IABA is delighted to partner with Ascension in recruitment of the National Performance Director on

The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) is the National Governing Body of Sport responsible for the development and management of amateur boxing in Ireland. The IABA established a National High Performance Unit (HPU) in 2003 and since its inception the IABA HPU has been delivering consistent success for Ireland in the ring at European, World and Olympic level. Boxing is Ireland’s most successful Olympic sport with a rich history of world class boxers having won 19 medals.

A key to this sustained international success is the National Performance Director (NPD), a role that is responsible for leading both strategically and operationally to deliver key performance outcomes. The HPU prepares Irish elite and U22 boxing talent for benchmark international competition including European, World and Olympic Championships. The programme, based at the Sport Ireland Institute (SII) in Abbotstown, is dedicated to developing and nurturing elite and U22 talent from boxing clubs all over Ireland, with the primary aim being to prepare athletes to compete on the international stage, to win medals and importantly, to fulfil their potential beyond and outside of boxing.

The NPD has ultimate responsibility for all elements of the National Performance Plan (NPP), including oversight of the Ulster Medals and More Programme. The NPD reports directly to the IABA Chief Executive and is the primary contact for key high performance funding partners, governing bodies and stakeholders. Critical to the role are the close working relationships with the National Head Coach and HPU Manager, to establish a well thought out and fully costed annual and quadrennial training and competition plan. Additionally, the NPD has overall responsibility for leading and managing a team of dedicated HPU Coaches and a team of Sports Science and Medicine performance staff to deliver on targeted performance support to meet agreed targets.

Role Description

Title: IABA Performance Director

Based:

IABA High Performance Unit (HPU) at the Sport Ireland Institute (SISI), Abbotstown and Ulster High Performance Unit (UHPU) at the University Ulster Jordanstown (UUJ)

Reports to: IABA Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Line Manages:

National Head Coach, HPU Performance Coaches, HPU Manager, National Pathway Manager (to be appointed), Ulster Head Performance Coach and Ulster HPU Manager. Also has oversight of the Sport Ireland supported HPU Pool Coach programme.

Key Relationships:

Internal stakeholders: IABA CEO, Chairman and the Board of Directors, Central Council and Coaching Committee, Ulster Boxing Council and IABA staff.

External stakeholders: Sport Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland, Sport Ireland Institute, Sports Institute Northern Ireland, Olympic Federation of Ireland and the National Sports Campus Development Authority.

Eligibility:

European Economic Area (EEA) Nationals and non EEA Nationals are encouraged to apply, however an employment permit will be required for a non EEA National

Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience

Contract Term: 4 years

Primary Purpose:

To lead and be primarily accountable for all aspects of the IABA High Performance Strategy, performance system and investment, establishing a culture that drives World Class performance while prioritising the safety and wellbeing of athletes and staff and enhancing the reputation of Irish amateur Boxing at all levels.

