Youth and Children Commission Chair
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 Rule 30. The current FIT 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 Youth and Children Commission Chair plays a lead role in the ongoing development of Touch globally.
The position works closely with Member Associations (National Touch Associations (NTAs)) to develop youth and children’s Touch programs and activities, within their respective region, by providing expert advice and FIT endorsed courses, programs and resources, and facilitating networking opportunities to share ideas and experiences.
The Youth and Children Commission consists of a maximum of 10 members (2 maximum per region), representing the FIT regional structure.
The Youth and Children Commission is responsible for setting global standards that underpin:
- Youth and Children Touch development.
- Ethics and codes of conduct for the safety, well-being and enjoyment of the sport of Touch for Youth and Children.
- Appropriate competitions and events to reflect the needs of youth and children participants in Touch.
- Recommended coaching competencies and standards for those coaching Youth and Children
- Recommended refereeing competencies and standards for those officiating Youth and Children
The position of FIT Youth and Children Commission Chair is a voluntary position.
Length of Term
The Youth and Children Commission Chair 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 Youth and Children 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 Youth and Children Commission Chair 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.
Meetings with the Sport Development Director
- Video conference and face to face
- 3-6 Meetings per annum of 1-2 hours duration (dependent on agenda).
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 of new or redesigned programs.
The Youth and Children Commission Chair 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:
- Youth and Children Commission Chair reports to the Sport Development Director.
- 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.).
- Professional Associations (eg International Council for Coaching Excellence, World Academy of Sport).
- Sponsors and potential sponsors.
- Funding providers.
- Suppliers.
Delegations
As defined in the FIT Delegations.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Work closely with Coaching, Referees, Women’s Commissions ensuring activities reflect a commitment to best practice and ongoing improvement.
- Coordinate Youth and Children Commission Member visits and expected outcomes with NTAs.
- Ensure the Youth and Children Commission meets its organisational obligations through effectively managing its governance and operational activities.
- Work with the Youth and Children Commission members to prepare written reports for submission to the FIT Board as necessary and as requested post the completion of International Events and visits.
- Appoint the members of the Youth and Children Commission, after consultation with, and endorsement by, the Sport Development Director and the FIT Board.
- Develop and maintain close working relationships with NTAs.
- Act as primary spokesperson for FIT in relation to Youth and Children development activities associated with the Sport Development Portfolio.
- 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 FIT Board and Sport Development Director.
Qualifications and Other Requirements
Mandatory Qualifications
- There are no mandatory qualifications.
Other Requirements:
- Experience with children and youth participation in the sport of Touch for a minimum of 3 years is highly desirable.
Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Attributes
- Substantial knowledge of Touch and its structures, and demonstrated experience in developing, delivering and/or facilitating courses, programs, seminars, and forums at a national and/or international level with a focus on children and youth participation.
- Proven strategic leadership and management skills in the delivery of outcomes consistent with strategic frameworks and business strategies.
- Proven ability to lead and motivate teams and work collaboratively with other Commission members in a constructive, challenging and supportive manner.
- High level communication, negotiation and influencing skills with the ability to engage ad represent FIT effectively to members and a range of stakeholders, including coaches, players and officials, at a national and international level.
- Proven ability to prepare detailed and complex briefing papers and reports on behalf of the Sport Development Portfolio and the FIT Board.
- 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, may be undertaken on persons recommended for appointment.
- As the Youth and Children Commission Chair is responsible for overseeing the delivery of FIT programs and services that involve or are directed mainly at children, the occupant is to meet the requirements of child protection legislation and any other regulations relevant to volunteers providing services directed mainly towards children, as defined by their respective home nation (refer to the FIT Member Protection Policy).
- 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: