Job Title: Community Rugby Officer
Location: Based at Ravenhill Grounds, but due to the nature of the role, much of the time will be spent travelling between allocated Clubs, Schools & Colleges
Role Purpose: To support club volunteers to increase the number of male and female players. To ensure clubs have the appropriate capacity and capability to increase the number of participants. To effectively engage with schools, colleges and the local community.
Accountable to: Community Rugby (Participation) Manager (CRM)
Key Relationships: Domestic Rugby Manager, Operations Manager, Coach Development Manager, Coach Development Officers, Club Community Rugby Officers, allocated Clubs & Schools, Domestic Rugby administration staff
Key Responsibilities:
- Responsible for a geographical region and/or a cluster of clubs, schools & colleges.
- Responsible for growing the game in identified clubs, schools and/or colleges and ensuring players have a life long experience in the game. This applies equally to both the male and female disciplines of the game.
- Maintain up to date records of all clubs and their status/progress against agreed Rugby Operational Development Plans.
- Working with the CRM to implement community rugby partnerships – this may result in a cluster of clubs working together to employ a local Development Officer who undertakes rugby development activities in the community and with schools.
- Identify potential feeder schools for clubs and initiate interaction with schools. Prioritise schools for a rugby development programme and as required deliver these programmes (e.g., organise a block schedule to include coaching sessions, courses as per individual school needs, etc).
- Deliver blitzes, extravaganzas, etc.
- Work with clubs to ensure they benefit from provincial programmes to develop and recognise volunteers.
- As required, implement seminars and workshops to increase the knowledge and expertise of volunteers.
- Work with allocated clubs to ensure that they embrace the IRFU Child Welfare Policy and have an appointment Child Welfare Officer. Report clubs that are not compliant to the CRM.
- Facilitate the operation of IRFU Tag in designated clubs.
- Facilitate the operation of Summer Camps as per IRFU policy. This includes approving venues, distribution of promotional literature, monitoring camp capacity and appointment of suitably qualified coaches.
- Ensure clubs are active and update the player registration system each season to ensure player numbers are accurate. Report clubs that are not compliant to the CRM.
- Facilitate projects as determined by the Domestic Rugby Manager.
- Any other duties as required.
Performance Measures:
i. Rugby Metrics
- Increasing the number of individuals across Age Grade and Adult teams
- Promotion of the LTPD plan and adherence of all clubs, schools and colleges to the IRFU policy in relation to the LTPD
- All clubs comply/achieve 100% in club support scheme (or equivalent should the Q Award be implemented)
- Club comply with the IRFU Child Welfare Policy
- Clubs have an Active Club Development Plan
ii. Business Metrics
- Delivering national programmes to agreed quantity and quality.
- Delivering provincial programmes ensuring they are on-time and within budget
iii. Professional Approach
- Achieving a high profile within club rugby through club visits, seminars and other rugby public occasions and conferences.
- Provide early warning of projects and programmes that are falling behind target dates or over-running on budget
Applicants should, at the closing date for applications, be able to display and provide evidence of the following qualifications/training, experience, specialist knowledge, skills/abilities and personal qualities outlined below in this person specification.
CRITERION / ESSENTIAL / DESIRABLEQualifications
& Training / · Mini Rugby and/or Foundation level coaching qualification / · Level 1 Coaching Qualification
Knowledge / · Knowledge and understanding of Irish Rugby which can be demonstrated in decisions across coaching, refereeing and player development within a club environment
· Knowledge and understanding of the Long Term Player Development Model
· A clear understanding of the needs of Club volunteers / · Knowledge of the developmental pathways for rugby players
· Knowledge of specific preparation needs of players and coaches
· Knowledge of the sporting landscape within the island of Ireland
Experience / · Experience in coaching children at Stage 1 and Stage 2 LTPD
· Experience delivering national programmes with a high quality orientation
· Resource allocation and management
· Practical experience of analysing, developing and coordinating support services to clubs / · Experience in dealing with volunteers / organisations in a support capacity
· Practical experience of working in a sports development and club development environment
· Experience of working within a sports organisation
Skills & Abilities / · Ability to critically review performance process and outcome
· Ability to influence others and change thought processes
· Excellent written and verbal communication/presentation skills
· Clarity in decision-making
· Well-developed time-management skills, including the ability to set and meet deadlines and to prioritise work
· Good negotiating skills
· Computer literate / · Educational/ development experience
· Established Tutoring / Course delivery expertise
Personal Qualities / · Ability to gain the confidence, respect and trust of others
· Integrity and honesty
· Committed, enthusiastic and motivated
· Willingness and desire to entertain new ideas and seize opportunities
· Willingness to accept and encourage constructive challenges
· Ability to think differently and understand a wider context
· Flexible, and adaptable to circumstances
· Ability to work alone or as part of a team, within a team environment
Circumstances / · Access to transport that enables jobholder to meet the requirements of the post in full
· Available to work a 5/7 working arrangement, including evenings
IRFU (Ulster Branch) reserves the right to enhance criteria to facilitate short-listing.
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