Month: June 2017

Table Top Cricket in Highland Schools

Nairn Cricket Club are bringing table top cricket to Highland Schools as well as reaching out to all areas of the community this summer. And their cricket provision for disabled local people has grown thanks to a lot of hard work by volunteers. The club launched table cricket at The Manor, a care home for disabled people in Nairn. Club chair Kim Neill said: “This went down very well as they have many folk with different needs in the home.”

On the day of the launch Nairn’s Provost Laurie Fraser and Fiona Green, Disability Sport Officer from High Life Highland attended and they were very impressed how the game could involve people with quite severe disabilities.

Provost Fraser commented: “It was a great afternoon with lots of competitive individuals seeing how many runs they could score.”

Since then the club have through Fiona Green been coaching in Drummond School in Inverness and St Clement’s in Dingwall which cater for young disabled people. Pupils at the Drummond School have also had Kwik Cricket.

St Clement’s have two table cricket teams, one girls and one boys. “The teams at St Clement’s are really competitive as table cricket is very strategic. They have just started softball and I’m sure there will be some good players there as well,” Neill added.

The table cricket program was been initiated by the ECB and supported by the Lord’s Taverners. Cricket Scotland have now also become heavily involved.

The game is played on a table tennis table with sides and sliders as fielders and the ball is bowled off a ramp. The batsman must play a controlled shot, rather than smashing the ball. Runs are scored when the ball hits the spaces not protected by the moving sliders.

Picture: Provost Laurie Fraser and Fiona Green observing a game in The Manor Care Home

Fife Visit for GOGA Programme Manager

Disability Sport Fife (DSF) was pleased to welcome the Get Out, Get Active (GOGA) Programme Manager Kat Southwell to Fife along with Ailien Pallot the Scottish Disability Sport GOGA coordinator.

GOGA is an exciting programme that encourages and supports disabled and non disabled people to take part in active recreation. The programme runs for over three years (2016-2019) and Fife is one of 18 selected GOGA localities across the UK. All involved areas have teamed up with an extensive range of partners to help reach individuals of all ages and abilities who have the greatest need to get out and get active. Funded by Spirit of 2012, GOGA in Fife is focused on inspiring some of the UK’s least active people to become involved in regular inclusive physical activity.

Kat was able to observe one of the weekly multi sports sessions at the Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre attended by over 50 adults with severe and complex needs plus volunteers and significant others. The session is led by a DSF coach with support from a member of staff from the Fife Sports and Leisure Trust. Registered GOGA participants attend the session and GOGA investment has enabled the employment of an additional coach to cope with the rise in participant numbers.

The GOGA initiative has encouraged DSF to develop a peer mentoring/volunteering programme and five of the new young peer mentors were in action during Kat’s visit to Fife. In any one week these young people are offering up to 40 hours of volunteering for GOGA initiatives. The relationships they have developed with novice GOGA participants with severe and complex needs have contributed greatly to encouraging them to be active on a regular basis.

The photo taken at the end of the visit involves peer mentors Robert, Stephen, Taylor, Adam and Leanne plus new coach Gayle Sloan. Also in the picture with Kat are GOGA in Fife Administrator Pamela Robson and Ailien Pallot from SDS.

Richard Brickley MBE
President, Disability Sport Fife
GOGA in Fife Lead

Scottish Cycling Pathway Coach

Salary:                    £22 000 – £25 000 (dependent on experience)

Reporting to:        Scottish Cycling Head of Performance

Closing Date:        Wednesday 12th July 2017 at midday

The Role

The role of the Pathway Coach is to ensure delivery of high quality coaching to young riders Under 18 year of age throughout the pathway.  The role will focus on Road and Track disciplines whilst also supporting pathway activity and initiatives in the off road disciplines.

Based at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow, the post holder will work as part of the Performance Team and be responsible for the delivery of opportunities aimed at developing talent through our programmes including Regional Schools of Racing, Regional Academy of Cycling Education (R.A.C.E.) whilst supporting and driving opportunities in line with the HSBC Go-Ride delivery plan.  These opportunities will include cluster activity, youth training sessions as well as entry level participation initiatives such as our successful Give-it-go initiatives and introductory sessions to schools.