Key Responsibilities and Accountability

1. Responsible for developing and driving the delivery of IABA’s High Performance Plan to World Class standards and performance to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and beyond.
2. Leads high performance alignment to the IABA 2024-2028 Strategic Plan “In Your Corner” and ensures there is alignment of all high performance activity and investment to the themes, objectives and strategic outcomes of the plan.
3. Represents the IABA in all matters pertaining to High Performance and liaises with key funding and support agencies such as Sport Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland, Irish Institute of Sport, Sports Institute Northern Ireland, the Olympic Federation of Ireland and the National Sports Campus Development Authority.
4. Prepares and presents a fully costed annual high performance programme plan, incorporating the HPU daily training environment, training and sparring camps, competition and staff rosters covering all areas of athlete and staff development, and performance.
5. Contributes to planning and the approval of the Ulster Medals and More Programme, incorporating Juniors, Youth and Elite athlete development and performance within the University Ulster Jordanstown (UUJ) high performance training centre and for participation and performance at the quadrennial Commonwealth Games.
6. Presents reports and updates as required to the CEO, IABA Board and IABA High Performance Advisory Board (yet to be appointed), Sport Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland and the Olympic Federation of Ireland.
7. Develops and manages the annual high performance budget, aligning to IABA Financial Policy, with transparency around investment, and setting clear accountability for all staff in respect of expenditure for programme and work related expenses.
8. In consultation with the IABA CEO, plays a lead role in HPU staff recruitment processes and outcomes, utilising best practice methodology to attract and retain the best staff to the HPU.
9. Line-manages all IABA contracted HPU staff, ensuring that they feel supported and can operate within a professional and positive work environment with appropriate performance management and individualised professional development.
10. Oversees all Elite and U22 representative team and training squad selection decisions in the role of Chair, including the development and updating of appropriate policy and processes that ensure transparency and fairness for all types of selection.
11. In conjunction with the SII Director of Performance Support and SNII Performance Manager, negotiates the annual Sport Support Agreement for performance support in the daily training environment and establishes a clear set of key performance indicators for all areas of performance support and in conjunction with SISI and SNI monitors the work and contribution of these staff against agreed outcomes.
12. In collaboration with the HPU coaches and staff, co-ordinates all aspects of the HPU programme including individual and squad coaching, training programmes, training camps, sports science and medicine services, competition preparation and planning, competition performance and all other relevant aspects of the high performance programme.
13. Implements and monitors adherence to IABA codes of conduct for all participants within the programme to ensure a strong performance culture and set of positive behaviours, and where necessary work within IABA and HPU policy to instigate disciplinary proceedings and appropriate sanctions for breaches of these codes.
14. Lead on applications for the Sport Ireland International Carding Scheme and support Sport Northern Ireland Medals and More Awards applications supporting athletes to receive direct athlete financial support, overseeing all requirements of these programmes including reporting to maximise personal financial support for Irish boxers.
15. Ensure that systems and processes are in place that deliver a high level of duty of care to Staff and Athletes, adhering to IABA principles of Athlete and Staff personal excellence and well-being and drive a commitment to on-going personal growth and development.
16. In conjunction with the National Development Manager and National Head Coach, develops and identifies a programme for High Performance Coach development including integrating HPU coaches into Sport Ireland Institute professional development programmes and Pool coaches into HPU professional development activity including exposure to Sport Science and Medicine professionals, participation in training camps and competition events.
17. As per the IABA 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, works collaboratively with appropriate key staff to lead on the implementation of a performance pathway programme which aims to support the identification and development of athletes (ages 16-20) who have potential to progress into the HPU and to become successful elite athletes.
18. Work cooperatively with the IABA CEO, key staff and sponsors to support marketing and promotional activities and media requirements.

Key Requirements for the role

• Minimum of 4 years working in a High Performance system in the same role, or a similar key position in a people based industry leading and managing high performance outcomes;
• Demonstrated success in building High Performance systems for elite and development athletes, performance programme plans, processes and action plans, managing people and a culture of personal excellence that underpins athlete performance and deliver world class performance results;
• Proven ability to plan and deliver on strategic direction, detailed operational planning, monitoring and reviews, reporting and aligning stakeholders to maximise their contributions;
• Demonstrated experience in effectively managing financial resources and programme budgets, where resources need to be maximized;
• Deep understanding of the key drivers of high performance to achieve International success and Sustainable International success through an aligned athlete and coach development pathway;
• Demonstrated experience of managing complex partnerships, challenging and passionate personalities and inspiring and leading people to deliver and achieve world class outcomes;
• Strong track record and proven leadership skills including leading change and effective team building skills to create and drive a programme that brings the best out of people;
• Proven ability to manage conflict effectively, identify solutions and stay calm under pressure;
• Able to show evidence of and demonstrate personal high performance characteristics including strong work ethic, professional approach with high performance demeanour, driven to achieve, honesty with integrity, team player, committed to learning and personal growth;
• Outstanding communication and management skills;

The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post holder is required to undergo Safeguarding Training, to be agreed with the Head of Safeguarding.

The Irish Athletic Boxing Association is an equal opportunities employer.

Applications

Suitable applicants can apply for this role by submitting a cover letter of introduction indicating how as a candidate you meet the essential criteria and experience, and any qualifications pertaining to the role. Please also include a CV that outlines previous employment relevant to the role of Performance Director, specific experience working in high performance sport or an equivalent people-based industry, and an outline of skills and achievements that align to this role. Contact details for 3 professional referees are required. Applications should be submitted here

For further information or if candidates have any questions on the role, please direct these to recruitment@ascension.ie

Closind date: 5:00pm, 6th January 2025.

IABA, through recruitment firm Ascension, is recruiting a Chief Executive Officer.

The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) is the national governing body for boxing in on the island of Ireland. Established in 1911, the IABA’s main role is to develop, foster and control amateur boxing in 32 counties of Ireland.

The IABA is committed to provide the environment in which support and opportunities given to our athletes, coaches and clubs in Irish boxing.

The IABA operates from the National Stadium in Dublin, the only purpose-built amateur boxing stadium in the world and there are currently over 360 clubs affiliated to the association across the Island oof Ireland.

It is a volunteer led organization where the hard work, dedication and significant time afforded by each member has contributed to the growing success of the sport in Ireland.

