THE FIVE STAGES OF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
5 Stages of Program Development Model
5 Stages of Program Development Model
1. Rising Program
A Rising Program is one that seems to be getting better each year. The record is improving and the program is clearly climbing up the conference, state, and/or national standings. The coaches and captains focus on building a solid foundation of success that can support the program's ascent for the long-term. There is a strong sense of optimism, energy, and enthusiasm in and around the program, which creates a positive momentum. People are attracted to a Rising Program, expectations are high, and the outlook is favorable as the program continues to improve.
2. Elite Program
An Elite Program is one that has a realistic chance to compete for and win conference, state, and/or national championships virtually every year. Usually led by a credible and passionate leader who has mastered the Seven Secrets of Successful Coaches we describe in our book, an Elite Program is well-developed on many levels, has a strong pipeline of talent, and a well-defined culture of success that attracts athletes, coaches, and support staff with like-minded goals. The Elite Program knows exactly what it stands for and recruits and rewards people accordingly.
3. Plateauing Program
A Plateauing Program is one that seems to be stuck at a certain level. This program typically attains a consistent moderate to mediocre level of success, but can't seem to ascend beyond it. Plateauing Programs tend to hover in this similar success range year after year but struggle to breakthrough to the next level. There may be a variety of reasons why the program has leveled off - but many can likely be traced to the talent level of the athletes, their lack of development within the program, as well as the overall leadership limitations of the coaching staff. Over time the same issues resurface and tend to hold down the program. Thus, the challenges