Interested?

As a small, growing organisation, we are keen to hear from ambitious coaches who have a good understanding of working with young people throughout the youth pathway and are able to work well alongside volunteer coaches as well as the numerous other stakeholders who play a part in a young athlete’s long term development.

The successful candidate will understand the various stages of the youth pathway from initial participation through the various levels of development and competition stages.  As a minimum they have an understanding of the various cycling disciplines and demands they present in all areas including tactical and technical as well as physical demands.  A self-starter, the they will be ambitious and highly driven, which will be demonstrated with a strong desire and commitment to continually develop in the role.  Additionally the successful candidate will have a high work ethic and be capable of working as part of a team, but also have the ability to work independently where required.

Scottish Cycling is committed to selecting staff solely on the basis of their ability to do the job for which they are being recruited, and welcomes application from all sections of the community.

Full details and an application form can be obtained from our website www.scottishcycling.org.uk or by calling 0141 554 6021. Applications received by email are welcome.

Job Description and Person Specification

Application Form

Equality Form

Interviews will take place week beginning 17th July 2017

Scottish Cycling is the trading name of the Scottish Cyclists’ Union (a company limited by guarantee)

Registered in Scotland No. SC261263

Read more at https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/scotland/article/20170629-scottish-cycling-news-Vacancy–Scottish-Cycling-Pathway-Coach-0#dKdpZ0IMfo6wvifm.99

Tennis Scotland

Tennis Scotland Head of Operations (Performance & Competitions)

Salary: £42,000 – £47,000

Location: Edinburgh

Contract Type: Permanent (Full time)

Closing date: 24 July 2017

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Tennis Scotland as Head of Operations (Performance & Competition). The successful applicant will work alongside our new National Coach as we aim to build on the profile created by our players and coaches over the last 5-10 years to ‘Deliver a Legacy’ for tennis in Scotland.

The Head of Operations (Performance & Competition) will provide operational leadership and support to the Tennis Scotland player development, coach development, and competitions programmes, to help ensure that more Scottish players achieve their potential across the performance pathway and that a comprehensive competitions programme is delivered for Scottish players at all levels.

The role will report to the Chief Executive Officer, work as part of the Tennis Scotland Senior Management Team, and be responsible for the work of the Performance & Competitions Operations staff.

We are looking to hear from you if you have previous successful experience of working in a senior role within a Performance or Competitions programme environment, as well as having a passion for tennis. You will be a good manager, communicator and a strong team player.

To Apply

We look forward to hearing from you if you have previous successful experience of working in a senior role within a Performance or Competitions programme environment, as well as having a passion for tennis.

For an informal, confidential discussion about this role, please contact Pete Nicolson, Interim CEO on 07966350270 or pete.nicolson@tennisscotland.org

Tennis Scotland is committed to selecting staff solely on the basis of their ability to do the job for which they are being recruited, and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.

To apply, please e-mail your CV and detailed covering letter summarising your suitability for the role to pete.nicolson@tennisscotland.org or alternatively, please post this in confidence FAO Pete Nicolson, Tennis Scotland, 177 Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1BZ. Please also complete the anonymous Tennis Scotland Equality Monitoring Survey which can be found below.

Tennis Scotland Equality Monitoring Survey

The closing date for applications is Monday 24th July 2017. Interviews will be held in early August 2017.

To assist with the recruitment process, please title your email with the Job position and your name.

Tennis Scotland JD – Head of Operations (Performance Competition)

7 Bronze Medals for Scotland at Irish International

Scotland took a 9-player strong squad over to the new Indoor National Sports Arena in Dublin this weekend with hopes of bettering their three bronze medals at the Spanish in March. Not only did they better this they trebled their medal count in what has to be their most successful International in recent years.