Our vision is to honour our standing as Ireland’s most successful Olympic Sport, and become Ireland’s most innovative, inclusive and development-focused sporting community

Our purpose is to develop a culture of unity, promote engagement and participation in clubs and communities, and advance performance at all levels.

The Position

As Chief Executive Officer, you will lead the organisation and be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA). You will be accountable to the Board, as you drive the organisation forward.

As CEO, you will be expected to understand member’s needs, while having the ability to manage a complex portfolio of organisational responsibilities, including commercial and strategic priorities, operational effectiveness, stakeholder management, communications and financial/governance controls.

To be considered for this role you will need to be a strong leader, with excellent stakeholder management capabilities and have the ability to attract new revenue streams through sponsorship and funding initiatives. You should have excellent skills in management prioritisation and specifically be experienced in the delivery of strategic plan goals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership / Strategic Planning

• Act as an organisational culture champion. Continue to develop the values of IABA and lead by example by delivering objectives through inclusivity, integrity, respect, the pursuits of excellence and teamwork.
• Maintain and develop best practice management and governance protocols.
• Represent IABA and the IABA community, nationally and internationally, in a responsible manner in line with the organisation’s values.
• Work proactively and respectfully with all the organisation’s key stakeholders to deliver the goals of the Strategic Plan.

Stakeholder management

• Create an environment where excellent relationships with all stakeholders are maintained – including Sport Ireland, government, commercial partners, referees, coaches, volunteers, schools, colleges and clubs to help deliver IABA strategic outcomes.
• Ensuring an inclusive environment, with consultation and dialogue at its core, is a key priority for the organisation.
• Actively engage with the IABA community in creating an open dialogue.

Financial/Governance/Risk Management

• Manage the financial dealings of the Association in a prudent manner in line with Board oversight.
• Ensure IABA is at the forefront of best peer practice in all Governance matters and in full compliance with statutory frameworks with full Board engagement.
• Continue to actively explore and drive existing and potentially innovative and new revenue streams outside of statutory funding vehicles.
• Ensure all IABA risk management systems and policies are appropriate, current and applied.
• Ensure the successful ongoing operation and resourcing of Board Committees in line with Board policies.

Commercial, Marketing and Communications

• Manage commercial and sponsor relationships to maximise revenue certainty by building long-term partnerships.
• Identify new programmes and other innovative opportunities to expand the revenue base.
• Ensure that marketing and communications activities are structured to strengthen the reputation of IABA and that of the sport.
• Assume the role of primary spokesperson for IABA, supported by the marketing/communications professionals and with board oversight.

Experience Requirements

Essential:

• Degree or similar level qualification, or equivalent expertise in a sports or management-related discipline or
• Strategic experience in a similar field, ideally in the sporting or not-for profit sectors.
• Minimum of 5 years senior management or executive experience in a fast-paced and challenging environment nationally/internationally.
• Experience managing budgets.
• Experience in securing commercial sponsorship contracts with leading national and international brands.
• Experience of effectively managing and motivating a team of diverse professionals.
• Demonstrated strong project management skills & methodologies.
• Visionary thinker with the ability to facilitate and lead change.
• Strong, yet inclusive management and leadership style, with the ability to effectively build relationships with a wide variety of IABA enthusiasts, volunteers, professionals, governing bodies and other stakeholders.
• A passion for excellence while maintaining impeccable standards of integrity, both organisationally and personally.
• Previous experience of reporting to a Board.
• Experience of building relationships and collaborating effectively with multiple organisations and stakeholders to deliver mutually beneficial outcomes.
• A leader who values diversity and inclusion at all levels, who will champion this agenda and continue to deliver real change inside the organisation and across the sport as a whole.
• A confident spokesperson when representing our organisation, an ability to demonstrate previous experience in doing so with stakeholders, commercial partners, media and others.

Desirable:

• A passion for sport in general and boxing in particular with a knowledge of boxing infrastructures and systems
• Experience in working with a diverse range of stakeholders in Ireland and Internationally.
• Experience of working with the media.

Applications

To apply for this position please send your CV and cover letter in confidance outlining why you are suitable for this position to our recruitment partner Ascension Executive Recruitment – recruitment@ascension.ie no later than 5pm on Monday 6^th of January 2025, or through THIS portal.

Entries are open to the 2025 National Youth Championships, and are being accepted until January 3rd

Competition Arrangements:

Venue: National Stadium, Dublin

Dates: January 10^th, 11^th, 12^th and 17^th, 18^th 19^th

Entries:  A non–refundable, non-transferrable entry fee of €20 applies, including in the event of a boxer withdrawal.  Online entry, via the Blocworx portal, is open until 5pm sharp, on Friday, January 3^rd. Entries will not be accepted without the payment of entry fees. All fees must be paid by 5pm on January 3rd. Only boxers for whom entries have been completed and entry fees have been received will be allowed box. The draw ill take place 7^th January 2024 at 1pm.

