from Federation of Irish Sports Features in this issue
• FEDERATION MAKES CALL FOR INTEGRITY OF IRISH SPORTS COUNCIL FUNDING TO BE MAINTAINED
The Federation of Irish Sports has, in light of expected cuts in the level of funding to sport in 2009, called on the government to maintain the level of funding to the Irish Sports Council and to look elsewhere in the overall spend on sport. Read Below.
• CONFERENCE ON STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & DISCIPLINE IN SPORT
The Law Society of Ireland in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Sports and Just Sport Ireland are holding a conference on November 22nd entitled Sport & The Law: Shaping Sport to be Fit for Purpose. Further details set out below.
• EVALUATION OF GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT IN SPORT CALLS FOR SPORT POLICY RETHINK
Recent research published by the ESRI’s Pete Lunn calls for a rethink of how government invest in sport given the stated objectives of government policy on sport, namely to contribute to healthier lifestyles and improve overall quality of life. Read below
• HICKEY UNOPPOSED AND SONIA NOMINATED IN OLYMPIC ELECTIONS
Pat Hickey is unopposed in the forthcoming OCI elections to be held on 31st October 2008. Meanwhile Sonia O’Sullivan has been nominated by the FAI for election to the Executive Committee. Read below for more.
• MINISTER MARTIN CULLEN RESPONDS TO PARLIAMENTARY EXPENDITURE QUESTIONS
Martin Cullen, Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism answered Dáil Questions on October 8th. Issues raised included facilities funding, the swimming pool programme & opportunities for Ireland from London 2012. See below for more.
• €350,000 MADE AVAILABLE IN GO FOR LIFE GRANTS
Applications are now being accepted for the 2008 edition of the National Grant Scheme for Sport & Physical Activity for Older People. Application Details are set out below. Closing Date is 22nd October.
• LAUNCH OF COACHING IRELAND & NEW STRATEGY 2008-2012
Coaching Ireland was launched at the 2008 National Coaching Forum held in DCU in September. The event also saw the launch of the “Coaching Strategy for Ireland 2008 -2012”. Read below for more.
• DIT TO CREATE NEW HOME FOR SPORT IN DUBLIN CITY CENTRE
Dublin Institute of Technology outlined their sports development plans at the recent Networking Lunch held by the Federation on October 3rd. Read below for further details.
• SPORTS DISPUTES HIGHLIGHT NEED FOR JUST SPORT IRELAND
The Irish Amateur Boxing Association were recently threatened with injunction proceedings in relation to the proposed incorporation of the Association. This again highlights the need for NGBs to make provision for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms
• SWIM IRELAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2008
Swim Ireland hosted this year’s Aquatics Conference in the National University of Ireland, Maynooth from 4th -5th October. Please read below for more details.
• IRISH SPORTING SUCCESSES
The Irish Wakeboard team take home European silver while the Irish achieve one of their best medal hauls to date at the World Duathlon Championships in Italy. Please read below for more details on these race reports.
• JOBS IN SPORT
Details of some of the current opportunities available in Irish Sport are set out below.
• TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Details of upcoming courses on Code of Ethics, First Aid, Sport Education, Volunteer Management and Turf Management being run by South Dublin County Sports Partnership, Offaly Local Sports Partnership and the Volunteer Development are set out below.
FEDERATION MAKES CALL FOR INTEGRITY OF IRISH SPORTS COUNCIL FUNDING TO BE MAINTAINED
The Federation of Irish Sports has in its annual pre-budget submission called on the government to maintain the level of funding to the Irish Sports Council. While acknowledging that in the current economic climate cuts in the 2008 government investment in sport of €311 million [1] are likely the Federation has submitted that the integrity of ISC funding be maintained.
In 2008, the Irish Sports Council received funding of just over €57 million representing less than 19% of the overall spend. This contrasts with the €76 million (25%) received by the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund and the €175 million (56%) invested in facilities including the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road, the National Sports Campus, the Local Authority Swimming Pool Project and projects funded through the Sports Capital Grant Programme.
The funding to the Irish Sports Council effectively sustains the continued operation of sport in Ireland at community, regional, national and elite level. The reality is that the vast majority of Ireland’s sporting organisations be they National Governing Bodies of Sport (“NGBs”) or Local Sports Partnerships (“LSPs”) are financially dependent on the annual grant received from the ISC, are already operating on shoestring budgets and even the slightest reduction in available funding will have dramatic impact to include loss of employment.
Sport is a contributor to the economy in its own right, valued at in excess of €1.4 billion or 1.2% of GNP in 2003. This is in addition to the knock on positive effects sport provides to other areas of the economy not least the health sector given sports contribution to healthier lifestyles and illness prevention. Sport also has a significant role to play in improving quality of life and building social capital both of which will be of increasing importance in these more challenging times.
The position of the Federation in relation to ISC Funding is supported by research undertaken by the ESRI in connection with the evaluation of public investment in Irish Sport which concludes that there “is a strong case for moving away from the provision of physical capital to funding the human and social capital associated with sport.” [2]
The Irish Sports Council Funding remains the only central government investment in the human capital of sport. Speaking on the upcoming budget, Chief Executive of the Federation of Irish Sports, Sarah O’Connor stated:
“Our membership which includes over 60 NGBs and a number of LSPs are reliant on Irish Sports Council funding to continue their work in terms of increasing participation in sport, administering recreational & competitive sport in Ireland as well as developing pathways for our talented athletes to be the best that they can be. The ability of our members to continue with this work will be severely inhibited if ISC funding is affected by the predicted deflationary nature of next week’s budget. We acknowledge that a cut in government investment in sport is likely but would implore the government that the integrity of Irish Sports Council funding be maintained and that it is other areas of the overall spend on sport that are more closely examined to produce the necessary savings.”
