IABA is seeking to recruit a dynamic Development Officer to support the growth of boxing in Sligo.
This role is of strategic importance to the IABA in achieving its strategic development programmes goals and enhancing existing professional structures.
Reporting directly to the National Development Manager, the successful candidates will be responsible for the delivery of all locally based school, community and club programmes and administration associated with the effective running of the IABA Development Team.
Applications:
Please send a CV along with a Cover Letter via e-mail outlining your suitability for the position to info@iaba.ie no later than 5pm 5th July 2023. Please reference the relevant role, ‘Regional Development Officer – Sligo” in the subject of your email.
Interview Process:
Short-listing of candidates may apply. The post is subject to Garda Vetting. IABA is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Interviews for those shortlisted for the Sligo Regional Development Officer role are intended to take place on Thursday, July 20th.
The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) wishes to recruit a Regional Performance Coach, with the successful candidate to work in the Ulster High Performance Unit in Jordanstown, Belfast. Boxing is Ireland’s most successful Olympic sport with a rich history of medal winning performances across multiple Games. Northern Ireland (NI) has produced some of the countries most talented boxers and Ulster Boxing contributes significantly to Team NI and Commonwealth Games success.
The Ulster program is an important part of the overall IABA approach to high performance development and sustainable world class performances on an international stage. This is a great opportunity for a suitably qualified and motivated caoch to make a difference in both a local setting and to the National program.
This exciting role will require a strong technical and tactical knowledge of Boxing, high level planning and communication skills, proficient computer literacy, a good understanding of athlete development and a proven commitment to the development of high performance Boxing.
Duties and Responsibilities:
To assist in the design of relevant training programs within the Ulster High-Performance Unit. To be present when requested in a coaching capacity at all levels of squad training, training camps, sparring camps and international competitions, at home and abroad.
Assist and contribute to Ulster High Performance Unit (HPU) in directing, monitoring and evaluating the impact of training and competition programs and services to athletes.
Coach and prepare athletes for a range of competitions throughout the year and participate in training camps as agreed with Ulster High Performance Lead.
Along with other coaches, plan, prepare and deliver coaching sessions.
Work harmoniously with staff members of the IABA, Volunteers, Club Coaches, Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) and the Sport Institute of Northern Ireland (SINI) on all aspects of the performance program.
Alongside relevant performance colleagues, work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team in relation to the regional and national teams.
Embrace both full time and part time athletes into the HP Programme as appropriate for athletes at different developmental stages.
In consultation with the Head Coach and SINI sport science and sports medicine service providers, design, develop and implement periodised training programmes for boxers of all levels within the HPU.
To monitor, in partnership with SINI key service providers, the progress of individual boxers towards their goals and targets.
To assist in managing the training programs for the various strands of competition within Ulster HPU.
To input into Talent Identification and Athlete Development Pathways as required.
To contribute to the development and implementation of the National and Regional HP Strategy.
Maintain an accurate register of athlete progress and provide accurate reporting on each athlete as requested by the Performance Lead.
Provide monthly progress reports on both competition and training camps as required.
To develop and deliver session plans and maintain a record of the plans delivered.
Provide cover where appropriate or necessary for HP coaching colleagues and Head Coach on a needs basis.
Assist with the development of club coaches with seminars, training and mentoring.
When and if required to lead on activities and initiatives of the programme as directed by the Performance Director, Performance Coordinator and or Head Coach.
General
To attend Ulster Boxing Council and IABA HPU staff meetings as required
To keep abreast of current and emerging trends and developments within the sector
This job description is not intended to be exhaustive and the post holder will also be required to undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Performance Lead or Performance Director*
Essential Skills and Qualifications
A minimum 1 Star Boxing coaching qualification; a higher grade is desirable.
Minimum of 3 years demonstratable experience coaching elite senior high performance boxers.
Previous experience coaching talented Elite, Youth and Junior athletes in a High Performance boxing setting.
Competent in use of Microsoft Office.
Advance planning and good administrative skills.
Competent English language skills.
Desirable Skills and Qualifications
2 Star or 3 Star coaching qualification.
Previous experience in performance and pathway planning.
Previous experience in a coaching leadership role in a HP boxing environment.
Commitment to professional development opportunities.
Salary Range:
£30-£35k, subject to qualifications and experience.
Contract Duration
Initial 2 Year contact with the possibility of extension. A six-month period of probation will apply.
Hours of Work
The successful candidate is expected to work 40 hours per week. However, given the nature of the position, a flexible working arrangement is necessary. Such arrangements will be discussed and
approved with the line manager. These arrangements will also be reviewed by the line manager on a quarterly basis.
