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

Pentathlon GB are looking to recruit a Freelance Coordinator for the South East Region.

We are seeking an enthusiastic individual with strong administrative and inter-personal skills to be a freelance co-ordinator who will nurture our future talent in the South East Region and provide the stepping stone to towards their possible inclusion in our World Class Programme.

We envisage this would be a contract for services and fees will be agreed with the successful contractor based on the delivery of agreed outcomes.

If you would like to discuss this further then please speak to Peter Evans on 07855 957924.

To make an application please send your CV and covering letter to eleanor.guest@pentathlongb.org by the closing date of Friday 05 July 13.

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!!

Sisters Sabrina and Natasha Sinha were in impressive form as they won the Year 9 and the Year 10/11 titles at the Pentathlon GB British Schools Modern Biathlon Championships in London yesterday (Sunday).

They were among around 700 young athletes who braved the weather to take part in the championships at Crystal Palace, with a number of titles staying in the South East region.

Sabrina Sinha’s victory meant she has won back-to-back titles, while Natasha has now completed a hat-trick of successive titles at the championships.

Bromley High School pupil Sabrina was first up. Tenth after the swim, she clocked a time of 2:56.35 in winning the 1000m run to take the title.

“I didn’t think I’d win again this year, she said. “I’m not a great swimmer and the running was freezing, but I was extremely pleased to win it.”

Having watched her sister’s success, Natasha, a pupil at James Allen’s Girls’ School in Dulwich, collected the Year 10/11 girls’ title. She was second in the 100m swim with a time of 1:02.40 and then ran the fastest tie in her year for the 1000m, 3:05.39, to win the title.

Natasha joined forces with Florence Savage and Greta Sharp to win the team bronze for James Allen’s Girls School.

Natasha said she was pleased to be able to watch her sister win her title as well as make sure of her own. “It was good, we both support each other,” she said.

Adam Bambroffe was among the winners from Whitgift School in Croydon. He won the Year 7 boys’ title this year after taking bronze at Year 5 in 2011 and silver in Year 6 last year. He partnered Jamie Regan and Konrad Zielinski to team gold.

And there was a gold for fellow Whitgift pupil Joseph Choong in the Year 12 & 13 boys’ competition.

In the youngest age group, Year 5, the boys’ title went to Rowan Fuss from Upton Junior School in Broadstairs, Kent, courtesy of second place finishes in both the swim and the run.

And Saskia Millard of Alleyn’s School in Dulwich collected the Year 8 girls’ title. Her 1000m run time of 2:59.76 was almost 17 seconds faster than the second faster runner and gave her enough leeway for her to take the title, despite clocking the 39th fastest 100m freestyle time.

Alex Zalaf of Woking High School won the Year 8 boys’ competition.

And Guildford High School trio of Hazel Ferguson, Charlotte George and Emma Brown collected the Year 9 girls’ team title. The school also collected the Year 12 & 13 girls’ team title, through Ellen Thomas, Katarina Chichester-Kaner and Susan Shiel-Rankin.

Joe Gale, Richard Tyrell and Simon Neave of the Glyn Technology School in Epsom won the men’s teachers team competition.

Afterwards Jon Austin, Chief Executive Officer of Pentathlon GB paid tribute to everyone who helped make the championships such a big success again this year.

“It’s been an enormous challenge to pull the championships together in the current weather conditions,” he said.

“I would particularly like to thank Sue Hyde our National Competitions and Events Manager, who, despite the uncertainties over the weather, remained resolutely determined to make sure the championships took place,

“I’d also like to thank all of the volunteers and staff who worked tirelessly to ensure the event happened today, as well as the schools, parents and athletes for showing the commitment to making the championships the successful event it has proved to be over the years.

“Thanks too for everyone at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre for their support in making sure the competition could go ahead.”

The schools biathlon is run by Pentathlon GB, the national governing body for the Olympic sport of modern pentathlon, and gives young athletes an opportunity to have a go at a multi-sport competition featuring a run and a swim. They could also try out fencing and shooting taster sessions.