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[1]Department of Finance, Revised Estimates for Public Services, 2008
[2]Getting Out What You Put In: An Evaluation of Public Investment in Irish Sport, Pete Lunn: ESRI Budget Perspectives 2009 (October 2008).
CONFERENCE ON STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & DISCIPLINE IN SPORT
The conference entitled Sport & The Law: Shaping Irish Sport to be Fit for Purpose will be held on the morning prior to the Ireland –v- Argentina Rugby International on Saturday November 22nd from 9.30 am to 1 pm at the Radisson SAS, Golden Lane, Dublin 8.
The conference which is designed for sports administrators and the legal professionals who advise them will provide a comprehensive overview of the structural, governance and disciplinary issues facing sporting regulators. It will examine the challenges of modernising often-antiquated regulatory structures together with the opportunities that can arise once sport is fit for purpose. The afternoon will offer a question and answer session.
The powerful line up of speakers features sports law specialists from Ireland and the United Kingdom , including Ian Lynam, David Casserly BL, Jonathon Ellis, Larry Fenelon, John Hogan, Keenan Furlong, Sarah Keane, Sarah O’Connor, Sarah O’Shea, Mike Scott and Beauchamps solicitors.
Practical Case studies of how these issue have arisen and been dealt with will also be laid out with Sarah O’Shea, Legal Officer with the FAI providing insight into the recent restructuring of the FAI’s disciplinary system. Sarah Keane, CEO of Swim Ireland shall also present on the restructuring of that organisation, the challenges it faces as well as plans for future development. Platinum One, Ireland’s pre-eminent Sports Marketing and Management Company will also outline is vision for future opportunities for Irish Sport.
A detailed outline of the topics & issues to be covered are set out below: -A. Structural & Governance Issues for Sporting Regulators
• Does one size fit all? Structural issues for sporting organisations
• Whether or not to incorporate?
• Key corporate governance principles for sporting regulators
• Key principles in drafting rules and regulations
– Practical Case Studies:
• The Burns Report and the FA’s Structural Review
• Modernising the Irish Ice Hockey Association
B. Administering Discipline in Sport
• Best practice and advice on avoiding challenges in the courts to decisions of sports governing bodies.
– Practical Case Study:
• The FAI’s Disciplinary Structure
C. Resolving Sporting Disputes
• The benefits of alternative dispute resolution in the resolution of sporting disputes to include examining the role for mediation in the resolution of sports disputes
– Practical Case Study:
• The Stretford Case
D. Just Sport Ireland
• An Introduction
E. Opportunities for Sport Once Fit For Purpose
• How having an efficient structure and adopting good governance can contribute to growing a sport’s commercial and development opportunities.
– Practical Case Study:
• Swim Ireland
F. Question and Answer Session
How to Register
The cost of attending the course is €95 for Federation Members and €125 for Non-members.
Booking by Post
Click here to download and print off a booking form. Please complete and return with payment to the CPD FOCUS Team, The Law School, Law Society of Ireland, Blackhall Place, Dublin 7, DX 79 Dublin. Please make sure all cheques are made payable to the Law Society only.
To view a pdf version of the current CPD FOCUS brochure click here.
Booking Online
Book online now to attend this course click here
Booking by Telephone
We do not take provisional bookings. If you wish to pay by credit card, please contact a member of the CPD FOCUS Team at 01 881 5727.
It is advisable to book early as places are limited.
For Further Details contact: The Federation of Irish Sports, Tel 01 6251155, or email info@irishsports.ie
EVALUATION OF GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT IN SPORT CALLS FOR SPORT POLICY RETHINK
Lunn’s latest article published on October 7th just seven days before Brian Lenehan’s announcement of Budget 2009, questions whether the current allocation of public investment in sport has produced the desired results particularly in light of the stated justification for investment in sport as enshrined in the Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism’s Statement of Strategy namely, to contribute to healthier lifestyles and improve quality of life.
Lunn’s research makes the following key findings:-
• Current policy devotes almost twice the amount of public money to elite sport as it does to grassroots sport. Lunn argues that this places a very high emphasis on the social benefits associated with spectating and with national pride in the achievement of top players. He states that it is hard to see how these benefits can be judged to be greater than the health and social benefits associated with mass participation.
• The majority of funding allocated to grassroots sport is spent on facilities despite the fact that the empirical evidence suggests that there is little demand among the wider public for more facilities and that provision of more facilities is not the best way to increase levels of participation. Lunn claims that there is a strong case for moving away from the provision of physical capital to funding the human and social capital associated with sport. He cites international evidence which indicates that communication with non-participants (through for example, the organisation and marketing of events, targeted programmes and new opportunities) is more likely to raise sporting participation.
• That by far the biggest share of public investment goes to traditional team sports, especially Gaelic Games which in “participation” terms are not the most popular sports, nor the fastest growing and suffer from very high rates of dropout in early adulthood when compared to individual sporting activities many of which receive little or no public support. Lunn points out that it remains unclear what the rationale is for this manner of funds distribution.
Lunn states that if the primary aim of sports policy is to capture the benefits of sport for the wider public, the three balances as outlined in his key findings within the allocation of public spending on sport need to be re-examined. He continues by saying that the recent findings in an Irish context are consistent with similar international findings and on this basis there is a strong argument for revisiting the fundamental basis for public investment in sport and bringing policy more into line with its evidence base and stated aims.