Scotland had three players playing in the SL3 men’s singles category with Alan Oliver, Colin Leslie and Niall Jarvie all looking to medal. Alan’s dreams were dashed with the eventual two finalists both in his pool, he was very close in both matches taking the eventual winner and runner up to three sets, leaving him 3rd in his group. Niall Jarvie was unable to progress out of his pool losing to much improved players in his class. Our bronze medal came from Colin Leslie who came second in his group only losing to the ¾ seed. He progressed out of his pool and successfully overcame Meepian Subpong from Thailand in a convincing two sets in the quarter finals before falling to the eventual winner Kumar Nitesh from India in the semi-finals.

In the SS6 category we had Bobby Laing and Deirdre Nagle competing in the men’s and women’s events respectfully. Bobby was able to move forward to the quarter finals after coming second in his pool only losing out to England’s experienced Andrew Martin, before falling to second seed Chun Yim Wong in the quarter finals. Competing in one pool Deirdre had a difficult task playing world number 1 and 2 and was unable to get into a medal position.

In SL4 category we had David Purdie, Jamie Munro and Mary Wilson competing in the men’s and women’s singles event. David and Jamie, competing in a very tough category, were unable to secure a place out of their pools but showed improvements when playing versus some of the world’s best. Mary was able to come out of her pool with a win versus Thailand’s Darunee Henpraiwan but fell in the quarter finals to France’s Veronique Braud.

Finally, in WH2 women’s singles Fiona Christie had a very close pool with a three-way count back unfortunately putting her out of the running.

The doubles and mixed events were where Scotland really put their mark with 6 out of our 7 medals coming from the doubles and mixed categories. In the SL3-SL4 men’s doubles Alan Oliver and English Partner Antony Forester were able to secure their first international medal with an impressive win over European silver medallist’s Marcel Adam and Simon Cruz Monejar in their group followed by a quarter final win over Bob Beismans and Tim Haller. They fell in the semi-finals to eventual winners and world number one from France Matthieu Thomas and Lucas Mazur. Colin Leslie and David Purdie were our other pair along with Niall Jarvie and Ireland’s Stephen Halpin who all failed to reach the knock out stages.

Sl3-SU5 women’s doubles saw Mary Wilson and Russia’s Natalia Iremachueck secure their second bronze in their two tournaments playing together putting up a stellar performance against France who narrowly beat them to the silver medal.

In SS6 doubles Bobby Laing and England’s Isaak Dalglish put up an incredible performance to come out second in their group and reaching the semi-finals before falling to England’s top seeded Krysten Coombs and Jack Sheppard.

In WH1/2 women’s doubles Fiona and Ireland’s Laura-Lee Jenkins were also able to secure their first international medal after coming second in their pool losing out only to the eventual Thai winners, they secured a place in the semi-finals being beaten by Switzerland’s Karin Suter-Earth and Cynthia Mathez.

In the mixed doubles event our medals came from Mary Wilson partnering England’s Antony Forester in the SL3-SU5 event losing out to Thailand’s Siripong Teamarrom and Seansupa Nipada in the semi-finals and Deirdre Nagle with Russia’s Alexander Mekhdiev losing out to England’s World number 1 and 2 pair Rachel Choong with Andrew Martin and Rebecca Bedford with Ollie Clark.

With Para-Badminton taking part in the Paralympics in Tokyo 2020 and the standard of players continually rising it is an excellent achievement to come home with 7 medals at such a strong event.

For all results go to http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/tournament.aspx?id=53A1D449-E91D-474A-B976-1003E7E6C570

Scottish Rowing

Scottish Rowing Honorary Safety Officer

Scottish Rowing is the Governing Body for rowing in Scotland.  It promotes participation in rowing by both men and women, at every age and level of ability from novice to elite.

Summary of the role: To support the Board of Scottish Rowing in its commitment to ensure that the sport of Rowing in Scotland is conducted in a safe and responsible manner by all member clubs and individuals by providing oversight, guidance and identification of good practice in rowing safety.

