when facing off-field challenges, and share advice when it comes to spotting signs of behavioural change and offering support to those in need.
THE PROGRESSION OF STAFF & PLAYER CARE (PANEL) Supporting athletes across sport is a demanding responsibility, although an ever-growing department within each organisation. The panel share the excellent support network in place to support the staff working tirelessly behind the scenes, and how much investment the industry receiving?
LUNCH
BREAKOUT SESSION
12:00 – 12:50 WORKSHOP 2: SAFEGUARDING AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT Industry experts, leading sports organisations and first hand reflections. PSN delves into the heart of safeguarding in sport with problem gambling and addictions taking centre stage. How can clubs manage crisis situations and what can be done to safeguard athletes and staff before it is too late? These are just some of the questions being asked in the workshop dedicated to offering firstclass advice to those working at the heart of player care.
Speakers Paul Buck CEO at EPIC Risk Management John Hartson Former Professional Footballer Ben McGregor Head of Gain Line at The RPA Marcus Puddephatt Head of Safeguarding at Crystal Palace FC
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14:20 – 14:40 Speaker
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UEFA FOR PLAYERS INITIATIVE PSN are joined by UEFA Academy to share learning initiatives available for all elitelevel professionals to continue professional development away from the pitch.
Thomas Junod Head of Academy at UEFA Academy
14:40 – 15:20
SUPPORTING ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT (PANEL)
Speakers
The vast similarities between sport and entertainment are clear given the career trajectory of any athlete or performer is uncertain, therefore education is crucial to support a life away from the industry. The panel explore what key support is required to support athlete development and share examples of best-practice.
Stuart Worden Principal at The BRIT School Alex Boler Senior Manager of Team & Soccer Operations at Chigaco Fire Soccer Club Dominic Pearson Investment Director at Ruffer LLP James Copson Partner at Withersworldwide David James Former Professional Footballer
15:20 – 16:00
ONE ON ONE Q&A WITH FRANK BRUNO Boxing legend Frank Bruno joins PSN in an exclusive Q&A to share his journey through professional sport and to discuss his incredible career ups and downs. Away from boxing, Frank has been a spokesperson for supporting the welfare of athletes away from the spotlight and will speak on his experience of best-practice when it comes to supporting some of the world’s best known sport stars.
16:00 – 17:00
DRINKS & NETWORKING
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CRICKET
Staff And Player Welfare Key To Continued Success The ECB place focus on supporting workload management in preparation for a busy schedule Under the stewardship of Trevor Bayliss, England have been a constant threat in the shorter formats of the game; reaching the 2016 World Twenty20 final and having captured the hearts of the nation in their World Cup winning Super-Over, Bayliss’ team have propelled themselves back to the top of the ODI rankings.
After a long and tough summer, some of the big names in the England team such as Ben Stokes and Joe Root will sit out the fight-match IT20 series against New Zealand, with Ashley Giles commenting; “workload management is going to be really important.” With certain big names being rested for the series, this has given an opportunity for some of the country’s bright young-
“Workload management will be high up on the agenda for selectors heading in the next couple of years, as in 2021 England will play 10 tests against India in just nine months” talent to come and stake a claim for a place in the team. Workload management will be high up on the agenda for selectors heading in the next couple of years, as in 2021 England will play 10 tests against India in just nine months, followed by an Ashes tour. Resting players and rotating the squad now, will benefit the selectors in the long run as players who come and perform will be considered for the
games which will come thick and fast and give the country a greater pool of players to select from. Although it is not only the players who are at risk of overloading, given the hard work dedicated by behind the scenes staff who support the athletes through an incredibly demanding schedule which sees the team and coaching staff on tour for months at a time. A growing area for support and development, and one which The ECB supports incredibly well is the staff support network which offers the welfare team wellbeing during their time away from home given the demanding nature of the sports industry. Rosie Ranganathan, People Director of The ECB will join PSN on stage to share how the organisation supports it’s staff who are at the heart of player care.
ai157123987529_Artwork_v1.pdf
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16/10/2019
E P I C
16:31
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The world’s leading independent gambling harm minimisation consultancy.
BELGIUM FOOTBALL LEAGUE PLAYERS GAMBLING AWARENESS PROGRAMME
ENGLISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE PLAYERS GAMBLING AWARENESS PROGRAMME
source UCFB based on 1366 professional athletes
WE PROVIDE IMPACTFUL AWARENESS, EDUCATION AND RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES FOR ELITE PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES, MANAGEMENT TEAMS, CLUBS AND GOVERNING BODIES. Who We Work With
“The instant impact which the stories carried, backed up by the questions asked are definitely a recipe for a positive approach to how this is managed with the CFC academy.” Jack Francis - Head of Lifestyle and Mentoring “EPIC have exceeded expectations, not only in providing top quality education but also valuable advice and guidance at a strategic level”. Richard Bryan – Rugby Director
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info@epicriskmanagement.com
01942 494913
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FOOTBALL
YOUNG GUNS Opportunity arises for next generation to book themselves a place within starting XI for club and country
The class of 92, widely regarded as the most successful group of Academy players to break through and dominate the sport for a prolonged period of time. Since the golden generation, it has been hard for England’s youth to surface amongst the first team in the Premier League with international players and recordbreaking transfers dominating the sport for the past decade. Over the past few seasons through, it is evident that times are changing and the rise of English talent is once again taking centre stage, arguable thanks to The FA and the England national youth football teams who have written their names in the history books by bringing home the World Cup at the youth tournament. As a result, clubs have taken notice of the youth players making their way through the Academy and since, we have seen a spike in home grown youth talent in the Premier League.
Making the most of your opportunity and securing your spot within the starting eleven is extremely difficult, but incredible important. Not only for the individual, but a team can see a new lease of life with just one fresh face looking to prove their worth. A recent showcase of relishing opportunity, the Longstaff brothers have captured the hearts and raised hopes in the North East as two Academy graduates to break through into the first team under Head Coach, Steve Bruce. Not only across the Premier League, but abroad young players have been plying their trade and making their presence felt in the top flight. Former Manchester City winger Jadon Sancho favoured a move to the Bundesliga and has made a positive impact for Borussia Dortmund. Scoring 16 goals and providing 27 assists in just 53 games it’s clear to see why Sancho is attracting attention of clubs around Europe, having been deemed one of the most valuable young players and nominated for the Golden Boy award.
For those rising stars making a name for themselves in the sport, the focus placed on education and welfare has been impressive from the likes of Chelsea FC and many more. One athlete placing his future in his own hands is Fikayo Tomori, studying for a business management degree alongside his career as a professional footballer for Chelsea FC. Speaking on his commitment to education, Tomori told The Sun, “Football is not going to go on forever … when I retire – or God forbid get an injury – then I have something I’m working towards and that can stand me in good stead for the future”. Likewise, the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Juan Mata
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“Football is not going to go on forever … when I retire – or God forbid get an injury – then I have something I’m working towards and that can stand me in good stead for the future”. Fikayo Tomori and Wilfred Ndidi have placed their education at the forefront of their careers, studying at University to further their personal development and career prospects away from the game. Not all footballers with an education are as successful though, and a good education is even more important for those competing in the lower leagues of professional football. Having scored a career-defining goal against his local club, Manchester United, Rochdale’s Luke Matheson has continued to develop away from the game by securing his GCSEs and spoke maturely on the topic to the BBC, stating “Football is not a guarantee. You never know what will happen. You could be the best player in the world but anything is possible. I want to have that backup plan just in case.”
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WITHERS WORLDWIDE
What do athletes need to consider when moving to the UK? Even with possible immigration trepidations stemming from Brexit, there are a multitude of issues that an athlete needs to consider before relocating to the UK. An athlete relocating to the UK should carefully consider the timing of the move and how it will (inevitably) affect their tax position in both the country they are leaving and the country they are moving to. Athletes are sometimes surprised to find that they are still taxed in the jurisdiction they left months or years ago. For employed athletes who have negotiated a ‘net deal’ this can have a significant impact on their earnings if the assumed tax treatment used to calculate the net deal bears no resemblance to what happens in practice. This is particularly the case for employed athletes who also have image rights or commercial agreements with different tax treatment to their earned income – each jurisdiction may treat this commercial income differently which can result in the athlete paying a lot more tax than expected. Employed athletes and their agents are also often startled by the rules relating to ‘benefits in kind’ in the UK, and in particular agents fees, with some overseas agents not necessarily appreciating that their players will be taxed on agents fees that are paid by their employer on their player’s behalf. An athlete moving to the UK may also find that their employing club, or a governing body that is funding them, has very specific rules regarding conduct that may apply to them. It is in both parties’ interests to ensure that the player knows what the obligations are so that they can be complied with, rather than just disciplining for a breach. Having these policies, or any contracts, translated into the player’s own language, if their English is not good, will help. Even if the player speaks English well, sitting down with them to be clear on
expectations for conduct will assist as there may be substantial differences to what the player has been subject to before, this is probably also good practice in relation to any player, whether moving from overseas or not. Athletes should also carry out a comprehensive review of their social media pages and seek specialist reputational advice regarding their content prior to a move being announced. For example, it has become the norm to announce football transfers on social media (we all remember the spectacular revealing of Santi Cazorla), which directs a huge amount of traffic straight to athletes’ (and clubs’) pages. This means any skeletons in the closet will be found and shared at a time when interest in the player is at its height, resulting in maximum embarrassment for all those involved. Scores of horror stories litter the internet, from Sergi Guardiola being released from a Barcelona contract on the same day it was signed due to offensive posts regarding the club and Catalonia, to Joey Barton having to eat humble pie having joined Burnley after some less than flattering comments about the town. Athletes are often particularly vulnerable to reputational damage from social media as they have a significant profile at a young age. It is worth emphasising, of course, that even when posts are deleted they can still resurface, but media specialists can help identify problematic posts, minimise their reach and have a clear strategy in place to prevent and/or limit negative media attention. Clubs and agents can also help their athletes with social media training to prevent what can be career limiting (or ending) conduct.
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FAMOUS FACES SUPPORTING PLAYER CARE
PETER CROUCH
MONTY PANESAR
JOHN HARTSON
Joining PSN for a Q&A on his incredible career, Peter will share his experience of playing for club and country on the world stage, handling high pressure situations and persevering through negativity to show the world his skill on the pitch. Recently retiring from professional football, Peter will discuss his exit from the game and what advice he would offer to those working at the heart of the game to support the next generation of athletes joining the world of professional football.
The former England Cricketer is widely regarding as one of the finest bowlers, taking over 150 test wickets at an average of 32. Although being at the height of cricket for club and county, away from the field Monty has been a public figure and icon for many who are keen to bring mental health to the forefront of welfare. Monty teams up with PSN to discuss his personal journey on and off the field and shares his perspective on the support athletes require when facing a battle away from sport.
BT Sport pundit and former professional footballer, John Hartson joins PSN’s very first interactive workshop dedicated to safeguarding athletes away from sport. John will share his incredible journey off the pitch and the excellent support he has received throughout his career which has led him to become a spokesman for supporting those challenging gambling addiction. With problem gambling becoming an ever-growing concern in the world of sport, John calls for more education to be taught within elite-level sports organisations to athletes most at risk of addiction.
ALASTAIR CAMPBELL
DAVID JAMES
FRANK BRUNO
Best known for his role as former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair’s spokesman, Press Secretary and Director of Communications and Strategy. Alastair will bring a different perspective to the session, sharing his expertise and experience from within the UK Government on how to up skill the workforce through education. Having experienced mental health challenges first-hand, Alastair will share his perspective on welfare, and the importance of improving education on mental health to suffering some of the most high profile athletes away from the spotlight.
An incredible career on the pitch, former England Goalkeeper David James joins PSN on stage to share his experience of ‘advice’ and ‘welfare’ away from the sport. Having spoken openly to support athlete development and education, David will shares what he believes clubs and leading organisations can do to better support athletes away from the limelight as well as offering advice to the next generation of athletes making their way into the professional game”
Bruno has been hailed as a boxing superstar following triumph in the ring to become World Champion in 1995. Away from the ring, Bruno has faced many ups and downs in his personal life, and speaks openly on the support today’s athletes receive from their governing bodies and associations to protect their welfare. PSN team up with Frank to showcase the excellent work being achieved to support the next generation of athletes coming though the ranks across the world of sport.
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WELLBEING
THE IMPACT OF SPORT ON WELLBEING New research shines light on concussion related illness as a result of head injuries in sport
The landmark research funded by The FA and PFA has been a 22-month study into the connection between repetitive collisions in sport and dementia has concluded that former professional footballers are 3.5 times more likely to suffer dementia later in life as a result of heading the ball throughout their careers. Further to this, it has been found that devastating brain injuries including; Alzheimers and Motor Neurone disease are more than 4 times likely to occur in professional footballers who, causing concern for the athletes involved at every level of the game.
What can be done to support the wellbeing of athletes? Following the passing of former professional footballer, Jeff Astle in 2002, more than 400 families affected by dementia have come forward in support of more protection for players across the game and have called for steps to
be taken to minimise the risk of head injury in sport. • New concussion protocols • A review of the sporting environment • A Government enquiry into past warnings surrounding dementia in football • Care funds to be available to families of those suffering as a result of football Protecting the Players The FA’s Marc Bullingham has been vocal in his support for change, and as a result has committed The FA to further research to identify specific causes of dementia in football. In the meantime, considerations are being taken to implement new rules as The IFAB discuss the findings and plan next steps in supporting the welfare of athletes. In learning from other sports, the introduction of concussion substitutes could follow the likes of Rugby Union and Cricket, which saw Steve Smith substituted as a result of head injury.
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CTM SPORT
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AIDING TRAVEL EFFICIENCY THROUGH THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY In an age of HD live-streaming, mobile betting apps and more pressingly, Twitter, the stakes of professional sporting events have never been so high.
With millions of eyes inspecting each pass, tackle and point from countless angles and speed-settings, on-field decision making can be a hotly debated topic both in the pub and on the field. In response, VAR (Video Assistant Referee) has revolutionised the sporting industry with powerful technology built to counteract human error when it comes to making big calls quickly and effectively. Likewise, CTM’s technology suite has been developed to increase efficiency in the sports travel space. Steered through a centralised online Portal, travel bookers can access relevant travel tools to facilitate a productive, safe and enjoyable travel experience for athletes and their travelling team.
On the topic of player care, CTM’s Sport Travel Manager, Jay Taylor, explains the benefit of traveller tracking technology. “CTM’s Traveller Tracker tool allows bookers to pinpoint the whereabouts of their travellers at any point of time or altitude - that’s right, you can even track their movements from 35,000 feet above.” Not only does this comply with duty of care requirements, but also allows bookers to organise swift transfers in case of delayed landings and/or missed connections. While tracking traveller locations is important for ensuring safety, CTM understands that it’s equally important to hide them. “Dealing with high-profile
athletes and executives means that travel arrangements must be handled with discretion” explains Taylor. “It could be organising a secret backdoor exit or ensuring a car is waiting at the airport”. CTM’s specialist sport travel team can provide a secure VIP service when moving individuals or entire teams. Founded on the principle of personalised service solutions, CTM offers 24/7 offline support for assistance when those last-minute changes occur. Drawing on the experience of an extensive partner network, clients receive access to local travel agents who can provide quick solutions, the local way. “It’s during those stressful moments like player injuries and lost baggage when the knowledge and supplier relationships of a local consultant can really get you out of trouble in a way that an agent thousands of miles away couldn’t.” adds Taylor. I guess that’s why they call it the CTM Difference.
“CTM’s Traveller Tracker tool allows bookers to pinpoint the whereabouts of their travellers at any point of time or altitude - you can even track their movements from 35,000 feet above.”
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PSN 2020 VISION
FINANCE IN SPORT CONFERENCE London, March 2020
Join world leading sports organisations to share best practice in overcoming financial challenges and plan for success. Exclusive to CEOs, CFOs, Directors, Board Members and Finance Directors Over 200+ invitation-only guests For more information contact jordan@premiersports.agency
A LOOK INTO 2020 WITH PREMIER SPORTS‌ Captivating global audiences in the topics of Finance and Player Care, Premier Sports deliver exciting projects across the world of elite-level sport BEHIND THE SCENES AWARDS 2020 A stand alone event dedicated to giving back to those working hard behind the scenes, PSN’s Behind the Scenes Awards will showcase the excellent work being achieved by those within elite-level sport to better the lives of staff and professional athletes within their organisation.
Find out more on upcoming events by contacting Premier Sports Netw
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INTERNATIONAL PLAYER CARE CONFERENCE Asia March 20, UK Nov 20 & Australia Nov 20
Sharing expertise across sport and multiple continents, PSN expand their Player Care series in 2020 to develop the education and welfare delivered to athletes competing across the globe. With sport across Asia and Australia becoming increasingly commercial, it is paramount that the athletes at the heart of it are protected and educated on how to set-up life away from sport and are provided with trusted guidance throughout their career
PREMIER SPORTS MEDIA Leading the way in providing brands with access to media inventory at some of the world’s most exclusive and sought-after sporting events, Premier Sports will work alongside the likes of Formula 1, the PGA Tour, UEFA European Championships and Longines Global Champions Tour in 2020.
work on 0208 419 1100 or email enquiries@premiersportsnetwork.com
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KNIGHT FRANK
BUILD ON YOUR POTENTIAL
Joe Munro, former professional rugby player joins PSN for a Q&A to share his journey through sport and leaving the game for a career in real estate
What was the hardest decision you had to make in your career? My hardest decision was deciding when to end my full time rugby career. Professional rugby had always been a childhood dream and although I often felt I was very close, I hadn’t achieved my long-term goal of playing in the Premiership. The reality was that I could have played for another 3-5 years, I was at a club with the resources and ambition to achieve promotion, and had offered me a new two-year contract, so it was a tough decision to make. What support did you receive from your club when leaving the world of professional rugby? In all honesty I received very little help with regards to a career after sport from my clubs. I realised early that professional rugby was a short-term career, which could finish at any time and it was important for me to take the initiative and be proactive to look at options after rugby and develop my skills. This was not only to gain employment after rugby, but to give me peace of mind while I was playing so that if anything was to happen (injury, early termination of my contract) I was doing everything possible to allow me to make that transition at any time. This in turn enhanced my performance on the pitch. Tell us about your experience of the Graduate Scheme. I couldn’t speak highly enough of the grad scheme at Knight Frank. The training and mentoring has been second to none
and what’s great about the scheme is you do four six months rotations, in order for you to not only experience different roles that are available, but also to gain the correct competencies in order to pass your APC. Within each team and you are designated a supervisor and mentor who help guide you through the process, in addition to training courses set up by Knight Frank throughout the two years. This has been invaluable for me due to my background and not knowing exactly what path I wanted to take within the industry. What advice would you offer to those in a similar position? • Be proactive to find out what you want to go into after your sporting careers, what’s available to you and seek as much advice as possible. • Make the most of your resources. Whether that be looking into courses your governing body offer or seeking advice from sponsors/supporters. The sports network is arguably one of the best networks in the world, make the most of it. • Use your time wisely. As professional athletes there is only so much training you can do in the day and therefore you get a lot of free time. Make the most of this to study, network and gain experience. • Get out of you comfort zone. Push the boundaries. Do things that don’t necessarily come natural to you, volunteer to give a presentation to your team, seek the leadership roles. These are invaluable transferable skills.
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LIFESKILLS
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LIFESKILLS WITH PREMIER SPORTS NETWORK Educating athletes on interests away from sport, in setting up life away from the pitch.
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Education has long been key to the development of athletes whose career in sport is not guaranteed, as well as professional sport stars looking to broaden their prospects through education away from sport. As part of our next stage in development, the objective is to provide valuable work experience opportunities to aid the growth of professional athletes in an interactive way that has never been done before and compliments their current education and professional careers. Through interactive workshops delivered within the Academy of clubs across the Premier League, PSN will deliver educational sessions with some of the most respected organisations in the industry, providing access to areas such as: • Education • Property and Investment • Legal Services • Commercial Services
• Entrepreneurship • Fashion and Textiles • Music and Entertainment
Find out more at PSN’s International Player Care Conference (11:00am in the Auditorium), or contact Matt Benham, PSN’s Lifeskills lead on matt@premiersports.agency.
“This is not a one-size fits all approach. It’s about matching a genuine interest of the athlete to an industry which can offer lifeskills and personal development away from the game, as well as open up doors for alternative career pathways”
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MLS
Atlanta United leading the way in offering talent progression
DEVELOPING THE SUPERSTARS OF TOMORROW The popularity of Soccer has risen in the United States with 7% of the population saying that it was their favourite sport to watch according to the 2018 Gallup poll. Stars such as Andrea Pirlo, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Steven Gerrard have helped entice new fans to the sport, with attendance rising up to an average of 21,358 per game. This figure sees the MLS sit in 7th spot in the world attendances table, trailing Ligue 1 and Serie A by only a couple of hundred fans.