HICKEY UNOPPOSED AND SONIA NOMINATED IN OLYMPIC ELECTIONS
Pat Hickey is set for another four year term of the President of the Olympic Council of Ireland a position he has held from some 19 years since succeeding Des O’Sullivan in 1989. Indeed, there will be no change in the senior administrators at the Irish National Olympic Committee in the run up to the London 2012 Games with First Vice-President Willie O’Brien, Second Vice-President John Delaney, Hon General Secretary Dermot Sherlock, and Honorary Treasurer Peader Casey all also being unopposed for re-election.
There is a more interesting battle poised for the remaining 7 places on the OCI’s Executive Committee with 15 nominees. The current incumbents namely; Susan Aherne (volleyball), Mary Baneham (basketball), Bobbie Begley (athletics), Dermot Henihan (rowing), Billy Kennedy (cycling), Mike Kindall (baseball) and Tom Rafter (fencing) are all up for re-election.
They are joined in the race for election by 8 new comers the most notable of whom is former World Champion and Olympic Silver Medallist, Sonia O’Sullivan who has been nominated by the Football Association of Ireland (“FAI”). Athletics Ireland meanwhile has nominated former PRO, Pierce O’Callaghan who has just taken up a position with www.runbritain.com following a stint as Communications Director of European Athletics.
Also nominated are Tony Colgan, President of Basketball Ireland, former double World Rowing Championship Gold Medallist, Sam Lynch, Irish Sailing Association President Peter Crowley, former Irish Hockey International Mary Logue, Kevin Kilty who served as High Performance/Team Manager for the clay pigeon shooters at the Beijing Games and Thomas Murphy, Vice President of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association.
The elections are four a four year term up to and including the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games. The nomination system is such that an individual does not need to be nominated by the sport which they represent but instead, can be nominated by any of the Olympic sporting organizations.
MINISTER MARTIN CULLEN RESPONDS TO PARLIAMENTARY EXPENDITURE QUESTIONS
Set out below are the Minister’s responses to some of the issues raised.
1. Sports Capital Programme
Minister Cullen was asked to comment on the research which calls for the reform of the sports capital programme, and whether he would be announcing a review of the sports capital programme.
In reply Martin Cullen confirmed that work on the production of a national sports facilities strategy is at an advanced stage. He stated that the aim of the strategy is to provide high level policy direction for future investment and grant assistance at national, regional and local level. The strategy he said is intended to identify the facilities requirement for sport in order that participation at reasonable cost is feasible for those who wish to engage in sport at either amateur or elite level. The Minister stated that the national sports facilities strategy will take account of the recent research findings and will specifically address future sports facility funding and provision as well as inform future rounds of the sports capital programme.
Minister Cullen confirmed that the sports capital funding programme is the primary vehicle for promoting the development of sports and recreational facilities in Ireland and that since 1998, the Government has allocated more than €725 million to more than 7,400 separate sports projects.
The Minister acknowledging comments regarding the research results which indicated a shift from capital to current expenditure was required stated that perhaps it was time to pause and reflect on the number of sports facilities provided across every county not only in terms of the club or school but to maximise the use of those individual facilities during the day, night and at weekends, to ensure that, on behalf of the taxpayer, full value is obtained for a local community from all the investment that has been made.
In response to comments from Mary Upton T.D. regarding a piece of commentary conducted by John Considine of the Economics Department detailing the per capita allocation of grants under the Sports Capital Program which showed that Kerry had the highest per capita allocation from 2003-2007 with Donegal having the highest per capita allocation between 1999 & 2002 the Minister emphasised that all grant applications go through a rigorous assessment which has nothing to do with the Minister responsible.
2. Swimming Pool Projects
The Minister for Sport was asked if it is intended to complete the remaining 21 swimming pools which were granted funding under the initial local authority swimming pool programme in 2000; when the next stage of the programme will be launched; and if he will give a commitment that funding for the next round of this programme will be available as promised under the National Development Plan.
The Minister confirmed that whilst it is intended to complete the remaining 20 pools under the current round of the programme it was not intended, given budgetary constraints, to launch a new round of the programme at this time.
The Minister confirmed that a value for money policy review report into the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme had now been published and all recommendations contained therein would be considered in the context of future rounds of the programme. He confirmed that he would be in favour of the re-opening of the programme when circumstances allowed.
It was pointed out that Ireland currently has one pool per 58,000 people that in Northern Ireland this was one for every 32,000 and in Scotland one per 15,000. The Minister said that it was hoped that the objective of one pool for every 50,000 would be achieved by 2011 but that he would like Ireland to reach a position where it was closer to the international average of one pool per 25,000 people.
3. Sport and Recreational Development
When asked to comment on his plans for developing facilities to attract international Olympic teams to prepare here for the London Olympics in 2012, Martin Cullen replied that the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics Task Force was established in August 2006 to ensure Ireland could identify and maximise the complete range of opportunities arising from its proximity to the games. The Task Force included experts from the sport, tourism, cultural and business sectors and was supported by staff from within the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism.
The Minster states that the Task Force makes a number of recommendations on foot of an audit it carried out in respect of high quality sports facilities in Ireland and the findings of a report by Indecon International Economic Consultants on the economic evaluation of the benefit to the island of Ireland of the London 2012 games. He stated that he would consider the implementation of the Task Force’s recommendations in the context of the annual Estimates Cycle and taking account of the current economic situation.