This year young athletes also got the opportunity to meet Heather Fell, who won modern pentathlon silver for Great Britain at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Heather, who presented medals and trophies to many of this year’s winners, said: “Being involved with the championships this year really brought back fond memories. It was great to be a part of it today and to meet so many talented young athletes.”

Barbara Woodward, Director General of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and a member of the Pentathlon GB Board, also made a number of presentations.

Some former participants have gone on to represent Great Britain on the senior international circuit.  They include Jamie Cooke, Britain’s 2011 world junior champion and Joe Evans, who won bronze on his World Cup debut in California a month ago. Both are currently in Rio for the second World Cup of the year.

There were individual and team awards up for grabs in each year group from Year 5 up to Years 12/13.

Year 5, 6 and 7 pupils and teachers complete a 50m swim and a 500m run, with Years 8 to 13 pupils tackling a 100m swim and 1000m run.

For results go to www.pentathlongb.org/schools/index.php?tab=7

You can also follow our coverage of the action on our Facebook and Twitter pages at www.facebook.com/PentathlonGB and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PentathlonGB

Pentathlon GB is the National Governing Body for the Olympic Sport of Modern Pentathlon. For further information please see www.pentathlongb.org

For further information members of the media can contact the Pentathlon GB press office at Matchtight Ltd on 01225 383518 or 07765 071683.

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 

John Felix, who died on 5th February 2013, was instrumental in establishing junior Modern Pentathlon competitions in this country for the first time.

As a young Mathematics teacher at Whitgift School in the late 1950s, he set up the Schools’ Tetrathlon which, because of interest from the Combined Cadet Force in the competing schools, initially involved a prone rifle shooting event along with the fencing, running and swimming. John established the British Junior Championships at Whitgift School and, from the launch of the UIPM Junior World Championships in 1965, Whitgift School pentathletes were frequently represented in the British teams.

During the 1960s and especially the 1970s, John was always an official of some kind in the MPAGB. He was frequently Team Manager of the GB Junior Team and was the Chairman of the Selection and Management Committee. Sadly, he had a stroke in the early 1980s which brought early retirement and less involvement with MPAGB activites but, nursed by his wife, Doreen, who was herself the MPAGB’s Administrative Officer for many years, he managed to live happily for some time to come. It was good to see them both taking an interest in the Whitgift Annual Pentathlon in recent years.

John did a tremendous amount for Modern Pentathlon and his legacy can be seen most vividly in the extensive age group competitions of today which all began all those years ago with his initial enthusiasm.

The funeral will be on Wednesday 27th February at Croydon Crematorium 11.30am.

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.

Hundreds of young athletes will begin the quest for places in the final of the 2013 British Schools Modern Biathlon Championships this weekend.
 
Over 750 young people aged 9 to 17 will take part in the first of three semi-finals at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in London on Sunday.
 
The second and third semi-finals are at Millfield School in Street, Somerset and at Macclesfield Leisure Centre in Macclesfield, both on Sunday 27 January.
 
The Championships are organised and run by Pentathlon GB, the national governing body for the Olympic sport of Modern Pentathlon and gives young people the opportunity to participate in an exciting multi-sport competition.
 
Athletes tackle a run and a swim in seven age groups from Year 5 to Year 12/13, with a separate competition for teachers.  Those in Year 5, 6 and 7 and teachers, face a 50m swim and 500m run, while Years 8, 9, 10/11 and 12/13 tackle a 100m swim and 1000m run.
 
The top athletes in each age group qualify places for the British Championships finals at Crystal Palace on Sunday 24 March – when they will have the chance to battle it out for the national titles.
 
Some of Britain’s most talented modern pentathletes competed in the event  in the past, including Jamie Cooke, who went on to win the 2011 World Junior Championships and Kate French, runner-up at last year’s European Junior Championships.
 
For further information please contact the Pentathlon GB press office at Matchtight Ltd on 01225 383518 or 07765 071683. You can also check the Pentathlon GB website at www.pentathlongb.org, follow Pentathlon GB onTwitter @PentathlonGB or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PentathlonGB
 

PLEASE NOTE, IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING TO SUNDAY'S EVENT YOU ARE ADVISED TO CHECK THE PENTATHLON GB WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST WEATHER NEWS.

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