Job Purpose:  To act as the focal point within Scottish Rowing for all rowing safety matters, advising the Board and providing direction and guidance to member clubs on matters involving rowing safety.

Reporting Line:  The post holder will be functionally responsible to the Director of Sport Governance.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Liaising with Club Safety Officers to provide advice and guidance.
  • Liaising with the British Rowing Honorary Safety Advisor and ensuring that a constructive dialogue and free flow of safety related information is maintained between the two bodies.
  • Providing a brief at all routine meetings of the Board of Scottish Rowing on the status of safety issues.
  • Administering the annual club safety audit ensuring its content is kept up to date and relevant.
  • Assessing the audit returns provided by clubs and identifying any trends or issues and advising clubs accordingly
  • Operating an Incident Reporting process that enables clubs or individuals to report any safety events.
  • Assessing reported safety events, conducting trend analysis and identifying Learning from Experience and providing periodic reports to Clubs and the Board.
  • Providing support as necessary for the investigation of significant safety events.
  • Identifying and promoting Good Practice in rowing safety and instigating safety campaigns to maintain awareness of safety requirements.
  • Ensuring Risk Assessments and Safety Procedures are produced by the organisers of all events run specifically by Scottish Rowing and advising on their content and adequacy.
  • Liaising with North Lanarkshire Council on all matters affecting the safety of rowing events run at Strathclyde Park.
  • Escalating to the Board any emergent concerns where a club or organisation is failing to ensure adequate rowing safety.
  • Conducting an annual review of the Scottish Rowing Water Safety codes and guidelines.
  • Such other duties as agreed with the Board

Person Specification

Qualifications/experience/skills/competencies (essential):

  • Health and Safety or regulatory compliance experience
  • Competent in Risk Assessment
  • Experience or knowledge of rowing
  • Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to relate well to people on all levels
  • Excellent written and spoken English and the ability to communicate clearly in a professional manner
  • Self-motivated and robust when challenged
  • Computer literate and confident in using word and data processing software
  • Commitment to a strong safety culture

Desirable:

  • H&S qualification eg IOSH or NEBOSH
  • Event management experience
  • Rowing coaching qualification
  • Experience of using a Root Cause Analysis technique

How to Apply

Scottish Rowing are committed to appointing solely on the basis of candidates’ ability to do the job for which they are being recruited, and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

To apply:  a completed application form, equality monitoring form and covering letter should be sent, marked Private and Confidential to Carol Ann Ellis, Scottish Rowing Centre, 366 Hamilton Road, Motherwell ML1 3ED or alternatively by email office@scottish-rowing.org.uk.

An application form and monitoring form can be downloaded from our website at:

http://www.scottish-rowing.org.uk/index.php/about-us/vacancies/548-safety-officer

For further information about Scottish Rowing please visit our website: www.scottish-rowing.org.uk

SR Safety Officer Application Form

Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form_Blank

Wheelchair Racing is Part of Fife DNA

Wheelchair racing has always been part of the DNA of Disability Sport Fife (DSF). Over a decade ago numbers dropped as interest waned.

Stimulated in the first instance by Callum Sloan, who secured his first racing wheelchair from the Saints netball club at the University of St Andrews, interest has returned. Callum now has a new wheelchair and his original chair has been borrowed by our youngest racer, Niamh Currie.

Susanne McGrath started racing in a borrowed DSF wheelchair from the early years but she now has a new chair part funded by local fund raiser Neil Smart, the Russell Hogg Trust and her own efforts. Jonny Brown started out in an old DSF wheelchair but he also now has a new chair provided by Education Scotland through Scottish Disability Sport.

The latest athlete to join the squad is Graham McIntyre who competed in his first DSF Track and Field Championships in a borrowed chair from scottishathletics. Graham has taken to the sport enthusiastically as he does with every activity he adopts.

The squad is tight knit but will welcome any new members at any time. Please contact the DSF office for further information. Training is held at the Pitreavie Athletics Centre in Dunfermline and Michael Woods Centre in Glenrothes. The more experienced racers train in the parks and proms of Fife. The rivalry between the squad members is healthy and was clearly visible at the recent Fife Championships. Well done to all squad members.

