Jan 30, 2015
The Federation recently caught up with Leinster and Ireland rugby star Dave Kearney ahead of the 6 Nations. The Louth Native talks prized possessions, ideal dinner guests and what he wanted to be as a kid! Find out all below in this months athlete interview…..
Q1. What is your daily routine when you are training with Ireland?
Up around 8am each day. Straight down to breakfast ready to go for training. Usually have a meeting after breakfast and pre training. Meeting is generally focused on the opposing team, with a bit of our own training and games review. After training we come in for lunch and get ready for our weights session – approximately an hour long. Come in and have a snack after the gym. Next up is another meeting before dinner. After dinner it is down time, chill out in the team room or on your own!
Q2. What are your three most prized possessions?
Have to say my phone as number one. I must admit I’m on it way too much.
Laptop number two.
My cookbook!! I’m not a bad chef!
Q3. If you could invite 3 people to dinner – who would they be and why?
David Beckham- achieved so much in his life. I love his sense of style and seems like a cool lad!
Emily Ratajkowski – I’d like to sit and talk politics and the economy.
Barak Obama – most powerful man in the world!
Invites only…. Beckham, Ratajkowski & Obama
Q4. What do you enjoy outside of sport?
Study at the moment, not exactly enjoyable but has to be done! A lot of chilling out on days off and going for coffees with the lads. When the weather picks up ill get the clubs back out and play some golf!
Q5. What’s your favourite film?
Good will Hunting
Q6. Do you have any phobias?
Nope!! I really dislike rats though!!
Q7. Do you have a sporting hero?
Lots! I used to love watching Johnny Wilkinson play when I was younger.
Sporting Hero – Wilkinson!
Q8. Who is the best player you have played against?
I’ve marked Sitiveni Sivivatu (former All Black & Clermont winger currently playing with Castres)…. He is a serious talent.
Tricky Customer!! Sitiveni Sivivatu
Q9. Where would you like to go on holidays – but you can’t have been there before?
Too many places!! South America, Brazil. Australia. Maldives look pretty nice too!
Q10. What can’t you live without?
Food!
Q11. If you could have a superpower what would it be?
Be invisible
Q12. Favourite restaurant?
Butchers Grill Ranelagh
Q13. What did you want to be when you were a kid?
Farmer
Q14. What’s the silliest thing you’ve ever bought?
Tough to pick out one. xbox, takes up all my time.
Q15. What’s your favourite stadium outside of Ireland that you have played in?
Stade de France or Twickenham.
Stade de France….. Favourite Stadium!
Quick Fire Questions
Twitter or Facebook?
Twitter
Movie or TV?
TV
Chinese or Indian?
Chinese
Early Night In or Late Night Out?
Late Night Out
Text or Whatsapp?
Whatsapp
Swimming pool or Sea?
Pool
Playstation or Xbox?
Xbox
Suit and Tie or T-shirt and Tracksuit?
Suit and Tie
Music Festival or Comedy Gig?
Music Festival
Jan 29, 2015
The ICC Board approved that Ireland will join the 10 Full Members in a rankings-based qualification system for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019
As a result, Ireland will no longer participate in the ICC World Cricket League, but will continue to play in the four-day, first-class ICC Intercontinental Cup 2015-17.
The top eight-ranked sides on the ICC ODI Team Rankings as at 30 September 2017 will qualify automatically to the 2019 event, while the bottom four will play in the 10-team ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 that will determine the final two teams in the line-up.
The new structure also includes a promotion and relegation system for Associate and Affiliate Members, with a challenge series to take place between the lowest-ranked Associate Member on the Rankings table and the winner of the ICC World Cricket League Championship. The winner of the play-off will be included on the Rankings table for the next cycle, and the loser will compete in the ICC World Cricket League Championship.