The Minister did however acknowledge that irrespective of the facilities that Ireland has to offer, it is unlikely that any teams would come to Ireland to any great degree but that some competitors in specific sports may come here for particular reasons. He stated however that there was a range of areas on the tourism side from which Ireland could benefit.
The Minister further acknowledged that in Ireland we do not have facilities for major international competition. He stated that most of our elite athletes, in any discipline, want to compete at the highest level and that this requires them to be abroad quite a lot.
He confirmed that he was obliged to work within the constraints of the budgetary framework which, for many reasons of an international nature, had altered radically in the last 12 months. Nonetheless the Minister said that he would continue to examine how Ireland might maximise the opportunities that exist in the context of developing our athletes as well as providing facilities to those of other countries. The Minister did also say that he intended to meet the key stakeholders involved in the supports required in terms of coaching, programmes, facilities and funding to ensure the optimum performance of Irish athletes at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
4. Sports Funding
The Minister was asked if policy changes were envisaged in terms of funding programmes in view of the ESRI Study Sporting Lives: An analysis of a Lifetime of Irish Sport and other research by that body.
The Minister stated that the report was not without its challenges, particularly with regard to gender gaps and socio-economic gaps in sports participation. He said that it was obvious that the report requires careful consideration by the Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism and the Irish Sports Council with a view to assessing what changes might usefully be made to existing sports policy and that such consideration is taking place.
The Minister stated that the series of ESRI reports do endorse the view that sport as an activity has a strong case for substantial public expenditure to support initiatives which can increase participation which he said justifies the significant Government investment in sport in -recent years.
Minister Cullen also stated the felt that team sports are what at the core of what team sports are about, particularly for younger people. He highlighted the role team sports plays in teaching young people, social skills, the ability to interact with their friends and their understanding of leadership and playing one’s part. He stated that in today’s world the drop-off in team participation rates after the age of 16 or 18 is significant and that the challenge was in keeping young people of that age involved in sport.
He stated that other aspects of individual participation in adulthood are that it includes a lot of general physical activities such as aerobics. He said that he did not say that these are not sports but that he was not saying that they were either. The Minister went on to say that we cannot start building individual facilities all over the place.
In response to the gender gap, the Minister acknowledged that it was very important to get girls interested in sport at primary level. He said that it is much harder to engage them at an older age and that he was working with the Department of Education and Science on the schools system in its broadest sense, particularly with primary schools, to instil that opportunity into girls at that age so they can take it through to second level education. He said that it was not beyond us to go down this road in coming years and to have a successful outcome by targeting resources in the correct way and get co-ordination between all bodies with responsibility.
€350,000 MADE AVAILABLE IN GO FOR LIFE GRANTS
Go for Life, the national programme for sport and physical recreation amongst older people have announced a call for applications under the 8th National Grant Scheme for Sport and Physical Activity for Older People. This grant aims to promote greater participation by older people in physical activity and recreational sport and all local groups seeking to provide opportunities for older people to be more active are eligible to apply.
Grants range from €500 – €3,000 with a total amount of €350,000 available. The grants are typically used by groups to purchase equipment or to allow group members may explore a new sporting activity. Successful applicants in 2007 included sports clubs, active retirement associations, senior citizens clubs, ICA guild, day centres and community centres in 26 counties.
The National Grant Scheme, now in its eight year is launched at a time when a recent report by IPSOS MORI that was commissioned by Go for Life and the Irish Sports Council has found that 58% of older adults lead sedentary lifestyles. The Go for Life programme aims to raise awareness of the benefits of physical activity as we age and to create opportunities for older people to engage in a wide range of physical activity and recreational sport in local, safe and sociable environments.
The Go for Life Programme was developed by Age & Opportunity and the Irish Sports Council and is overseen by a Steering Committee that also includes representatives of Active Retirement Ireland, the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament and the National Council on Ageing and Older People. The National Grant Scheme is a central element of the Go for Life Programme which also provides workshops for members of community groups around the country to give them information and skills which enable them to lead sport and physical activity sessions within their groups.
To download an application form for the grant scheme click here
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm on Wednesday, 22nd October, 2008.
Further information can be obtained from Martina Mullin, Acting Programme Director, Go for Life, Age & Opportunity, Marino Institute of Education, Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9
LAUNCH OF COACHING IRELAND & NEW STRATEGY 2008-2012
The National Coaching and Training Centre (“NCTC”) hosted the 9th National Coaching Forum in Dublin City University on September 13th – 14th, the first time a coaching forum had been held outside of Limerick. The Forum entitled ‘Developing Decision Makers- An Athlete Centred Approach’ focused on enabling athletes to learn and developing learning process which could mean a difference between performance success and failure.
The forum boasted an exciting line up of national and international presenters including:
• Packie Bonner, Technical Director of the FAI;
• Dr Giles Warrington, Head Sports Physiologist to the Olympic Council of Ireland;
• Stephen Aboud, Coach Development Manager IRFU;
• Dr Lynn Kidman, lecturer in Coaching Studies;
• Gerry Hussey, Psychologist to the Irish Boxing Squad;
• Foppe de Haan, former coach of the Netherlands U21 Football squad; and
• Antoni Girod, Professor of Applied Psychology currently working with elite athletes.
A number of exciting new initiatives in relation to coaching in Ireland were detailed at the Forum including:-
1. NCTC evolves to Coaching Ireland:
The formal launch of Coaching Ireland was announced. Coaching Ireland replaces the NCTC as the new all-island body with a very specific remit to lead the development of coaching on the island of Ireland.
