On 17 April 2013 PGB posted a notice about the safe use of laser pistols.

We reinforce and expand this as follows:

LASER SAFETY

1. Treat all laser pistols as if they were pellet.  ALL RULES RELATING TO PISTOLS – LASER OR PELLET – MUST BE STRICTLY OBSERVED AND WILL BE ENFORCED.
2. NEVER WALK IN THE LINE OF FIRE OF ANY PISTOL, LASER OR PELLET. 
3. All pistols, whether used with pellet or converted for use with laser should always be treated as potentially dangerous weapons.
4. They must never be pointed at anyone else and when not in use should always be either boxed or left unloaded, with breach open, pointed down the range. 
5. Unauthorised removal of pistols from boxes on or off range should be penalised through the rules.
6. Warning notices (designed to reinforce the regime applicable to pellet pistols) should be placed at the range at access points.
7. Be aware of the risk of reflected laser beams from surfaces such as glass, shiny surfaces and mirrors (for instance if used to check on sighting).
8. We will require all laser devices to carry warning labels to that effect.  We are arranging for a supply of appropriate labels for pistol and their boxes.
9. Laser pistols should not be used in continuous beam mode, even for training sessions. 
10. Laser pistols should be kept in locked gun safes to increase parental control of laser devices outside competition and training. Lasers are not toys and should be treated with cautious respect.  We want to eradicate all risk of injury in the home.

In summary, do not use continuous beam unless advised that you should do so – and never point a laser pistol at anyone.

Jon Austin                                                                                             
CEO
Pentathlon GB

Third year student and Modern Pentathlete Georgina Tasker has won the coveted 'Sportswoman of the Year' award at Nottingham University. Georgina was nominated by the committee of the university fencing club, and was delighted to find out she had won the award. “It’s just nice to get some recognition” she said. “My involvement in university sport has really changed my experience and I have met so many great people!”

The decision to give her the award was made in recognition of her outstanding service to the Athletics Union, plus her performance and commitment to the numerous sports clubs she is involved with. A university spokesman writes:

“Individual recognition for sporting excellence on top of outstanding service to a club, or the Athletic Union as a whole.

Georgie has been an extremely active, committed and dedicated member of the AU throughout her 3 years here at Nottingham. She barely misses a training session (despite living at Sutton Bonington, half an hour bus journey from the training facilities) and has been President of fencing, women’s fencing Captain and swimming fixtures secretary, as well as attending to her horse every day and succeeding in her studies too. She has represented the university at BUCS in swimming, fencing, cross country, modern pentathlon and modern biathlon, helping to secure BUCS points, and her energetic personality raises team moral and motivates others significantly. She has also this year been crowned both the British National Modern Triathlon and Modern Biathlon Champion, as well as competing in the GB Pentathlon Trials. She has also represented the East Midlands region in fencing and Nottinghamshire for swimming this year. Throughout her presidency of the fencing club she has pioneered many changes, such as expanding to other campuses, doubling the membership figures and employing a new coaching set-up resulting in the women’s team winning their league and the men’s team being boosted up the table considerably. She has also helped to set up and manage the badminton and fencing in the Nu2Sport programme aimed at getting everyone involved in sport at any level. Even if she is not the one training or competing she is always there to coach, officiate or be team cheerleader for all her sports, as well as for the Floorball club. Georgie has been a valuable member to all clubs she has been involved in, showing commitment the AU and university, a will for the improvement of all areas of the clubs both for elite performance and beginners, and an enthusiasm that has been infectious.”

Georgina received the award at the End of Year Athletics Ball – a huge trophy which she describes as “nearly as tall as me!”  Georgina will now be an ambassador for the Sports Department while she finishes her Animal Science course, after which she is considering taking a Master’s degree, or studying physiotherapy in the hope that one day she might work in equine therapy.

Part Time National Development Manager Recruitment

Pentathlon GB is the national governing body for Modern Pentathlon in the UK.  We have had a highly successful period, including Olympic medal success at London 2012 and the securing of funding to support our Participation and World Class aspirations.

The Role

We are seeking to recruit an experienced and dynamic part time National Development Manager to manage a small team and be part of the Senior Management Team to drive our ambitions and deliver our Operational Plan by maximising resources and building capacity. 

The key areas of development for the role are:

1.         Increasing the number of people participating in the sports of Modern Pentathlon as members of the Association.

2.         Providing opportunities for supporting the development of the English Talent Programme at regional and national levels.

Location

Pentathlon GB Head Office is at the University of Bath and the role can either be based here or from home.  There will be a requirement for national travel.

Remuneration Package

The post is part time, equivalent to three days per week, the salary will dependent on experience within the range of £40,000 - £45,000 (pro rata).

Knowledge and Experience

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with a proven experience of developing sport, excellent people skills and ability to deliver on objectives.  This should include the ability to demonstrate experience in majority of the following areas:

1.         Able to demonstrate a good understanding of the sporting structures in Great Britain.

2.         Previous experience of developing sport and encouraging participation (min 2 years).

3.         Able to demonstrate previous experience in managing projects, setting goals and achieving results.

4.         Able to form effective realationships and partnerships to enable the delivery of projects.

5.         Able to demonstrate an understanding of coordinating and managing teams of people.

6.         Proven ability to effectively work as part of a team and if necessary be able to use initiative and lead peers when required.

