Rowing Ireland Board Bulletin

June 2015

This Bulletin summarises the items discussed at the Rowing Ireland Board Meeting on the 6th June 2015.

The following directors were present at the meeting:C Cronin (President), F Coghlan (Secretary), S Dunlea (Treasurer), K Kerr (Munster), L O’Callaghan (Munster), G Farrell (Leinster), B Ewing (Ulster), E Colcough (Connacht), R Cooke (Connacht). H Adams (CEO) in attendance.

The following were the main items arising from the meeting:

1It was decided to name the Championship trophy presented by Tony Corcoran,“The Micheal Johnston Trophy”.

2The proposed development of steel shed structures in the NRC is not going ahead due to planning requirements. A full NRC development proposalis being prepared.

3The 2015 risk register was reviewed and all risks were judged to be under control

4A new Data Protection Policy was approved and will be posted on the website.

5The establishment of a schools subcommittee in order to support the development of schools rowing will be considered at the August Board meeting.

6Following the European Championship results the Lightweight Men’s 4- has withdrawn from the HP programme. The other boats which competed in the Championships remain in training with the World Cup in Lucerne next on their agenda.

7A further $20,000 has been donated for the Men’s Heavyweight programme.

8The report of the Coach Education Work Group was considered. The key recommendations of the report included:

  • Development of a coach licensing system
  • Continuous coach assessment
  • Coach mentoring
  • Development of a CPD programme
  • Development of a schools ergometer course
  • Tutor training
  • Links with the HP programme
  • Support for development of professional club structures
  • RI recruitment of a S&C professional

Key issues identified were:

  • Lack of resources to implement an improved education programme
  • Recruitment of quality athletes by clubs
  • Retention of coaches long enough to allow for development of true expertise
  • Integrated club/coach/athlete development workshops and seminars
  • Top clubs must be capable of setting the right environment for athlete/coach development. Better communications, teamwork and leadership is required.

It was agreed that the recommendations needed to be prioritised for implementation. The report will be published on the RI website and feedback will be requested from clubs and individuals.

9A standard Learn to Row programme for clubs to use is being developed.

10The Audit Committee presented a report to the Board. On the committee’s recommendation an insurance valuation of the NRC will be undertaken.

11The abuse of process by clubs when agreeing the annual fixture schedule was considered. Recommendations from the Domestic Events Committee for improving the event licensing/calendar setting process will be considered at the next Board meeting.

12Survey feedback on individual regattas will be put on the website under Quick Links.

13The next Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 22nd July 2015.

F Coghlan

Secretary

Rowing Ireland