Introduction

Overseas Sport Visits (OSV) or overseas training camps offer a great opportunity to our SP whilst also providing a compensating measure to operational commitments and an excellent retention tool for our personnel.

OSV or Overseas Training Camp?

OSVs require a competitive element; what is the reason you are travelling to that country?  It might be to enter a competition taking place in that country, or to compete against a team based in that country.  Just traveling to the country to undertake your sport is NOT an OSV but an Overseas Training Camp.

Overseas Training Camps are not permitted in Zones 4-5 and not at all for Unit level teams – Unit level teams can only conduct training camps in the UK.

About Overseas Sport Tours

An Overseas Sports Visit (OSV) is to be encouraged and can be undertaken by Unit, Corps and Army teams. In specific circumstances, an individual can also apply to participate in an OSV. Such visits give the opportunity to compete against opposition of a different culture and in many cases train and/or compete in challenging conditions. They can also be used to reward achievement, as a means of developing team spirit and as a pre/post season preparation/finale. An overseas visit can also be used as a recruiting and retention tool. They are fun and for many is a welcome change from the current high level of operational commitments. Units may conduct an OSV but Training Camps at unit level are only admissible in the UK.

OSVs must be entirely funded at Non-Public Expense. This means no MT support, even to or from the UK airport, no CILOR, no public expense whatsoever.

Each OSV is to be supported by the relevant Army Sports Operational Manager to ensure the visit meets National Governing Body directives, is appropriate and takes into consideration all aspects of other extant policy including; safety management, support from suitably qualified officials, risk assessments and appropriate consideration for those ‘Risk to Life’ sports. The relevant Army Sport Operational Manager is to confirm that the team has been committed to Unit, Corps or Army delivered sports and has entered competitions during the preceding season.

Full details on the policy for OSVs can be found in AGAI Vol 1, Ch 5 – Sport (available through Defence Connect).

About UK Training Camps

Where it is not appropriate or affordable to conduct an OSV or overseas training camp a sports team may be permitted to conduct a training camp in the UK.  Duty status will be granted for training camps that meet all aspects of policy.  UK based training camps may also apply for public funding through their respective CoC.  Teams are restricted to one UK based training camp per year which is to be no longer than seven days inclusive of travel.  The maximum numbers eligible to participate is detailed in  JSP 660.  UK training camps may also apply for ASL funding.  UK training camps will be authorised by:

1. Unit Teams. Training camps must be authorised by the CO.(No travel at public expense admissible)
2. Corps Teams. Training camps must be authorised by HQ Army Sport.(travel at public expense admissible, one per year)
3. Army Teams.  Training camps must be authorised by HQ Army Sport.(travel at public expense admissible, one per year)

Organisers of a UK based training camp in respect of Army or Corps representative teams are required to submit their application at least 3 months prior to the event for Army Sport authorisation.  Once an activity is authorised, participation can be approved by an individual’s CO.