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

Olympic silver medallist Samantha Murray produced a fine all-round display to win her first British Modern Pentathlon Championships crown in Solihull yesterday (Saturday).

And the overall men’s title went to teenager Joe Choong, who at the end of a long day of competition, just edged out Jamie Cooke in a sprint finish.

Murray and Choong have now secured places on the British team to compete at the European Championships in Poland in July.

Murray, ranked three in the world, won bronze at last year’s World Championships and silver at London 2012, but hadn’t yet won a senior British Championships.

The 23-year-old did it in style today in a high class field that also featured Beijing 2008 Olympic silver medallist Heather Fell and reigning world champion Mhairi Spence.

After an impressive day, Murray shot and ran strongly at the Tudor Grange Leisure Centre to finish 20 seconds clear of 17-year-old Eilidh Prise.

It meant Murray captured the senior and overall titles, with Aberdeen teenager Prise, a member of Pentathlon GB’s World Class Podium Potential programme, impressing with the fastest run/shoot time of the day en route to the junior title.

Murray is now focussing on studying for her finals for her French and Politics degree at the University of Bath later this month.

“I had a fantastic day,” she said afterwards. “I was relaxed coming here and I wanted to win to secure my place at the European Championships.

“I started training again after the Olympics in January and I felt strong today,” she added. “My running has improved since the World Cup in Rio last month, when I finished fifth.”

Murray started the day well with the second best performance in the fencing, winning 33 of her 42 bouts. That was only bettered by Jenny McGeever, with 35 wins.

Kate French and Katy Burke were joint third with 30 wins, with Eilidh Prise fifth, Spence and Freyja Prentice joint seventh and Fell 11th.

Murray climbed to the top of the leaderboard in the swim, and from there she never looked back. Her 200m freestyle time of 2:09.96 was the second fastest of the day.

Burke moved up to second with 2:11.78, the third fastest time of the day, with McGeever third and French fourth. Alice Fitton clocked the fastest time in the pool with 2:08.42 to go joint fifth with Eilidh Prise.

Murray extended her lead in the ride. She had one fence down and also sustained some time penalties to add 1120 of the maximum possible 1200 to her score.

That meant she went into the run/shoot 92 points and 23 seconds clear of Burke in second. Burke added 1112 points to her score in the ride.

Eilidh Prise and Spence were the only two riders to go clear in the allowed time to bag the maximum 1200 points in the arena at Solihull Riding Club. That was enough to promote them from sixth and seventh respectively overall to third and fourth.

Fell, meanwhile, went into the run/shoot in 14th, climbing from 11th place after the swim.

Murray shot and ran well to make sure of the title, although Prise’s 12:28.06 run/shoot was six seconds quicker than that of the London 2012 medallist.

French came home third, with Burke fourth and Fell producing a battling end to her campaign, scything her way through the field from 14th to fifth. Spence finished seventh.

The men’s competition ended in a thrilling climax with five athletes in with a shout in the run/shoot. In the end it all came down to a sprint finish, with 17-year-old Choong edging out Cooke, Britain’s 2011 world junior champion.

Joe Evans, bronze medallist on his World Cup debut in California in February, came home third, with double Olympian Sam Weale fourth and Tom Toolis fifth.

It meant Choong, a student at Whitgift School in Croydon, took the overall and junior titles, with Cooke securing the senior title.

“I’m pleased, I like a sprint finish,” said Choong. “I was a bit lucky today because I got a really nice horse, and riding is my weakest event.”

Weale made the best start, winning 24 of his fencing bouts to take 1084 pentathlon points. Sam Curry’s 21 wins put him second, with Toolis third, and  Evans and Choong sharing fourth.

Weale’s 2:04.39 was the sixth fastest men’s 200m freestyle time but was enough to keep him in the lead. Not surprisingly, Cooke went quickest in the pool with a time of 1:55.30, pushing him up from sixth to fifth overall. Evans’ 1:57.04 was second fastest, keeping him second overall with Chong third overall and Toolis fourth.

But it was Choong that led the leaderboard after the ride. None of the men went clear in the allowed time, but Choong’s 1156 points was the third best performance in the riding area and meant he went into run/shoot in pole position, 60 points and 15 seconds clear of Cooke in second. Cooke had also fared well in the ride, with 1128 points.

Toolis was just four points and a second further back at the start, with Evans another four seconds back in fourth. Weale added 976 points to his score in the ride and started the run/shoot in fifth. He started just 32 seconds behind Choong.

The run/shoot turned into a terrific battle with five athletes in contention, but it was Choong and Cooke that battled it out on the last running leg. They both produced determined finishes as they battled for the line in a sprint finish, but it was the 17-year-old that edged it by a fraction. He took the overall and junior titles, with Cooke getting the consolation of the senior crown.

Jan Bartu, Pentathlon GB Performance Director, said: “It was very competitive today. It shows it was a good idea to get the juniors and seniors in the mix in open competition.

“The decision for the winner to compete at the European Championships also gave the competition a tension and some extra competitiveness.

“Samantha looked very good today and Eilidh helped to keep her on her toes,” he added.

