In February 2013, the IAFA introduced a new Constitution which provided for a combined whole sport approach with separation of the Board and Executive. It was envisaged that over a period of time the IAFA would transition to having the majority of Executive and Directorate positions occupied by non-Board members. Consequently, on Saturday 22nd March, the IAFA Board approved the establishment of positions in newly created Directorates and the filling of vacancies.
Each of the Directors will be specialists in their particular area and will report to the Board. They will have overall responsibility for their tasks and activities in their particular area. For some of the Directorates, the Board has set out a vision of how they see the category of football proceeding. In this regard, the IAFA is pleased to announce that it intends to introduce permanent new competitions for both adult flag and Junior Kitted Football (U19) to commence in September 2014.
Suggested candidates for these positions should be communicated to the Commissioner by Wednesday 30th April 2014. The Board will seek to make appointments shortly thereafter to the following positions:
Director of Flag Football
Director of Junior Kitted Football
Director of Development
Communications Officer
Schools Flag Football Coaches
Anyone interested in applying for one of the above positions should email commissioner@americanfootball.ie
Temporary Arrangements in place until positions filled:
The current Director of Flag Football and Director of Youth Kitted Football positions are vacated. Any communications or queries should be directed to the Commissioner, who will handle administrative matters until such time as the new Director of Flag Football and Junior Kitted Football are appointed.
The current Director of Development/Communications Officer will remain in place until permanent appointments have been made.
Further Details
Vision for Adult Flag Football:
The aim of adult flag football is to increase participation in our sport. It shall be a recreational co-ed sport. Participation shall be low cost and user friendly. Competitions could include teams from existing IAFA clubs, dedicated flag teams and other sports/recreation teams/groups. To be organised on a regional basis with the possibility of the best regional teams coming together for a national competition. Timeframe for the initial competitions shall be September to November. The IAFA shall provide a standard administrative/competition framework for the operation of competitions and teams. A suggested format could see a number of venues in a particular region with each hosting multiple teams/games on a given day. IFAF/EFAF 5 on 5 rules to be used. To be overseen by Director of Flag Football with the assistance of regional coordinators.
Director of Flag Football:
The Director of Flag Football will have overall responsibility for running adult flag football competitions. This will include putting in place the framework under which competitions and leagues operate and assisting interested parties who wish to field teams. It is envisaged that s/he will be assisted by coordinators in each region. Reports directly to the IAFA Board. Implements those parts of the operational plan and strategic plan relating to adult flag football.
Note: Flag Football is now a full Directorate as opposed to reporting to the Director of Development. This Directorate will concentrate on adult competitions/participation. Underage development programmes e.g. schools flag programme will not be part of this Directorate – they will report directly to the Commissioner and the Coaching Department.
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Vision for Junior Kitted Football (U19 age group):
Teams are advised that the IAFA intends to run a competitive Junior Kitted Football league season from September to end of November 2014. This league will use the 9-a-side rules/format used in most European countries with competitive Junior leagues. Age limits are as per IFAF/EFAF Under 19 rules. Any player within the age range will be eligible to participate even if they are also eligible for other categories of kitted football. It is anticipated that there will be strong links between the Academy and the participants in this category of football. To be overseen by the Director of Junior Kitted Football assisted by a subcommittee.
Director of Junior Kitted Football:
The Director of Flag Football will have overall responsibility for fostering the development of this category of football and running the league. It is envisaged that s/he will be assisted by coordinators in each region. Develops strategies to increase participation in this category of football and puts in place the competition framework. Reports directly to the IAFA Board. Implements those parts of the operational plan and strategic plan relating to junior kitted football.
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Director of Development:
Responsible for the development of IAFA clubs at all levels. Overall responsibility for the audit/application process. Liaising with proposed and existing clubs re: their development. Arranging support for new and existing clubs. Liaising with Director of Coaching re: coaching support required for new clubs. Assisting with the establishment of clubs in new areas or clubs in new categories of football. Coordination of development initiatives.
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Communications Officer:
This is one of the key officer positions within the Administration. Responsible for internal communications strategy. Ensuring all clubs/directorates have the information/documentation they require. Dissemination of queries and communications received to the correct person within the IAFA. Working with Social Media Manager to ensure website and social media are appropriate and up to date. External communication of information to the public and persons interested in the sport. Public relations and promotion of the sport in general.
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Schools Flag Football Coaches:
The IAFA Schools Flag Football Programme, which includes our Women In Sport programme, introduces young school going children to the sport of American football via flag football. Coaches go into schools and deliver a flag football programme as during physical education periods. The IAFA provides equipment packs to the school (funded by the Irish Sports Council). This involves instructing the children and their teacher re: basic skills via flag football. Coaches typically spend a number of weeks working with a group of children. This programme is currently running in the Midlands area. It is planned to introduce this programme to an additional region w.e.f. the 2014/15 school year. As such, coaches, with availability during school hours are needed. They will report to the Coaching Department and the Commissioner. Coaches are provided with equipment and reimbursed expenses and mileage.
All coaches involved in this programme will be required to pass a Coaching Ireland Level 1 course for flag coaches. This two day course will take place in Dublin on June 7th and 28th. All coaches planning to attend the course must (i) bring along their local sports partnership Code of Ethics Certificate, (ii) identification confirming their name and date of birth and (iii) have submitted a fully completed Garda Vetting form to the vetting officer (Michael Smith – vetting@americanfootball.ie).