Cricket Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom welcomed the announcement, saying:
“We were always confident that a robust qualification pathway would be put in place for the 2019 World Cup, and it is noteworthy that, for the first time, at least two Full Members will have to pre-qualify. It is also important in terms of delivering genuine context to the 50-over game that every ODI will now count in some way towards qualification for the World Cup. Another sea change in today’s announcement is the creation of a system of promotion and relegation in ODI cricket – similar to what is now in place for Test cricket – with Ireland and Afghanistan confirmed in the top division along with the Full Members. We believe this sends a strong signal to the other Full Members to play us to ensure credibility and fairness for this new ODI rankings system.”
Jan 26, 2015
From 2011-2014 the EC funded eight projects to help strengthen the organisation of sport in Europe, one of which was the Better Boards Stronger Sport project that the Federation was a partner on. We have compiled a list of all the projects that have been developed to assist sporting bodies in developing good governance practices. These include Guidelines for good governance in sport and a self-assessment toolkit for sporting bodies. Read More Here
Project 1: Sport for Good Governance
There were four main objectives for the Sport for Good Governance project:
- Analyse and elaborate on the Basic Universal Principles of Good Governance of the Olympic and Sports Movement. Research publications as well as principles on good governance in sport have been produced in sufficient numbers over the last years.
- Research and analyse the implementation of the Basic Universal Principles of Good Governance by sport organisations in the EU-27 (identify good practices). Sport organisations across the EU will be asked to fill in a questionnaire on how they have implemented the principles of the aforementioned document.
- Organise peer review meetings to get in-depth knowledge on governance and good practices. Contacts to the corporate world, who have been dealing with this issue for a much longer time, shall be established to probe how good governances principles are implemented there.
- Design educational tools to promote good governance and provide support for implementing good governance principles. Educational material (e.g. toolkit including a self-evaluation tool) shall give support to implement good governance principles. It shall assist members of boards, chief executive officers and sport leaders to develop, implement and maintain a robust system of good governance.
For further information see here
Click here for Self-Assessment Toolkit
Project 2: Good Governance in Grassroots Sports
The main objective for this project was to increase the capacity of non-governmental grassroots sport organizations in Europe to govern in a transparent and accountable way. Specific Objectives also include:
- To increase the evidence – and knowledge base for good governance in grassroots sport in Europe by researching, compiling and disseminating existing principles of good governance in European grassroots sport.
- To build capacities in key national non-governmental grassroots sport organizations though targeted learning opportunities by designing and implementing a sustainable, state-of-the-art European non-formal education for “Good Governance in Grassroots Sport”, targeting organizational top leaders, and based on the results from the above mentioned evidence- and knowledge base.
- To increase awareness and outreach on good governance to a broad target group in grassroots sport by testing and providing a consultancy function for grassroots sport organizations on good governance.
For more information see here
Click here for: Guidelines for good governance in sport
Project 3: Better Boards, Stronger Sport
The Better Boards, Stronger Sport toolkit has been launched to help sport and recreation organisations improve their governance across Europe. It comes as part of a European Commission project, which the Federation of Irish Sport was a partner in, with the Irish Sports Council also supported. The Better Boards Stronger Sport project has been carried out by the Sport and Recreation Alliance in partnership with seven other countries to improve governance across Europe. The group has produced a toolkit to empower European sports organisations to take responsibility for governing their future successfully. It has been built on three underlying principles:
- The board is the key: The board is the core from which all good governance flows.
- Sports governance is unique: Any lessons learnt from corporate governance need to be adapted for sport’s specific needs.
- Governance is not a tick box exercise: Real improvement will only be achieved if the sports movement is allowed to drive themselves forward.
The toolkit is available here
Project 4: Action for Good Governance in International Sports Organisations
Originally, the project set out to produce some reports on concepts of good governance, adding a set of guidelines to inspire sport. But from the first very intense meeting, it was decided to raise the stakes and the ambitions. This is why they were able to develop a new measuring tool in the world of sports governance:
- The Sports Governance Observer
This tool will enable not only ‘Play the Game’ and our AGGIS partners, but any person with a serious commitment to sports governance, including people in charge of sports organisations, to register and analyse the quality of governance in the international or major national sports organisation they are related to.
Read the final report here
Project 5: CoachNet: The further development of a coordinated network for Sport Coaching in Europe
The CoachNet project aims to further develop a structure for the co-ordination of sport coaching at a European level. The project has been granted a financial contribution from the EU, and has been recognised as a priority of the European Commission Sport Unit within the framework of the Preparatory Action in the field of sport. This network will strengthen cohesion within Sport Coaching with an enhanced emphasis on the ‘voice of the coach’. It will also build on the existing reference points for the education, and development of sport coaches, as well as providing a focal point for representation, research and communication on sport coaching issues at the European level.
The main outputs of the project are:
- Research of current engagement levels within the European Coaching Council and mapping the position of coaches associations in partner states
- Identifying models of best practice in the development of coaches associations; Developing operational guidelines and templates for the optimal development of coaches associations
- Developing a revised structure, to include lead national organisations, international federations, coaches associations, higher education and employers.
For more information see here
Project 6: Improving Football Governance through Supporter Involvement and Community Ownership
The project followed the development of a European-wide network of fans organisations trying to be involved in the decision-making processes at their clubs, and the support given to them by Supporters Direct Europe. It also tied in with the European Parliament report that set out the European Dimension in Sport, the 2007 White Paper for Sport, and 2011 Communication on Sport issued by the European Commission. All four documents expressed their support for the drive towards good governance in football and supporter involvement in particular.
Read the Final Report here
Project 7: European Academy for Billiard Champions on the way to sport excellence
Young sport organisations often face difficulty being commercially viable to investors for various reasons. Often times this affects many aspects of a sporting organisation (such as training or grassroots). However this can be overcome by key principles of good governance. The objective in this project was to research experiences in sport organizations management. On top of this – implement a pilot model for increasing institutional capacity through establishing/promoting transnational network for best practices/innovative approaches exchange.
For more information see here
Project 8: European Rugby League Governance Foundation Project
The Governance Foundation Project [GFP] created a tiered Membership structure of the RLEF – Bronze [Observer status], Silver [Affiliate Member], Gold [Full Member] – where best practice and the principles of good governance will be promoted, and the cooperation between partners will develop the European dimension throughout rugby league, itself a young sport on the Continent. There were ‘identified problems’ which this report looked at – Convincing rugby league enthusiasts, who may choose to get involved initially primarily due to their love of the sport on the field, of the importance of governance as a fundamental foundation stone of their operation. It is an area in which the newer members have only very limited experience. These are in contrast to the more established partners who possess a sophisticated appreciation of governance. Therefore, acknowledging that our NGB staff / volunteers’ skill sets need to be developed is one identified problem.
For more information see here
Jan 23, 2015
As members plan expenditure for the year ahead, here’s a reminder of the services and discounts available from our preferred partners.
PREFERRED PARTNERS
Insurance- JLT Ireland
JLT Ireland are the official brokers to our Insurance Scheme. JLT Ireland are passionate about sport at all levels – from amateur events to the world of elite athletics, with many years’ experience providing insurance solutions to International Sports Associations, NGBs, Clubs, Coaches and Athletes. Reductions in premiums of 10-20% have been achieved by members of the scheme. Contact Amanda Harton, 01-2026000, aharton@jlt.ie or visit the dedicated website: www.jltsport.ie
Legal Services- Leman Solicitors
Leman Solicitors are Sports Law specialists and represent government bodies, NGBs, clubs and athletes from every sporting code as well as businesses in the sports industry. Leman make it their business to know your sport and the legal needs that you require to be successful. Their expertise is reflected in invitations to lecture at the annual Law Society Sports Law Conference and at the UCD Sports Management degree programme. Leman offer members a discounted fee scale on services. Contact Larry Fenelon, 01-6393000, lfenelon@leman.ie or visit their website http://leman.ie/specialist-sectors/sports-law/
Audit and Accountancy- OSK