Full results are available on the Pentathlon GB website at www.pentathlongb.org/competitions/results.php


Results:

Overall British Champions
Women: Samantha Murray
Men:  Joe Choong

Women – senior
Gold: Samantha Murray – 5428
Silver: Kate French - 5092
Bronze: Katy Burke - 5076

Women – junior
Gold: Eilidh Prise - 5348
Silver: Jo Muir - 4908
Bronze: Kerry Prise - 4660

Men – senior
Gold: Jamie Cooke - 5744
Silver: Sam Weale - 5612
Bronze: James Myatt - 5388

Men – junior
Gold: Joe Choong - 5744
Silver: Joe Evans - 5656
Bronze: Tom Toolis - 5532

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.

Two Olympic medallists and a reigning world champion are among the athletes battling it out for honours at the British Modern Pentathlon Championships in Solihull this weekend.

The impressive line-up of athletes competing at the Tudor Grange Leisure Centre on Saturday (6 April) also includes two further British Olympians and a former World Junior champion.

And there is a place on the British team for the European Championships in Poland in July up for grabs for the winner of both the men’s and women’s overall titles.

London 2012 Olympic silver medallist Samantha Murray and Beijing 2008 silver medallist Heather Fell, winner of the women’s title last year, are among the pentathletes contesting the event in Solihull on Saturday.

They will be joined by another London 2012 Olympian Mhairi Spence, who became Britain’s first senior individual modern pentathlon world champion for more than a decade in Rome in May last year.

Nick Woodbridge and Sam Weale, who both represented Great Britain at Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games, are due to contest the men’s championships. They will be joined Jamie Cooke, Britain’s 2011 world junior champion, who also achieved the 2012 Olympic qualifying standard.

Joe Evans, who won bronze on his senior World Cup debut in California in February, is also contesting the main men’s title as well as the junior crown. Two other young athletes who made their World Cup debuts this year, Sam Curry and Tom Toolis, will also be in action in the men’s competition.

There will be British senior and junior titles up for grabs. The overall highest scoring man and woman will earn a place on the GB team for this summer’s European Championships.

Jan Bartu, Pentathlon GB Performance Director, said: “The dates for this year’s championships have fitted in well with the international calendar. It’s an opportunity for our athletes to compete in the UK, and particularly for the younger ones. Competing is the best training for them.”

The championships are organised by Pentathlon GB, the national governing body for the Olympic sport of modern pentathlon. They will see athletes complete a fence, swim, ride and combined run/shoot all in the space of one day.

The timings are as follows:

Fencing (Tudor Grange Leisure Centre) – 08.00 start

Swimming (Tudor Grange Leisure Centre) - 11.20 start

Riding (Solihull Riding Club) – 12.45 start

Combined run/shoot (Tudor Grange Leisure Centre)  - 16.25 start
 

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!!

Tom Randolph of the Landau Free Academy at Tamworth won the Year 9 boys’ title at the Pentathlon GB British Schools Modern Biathlon Championships in London yesterday (Sunday).

Tom had the distinction of being the first winner of the day at the event at Crystal Palace National Sports Stadium.

Eighth after the swim, he produced a strong 1000m run in the stadium to win the boys’ Year 9 title.

Randolph had taken silver in the Year 8 competition last year and said he was pleased to take the stop spot on the podium this time around.

“I looked on the website before and found I was ranked first, but my swim wasn’t the best today, I was a couple of seconds down on my pb,” he said. “I managed to get a decent time for my run, although I’d hoped to go a bit quicker.”

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 

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

Pentathlon GB have just published their End of Year Review 2012!!

Have a look at it here:  http://pentathlongb.org/resources/other/20121205-End%20of%20Year%20Review.pdf

There's a competition included in there so don't forget to go and like us on Facebook for your chance to win one of five Pentathlon GB sweatshirts!!

The Pentathlon GB AGM took place on 08 Dec 12.  A short summary of the decisions is as follows:

• The amended version of the Memorandum of Articles was proposed and agreed.
• The accounts were approved.
• Haysmacintyre were re-appointed as the organisation's auditors.
• The re-election of the Chairman, Treasurer and two Members was uncontested.

The full minutes will be published on the website shortly.

In September following enquiries from a number our members and affiliated clubs a notice about ‘Affiliated Club-Insurance Recommendations’ was posted on the website. 

As a result we have asked our brokers Towergate to clarify the position relating to Club insurance. We are in detailed discussions with our brokers who in turn will seek clarity from our insurers.

In the meantime, though it is not in doubt, we have sought and received assurance that – always depending on the precise policy terms - our public liability insurance policy continues to cover all members, employees, committee and subcommittee members, volunteers, Home Country Federations (i.e. Scotland) in relation to any activity under the auspices of Pentathlon GB.

I will update you on progress once we receive a further response. I am sorry there has been a degree of uncertainty about Clubs (insofar as they have a wider membership beyond those who are in any event members of PGB), over recent months but I trust this interim statement helps to make the position clear. As soon as we have an up to date statement about Clubs from insurers we will post it. In the meantime if you have an uncertainty about the extent of cover you should contact our broker and Account Executive by email as shown below.

Mr Freddie Hawkings-Byass(Cert CII)

Account Executive

Towergate Insurance  
DD: 01926 439529 Mobile: 07989386464 freddie.hawkings-byass@towergate.co.uk

Pegasus Court, Olympus Avenue, Tachbrook Park, Warwick, CV34 6LW.

Tel: 01926 439439 Fax: 01926 439440  www.towergatewarwick.co.uk