The growing status of the MLS has encouraged a new audience not only to watch the sport, but a larger number of athletes have begun perusing professional football careers in the States meaning the sky is the limit for expansion. Young talent has, in the past few seasons, shone through the MLS and made its way into the English Premier League and top leagues across Europe, an example being the Paraguayan, Miguel Almiron who signed for Newcastle United from MLS outfit Atlanta United for a record breaking £21.6m. This fee was the highest transfer fee received in MLS history and by some way, as second on the list Alphonso Davies joined German giants Bayern Munich for just £9m. Atlanta United have led the way in
terms of supporting athlete development across the MLS and are widely recognised as a club who utilise technology to their advantage, not only on the pitch but away from it too. On-field, the use of tracking and monitoring systems have become a key part to the development of new talent across the club, with the implementation of data analysis to push and accelerate prospect players into the senior MLS squad. Speaking on the relevance of data, James Bunce, High Performance Director at US Soccer, said “there’s no value in data without context” so it is extremely important for the players and coaches to understand what the data is, and how best to utilise this information. Using technology to support athlete welfare, Academy Director, Tony Annan told Engadget the importance of using data to protect players. “A lot of technology these days is used to push players” he said, “but we can use it to pull back, as well.” Pulling
back, he added, is essential to avoid injuries, which can be crucial early on in a player’s development. Further, with recovery days limited between games due to the busy schedule and demanding travel regime, it is key for clubs such as Atlanta to protect their athletes welfare and save their performance for the main event. It’s a common known fact that working in the world of sport is demanding, but life in the MLS is unlike that it the NBA, MLB or NFL where travel is often chartered. Soccer stars are limited by league rules, which stipulate that teams can only charter four travel legs per season. As a result, over the course of a season, which can stretch to 40 games; players, coaches, and staff are forced to fly commercially with layovers and connecting flights the norm for long haul trips across North America. Although the travel debate continues, the league’s fixture set up allows clubs to play more than one fixture in a location which demands travel, therefore aiming to minimise travel across the entire season.
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“Stars such as Andrea Pirlo, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Steven Gerrard have helped entice new fans to the sport, with attendances up to an average of 21,358 per game.”
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RACISM IN FOOTBALL
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AVIATION
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REDUCING THE IMPACT OF AIR TRAVEL ON PLAYER PERFORMANCE
Clubs employ highly trained experts across a range of disciplines to monitor, analyse and manage their team’s schedules to ensure that they are able to play at their very best. Performance on the pitch is dictated as much, if not more, by the quantity and quality of rest and recovery time as it is by how hard a team trains. Although with athletes expected to meet demanding travel schedules throughout the season, it is essential that ‘recovery’ time is actually spent recovering, instead of being pre-occupied by unnecessary stress. Getting the travel schedule right is a concern for many; but getting this right through a coordinated travel schedule that takes into account the need for teams to recover any sleep deficits prior to fixtures, competitions or training is achievable and vital to enhancing the chances of players performing at their peak and reducing the likelihood of injury. Aircraft charter provides a tailored itinerary using the most convenient airports and an optimised schedule. Additional elements, such as expedited check-in and security, are also incorporated, all aimed at reducing travel time and maximising
the players’ recovery period. It also enables clubs to accommodate the squad, support staff and equipment on a single aircraft and deliver an in-flight service customised to meet the players’ specific nutritional requirements. In addition, the peace of mind that comes with having the operational aspects of team and player travel taken care of leaves managers and coaches free to focus their attentions on their players. What should I be looking out for? It is important to seek out a specialist when it comes to arranging team air travel. Chartering an aircraft for a team is about more than simply finding the right plane and a trustworthy aircraft charter professional prioritises passenger safety above all else. In addition to making all operational arrangements on the team’s behalf, they carry out essential due diligence, carefully vetting each operator prior to proposing an aircraft to a client. There has been a growing trend in unlicensed aircraft charter operations,
known as grey charters, where the operator or owner does not hold a valid Aircraft Operator Certificate (AOC). The pilot may not have a licence to fly commercially and the flight may not meet the same standards for aircraft maintenance, flight operations, ground operations, crew experience and training as those operated by a certified operator. There are a number ways to ensure that the charter flight being booked is legal, however, a useful rule-of-thumb can be found in the age-old adage that if the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The most certain way of ensuring that you are booking team and player air travel that prioritises passenger safety and player welfare is to speak with a reputable Air Charter Association-registered aircraft charter expert. For more information on booking an aircraft charter, speak with one of our experts on +44 (0)1737 232 230
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MOTORSPORT
Behind The Scenes Of Formula 1
Marginal gains important to the progression of team performance There’s no doubt that the world of motorsport has become just as competitive behind the scenes as it is on the track each weekend. But just how much influence does the work behind the scenes impact on track performance? Taking a look into the welfare of the drivers and staff at the heart of F1, it is clear to see that every tenth of a second gained has the possibility of making a difference not only in qualifying, but also on race-day and in the championship table. So what exactly is being done behind the scenes to gain a competitive advantage? Influenced by Sir Dave Brailsford and the Marginal Gains theory, it is incredibly important for all areas of the business to seek improvement of just 1%, as this will eventually add-up to make a huge difference on the track. One team who have a rich history in the sport and who are working hard to find improvements following a disappointing season are ROKiT Williams Racing. Although having a similar financial backing to many mid-table teams, performances of late have not been in favour of Williams and work behind the scenes is crucial to the future success of the team. Behind the scenes though, it is ROKiT Williams Racing who are working to
improve marginally across many areas through putting the welfare of their drivers and staff at the heart of the operation. A shining example of this is the achievement of winning the DHL Fastest Pit Stop of 2019, proof that the pit crew are competing at the very top level in the sport. The key to this success, ROKiT Williams Racing put the welfare of the 200+ staff who travel across the globe each weekend at the heart of the business and offer essential training, CPD and wellbeing support, which essentially eases the demanding nature of the industry. The drivers are also hard at work
during the season; working on their fitness, tweaking their strategy, simulating race weekends and essentially honing their craft in order to compete at the very top level. A growing area across the sport, welfare of drivers and staff is taking a central role in offering support to the team who are working in a demanding industry and upon whose shoulders multi-million pound investments are made. Sharing more on this, Jeremy Stone of ROKiT Williams Racing will join PSN to share what the organisation is doing behind the scenes to remain competitive
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TENNIS
Triumph for Murray on his return to the top Murray claims his first title since career threatening operation, but at what cost? Having secured a career defining victory in Antwerp, Andy Murray won his first ATP title in over two years after injury hell. This year Murray made his comeback from the hip surgery with an intent to win, partnering Serena Williams in the mixed doubles at Wimbledon in the summer and showing his strength and class to compete with the very best only a short time following the operation. Although the ATP final was Murray’s to celebrate, what will this intense schedule and limited recovery time mean for Murray as he prepares for 2020? Murray’s career has been one of incredible highs and devastating lows, but this injury has been his biggest test yet. Speaking on his recovery, Murray told reporters “Every day you chip away and you go a millimetre further”, with the most tiring thing being the mental battle with himself through this period. Having sought advice from fellow professionals, it was Ice Hockey star, Ed Jovanovski who offered Murray key advice having returned to the IHL following a hip surgery similar to the one Murray was to face on his return to the sport. There is no doubt Murray has what it takes to reclaim the top spot, but concerns have been risen as to the long term impacts such a demanding sport will have on his body with such limited recovery time, meaning that in this case, welfare and fitness support will be crucial to his continued success. The New Year will bring many more challenges for Murray as he joins the Australia Open in 2020 and faces a full schedule of competition for the first time since his career defining operation.
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RUFFER
DEVELOPING AN AWARENESS FOR FINANCIAL RISK? Five questions with Dominic Pearson, Investment Director at Ruffer LLP The key risk is running out of money. Having spent a career saving up, sportspeople need their pot of money to last a lifetime, even if they earn in retirement. So, how do you make sure it lasts? By adopting an approach which at least in part looks to protect, rather than maximize, that money. Putting cash on deposit in the bank is an option, but you’re likely to lose more to inflation than you make in interest (as is the case at the moment). If you buy investments which halve in value then you need to double your money just to get back to the starting point. So some, if not all, of the savings should be invested in a strategy with more conservative objectives. OK, so who should I invest with? You need to find a manager whose approach you understand, and who you can trust. If you use an adviser or intermediary to help, make sure their fees and incentives are aligned with your best interests. You have mentioned trust there, how do I know who to trust? Like every relationship, you can only build trust through ongoing interaction. It is important to know the manager or the person responsible for your investments. You need to meet them so that you can understand what they are doing for you and build trust in them. As a general rule, don’t invest in something you don’t understand or purely for taxation benefits.
What about the investments, I don’t know what I am looking for? This is our job. Your manager needs to manage the risk for you. If you want lots of growth then you will hold riskier assets. Are the managers honest about the risks you are taking or do they promise high returns with little risk? If it sounds too good to be true, then it is. The majority of your investments should be simple, straightforward investments. These should not lose 30% of their value overnight, you can get your money back quickly if you wish, it is easy to understand what is being bought and you won’t end up getting a tax shock.
Ok, so what does Ruffer do? Ruffer is different to a lot of investment managers. Our focus is on making steady returns, regardless of whether the market is up or down. We focus on keeping clients and their money safe. If you don’t make the losses, then small annual gains can add up over the long term. We have returned 8.7% per year on average to our clients over the last 25 years by investing in this way. For investors who have a pot of money they need to rely on, our approach is proven to work. To find out more, please contact Dom Pearson at dpearson@ruffer.co.uk.