Appointment Process

If you are interested in further information including the Job Description and Competency Profile please contact the Office Manager, Ellie Guest Eleanor.guest@pentathlongb.org In addition if you would like an informal discussion about this opportunity, contact Ellie who will be able to assist.

If you would like to be considered for this role please forward your CV and covering letter to the email address above, detailing your reasons for applying and suitability for the role by 1700 on 23 May 2013.

The intended timescale for interview will be the week commencing the 3 June 2013.

The manufacturers of IQ systems have very recently raised a safety concern about the power of lasers used in some laser pistols. Pentathlon GB is making further enquiries about this but while the matter is being clarified it is recommended that laser pistols should not be used in continuous beam mode, even for training sessions. 

Members are reminded that all pistols, whether used with pellet or converted for use with laser should always be treated as potentially dangerous weapons. They must never be pointed at anyone else and when not in use should always be either boxed or left unloaded, with breach open, pointed down the range.  Never walk in the line of fire of any pistol, laser or pellet. 

In summary, do not use continuous beam unless advised that you should do so – and never point a laser pistol at anyone.

Jon Austin
CEO
Pentathlon GB

Dear Masters,

The dates for the 2013 European Masters Championship in Budapest, Hungary have been confirmed as 12 – 15 September 2013.

The organisers will send out the detailed invitation in the beginning of June.

I am sure that our Hungarian friends will organise a splendid competition right in the center of the Modern Pentathlon history. For many many years the Masters have not been invited to Budapest for competitions.  Now we must show have many and how good we are.

NEUSS (GER)  Competition

Please see the invitation here.  Please notice the last entry date:  Sunday 14th April.

TARTU (EST) Competition

Please see the invitation here for this very good competition in Estonia from  7 – 9th June.

Best regards

Erik Pock
Chairman UIPM Masters Committee

saucekok@mail.tele.dk

Pentathlon GB Insurance Update

This update includes information on two key areas:

1.         Public Liability insurance for Clubs and

2.         Travel Insurance

Clubs

The position about Club Insurance (meaning the public liability insurance of the Club and those who run it) as opposed to the public liability insurance of the individual members (who are covered in accordance with policy terms provided they are paid up members of Pentathlon GB) has not been sufficiently clear.  Accordingly from 1 April 2013 we have decided that in addition to individual members, all affiliated clubs will also be covered in accordance with policy terms.

Travel Insurance

Travel abroad - i.e. outside Great Britain. We remind members that Pentathlon GB Travel Insurance covers only those members who are travelling abroad to compete, or train, as part of a team officially sanctioned by Pentathlon GB.  This would normally be led by a member of the Pentathlon GB Performance Team or the Pentathlon GB Biathle Director.

Pentathlon GB members who are travelling abroad to compete or train with their club, or alone, should ensure that they purchase specialist sports travel insurance.

Members should not rely solely on their ordinary travel insurance as a claim may well be turned down on the grounds of material non-disclosure e.g. the fact that you were competing or training.  This applies to all the elements of Modern Pentathlon, not just those involving potentially dangerous activities: insurers may turn down your claim for an accident which occurs during a training session or competition if you do not purchase specialist sports travel insurance.  Members should check with their travel insurance provider that cover extends to include their non-incidental sporting activity both on a competing and/or training basis."

April 2013

PentathlonGB Biathle is pleased to announce a sponsorship deal with Warranty Direct.

Warranty Direct are to sponsor the 2013 GB Biathle Series and the National Biathle Championships. This deal, amongst other things, will enable the prize fund for the overall Series standings to be increased from the top three to the top six in each class with value of the winners prizes rising to £100. 

Warranty Direct is the industry's leading provider of direct consumer warranties. They specialise in mechanical breakdown insurance for vehicles and warranties for most cars vans and motorbikes as well as extended warranties for brown and white household goods.
Warranty Direct will be an important partner helping promote the exciting sport of Biathle and making the event available to many more competitors both young and old though the various age categories.

The administration office at Pentathlon GB HQ will be closed from 1700 today (27 March 2013) and will re-open again at 0900 on Tuesday 02 April 2013.

If you wish to get in touch over that period then you can either leave an answer phone message on the office phone (01225 386808) or e-mail admin@pentathlongb.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Have a great Easter weekend, and keep up the Pentathlon training!!

Entry details have now been received for the European Biathle Championships to be held in Setubal, Portugal over the weekend of 20th and 21st July. This event will also be part of the Biathle World Tour so, in effect, will comprise two competitions within one for the GBR team. The organisers have provided packages for Lisbon airport transfers and accommodation in Setabul at two hotels. See the calendar for further details.

Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) is the governing body for the Olympic sport of Modern Pentathlon. Modern Pentathlon has been on the Olympic Programme since 1912 following the conception by Baron Pierre de Coubertin to include a unique sport reflective of the ancient pentathlon. The five disciplines of Modern Pentathlon are fencing, swimming, equestrian, laser shooting and 3,200m run.