The employee will not normally receive any additional payment for hours worked in excess of 40 hours per week, but may be permitted to take time off in lieu of such excess hours worked, if agreed with the line manager.
Annual Leave
The association’s leave year runs from January 1st to December 31st. The employee will be entitled to 21 days leave per annum plus 10 statutory bank holidays. Excess hours can be taken during a holiday period, after agreement with your line manager.
The employee is required to retain a minimum of 3 days leave to cover the Association’s Christmas shutdown period.
Role Locations:
Ulster High Performance, Ulster University, Jordanstown, Newtownabbey, BT37 0QB with some training camp involved with the National High Performance in Dublin, with domestic and oversee travel.
Application Process
Interested persons are invited to submit the following by email to hr@iaba.ie:
CV including 2 referees
Cover letter outlining how they meet the essential skills and qualifications by providing examples of how they have previously fulfilled the duties and responsibilities of this type of role
Application closing date: 5.00pm 30th June 2023
Shortlisting: 10th – 14th July 2023
Anticipated Interview Dates: 27th – 29th July 2023
Please note that interviews will address the essential skills of the role, core competencies and a practical element involving performance planning and assessment of delivery. If you have any questions about the role or application process, please contact Ulster High Performance Co-Ordinator aimee.shiels@iaba.ie
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 successful candidate will be required to complete the necessary AccessNI checks prior to appointment.
The Irish Athletic Boxing Association is an equal opportunities employer.
There are three days remaining for entries to the 2023 National Senior Cadet Championships.
Weight categories at 33kg, 37kg, 39kg and 42kg have been added for male and female boxers. All entries and entry fees must be submitted through the Blocworx portal by 5pm on June 30th. Late entries will not be accepted. Any club which requires assistance may contact any member of staff in advance of the entry and payment deadline.
Entries: A non–refundable entry fee of €20 applies, including in the event of a boxer withdrawal. Online entry, via the Blocworx portal, is open until 5pm on June 30th. Entries will not be accepted without the payment of entry fees. All fees must be paid by 5pm on June 30th. Only boxers for whom entries have been completed and entry fees have been received will be allowed box.
Entry Form: Affiliated clubs wishing to enter boxers into the championships must log-in to their Blocworx portal, using their unique username and password. Clubs who have not retained their username or password following the completion of their affiliation for the 2022/2023 season can contact IABA staff, Sally Ann Kinch sally@iaba.ie, James Geraghty, James@iaba.ie or Ciara Plunkett, ciara@iaba.ie
Draws: Tuesday, 4th July, 1pm in the National Stadium.
Only boxers entered through the Blocworx portal for whom fees are fully paid will be included in the draw.
Weigh-in and Medical: Boxers will weigh only on the day they box. Individual weigh-in times may be given to participants, but this will be decided and made known prior to the event.
Boxing Record books to be presented by the boxer at their initial weigh-in.
Weigh-in dates: In National Stadium 8:00 to 9:00am & 12:00pm to 1:00pm.
Boxing: Times will be contingent on entries and shall be announced after the draw.
Duration: Duration of rounds: Men & Women 3 x 2 Minutes
There are two lighter weights, 44kg and 46kg, available in both categories.
Age Requirements: Boxers born between 2007 to 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.
Anti-Doping 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 Mr Larry Morrison, IBA Anti-Doping Officer on 086-0292476.
Non-Pregnancy Declaration forms must be signed.
Attention is called to the stipulation in the IABA Rule book that each boxer presented by his/her club shall be fit to box. This is the responsibility of the club.
Attire: Boxers shall have one red and one blue vest. 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.
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. Only qualified coaches are permitted in corners.
Sportsmanship: All decisions must be accepted in a sporting manner. Any complaints must be addressed to the Chief Official, Mr. Philip Rooney. Please show respect to all Ringside Officials
5 more Team Ireland boxers have won through to the Quarter Finals of the European Games.
Clearly a big day performer, Cassidy defeated Great Britain’s Taylor Jay Bevan in a unanimous decision; 5-0. The Waterford boxer opened aggressively and never let up, taking a clear win.
Speaking afterwards he said; “From the get-go I knew we had to win the first round. The boxer from GB; he’s a good lad, very, very good. We knew that the first round was the main round, so we got up. The second round was just a bit cagey, I knew he was going to put it on me because he’s tough. He was tough and he did put it on me, so I have to give him that. But it was down 3-2 in the second round, so we kicked on the third round and knew we had to grab it, so happy days!