2. Launch of Coaching Strategy 2008-2012
The Coaching Strategy for Ireland 2008-2012 was launched. The Strategy which has been developed in partnership with the Irish Sports Council (“ISC”) and Sport Northern Ireland (“Sport NI”) following an extensive consultation process with coaches and athletes sets out a new direction for coaching in Ireland.
The overall purpose of the Coaching Strategy is to:-
• Provide an agreed direction on how coaching will contribute to the development of sport in Ireland;
• Create a framework for the development of coaching in Ireland;
• Improve the quality of coaching and raise the standard of coaches at all levels in Ireland;
• Raise expectations for coaching in Ireland by setting clear standards and targets; and
• Identify a clear structure and a focused approach for the delivery and implementation of the Coaching Strategy.
The strategy is underpinned by an inclusive framework agreed by all agencies to cater for all levels of sport and physical activity involvement throughout and individual’s life. The framework is designed to provide health benefits for participants throughout all of their lives, develop a positive attitude to sport and physical activity, develop physical literacy and movement incorporating the development of gross movement skills and clear phases of development for performers.
The benefit of the framework is that it provides a common framework for Coaching Ireland, National Governing Bodies, the Irish Sports Council, Sport Northern Ireland, Irish Institute of Sport, Sports Institute Northern Ireland, Local Councils and Local Sports Partnerships to support participants, performers and teams at each stage of their involvement in sport.
A copy of the Coaching Ireland Strategy 2008 – 2012 can be viewed by clicking here.
3. Coaching Development Programme for Ireland Announced
One of the most important initiatives set in train by Coaching Ireland has been the Coaching Development Programme for Ireland (“CDPI”). The Coaching Development Programme for Ireland, formerly the National Coaching Development Programme (“NCDP”), aims to facilitate the development of coaching and coach education in Ireland. The programme operates in partnership with NGBs and other agencies to develop an internationally recognised coach education system.
The CDPI is designed to assist NGBs in the recruitment, education and deployment of coaches with their sport. The intention according to Director Michael McGeehin is that “A more focused approach to the implementation of the CPDI will be taken on a phased basis with sports on a north/south basis. Greater technical support will be provided to National Governing Bodies to assist them when completing their coaching plans, courses and coach education programmes”. Coaching Strategy for Ireland 2008-2012.
4. Adventure Sports Framework Announced
Details of Coaching Ireland’s key initiative to integrate the Adventure Sports Framework, an integrated training and accreditation framework for Adventure Sports Instructors and Leaders, with the work of Coaching Ireland and relevant NGBs.. The objective of the framework is to bring all adventure sports’ instructor/leader training under one common framework. The framework builds on and supports the quality work already put in place in Adventure Sport National Governing Bodies including the Mountaineering Council of Ireland, Irish Underwater Council, Irish Sailing Association to name but a few.
5. European Coaching Framework
It was confirmed that Ireland has signed up to the European Coaching Framework recently presented by the European Coaching Council (“ECC”). Ireland will incorporate the ECC proposals and principles for the development of coaching and coach education in the CPDI. The proposals however will be adapted and modified to fit the sports systems and context in Ireland. The ECC proposals are incorporated into the Coaching Ireland strategy.
DIT TO CREATE NEW HOME FOR SPORT IN DUBLIN CITY CENTRE
DIT TO PLACE SPORT AT THE CENTRE OF NEW CAMPUS & POSSIBLY CREATE CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
Dublin Institute of Technology (“DIT”) outlined details of the proposed sports facilities to be developed as part of its new campus at Grangegorman. The presentation given by DIT Head of Sport Sinead McNulty and Dr. Paul Horan emphasised that it was their intention to place sport at the very heart of the new campus not just physically but also notionally.
The presentation gave details of the proposed facilities which have yet to be finalised but it is hoped will include 3 playing pitches one of which will be an all weather training pitch together with a sub-terranean multi-sport facility encompassing a swimming pool, a 3 basketball size hall, handball & squash courts, a climbing wall as well as smaller halls.
DIT is considering partnering with suitable NGBs with a view to establishing a centre of excellence for a particular sport or sports at the campus. DIT would be most interested in hearing from NGBs interested in developing such a partnership. DIT is also seeking guidance from NGBs as to the desirable specifications of the various sports facilities to be accommodated on the new campus.
Submissions on the proposed development to include suggestions as to sporting facilities that should be provided for in the overall plan are still being accepted by the Grangegorman Development Authority. The project has now completed masterplanning and it is hoped that the detailed design can get underway next year. It is intended that construction will commence in 2010 with the first students to arrive on site in 2014.
Any interested party wishing to make a proposal in relation to the establishment of a centre of excellence, provide assistance in relation to desirable specifications or indeed, a submission in relation to the overall development should contact Sinead McNulty by email at sinead.mcnulty@dit.ie, by telephone on (01) 4028015/087 215 6494 or by post at DIT, c/o The President’s Office, DIT Aungier Street, Dublin 2.
SPORTS DISPUTES HIGHLIGHT NEED FOR JUST SPORT IRELAND
Irish Boxing were the latest Irish sporting organisation to be faced with the threat of court litigation when the Dublin Boxing Board served an application for an injunction on the Association to prevent its incorporation. The Federation understands that the proceedings were subsequently withdrawn but the matter again highlights the need for National Governing Bodies of Sport to provide for alternative dispute resolution within its rules or else face the threat of court litigation.
It was to prevent sporting disputes ending up in the courts that the Federation launched Just Sport Ireland (“JSI”) in October 2007. JSI provides both an arbitration and mediation service designed to resolve disputes that arise in sport privately, quickly and cost effectively. It recently handed down its first arbitration decision.
The services offered by JSI are modelled on those provided by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne which has been operating with great success in the sphere of international sport since 1984. Like with CAS, JSI will be at its most effective when sporting organisations make provision for referral to JSI within its governing rules thereby removing the option of pursuing the organization in court in the event of the dispute.
In short JSI acts as a self-defence tool for sporting organisations against the threat of court litigation. Irish NGBs that have signed up to JSI include Basketball Ireland, Special Olympics Ireland, Irish Hockey Association and the Golfing Union of Ireland.
For more information: email registrar@justsport.ie
SWIM IRELAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2008
Swim Ireland Conference
On Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th October Swim Ireland with the support of The Irish Sports Council, the Federation of Irish Sports and Speedo ran their third Annual Aquatics Conference in the National University of Ireland, Maynooth.
The conference was a great success with almost one hundred members and non members of Swim Ireland getting involved in the weekend. In conjunction with the conference a Child Protection and Welfare in Sport course was run out as well as a Swim Ireland Team Manager Level 1 course.
Swim Ireland were very fortunate this year as in other years to have two fantastic speakers travel to Ireland for the Conference. Mandy Van Rooden from the Netherlands opened the conference on Saturday morning. Mandy is the head coach of junior swimming in the Netherlands currently. Glen Christiansen, former Olympic Coach and holder of 11 World Masters Swimming Records was also a guest speaker at the event.
Delegates were offered the choice of taking part in a number of workshops throughout the weekend including topics such as Integration of disabilities in swimming, the development of stroke technique, FUNdamentals of a learn to Swim Programme and Re-hydration, Refuelling and Recovery – essentials of every successful swimmer.
Swim Ireland also hosted their Annual Coaching Awards which recognised Bill McCarthy of ESB SC as the Swim Ireland High Performance Coach of the Year, Alan Turner of Aer Lingus SC as Swim Ireland Club Coach of the Year and a special award was given to UL Arena for their support of the Swim Ireland High Performance Programme. Swim Ireland’s Olympians were recognised at the weekend with a presentation to Aisling Cooney (Olympian) and Johnny Cummings (Paralympian). There was an opportunity for a question and answer session with both athletes as well as Olympics Head Swimming Coach and Paralympics Team Manager.
Swim Ireland would like to thank the delegates who attended and supported what was a wonderful weekend.
IRISH SPORTING SUCCESSES
The Irish Wakeboard team achieved their biggest success to date at the Europe Africa Middle East (“EAME”) Wakeboard Championships securing a silver medal in the face of serious competition from 11 countries fighting for honours in Tremolat France.
20 Nations were represented in the EAME Championship with a host of retired professional and semi-professional skiers amongst the competitors. Running in parallel with the EAME Championship was a World Trophy event with some 38 Nations represented where Ireland finished 4th overall.
The team success was built on the back of some significant individual successes. The youngest Irish Team member, Philip McQuigan put in a magnificent performance to take the Trolls Gold Medal. Sian Hurst continued her winning streak of Podium by taking the Junior Bronze Medal. Almost all of the other Riders also placed competitively in their own Divisions with David O’ Caoimh finishing 5th, Paul Johnston 5th, Pete Stewart 6th and Cianne Naji 6th.
Further individual success was achieved by Geoff Clarke securing a bronze medal in the Sr. 2 Mens Jump in the EAME Championship, Barry Galvin who managed a 6th in the World Trophy in the SR1 category and Rodney Watson who was in joint third place after the preliminaries in the World Trophy Sr1 Slalom Finals before finishing 8th of 38 skiers.
The success came on the back of a successful summer of wakeboarding with Eamonn Prunty of Batterstown taking home the Overall Gold Medal at the EAME Disabled Waterski Championships held in Northern Italy in August.
Eamonn Prunty is already the reigning world overall champion and was also the reigning EAME Champion. Defending titles is never easy and with eleven very strong contenders at Recetto for the Overall Title, Eamonn succeeded in outclassing stiff competition from Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, France, Norway, and Italy to win the overall crown. Eamonn absolutely dominated in both the Tricks and Slalom sections and only Adrien Corminboeuf (SUI) could beat him on the Jump Ramp. With a total overall score of 2908 points that put Eamonn finishing almost 240 points ahead of Silver Medallist Toon Van Derr Ploeg of Netherlands.
The Irish Waterski Federation would like to recognise the contribution of the Irish Sports Council (“ISC”) to their recent success with part of the 2008 grant funding received from the ISC being put towards the budget for both the Team and Disabled Support Budget.
Further information is available at: https://www.iwsf.ie
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FOUR IRISH MEDALS FROM WORLD DUATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS
The World Duathlon Championships took place in Rimini Italy on September 26th – 28th. Ireland achieved one of their best medal hauls to date with four medals; 2 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze. Please read below for more details on this race report.
The World Duathlon Championships took place in Rimini Italy on September 26th – 28th where the Irish team secured four medals. A team of 9 Irish athletes competed over the weekend. The event had one of the biggest Duathlon fields seen on the international stage with the numbers exceeding 1300 athletes. The Italian Triathlon Association ran a well organized event with media coverage from Sky Sports and local television and radio.
The Irish team consisted of Team Manager Eamonn Tilley, Sean Mc Fadden, Keith Heary, Louise Nolan, David Vaughan, Art Mc Manus, Ruaidhri Geraghty, Desi Mc Henry, Keira-Eva Mooney, Sheila Power as well as the injured David Lonnen.
Fernandes Vanessa of Portugal took gold in the Female elite in a time of 2.00.51, while Paul Amey of Great Britain won the Men’s elite in a time of 1.48.00.
The ladies race took place on 27th September with cold and windy conditions on the day making it one of the toughest races over the weekend. Keira-Eva Mooney, Sheila Power and Louise Nolan all competed in the 10km run (4lap circuit) along with some 300 plus athletes. The Irish had 60 supporters dotted around the course to encourage, help and support the team.
“Keira pushed her way to the front getting into a comfortable position, her experience told her not to go out too quick her steady pace got her through the first couple of laps, Louise on the other hand was strong and determined, and worked up on the 3rd lap it was great to see both athletes working hard, you could see it in their eyes, they were focused and hungry for a medal”, Eamonn Tilley; Team Manager.
They came through the transition area T1 around the same time 44.19 was Keira’s run time with Louise close behind. The bike race consisted of 6 laps of a 40 km cycle. Keira was the more experienced athlete and just focused on the line on the road finishing in a time of 1.16.08 while Louise finished in 1.20.21. Keira-Eva’s overall time was 2.23.57 which put her 2nd in the world ranking in her age category 25-29. Louise Nolan finished in a time of 2.29.26 putting her in the top 10 in the world ranking in her age category (25-29).
Sheila Power raced in the 50-55 category with some ex elite athletes in her field. Sheila carried an injury into the race but and worked her way through the field one athlete at a time. Following a quick transition she then moved into her stronger discipline the bike to finish 9th overall in the World in her category with a time of 2.34.33.
Desi Mc Henry raced in the Men’s over 50 category on September 28th with approximately 200 athletes in his category. He finished off the run in a time of 41.05, while the 40km plus cycle took 1.10 .36. Desi finished the last run course in a time of 20.26, placing 11th overall and first in his age group.
The Senior Men’s race saw five finely tuned Irish athletes race with a very competitive field of over 160 experienced athletes. Sean Mc Fadden, Ruaidhri Geraghty, David Vaughan, Art Mc Manus and Keith Heary finished the first lap in that order.
Turning the last bend David Vaughan punished his body hard, pushing himself to the outer limits to become the world champion in the 30-35 age category in a time of 1.57.55. Art Mc Manus shone through to finish with a bronze medal in his category and 10th overall in a time of 2.03.12 showing enormous potential. “The best result that I have seen in years as a Coach/team Manager; 2 Gold medals 1 Silver and 1 bronze” stated team manager Eamonn Tilley.
Ruaidhri Geraghty finished in 2.04.10 placing 10th in the world in the 30-35 age category. Sean Mc Fadden finished with a time of 2.04.25 to place 12th in the world in the 30-35 age group. Finally Keith Heary finished in 2.07.25, 24th in the world in his age category.
For further details please contact Irish Team Manager Eamonn Tilley.
Email: eamonn.tilley@legrand.ie.
JOBS IN SPORT
Swim Ireland- Education Manager
Swim Ireland is committed to diversification of its work force and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Swim Ireland is committed to being an equal opportunities employer.
A non smoking policy applies to all premises occupied by Swim Ireland
Application:
Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) should be forwarded to arrive on or before 5 p.m. October 17th 2008 to:
Sean McHugh, Resource, New Town Centre, Killegland Street, Ashbourne, Co. Meath. Telephone: +353 1 8351707. E-mail: info@resource.ie
– CV’s will be accepted by post or by email to the above email address
– Shortlisting, based on information provided in the submitted CV, may be necessary depending on the level of applications received. Applicants will be informed of arrangements in this regard.
– It is intended that interviews will be held in Mid October 2008
– Appointment will be subject to:
• Pre-employment medical assessment
• satisfactory pre-employment reference checks
• A Current work permit, where required
• Pre employment declaration by candidate in relation to Child Protection and agreement to Swim Ireland Code of Conduct/Ethics
• Other pre-employment clearance where appropriate and available
The contract is for a full time position over a two year period. The base is at the Sport HQ, Park West, Dublin 12.
For Further Details click here.
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GAA – Museum Director
The GAA Museum, as the national custodian of all GAA archives and artefacts, is dedicated to promoting an appreciation of the values, culture and history to date of Gaelic games. Having just celebrated its tenth anniversary, the Museum strives in an engaging and informative way to preserve, interpret and exhibit its heritage and honour to those who have made outstanding voluntary contributions to the national games.
Role of Museum Director
To ensure continued growth and development, the Board now wishes to appoint a Director, the first ever appointment at this level at the Museum. This is a challenging role which carries responsibility for the Museum’s operational and profit performance. Reporting to the Board the appointee will be responsible for formulating, driving and implementing the strategic direction of the Museum going forward. The Director will need to drive a strong programme of change management and innovation through new product / service development and asset utilisation in order to promote sustainable, long term growth.
The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional organisational leadership, communication and team management skills, together with an ability to negotiate, influence and advocate at multiple levels within the Museum, Arts & Culture community; with its associated key stakeholders, and in national and international fora. He/she will be an experienced business developer, bringing superior marketing, business planning, event promotion and financial management skills to the role. One of the key measures of success will be the ability to develop and realize commercial opportunities while holding firm on the values, culture and history of the GAA. The Director will also be required to ensure the organisation meets the continuing challenges and demands of being one of Ireland’s premier visitor attractions.
This is an outstanding opportunity to lead a unique organisation with strong roots. The compensation package, comprising basic salary, bonus and other benefits, will reflect the calibre of candidate being sought for this important appointment.
Closing date for applications is October 17th, 2008.
For Further information please call Ellen Roche at (01) 792 6703. A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae may be sent by e-mail to: ellen.roche@ie.pwc.com or by post to Ellen Roche, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Executive Resourcing, One Spencer Dock, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1.
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
UPCOMING TRAINING COURSES
Please find below details of upcoming training courses being run by South Dublin County Sports Partnership, Offaly Sports Partnership and the Volunteer Development Agency.
1. South Dublin County Sports Partnership
Clubs Training Calendar for Autumn:
1. Sports 1st Aid; (certified) x 2
• Saturday, 11th of October – Brookfield Youth and Community Centre, Tallaght, from 9am – 4pm
• Saturday, 15th of November – Clondalkin Leisure Centre, Clondalkin from 9am – 4pm
For a maximum of 14 people each day. Cost = €50 (normal cost €100)
2. Volunteer Management x 2
• Saturday, 18th of October – South Dublin Volunteer Bureau, Exchange Hall, Tallaght, 9.30am – 1.30pm
• Saturday, 8th of November – South Dublin Volunteer Bureau, Exchange Hall, Tallaght, 9.30am – 1.30pm
This will include information on developing role descriptions, organising recruitment and the selection & supervision of volunteers. Maximum of 16 people each day. Cost = €20 (normal cost €40)
3. Turf Management – Foundation Course (certified)
• Saturday, 25th of October – St. Annes GAA, Bohernabreena, Tallaght, 9.30am – 4.00pm.
Maximum of 16 places available. Cost = €75 which includes annual membership to the Institute of Groundsmanship (normal cost €150)
4. Code of Ethics/ Child Protection in Sport (certified by the Irish Sports Council)
• Monday, 6th of October – Ballyowen Castle Community Centre, Lucan, 6 – 10pm. Maximum of 16 places available Cost = €10.
For more detailed information on these courses or to book a place please contact Thos Mc Dermott or Aidan Duignan Tel. 4149000, Mobile 086 0441071 or email thomasmcdermott@sdublincoco.ie
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2. OFFALY SPORTS PARTNERSHIP
Upcoming Events
Basic First Aid: 16th October to 6th November 2008 from 7pm to 10pm every Thursday evening in OAK Partnership, Edenderry. Closing date for receipt of applications is 9th October 2008.
Code of Ethics 4 hour Awareness training: 20th and 28th October 2008 from 7 to 9pm each evening in Edenderry (venue to be confirmed). Closing date for receipt of applications is 13th October 2008.
Lucozade Sport Education programme: 19th October from 7pm in Edenderry (venue to be confirmed). Closing date for receipt of application is 22nd October 2008.
Code of Ethics 4 hour awareness training: 17th and 24th November 2008 from 7 to 9pm each evening in Tullamore (venue to be confirmed). Closing date for receipt of applications is 10th November 2008.
Basic First-Aid: 20th November to 11th December 2008 from 7 to 10pm every Thursday evening in Tullamore (venue to be confirmed). Closing date for receipt of applications is 13th November 2008.
Lucozade Sport Education programme: 26th November from 7pm in Tullamore (venue to be confirmed). Closing date for receipt of applications is 19th November 2008.
To book a place on any of the aforementioned courses, please contact Olivia Murphy in the Sports Partnership office on 057 93 57462 or by email to omurphy@offalycoco.ie. Details of these courses can also be found by clicking here.
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3. COURSES ON MANAGEMENT & RECRUITMENT OF VOLUNTEERS
The Following courses are being run by the Volunteer Development Agency, ‘Promoting and developing volunteering to build stronger communities’. The Volunteer Development Agency is the lead organisation for the promotion and development of volunteering across Northern Ireland.
Finding & Keeping Volunteers: 23 October 2008, 9.30am – 4.30pm, Enniskillen
Want to find the right volunteers for the right role? Do you know how to motivate and keep volunteers?
This one day course will introduce participants to good practice principles in the recruitment and effective management of volunteers.
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
• list the key concepts of volunteers;
• identify the 6 questions which form the basis of a recruitment plan;
• develop role descriptions for volunteers;
• describe what should be included in a recruitment message;
• describe good practice in the effective management of volunteers.
Integrating Volunteers Into The Team: 12 November 2008, 9.30 – 4.30pm, Belfast
Do you want volunteers to be more valued within your organisation? Do you want to build a better team spirit?
This course explores some of the underlying issues within a staff/volunteer team that can reduce a team’s ability to function effectively. The course equips you with the particular skills and understanding required to develop productive working relationships.
By the end of the course, you should be able to:
• identify the key causes and areas of conflict within a volunteer programme;
• devise appropriate procedures to prevent problems developing;
• outline the key skills needed to manage conflict.
Managing Difference: Welcoming And Supporting Volunteers With Disabilities
27 November 2008, 9.30 – 4.30pm, Coleraine
Would you know how to best support a volunteer with a disability? Want some practical tips?
The Volunteer Development Agency, along with expert speakers from a range of organisations that support people with disabilities, will offer top tips on involving volunteers with disabilities.
This is a practical and interactive session that looks at 5 areas of disability;
• deaf and hard of hearing;
• sight loss;
• mental health;
• physical disabilities;
• learning disabilities.
Volunteers with a range of disabilities will speak first hand of their experiences of barriers they have faced and also what steps organisations have made to make them feel involved and welcome.
For more information on all these courses, go to the Training Calendar on – www.volunteering-ni.org, or to receive a copy of the Volunteer Development Agency Training Ecircular, please email your details to training@volunteering-ni.org