Photos: Rebecca Lee

Richard Brickley MBE
President, Disability Sport Fife

Kirkcaldy HS Sports Leaders – exceptional

Disability Sport Fife (DSF) enjoys a very special relationship with Kirkcaldy HS (KHS). For the past 7 years KHS has hosted the DSF 7s Football League at the High School and the standard of football in Fife for players with additional support needs has improved considerably as a consequence.

KHS Sports Leaders for the past five years have helped DSF to run its very busy events programme. KHS Sports Leaders now officiate at the DSF Swimming Championships, DSF Badminton Championships, DSF Cross Country Championships and most importantly the DSF Track and Field Championships.

The new intake of Sports Leaders were on duty at the 2017 DSF Track and Field Championships at Pitreavie. Scottish Athletics officials and DSF volunteers remarked on the enthusiasm and commitment of the young volunteers. Thank you KHS for your continued support and in particular the Rector and staff members who have made this happen.

Richard Brickley MBE
President, Disability Sport Fife

Tyler with his parents and Kieran Steer

Boccia Success for Young Tyler McLelland

Tyler McLelland is a young BC4 boccia player from Glenrothes who is being mentored and coached by GB Boccia Paralympian Kieran Steer from Crossgates. They meet every Monday evening at the Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre for a session supported by the Fife Sports and Leisure Trust.

Mum Emma and Dad Mark are fully involved with Tyler’s boccia career and mum has already attended her first boccia leaders course. Together they traveled recently to their first Right on Target competition hosted by Forth Valley Disability Sport and Tyler won his first bronze medal.

Disability Sport Fife (DSF) already has a weekly recreational boccia session session but hopes to build a competition squad around Tyler with input from Kieran and GB Boccia coach Claire Morrison from Dalgety Bay. DSF hopes that Tyler will have the same impact on boccia development as teenager Callum Sloan from Dunfermline has had on wheelchair racing.

Boccia is an indoor court game played by participants who use a manual or power wheelchair. Boccia is a Paralympic sport that originally included players with cerebral palsy only. It now includes all players with severe mobility difficulties including those who are unable to throw and have to use a ramp to propel a boccia ball. You Tube includes lots of top quality boccia play.

DSF is keen to grow its boccia squad and bring this exceptional game to the attention of young players in Fife with severe mobility difficulties who use a power or manual wheelchair. For further information please contact the DSF office.

Richard Brickley MBE
President, Disability Sport Fife

Dovecot Bowling Club – an Inclusive Fife Club

Over the past couple of years Disability Sport Fife (DSF) has committed to encouraging young people to consider bowls as a sports option. By linking with a number of Fife indoor and outdoor clubs the campaign is starting to pay dividends.

The Dovecot Bowling club in Glenrothes is one of the most committed partnership clubs. Specific club members first signed up for the DSF coach education programme and then offered a series of learning opportunities for players. DSF identified appropriate learners and the project was quickly up and running. The Association of Fife Rotary Clubs provided essential funding to help with club fees and equipment. The club itself offered generous discounted membership rates to DSF members. Young DSF members are now regularly enjoying their inclusive bowling coaching and playing sessions.

Successes have followed for Dovecot bowlers in DSF bowls competitions. Last year Briony Clark made a significant contribution to the Fife Bowls Team at the Inter Area Bowls competition in Fife and two weeks ago at the Beveridge Park Robert Anderson and Sandy Allan won the first Fife titles for Dovecot BC players at the DSF Lawn Bowls Championships. No doubt these will not be the last. Numbers have risen to 7/8 keen enthusiastic young players within a relatively short period.

DSF and Dovecot BC are very proud of this model of inclusive practice that has made a considerable impact in promoting opportunities for novice players with additional support needs. Thank you Dovecot BC members.

Richard Brickley MBE
President, Disability Sport Fife