Ruffer is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. The value of investments and the income derived therefrom can decrease as well as increase and you may not get back the full amount originally invested. The information contained in this document does not constitute investment advice or research and should not be used as the basis of any investment decision.
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BOXING
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MANAGING PRESSURE SITUATIONS; AN INTERNAL BATTLE Physical preparation is key across elite-level sport and all the hard work on the training pitch is brings together physical fitness, tactical prowess and technical skill on match-day. Although with all the physical training and focus on tactical awareness and much more, how much time is being sent by each athlete to build and train their mental resilience? Developed through first-hand experience and testing times, many athletes can go a long period without being truly tested mentally; whether that be an injury or a spell of poor form on the pitch, the battle to overcome this in one only the athlete can dedicate themselves to. One sport renowned for building resilience and with a significant focus being placed on mental wellbeing is boxing. The sport has been key to the personal development of many athletes in their lives away from sport due to the mental fortitude being demanded by the individual athlete, with just themselves to depend on. Many top boxers today have incredible stories of how boxing put them
on the right path in life, but the development of resilience is on-going and can be seen in some of the best known athletes across the world. Only recently, former World Champion Anthony Joshua spoke openly on his continued development, admitting he is not the finished article following his historic defeat in the States, which saw Ruiz Jr take control of the heavyweight division. Speaking on this, AJ told Sky Sports “boxing to me was about building a championship mind-set”, and the preparation for Decembers clash in Saudi Arabia will be a huge landmark in AJ’s career with his mental strength being incredibly important in the fight to reclaim his place at the head of the heavyweight table. Another showing incredible mental strength throughout his career, both in the sport and away from the limelight has been Tyson Fury. Fury’s hardest fight to date has been identified as his battle with depression away from the sport. Overcoming this and showing incredible strength upon his return to the division, Fury has since become a public icon and openly supports those struggling with their mental strength away from the world of sport.
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MEDIA
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN MEDIA AND SPORT The media and sport have an interesting relationship, whereby each seeks the other in a bid for commercial gain. Across the world of sport, the media is in search for more contact with the athletes; and as broadcasting rights continue to soar it will not be long till fans gain unlimited access to their favourite clubs and athletes. However, remembering that athletes are just human and each have lives away from sport, there must be a balance found between media and sport. One organisation taking steps to improve the communication between the sport, players and media is the European Tour. Following a strategic review of the Tour, a new department
dedicated to the players was born and it’s main role; to deliver a balanced relationship between the Tour, it’s players and the media. The team have been key to allowing the players on the Tour to compete at the highest level and perform on the green with little to no stress surrounding the media obligations that come with being a professional athlete. With record breaking broadcasting rights, and demanding television schedules in the pipeline for football amongst other sports, bridging the gap between media and commercial duties, and performing on the pitch will be increasingly important to balancing the new era of sport which will bring fans into the heart of the club, players and sports organisations across the globe.
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CAREER DEVELOPMENT
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SPORT IS LOOKING OUTSIDE OF ITSELF The BRIT School has been nurturing raw, young talent for nearly 30 years; training multi award-winning artist Adele to Spiderman actor Tom Holland, examples of artists who are truly at the top of their game, we are experts in the creative youth market, providing a high-quality training in performance, digital arts and technical production which aims to sharpen the skills of young people and support practical career development. Nearly 100% of students have either gone on to full time employment, higher or further education in the past seven years. It is paramount we support and look after young people and build a support circle- giving advice through formal structures such as counselling or just a space for young people to relax or let out energy. A youth-centric approach is crucial particularly when an adolescent brain is transforming. Between the ages of 14-18 the brain changes. All is up for grabs and the adolescent brain must be
encouraged to transform with confidence, individuality and belief. When it comes to perfecting technique of musicians, artists and actors, the School tries to reduce the number of people having an opinion. Some creative decisions can be rebellious, adventurous and exciting and if you have seven or eight people critiquing you then you are not going to be able to hear your own voice. An artist needs to know who they are first before they listen to other people. Imagine how distressing it would be if you were a singer and you stopped loving singing because so many people were telling you how to perform. A number of sporting organisations have visited the school to find out what is going on here. There is talent happening here from a very early age and it goes on and is successful. We believe in high performance. Elite performance. We believe in providing a safe environment to for self-expression regardless of your background. And that this comes through encouragement, kindness, promoting the individual and love.
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