The first of many: A vibrant, collaborative Club Forum took place at the National Stadium on Saturday, creating space for discussion on the Association’s re-brand, the national calendar, High Performance pathways & selection policies, R&J education and assessment, club support, coach education and communications.
Thanks to all clubs and club members who came along and shared their views: the event was open to every successfully affiliation club with an invitation to bring up to 4 members, per club.
There were 8 presentation workshops throughout the day, each of which included group discussion and debate
IABA President, Anto Donnelly, hosted two workshops. The first, on R&J Assessment and Selection, outlined a new structure which will ensure standardised officiating. Judges and referees will be separately evaluated at ringside during National Championships on matrices designed for the specific skillsets and requirements of each role. The second presentation, on the National Calendar, outlined that the IABA’s domestic calendar rests on the World and European calendars, which won’t be released until December. The dates of four competitions to take place in 2026 are fixed: the 2026 National Elite Championships taking place January 9th, 10th, 11th, 16th & 17th, and the Boy/Girl 1, 2, and 3 Championships, taking place April 6th to 11th.
High Performance Director Jon Mackey also hosted two workshops. The first, on the High Performance Pathway, sought to spark a national debate about a structured pathway for Irish amateur boxing. Jon outlined the importance of collaboration between HP, Central Council, Clubs and Units on competitions, workshops and educational opportunities for boxers and coaches. The second, on High Performance Selection Proposals, detailed the proposed way in which Elite boxers will be selected for International and Benchmark competitions. The proposals, which are currently being scrutinised by the IABA Board of Directors, seek to once more centre the National Elite Championships.
Patrick Murphy of Branding Sport hosted a workshop on the Re-Brand Process. As published, and shared with members, this process began on September 4th last. This includes the proposal to change IABA’s trading name to Boxing Ireland, and that the process has reached the 3rd of 5 stages. This month, the process enters the design and development stage, with an intended re-brand launch in January.
National Development Manager James Geraghty’s workshop focused on Club Supports which asked two key questions: If your club could develop one thing in the next 6 months, what would it be? and What would happen in your club if a key volunteer stepped away? Ulster Workforce Development Officer Bridget Scott held a workshop on Coach Education, which outlined the coach education pathway, and training for coaches, club aministrators and boxers and the current provision of Fundamentals and Level One courses, wraps education, nutrition and menstrual cycle and more. Communications Officer Ciara Plunkett hosted a workshop on Marketing and Communications which looked at the level of coverage and engagement IABA recieves, what drives this coverage along with how best to tell the stories of boxing – and what stories the Club Forum attendees want to see told.
Presentations
High Performance Director Jon Mackey’s presentation on the High Performance Pathway
High Performance Director Jon Mackey’s presentation on High Performance Selection proposals
Branding Sport Managing Director Patrick Murphy’s presentation on the IABA re-brand
National Development Manager James Geraghty’s presentation on Club Supports
Ulster Workforce Development Officer Bridget Scott’s presentation on Coach Education
Communications Officer Ciara Plunkett’s presentation on marketing and communications.