Coaches must be entered via Blocworx. Only registered coaches will be allowed to enter the field of play and the enter the changing rooms. Coach registration will be cross-checked against Garda Vetting/Access NI checks. Any registered coaches who do not have current Garda Vetting/Access NI checks will not be permitted to sit at corner and/or to enter the changing rooms.

No late entries will be accepted

Weigh-in & Medical:     

Boxers will weigh in each day they box. Individual weigh-in times may be given to participants, but this will be decided and made known prior to the event.  

A medical examination will be performed on each boxer on their first day of competition.

Boxing Record books to be presented by the boxer at their initial weigh-in.  

Weigh-in dates:

Friday January 10^th & Friday 17^th : 8.00am – 9.00am & 12.00pm – 1.00pm; Saturday January 11^th & Saturday 18^th : 8.00am – 9.00am and Sunday January 12^th & Sunday 19th: 8.00am – 9.00am & 12.00pm – 1.00pm.

These times and dates will be dependent on entry and could change.

Boxing: Times will be contingent on entries and shall be announced after the draw. 

Duration:  Duration of rounds: Men & Women 3×3 minutes

Weights:               

Men: 44kg, 46kg, 48kg, 51kg, 54kg, 57kg, 60kg, 63.5kg, 67kg, 71kg, 75kg, 80kg, 86kg, 92kg, 92+kg

Women: 44kg, 46kg, 48kg, 50kg, 52kg, 54kg, 57kg, 60kg, 63kg, 66kg, 70kg, 75kg, 81kg, 81+kg 

Age Requirements:       Boxers born between 2007 and 2008, inclusive.

It is a condition of entry that all competitors and officials have a signed Waiver/Members Acknowledgement Form and adhere to any agreement made with the Association sponsors. For underage competitions, this Waiver/Members Acknowledgement form must be co-signed by the boxer’s parent/guardian. It is a condition of entry that the Code of Conduct for Young People with respect to this competition is signed by the boxer, and their parent/guardian. The fully completed Waiver/Members Acknowledgement and the Code of Conduct for Young People must be presented at the boxer’s first weigh-in.

As the U18 National Championships form a basis for team selection for international competition, please be aware that all boxers entering this competition must:

(1) be members of an IABA affiliated club,

(2) must be explicitly named in their club’s Blocworx portal,

(3) be eligible to represent IABA under IBA eligibility regulations {4.2}, holding an applicable in-date passport,

(4) boxers must have completed the applicable waiver/code of conduct process.

• No international competition kits to be worn by any boxers; boxers may wear club kit, only.
• A club shall not include in its list of members the name of any person who is a member of any other club.
• Accordingly, any club making an entry to the U18 Championships affirms that the entrant is not a member of any other club, in any jurisdiction

Anti-Doping:

This may be carried out at any stage of the championships and all boxers must advise the doctor of any medication they are taking or have taken in the preceding 4 weeks. It is imperative that all boxers adhere to the Anti-Doping Rules and Regulations. For any queries regarding this matter, boxers/coaches should contact IABA Anti-Doping Officer Sean Crowley, via sean.crowley@iaba.ie

 Non-Pregnancy Declaration forms must be signed. 

Attire:                               

Boxers shall have one red and one blue vest. In accordance with the IBA Technical and Competition Rule 48.7, boxers may wear form-fitting arm and/or leg coverings.

Hair must be tied back and swimming hats or hairnets should be worn under the headgear for boxers with long hair. No red, orange or pink gum shields are allowed.

A Boxer can have a beard and moustache, but either must not cover the neck and must not be longer that 10cms, in accordance with the IBA Technical and Competition Rule 4.2.5.2.2

Coaches:  They must wear track suits and runners at all sessions and endeavour to set a high standard of hygiene in the corners. No shorts, caps or hats are allowed. Coaches must be registered to enter the field of play via Blocworx.

Sportsmanship:  All decisions must be accepted in a sporting manner. Any complaints must be addressed to the Chief Official, Mr. Stephen Connolly. Please show respect to all Ringside Officials. A document stipulating requirement in relation to conduct, and the use of social media must be signed by all boxers and coaches at their initial weigh-in. Any misbehaviour or misuse of social media in a negative manner from members of any club relating to a boxer/coach/official will be referred to the IABA Discipline Officer under the IABA Complaints and Discipline Code, communicated to all clubs on May 17^th 2024.