“He’s a very tough lad and would hurt you, he’s really strong. But look, you just need to stick to my boxing, that’s what I’m here to do, box and perform, and it is paying off! ” Whilst stepping up for the big stage, Cassidy credits his hard work and preparation with his progress; “I’ve been putting in the hard work back in Ireland, back in the High Performance centre so I know that all the boxes are ticked. I can’t doubt myself, out there is where you enjoy it, and that’s what I’m here to do; perform and represent myself.”
From Sallynoggin in Dublin, Jack Marley kicked off his Olympic campaign with a split 4-1 win over a strong Greek boxer, Vagkan Nanitzanian in their Heavyweight (92kg) bout. The Greek fighter took the opening round, which spurred Marley on to up the ante, refocus, and win the remaining two rounds. In this weight division only the two finalists will qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris, meaning that Marley is two fights away from booking a precious spot. He will now meet Croatian Marko Calic on Wednesday in the quarterfinals. Speaking afterwards Marley said, “It was good just to get the first one under my belt. It was a long old wait out here…just waiting to get in there and just rough it up, but we’ve done it now anyway. The first one’s on the way, so the ball is rolling and then it’s just one fight at a time so I’m looking forward to it” and, he adds “I knew what kind of rough dirty fighter he was, so I didn’t want to go all out in the first round and end up banging heads or anything. I was a bit cautious in the first round then we completely just wiped that from the tactics so I had to get my hands dirty. I’ll enjoy the victory today and then tomorrow morning I’ll look at the next one.”
This evening Amy Broadhurst cruised into the 66kg quarter-finals with a dominant win over Latvia’s Beatrise Rozentale. The Dundalk 63kg World Champion made easy work of her younger opponent, taking a 4-1 victory in their Welterweight encounter. She will now compete in the quarter-finals on Wednesday against Great Britain’s Rosie Joy Eccles.
Speaking after the fight Broadhurst said, “I was probably more dominant than I was expecting, to be honest. I thought she was going to come out and and just run at me because I sparred her in May and she’s a tough girl; there’s no quitting in her. It was a good performance and I’m happy with how I performed over the three rounds and I done what the coaches told me to do and, and that’s all they ask for.”
She continued; “Once you get in and you try your best and you do what you’re told, then the rest will take care of itself. You put your trust into these coaches because they’re world class and this is the results you get.You get wins and you get dominant wins as well”. Referring to her immense power that was obvious to all at the Nowy Targ Arena this evening she said; “I don’t know where I get the strength from. I’d say I get it from my dad. My dad is a block of a man, so I’m blaming it on him that I’ve inherited his strength. I’m lucky in that sense because if I didn’t have the power that I do have, I think I’d struggle a little bit more at this weight.”
In the final fight of six for the Irish today, Flyweight Sean Mari was beaten by the reigning European Champion and World Bronze Medallist; Martin Molina Salvador of Spain, with a 5-0 scorecard. The Dubliner will now focus building on this experience ahead of the the world qualifiers for the Paris Olympic Games next year.
Earlier today Jenny Lehane and Kellie Harrington also secured wins to progress to the quarter-finals on Wednesday, where a further win will secure all important Olympic qualification for Paris 2024.
Speaking after the fight the reigning Olympic champion said;“It didn’t feel so comfortable to be honest, I was quite nervous going in. I had seen that girl back in October in the Europeans in Montenegro, and I thought she was quite special, and she is special; she is one to watch, so it was a really good fight. I had the tactics spot on, so happy enough I move forward to the next one.
“I love to get going from the start, you shake off the dust and then sometimes you get better as you go along. Sometimes you don’t, sometimes you do, and I just think it’s great to get that fight, the ring dust.
“I haven’t thought too far ahead, I’m just here to enjoy myself, to be honest, I haven’t really been enjoying it for a while. I have got the hunger back in the last few camps we have had, I’ve been feeling the joy and feeling the love again. Whatever happens here happens, and whatever doesn’t happen, doesn’t.”
Ashbourne’s Lehane was the first Irish fighter in the ring today, competing in the Bantamweight (54kg) Round of 16 against Greek boxer; Antonia Filipp Giannakopoulou. The Meath native dominated all three rounds, even with a point deduction in the first round not impacting the final decision. She progresses to meet Bulgaria’s Stanimira Petrova Bulgaria in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.
