AQA · A-Level · Physical Education
Course version: 7582 · Version from Sept 2016
Development of elite performers in sport: National Governing Bodies.
National Governing Bodies (NGBs) are organisations responsible for managing and developing a specific sport at a national level.
Checked against the AQA 7582 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 7
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
National Governing Bodies (NGBs) are organisations responsible for managing and developing a specific sport at a national level. Their roles include talent identification, coach education, organising competitions, setting rules and providing support for elite performers. For example, an NGB may run national squads, fund elite training and select teams for international events. In the talent pathway, NGBs work with clubs, schools and regional bodies to ensure progression from identification to elite performance. Understanding NGBs is essential because they are central to how support and progression are structured in the UK. You may be asked to identify their functions or distinguish them from other organisations.
What earns the marks
- Defines National Governing Bodies as national organisations responsible for a specific sport.
- Identifies key roles: talent identification, coach education, competition organisation, rule-setting and elite support.
- Explains how NGBs support progression from talent identification to elite performance.
- Distinguishes NGBs from other organisations such as clubs, schools or regional bodies.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Misunderstanding: NGBs only organise competitions.
Put it right: They also identify talent, educate coaches, set rules and support elite performers.
Misunderstanding: NGBs are the same as clubs.
Put it right: Clubs are local; NGBs operate at national level and govern the sport.
Misunderstanding: NGBs have no role in talent identification.
Put it right: They often run talent pathways and selection processes.
Exam tips
- Memorise at least three specific roles of an NGB and be ready to match them to examples.
- In multiple-choice questions, look for options that describe national-level governance, not local delivery.
- Link NGB roles to the broader talent pathway to show understanding of progression.
Try the lesson
The start of the Development of elite performers in sport: National Governing Bodies. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which of the following is a core purpose of a national governing body in the development of elite performers?
Listen
National Governing Bodies (NGBs) are organisations responsible for managing and developing a specific sport at a national level. Their roles include talent identification, coach education, organising competitions, setting rules and providing support for elite performers. For example, an NGB may run national squads, fund elite training and select teams for international events. In the talent pathway, NGBs work with clubs, schools and regional bodies to ensure progression from identification to elite performance. Understanding NGBs is essential because they are central to how support and progression are structured in the UK. You may be asked to identify their functions or distinguish them from other organisations. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Defines National Governing Bodies as national organisations responsible for a specific sport. Identifies key roles: talent identification, coach education, competition organisation, rule-setting and elite support. Explains how NGBs support progression from talent identification to elite performance. Distinguishes NGBs from other organisations such as clubs, schools or regional bodies. A common slip: Misunderstanding: NGBs only organise competitions. Instead, they also identify talent, educate coaches, set rules and support elite performers. Exam tip: Memorise at least three specific roles of an NGB and be ready to match them to examples.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
National Governing Bodies
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Talent pathways
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Elite support
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Sport development
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- National Governing Bodies
- Organisations responsible for managing and developing a specific sport at a national level.
- Talent pathways
- The progression from identification to elite performance, supported by NGBs working with clubs, schools and regional bodies.
- Elite support
- Providing support for elite performers, such as running national squads and funding elite training.
- Sport development
- Managing and developing a specific sport at a national level, including setting rules and organising competitions.
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