UIPM has created a new and challenging post, based at its Headquarters in Monaco. The Development Manager will be in charge of managing the UIPM Strategic Plans for Development programmes and will report to the UIPM Secretary General.

Key Responsibilities

·      To manage the launching of any initiatives proposed  in the Strategic Plans for the Development of Modern Pentathlon as agreed by the UIPM Executive Board

·      To manage, develop and improve existing UIPM Development Programmes such as

-        Certification courses for National Federation Coaches

-        Development competitions such as World School Biathlon, Triathle and Tetrathlon

-        Creation of new Modern Pentathlon federations

·      To create best practice manuals for Continental Confederations and National Federations

·      To develop new projects and ideas for UIPM Development

·      To manage Olympic Solidarity and other funding programmes

·      Create an integral an comprehensive marketing and sponsorship plan in coordination with UIPM partners and stakeholders

·      Work with the UIPM Communications Manager to increase media presence and sponsorship at UIPM events

·      To retain existing clients by ensuring they receive excellent customer service and then keep a dialogue open to ensure they are aware of all future opportunities

·      To proactively identify and source new business

·      To work alongside the UIPM EB Member for Marketing to constantly review UIPM’s hospitality product to ensure it is of the highest standards

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

·      Educated to University degree level preferably in the fields of sport management

·      Minimum of 3 years of experience in the field of sport and event management in major sporting events or organization

·      Any other relevant sport industry experience is an asset

·      Experience in policy development, project management, knowledge transfer,

·      implementation and monitoring of all levels of sport projects

·      A solid knowledge and understanding of the international sports community

Preferred Skills:

·      Strong organizational skills with the ability to set and manage priorities and cope with a demanding workload

·      Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels

·      The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

·      Problem solving skills

·      High level of attention to detail

·      Willingness to travel and flexibility

·      Enthusiastic and motivational

Languages:

English is the working languages of the UIPM headquarters. Fluency in oral and written English is a must. Working knowledge of other languages, in particular French is an advantage.

Other Skills:

Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office) is required, as well as ability to keep abreast of technological developments in the field of business management

Immediate Start

Deadline for Applications: 10 March 2013

Apply Here:  http://www.sportsrecruitment.com/jobs/details/937/development-manager

A new shooting certificate is being introduced with effect from 1st January 2014.  From this date all athletes wishing to compete in Triathlon, Tetrathlon, Pentathlon or any other competition involving either static or combined run/shoot will need to have lodged a shooting certificate with Head Office. The shooting certificate is available from https://www.pentathlongb.org/resources/forms/ShootingCertificate.pdf.

Assurance for the future

The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) today agreed on the 25 sports it will propose to the 125th IOC Session for approval as the core sports for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games.

The 25 sports include modern pentathlon.

(The EB recommended that wrestling, governed by the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA), not be included on the list of core sports. Wrestling will now join the seven shortlisted sports – baseball/softball, karate, roller sports, sport climbing, squash, wakeboarding and wushu – vying for inclusion in the 2020 Olympic programme as an additional sport.)

Though the matter has to be approved by the IOC session from 7 to 10 September in Buenos Aires, Argentina this is great news for our sport, for us at Pentathlon GB and for our future.

Great news!

Tony Temple – for the Board 

The exciting combined run/shoot has now been introduced into the triathlon, tetrathlon and pentathlon for all age groups with immediate effect.  The triathlon competition retains precision shooting and therefore the competition for all age groups will comprise; shoot, swim, combined run/shoot.  The 2013 Rules for Modern Biathlon and Triathlon can be found by following this link - https://www.pentathlongb.org/pentathlongb/resources.php?tab=1.  Appendix 1 at the back of the rules has a summary of the competition format.

Qualifying competitions are being held in the following regions: Yorkshire, North West, West Midlands, South West and South East.  Dates and further details can be accessed via the calendar.  Athletes who reside in regions that are not organising a qualifying competition should enter the regional competition most convenient to them in order to gain valuable competition experience in the new format and to qualify for the British Championships.

We have been informed by the German Federation that there will be no BIathle World Tour in Germany in 2013. To date, World Tour events have been confirmed in Italy, Portugal and Great Britain. Please see the Biathle calendar for further details.  

Pentathlon GB is pleased to announce that Barbara Woodward has been appointed to the Board of Directors with immediate effect.

Mrs Woodward is currently the Director General of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), she is a member of the FCO Board and is listed as one of the top 200 civil servants in Whitehall.  Prior to this Barbara has gained a huge amount of experience in a variety of challenging roles and a number of countries.  She brings both this knowledge and a love of sport to the Board, having been involved with Team GB during the Beijing Olympics, and competed in both swimming and running events.

We welcome Barbara and wish her every success as a member of the Board.  We are extremely pleased to have such an experienced member contributing to the progression of Pentathlon GB.

The minutes for the 2012 AGM can be found here:  http://pentathlongb.org/resources/other/20130109-Pentathlon%20GB%20AGM%202012%20Minutes-Final.pdf