Please note: 

The U18s Championship will be run under IBA Technical & Competition rules, as adopted on September 1st, 2022.

Referees & Judges for the U18s Championships will not be allowed enter the field of play as a coach with their club boxer. 

All Referee & Judges must bring their record books.  

Kind Regards,  

Tara Robins Mari, National Secretary IABA.

Two time Olympic Champion, Kellie Harrington, has been crowned the Irish Times Sportswoman of the Year.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Awards, and it is the second time Harrington has claimed the overall Sportswoman of the Year title. The first one came in 2018 after she claimed the lightweight title at the World Boxing Championships in New Delhi.

Kellie carved her name in to the annals, not only of Irish Boxing, but of Irish Sport, with her 4-1 victory over China’s Wenlu Yang in the Paris lighweight final – her ringwalk at Roland Garros was marked by a chorus of thousands chanting her name, a feat repeated when her hand was raised. Then, she became the first Irish boxer to win two gold Olympic medals.

She joins a select group of Irish athletes who have successfully defended an Olympic title – the others being double sculls rowers Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy and hammer thrower Dr Pat O’Callaghan.

This year she won the Sportswoman of the Month Award for July after defeating Colombia’s Angie Valdes Pana in her quarter-final. That victory, on the last day of July, meant she became the first Irish woman to win medals at two Olympic Games. Kellie went on to beat Brazil’s Beatrice Ferreira in her semi-final, which was a rerun of the Tokyo games 60kg final.

This year, following her historic win, Kellie has been awarded the Olympic Federation of Ireland’ Community Spirit Award, as well as sharing a joint accolade with all Paris medalists. The Irish Post in November, honoured her with its Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award, while Irish Tatler bestowed upon her its Special Recognition Award. She was also nominated for the RTE Sportsperson of the Year accolade.

Eugene Duffy is “One of the most highly respected gentlemen in amateur boxing in Ireland. He’s been about for a long long time. Over 60 years. That’s a great innings for any man” and has been selected by the Ulster Provincial Council as a person who has made a singular contribution to boxing in Ireland.

A native of Derry, Eugene began his boxing career in Derry Sports Club in 1957, joining St. Eugene’s BC in the early 1960s. By 1978, was officiating at county and Provincial level in Ulster. At the close of the decade, had begun officiating at national championships in the home of Irish Boxing.

The voice of Irish boxing, stadium announcer Peter O’Donnell of Raphoe BC in Donegal says “ I don’t think men like Eugene get enough credit for what they’ve done, especially in the 70s and 80s. These men, these volunteers, have actually saved lives. Young men, when the Troubles was going strong in Northern Ireland, these men kept the boxing clubs going throughout all that era. Kept young boys on the right path – other than that, there would have been a lotta young lives lost.

In a long and illustrious career, Eugene has officiated at competitions including the 2003 World Elite Championships in Thailand, Olympic qualifiers in Europe, America and Trinidad and Tobago, European championships, USA World Golden Gloves Invitational Tournament in Minnesota in 2005, the Commonwealth Games finals in Kuala Lumpur in 2004, as well as over 70 other box cups, round robins and international tournaments.

National Registrar Stephen Connolly says “Since 1978, up to today, he’s coming down from Derry every weekend for every National Championship. He’s never missed a Championship….Eugene would have had the experience of travelling the whole world. He’s done three Olympic qualifiers, which is no mean achievement from any Referee & Judge. And he’s been in America and Italy. I was in Italy with him; I was only a young referee coming through. And, you know, the experience I learned from that I was able to carry on through my years within the Association as the National Registrar – to have Eugene’s experience beside you, it’s untold. You can’t get that everywhere.”

Outside the ring, Eugene holds the record as the long-serving elected member of the Ulster Boxing Council. He has also served as UBC Registrar, and Chair of the provincial council’s Referee and Judging Committee. Closer to home, Eugene has held every position in the Derry County Board, bar that of Treasurer, and was a member of Central Council in the 1990s.

Central Council’s Anna Moore says “There no night when there are championships on that you won’t see Eugene coming in through that door at 4 O’clock. He’s so committed to boxing. His passion for boxing is unreal“

The President of St Joseph’s Boxing Club was honoured by the I.A.B.A. for Outstanding Services to Boxing in 2017, was presented with a Life Time Achievement Award at the 2024 National Elite Championship Finals, and has just been elected Vice President of Central Council.

This short film is part of a series on Irish Boxing – Seconds Out: Stories of Irish Boxing, commissioned by IABA and produced by Lowki Culture and supported by Sport Ireland