Referees Commission Member
About the Federation of International Touch
The Federation of International Touch (FIT) purpose is to facilitate and nurture the development of Touch globally by working closely with Member Associations and key stakeholders.
FIT activities provide international pathways for Member Associations (players, coaches, referees, selectors, administrators and volunteers) and also facilitate the holding of quality international events, the availability of resources and the delivery of development programs.
FIT undertakes its activities in accordance with the objects, powers, requirements and proceedings as described in the FIT Constitution 2011 (the Constitution), and with a commitment to high levels of ethics and integrity.
The FIT Constitution states the composition of the Board shall comprise of seven members: the President, Secretary General, and Finance Director; and two Directors who shall be elected under Rule 29; and two Directors who may be appointed under Rule 30. The current Board composition and governance structure can be found at the Federation website. In addition to their governance and operational responsibilities as a Board member, each Director is responsible for leading a specific portfolio area and undertaking the role of Regional representative or correspondent.
Primary Objectives of the Position
The Referees Commission Member assists the Referees Commission Chair in the ongoing development of Touch globally, with a commitment to continuous development and innovation in Referee programs and approaches that are facilitated and delivered by FIT to Member Associations (National Touch Associations (NTAs)).
The position works closely with NTAs to progress the development, education and training of referees within their respective regions by providing expert advice, FIT endorsed courses, programs and resources, and facilitating networking opportunities to share ideas and experiences.
The Referees Commission consists of the Chair and a maximum of eight members representing the FIT regional structure. The Commission is supported by Associate Commission members who can be appointed to work with the Commission for purposes of coaching development in their region and country.
The Referees Commission is responsible for setting global standards that underpin:
- Elite and High Performance Referees Programs.
- Referee training and education.
- Referees courses and programs.
- Referees performance and appointment.
- Referees competencies.
- Referees assessments.
The position of FIT Referees Commission Member is a voluntary position.
Length of Term
The Referees Commission Member shall be appointed from the date of appointment to one month after the next election of Board members at the World Cup (approximately four year cycle). In the event that the FIT Board does not appoint the FIT Referees Commission Chair and Members prior to the expiry of their individual terms of appointment, the Chair and Members may continue in office past the expiry date of appointment to maintain continuity of service until the FIT Board makes new appointments.
Appointments made during the four year cycle and between Annual General Meetings will conclude as per the timeframe detailed above.
Meetings and Time Commitment
The Referees Commission Member may be required to spend an estimated 10 hours per month carrying out the position and undertaking responsibilities, however this may vary subject to particular activities, events and tournaments that may occur from time to time.
Annual activities and time commitment include the following.
Commission meetings
- Commission Meetings are conducted on an as needs basis and vary in duration (dependant on agenda and/or issues).
- Estimate 3-6 Commission Meetings per annum of 2-3 hours duration via video conference.
- Preparation time of 1-2 hours for each Commission meeting.
Attendance at FIT World Cup Event and possible attendance at Regional Championships
- 7 days may be required to attend each event with appropriate planning and preparation time to be considered in the lead up to the event, subject to FIT Board approval.
Developmental and educational activities
- Time commitment is based on the scope and requirements of the specific activity involved, and in some cases, may involve significant hours for the development and delivery coach education .and training of new or redesigned programs.
The Referees Commission Member may be required to travel internationally.
Expenses incurred through undertaking the responsibilities of the position are subject to reimbursement and/or payment by FIT in accordance with FIT Financial Policies.
Key Position Relationships
Internal relationships include:
- Referees Commission Member reports to the Referees Commission Chair.
- FIT Board members, Sub-committees and Commissions.
External relationships include:
- FIT Member Associations and potential Member Associations.
- Partners and potential partners (e.g. SportAccord, OSFO, International Sport Federation, etc.).
- Sponsors and potential sponsors.
- Funding providers.
- Suppliers.
Delegations
As defined in the FIT Delegations.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist in developing and implementing strategies for the development of referees globally in accordance with the FIT Strategic Plan, annual Operational Plan, and Sport Development priorities.
- Coordinate and assist Regional NTA’s in delivering FIT referee courses, programs and assessments.
- Assist in the progressing of Referees Commission Development requests.
- Regularly update NTAs with any advancement in coaching techniques and/or trends.
- Assist in the planning, implementing and coordinating referee activities associated with Federation tournaments, events and activities, including specific requirements as detailed in the associated Referees Commission Policies.
- Contribute to the Referees Commission decision making as a member of the FIT Referees Commission with respect to developing, endorsing and implementing policies, processes and courses in areas coaching development.
- Assist in the development, implementing, reviewing, and updating of FIT Referee related courses, programs, policies, processes and systems.
- Assist the FIT Referees Commission Chair in preparing written reports for submission to the FIT Board.
- Develop and maintain close working relationships with NTAs supporting members in building their referee and referee coaching capacity.
- Actively support the organisation to maintain positive and productive relationships with members, media and other organisations.
- Ensure informed decision-making is underpinned by high levels of ethics and integrity, and be committed to promoting responsible behaviours within the sport of Touch.
- Perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the FIT Code of Behaviour Policy and FIT Member Protection Policy.
- Perform other responsibilities as may be assigned by the Referees Commission Chair.
Qualifications and Other Requirements
Mandatory Qualifications
- There are no mandatory qualifications.
Other Requirements:
- Experience in coaching at the National/High Performance level for a minimum of three years is highly desirable, including significant exposure to selection and coaching of international referees, as well as having observed and coached at international events.
- Possession of Advanced Elite Certificate, as a minimum, such as:
- TFA Level 4 Referees Coaching Certificate;
- TNZ Level 4 Referees Coaching Certificate; or
- An accepted recognized equivalent within a Member NTA.
Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Attributes
- Knowledge and demonstrated experience in developing, delivering and/or facilitating Touch Referee courses, programs, seminars, and forums at a national and/or international level.
- Proven ability in the development and delivery of Touch related Referee programs and initiatives which promote and implement continuous development and innovation.
- High level communication, negotiation and influencing skills with the ability to engage and represent FIT effectively to members and a range of stakeholders, including coaches, players and officials, at a national and international level.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment with other members in a constructive, challenging and supportive manner.
- Proven ability to prepare detailed reports for the FIT Referees Commission.
- Proven ability to manage under pressure, meet deadlines, effectively manage stakeholder expectations, and to manage sensitive and complex activities objectively.
- Ability to be a critical and innovative thinker with strong analytical and problem solving skills.
- Possess a strong commitment to high levels of ethics and integrity, and to promoting a sporting environment that is safe, fair and inclusive for everyone involved in the sport of Touch.
Additional Information
- Pre-appointment screening, including criminal history and discipline history checks, and where appropriate, working with children checks, may be undertaken on persons recommended for appointment.
- In accordance with the FIT Member Protection Policy persons recommended for appointment will be required to complete the Member Protection Declaration.
- In accordance with the FIT Volunteer Policy persons recommended for appointment will be required to complete the Volunteer Agreement.
- In accordance with the FIT Conflict of Interest Policy persons recommended for appointment will be required to complete the Declaration of Private Interests.
Contact Person
Enquiries regarding this Position Description are to be directed to the FIT Sport Development Director.
Authorisation
This document has been authorised by: