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International Optimist Class Association UK Chair of the Selection Committee

Role title: International Optimist Class Association UK Chair of the Selection Committee

Type: Voluntary, reasonable expenses reimbursed

Reporting to: The Class Committee via the Chair

Working with: RYA Selector, and Class appointed independent Selector  

Date: September 2026

Role: 

  • To Chair the selection committee also comprising of an RYA representative and The IOCA Independent Selector (a panel of 3), ensuring all selection decisions are collective, minuted, evidenced against published criteria and documented.
  • To lead an independent, transparent, and objective Selection Committee to protect the sailors, Committee members, the Class and other stakeholders.
  • To implement the Selection policies and as appropriate provide the details of sailors selected for Squads and Teams to the Class Training or Teams officer and the Class administrator.
  • To arrange publication all of applications for discretionary places, to arrange discussion of such applications within the Selection Committee and then publish the outcome.
  • To implement the Selection Policy for coaches, assessing and recommending appointments to the Class Committee.
  • To develop, propose and amend selection policies

Requirements:

  • Governance & Compliance: An understanding of sports governance principles, preferably in the context of junior or youth sports.
  • Conflict Resolution & Mediation: Proven ability to remain impartial and objective under pressure. Experience in handling objections, appeals, or sensitive stakeholder relationships is essential.
  • Administration: Demonstrable experience in project management or committee administration. You must be comfortable producing formal agendas, meeting minutes, and clear, evidence-based reports.
  • Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate decisions to parents and stakeholders with clarity, empathy, and professional firmness.
  • Class Knowledge: Understanding of the Optimist Class, its racing calendar, and international team pathways, without current personal involvement.
  • Independence: The Chair of the Selection Committee must hold no other elected nor appointed roles within IOCA (UK) to prevent actual or perceived conflicts of interest. The Chair must have no direct personal interest in selection outcomes (e.g., must not have children or grandchildren currently participating in the Class).

Time Commitment & location:

  • Meetings: UK In-person or remote Selection Committee meetings from time to time through the year.
  • Events: Attendance at Selection Trials April/May period.
  • Contactable by Committee members and members from time to time.
  • Location: Remote / Flexible across the UK, with reimbursement for travel to major events and key meetings

Additional Information:

The Chair of Selector often takes an interest in the demographic makeup of the Class. With the help of the other members of the selection committee the Chair can advise the Class to help it meet its objective to provide appropriate training opportunities for the Class at all levels.

Whilst the Chair of Selectors must not have any close connections to current sailors in the class it is also important that they have a good working knowledge of the Class and its events and teams.

The Chair attends the Selection Trials and may attend other National events. The Class pays reasonable expenses for this activity.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit a brief expression of interest detailing relevant experience and vision for the role to the Vice-Chair at email vicechair@optimist.org.uk

IOCA UK is committed to safeguarding children. All committee and official appointments are subject to appropriate background checks, including enhanced DBS verification.

The RYA is committed to equality of opportunity.

As an equal opportunity and disability confident employer, we celebrate and welcome diversity in all its forms and believe that a diverse workforce boosts innovation, productivity, and creativity.

We are dedicated to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion and strive to be an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone can be their authentic selves. We would particularly encourage applications from ethnically diverse candidates who are currently underrepresented at the RYA.