OSK are the official Audit and Accounting partner of the Federation of Irish Sport. OSK present a unique offering to FIS members through their accounting and financial expertise within their specialised sector. Currently, OSK work with a number of sporting organisations including Basketball Ireland, Swim Ireland, Canoeing Ireland and the Irish Orienteering Association. OSK offer members a 10% discount on services. Contact Deirdre McDermott, 01-4394360, mcdermottd@osk.ie or visit their website: http://www.osk.ie/sectors/sport.php
Print Supplier- Print Depot
With value more important than ever right now, Print Depot believe they offer the most cost-effective solution for conceiving, designing and printing your entire range of communications collateral, from brand identity to corporate literature, from brochure work to statement inserts, from direct mail to point of sale. Print Depot offer members a 10% discount. Contact Frank O’Donnell, 01 456 8592, frank@printdepot.ie or visit their website: www.printdepot.ie
Energy Partners- FutureFit
FutureFit works with sports organisations to help them understand where their energy costs are coming from and what to do to reduce them over time. They provide energy assessment, live-monitoring, project management and funding services as well as energy training and mentoring. They work with club representatives – to identify which actions, investments, technologies and processes best fit the clubs near and longer term goals while working with stakeholders to generate commitment and maintain progress and enthusiasm. FutureFit offer members a 10% discount on services. Contact Paul O’Connor directly, 086-3433368, paul@futurefit.ie or visit their website: www.futurefit.ie
Hotels- Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown (part of the Tifco Hotel Group)
Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown/Tifco– with Hotels in Dublin, Dundalk, Cork, Galway, Kerry, Enfield and Athlone- offer great deals on both room rates and function rooms for all your NGBs needs across Ireland. Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown/Tifco offer members a discount room rate on request by contacting Jennifer McKenna, 01-897 7741, jmckenna@cpblanchardstown.ie or visit their website: www.crowneplaza.com/Blanchardstown
FEDERATION OF IRISH SPORT SERVICES
Arbitration and Mediation- Just Sport Ireland
Just Sport Ireland was established by the Federation of Irish Sport in 2007, in response to the increasing prevalence of sporting litigation and the recognition, as endorsed by the High Court, that the courts are not the appropriate forum for the resolution of such disputes. From 2015 the Irish Sports Council will require all NGBs to have ADR within their rules as a condition of funding. JSI is an independent alternative dispute resolution service for Irish Sport offering both a mediation and arbitration service. Contact 01-6251155 registrar@justsport.ie or visit the website: www.justsport.ie
Garda Vetting- Federation of Irish Sport Garda Vetting Facility
The Federation established a Garda Vetting service, for sports organisations that do not have access to Garda vetting in 2013. It is anticipated that new legislation will be commenced in 2015 requiring all organisations vet their coaches/volunteers that have with access to children or vulnerable adults. Contact the Federation if you have any queries, 01-6251155, vetting@irishsport.ie or visit the website: www.irishsport.ie
If you have any queries or questions in relation to any of the Federation’s services please contact:
Emira O’Neill
Business Services Manager
01-6251155
emira.oneill@irishsport.ie
Jan 23, 2015
History of American Football in Ireland
The first game of American football in Ireland was first in Belfast in 1942 by two teams of U.S. servicemen to raise funds for the Red Cross. In 1947, a similar game was played in Croke Park between U.S servicemen returning from World War II – this is believed to be the first time a foreign sport was played in this historic stadium.
However American football kicked off in Ireland in the 1980’s when many TV networks started broadcasting NFL and college football games. This gave Irish fans more access to the sport than ever before, so much so that in 1984, a group of Irish American football fans were motivated to advertise for players in the local press – 65 people attended the first training session in the Phoenix Park in Dublin and Ireland’s first kitted football team, the Dublin Celts, was formed.
The Irish American Football League (IAFL) was formed in 1986 and 11 teams joined to play the first full season. At that time, the Shamrock Bowl champions earned a spot in the EuroBowl, the European Championships. The Dublin Celts won the Shamrock Bowl three years in a row and represented Ireland in the Eurobowl.
The sport went through various ups and downs during the 1990s before being re-launched in 2001. The IAFA is the NGB for the sport in Ireland and represents and manages the domestic leagues, officiating and coaching. IAFA also works on developing the scope of American football in Ireland and have both hosted US and European teams and competitions as well as working with other NGBs on major events such as the Croke Park Classic.
