BASES and the BOA

Memorandum of Collaboration Between BASES and The BOA

1. This memorandum of collaboration aims to improve the sports science service provided to current and potential Olympic athletes and coaches by developing a formal working relationship between BASES and the BOA.


2. The BOA and BASES share a common goal in ensuring that current and potential Olympic athletes receive the world’s best practice in the provision of sports science and that best value is achieved for all funding partners.


3. In implementing this memorandum of collaboration BASES and the BOA will listen to the voice of the coach and performer. This will be achieved through, for example, reference to the BOA Performance Directors Workshops and Coaching Advisory Groups, the UKSI Technical Unit, the NCF, as well as co-opting elite performers and performance directors onto relevant working groups.


4. To facilitate collaboration between BASES and the BOA a joint committee has been established. This committee has the power to establish relevant working groups.


5. BASES and the BOA will develop a joint quality assurance scheme for sports scientists working with Olympic athletes. This will build on the existing BASES accreditation scheme and the BOA register.


6. The BOA and BASES will establish a joint continuous professional development programme to help sport scientists meet the quality assurance standards established under point 5 of this memorandum.


7. The BOA and BASES recognise the importance of evidence-based practice in the development of sports science interventions and the evaluation of their effectiveness. Applied, performance focused research is also valued as a means of underpinning world’s best practice by developing new and innovative ways of enhancing medal-winning performance.


8. BASES and the BOA will work together to develop a long-term vision for the future provision of sports science to Olympic athletes and their coaches. This work will be directed at securing a long-term competitive advantage for Britain at the Olympic games and other major international events.