Speaking after the fight she said; “Yeah, we know it was going to be a tough fight. She’s very much an aggressor, so I was expecting her to be coming forward. A lot of the tactics went to plan. Others, you know, I got a bit mixed up in inside there, and that resulted in a point deduction first round, but I dug deep for round two and then again for round three, pushed it on to get a unanimous decision. So, I’m happy out.
“We had a keyword going into the fight, which was space, so my coaches were putting that back into my head, not get caught up in there because she does like to get in and get rough. So, yeah, I’m not too sure if I pulled it off that much, but I did come out, I came out on top, so I got the job done.”
After another long day in the ring Irish Head Coach Zaur Anita had this to say; “My team is brilliant. We have five in quarter finals already now. Five of us already are boxing to make the Olympic Games and then we have three tomorrow, so we’re making a statement on the big stage. We have an unbelievable team and, and all the hard work is paying off for all of us.”
Yesterday, 63.5kg Dean Clancy became the first Team Ireland boxer to win a berth in the quarter finals.
Three Team Ireland boxers are in action on Tuesday, and two are making their tournament debut. 50kg Daina Moorehouse is in action against Ukraine’s Tetiana Kob in bout 2 of Ring B’s evening session – they’re underway at 5.15pm, Irish time.
57kg Michaela Walsh returns for her second bout of the tournament – she faces Turkey’s Aysen Taksin in the Last 16. They’ll do battle in Ring A’s evening session, in bout 3 scheduled to begin at 5.45pm, Irish time. Over in Ring B, in bout 6 at about 7.15pm, 75kg Aoife O’Rourke will begin her campaign having received a first round bye. She meets EOC Refugee team member, Cindy Winner Djankeu Ngamba
Qualification
The European Games is an Olympic Qualification event. A total of 44 places at Paris 2024 are available at these Games. In all weights excepting 75kg, 51kg and 92kg, a semi-final finish will win qualification. In these three weights, a finals finish is required. 319 boxers, in all, are contesting the tournament.
63.5kg Dean Clancy has made it out of the European Games rounds of 32 and 16, and in to the Quarter Finals.
He took on Malik Hasanov of Azerbaijan in bout 4 in Ring A’s afternoon Session. This was a sparky bout from the get-go, with Dean giving height advantage to his opponent. Dean claimed the first round in a 4-1 split, and both boxers battled it out for the remaining rounds. The judges scored the bout 28:29, 28:29, 29:28, 29:28, 28: 29 to give Dean his second win of the tournament. He is now one bout away from a podium finish, and a place at the Paris Olympics. Dean is back in the ring on Wednesday against Italy’s Gianluigi Malanga.
71kg Dean Walsh celebrated his 29th birthday today, but suffered heartbreak in the ring. He met Italy’s Salvatore Cavallaro (ITA) in bout 8 of Ring A’s evening session. Dean started out strongly, but sustained a nasal injury and a subsequent standing count in the first half of the first round. The ringside medic attended to the injury twice during the remainder of the bout. Dean battled through the injury, but every round was adjudged a split – and that was the final score: 30: 27, 28: 29, 29:28, 29: 28, 28: 29
Both Dean Clancy and Dean Walsh can be proud of their performances today. Dean Clancy is one of the youngest members of the team, and now has two European Games wins under his belt. He has shown his style, stamina and technical ability to great effect. Wednesday is a red letter day for him. He is ready. Dean Walsh was on the wrong side of a dreaded 3:2 split; I felt he had done more than enough to win the bout, despite a bleeding facial injury. He is a skilled and resilient boxer, and his time will come.
Head Coach, Zauri Antia
The European Games is an Olympic Qualification event. A total of 44 places at Paris 2024 are available at these Games. In all weights excepting 75kg, 51kg and 92kg, a semi-final finish will win qualification. In these three weights, a finals finish is required. 319 boxers, in all, are contesting the tournament.
Preliminaries, Day Four.
6 boxers contest their Last 16 bouts on Monday. First up is 54kg Jennifer Lehane, who meets Greece in bout 2 of Ring b’s afternoon session. 60kg Kellie Harrington contests her bout against Elida Kocharyan of Armenia in Ring A’s bout 3. 80kg Kelyn Cassidy vies for a quarter final place against GB’s Taylor Jay Bevan in Ring B’s bout 8, while 92kg Jack Marley makes his tournament debut in the final bout of the afternoon session in Ring A, against Vagkan Nanitzanian (GRE). 66kg Amy Broadhurst returns to the ring in the Ring A’s bout 6, Evening Session. She meets Latvia’s Beatrise Rozentale (LAT). Two bouts later, 51kg Sean Mari opens his account, against Salvador Molina of Spain.