Growth of the sport
In 2003, the IAFA affiliated to the European Federation of American Football (EFAF) and gained ISC recognition in 2004. The noughties marked the start of a huge growth period for the sport. As recently as 2002 there were only 4 clubs and 120 participants active in the sport – now there are 20 senior clubs, 15 flag football teams and 6 junior teams. Active participation rates have increased to over 2,000 people.
As a result of our Development and Strategic plans, we have established programs to enable younger players to get involved in the sport. We have run a School Flag Football program for a number of years, for both male and female players, and we are in the process of starting a junior league for players aged 16-19.
American football is played in 64 countries worldwide including almost every country in Europe, where there are currently in excess of 120,000 registered participants in over 30 countries. As part of the development of the sport, we strive to make Ireland a major contender on the European and International scene, and as such have started to build a National team. We have also hosted a number of US and European clubs and competitions, including two European Championships and recurring fixtures with US and Canadian clubs. We also actively partner with other NGBs to bring other major fixtures to Ireland, such as with the GAA to host the past two Croke Park Classics.
About the game
American football is a physical and intense sport that on the face of it can be complex. However once the basics are understood it is a simple game to follow.
An American football team is divided into three sections – the Offense, Defense and Special Teams. The Offense’s objective is to move the ball down the field to score points. The Defense’s objective is to stop this happening, by either stealing possession or preventing the Offense from making at least 10 yards in 4 attempts. The Special Teams take the field when the ball is to be kicked, e.g. kick off, punts or field goals.
Scoring in American football has similarities to rugby. By a team’s offense getting the ball into the Endzone, they 6 points. The offense can then convert this by either kicking it through the posts to score one point, or attempting to run/pass it into the Endzone again for 2 points. At any time, and when close enough, an offense can also kick a field goal for three points.
While most fans of the sport are familiar with the NFL rules, throughout Europe, the NCAA rules are followed. These are the rules that are used in US College football.
Contact Football
There are 20 clubs competing in the full-contact Irish league across three divisions:
- The premier division, the SBC, has 10 teams over two Conferences, North and South. These teams compete for the Shamrock Bowl
- The IAFL1 division has 6 clubs and is for smaller or less experienced teams. The IAFL1 champion is promoted to the SBC
- The IAFL2 division has 4 clubs taking part and is designed for new teams to get experience before moving into a higher league. SBC clubs may also field 2nd teams in this league for their new players
Junior Football
The Junior Football league is a full-contact league for players age 16-19 and follows slightly modified NCAA rules . Junior Football is taking off throughout Europe and a lot of younger players are eager to get involved in the sport.
Flag Football
Flag Football is a non-contact version of American football and is similar in concept to Tag Rugby. Players wear a belt with two flags which the opposing team pulls to tackle them. In Ireland, 5-v-5 rules are used so teams would have one Quarterback, one Lineman and a combination of players to either run the football or receive a pass. Flag football is a fantastic way to get into the sport and enables both male and female players to take part – this is why we use it in schools. Last year we also introduced the first adult flag football league.
Achievements
IAFA have hosted the Western European Championships, the Atlantic Cup, in 2010 and again in 2013 as part of The Gathering Dublin. The Atlantic Cup brings clubs from Ireland, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxemburg.
IAFA worked with the GAA, who hosted last year’s Croke Park Classic between Penn State and UCF. Over 53,000 spectators packed Croke Park to watch these two titans of US college football play one of the opening fixtures of the NCAA league, which is believed to be a record for the most spectators at an NCAA game outside of the US.
2015 – What lies in store?
2015 is expected to be a huge year for IAFA. As well as the inaugural Junior Football and Flag Football leagues, we also have the highest number of teams ever playing full contact senior football. On top of this, IAFA has established a National programme with a view to taking on an International side later this year.
Are you up for the Challenge?
Our clubs are always looking for new players, so if you want to play a sport that is different and exciting, please check out our website or Facebook page or contact us at info@americanfootball.ie
Email: info@americanfootball.ie
Website: www.americanfootball.ie
Social: www.facebook.com/iafaireland, www.twitter.com/iafaireland
