RYA Youth Racing Committee

RYA Youth Racing Committee Vacancy

The Youth Racing Committee (YRC) is the volunteer group that work with RYA staff to guide the delivery of RYA Junior and Youth racing activity (e.g Regional Training Groups, RYA Championship/National events and Youth Squads) – all of which sit under the British Youth Sailing (BYS) programme.

We’re made up of members from a variety of backgrounds with experience as sailors, parents, class association committee members, coaches, race officials and members of industry.

YRC is now recruiting for an additional member to join the committee. Appointments are for three years, with a maximum two-term limit.

More about the committee

The YRC is a policy-forming sub-committee of the RYA Racing Committee (RC); responsible for setting policy, advising, challenging and liaising with RYA staff within BYS. YRC has authority in a number of areas including:

1. To work with the RYA British Youth Sailing staff, and key Class Associations, Recognised Clubs and volunteers to:
   a) encouraging more sailors to start racing
   b) creating and promoting a pathway to success
   c) increasing the number of Junior and Youth racers
   d) ensuring equality of opportunity
   e) supporting the progression of youth sailors to other classes and disciplines.
2. Increase the retention of Junior and Youth Racers and enable them to enjoy a lifetime within the sport.
3. Provide oversight, feedback and long term perspective of major RYA Junior and Youth Championships, i.e.; RYA Youth Nationals, ET Championships, Youth & Junior Team Racing Championships & BYS Regional Junior Championships;
4. Recommend Youth Sailor disciplinary policy and procedures;
5. Agree RYA Youth Sailing submissions to World Sailing in consultation with other relevant groups and committees, and to review and make recommendations on other countries’ Youth submissions, and to submit these drafts and recommendations to the RC;
6. Liaise as appropriate with the Chairs of other specialist groups to ensure a smooth progression to other disciplines and international representation in specialist international championships and regattas;
7. Determine the RYA British Youth Sailing Class & Club Recognition framework and make recommendations regarding Class recognition to the RC;

Commitment Required

The RYA YRC usually meets 4 times per annum at RYA House, Hamble or remotely, however much of the day to day discussion and review of documentation and policy is conducted by e-mail.

The YRC fulfils a key function within British Youth Sailing and active participation and commitment to attend meetings is essential. Members are reimbursed for any associated expenses at standard RYA rates. 

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for candidates that provide a diverse range of experiences across our sport. We encourage interested candidates to get in touch (see below) to discuss relevant experiences.

The committee aims to be balanced across the following competency list but do not expect an individual committee member to be an expert in each part!

1. Knowledge of the performance sport, and competitive Sailboat/board racing, including:
   a) Team Racing
   b) Match Racing
   c) Keelboat Sailing
   d) One-design and development class racing
   e) Multihull Sailing
   f) Club Racing
   g) Competitive Windsurfing/Windfoiling
   h) Junior and Youth international sailing competition
   i) Kiteboarding/Kitefoiling
2. Working with class associations/volunteer organisations;
3. An understanding of the climate of Performance Sport and its implications within the Youth Racing framework;
4. Setting, reviewing, and assessing the impact of policy usually prepared by department staff;
5. Ability to deal with emotive subjects in an objective way;
6. An understanding of the importance of parental involvement and its implications;
7. Awareness of the challenges of working with children and young people, including an understanding of the issues surrounding child protection;
8. A working knowledge of other Racing Groups, Committees and the RYA Board;
9. A familiarity with the following groups:
   a) Top Youth sailors and their parents,
   b) Junior sailors and their parents,
   c) The RYA Recognised Junior & Youth Class Associations,
   d) [Some of] The British Youth Sailing Recognised Clubs,
   e) International Junior and Youth events

Process of Application

• Candidates express interest in the vacancies by e-mail via olivia.risk@rya.org.uk
• Candidates will then receive by e-mail by return a contact details form and a request for a sailing CV and how they are involved in the marine/sailing industry, and a candidate competency questionnaire.
• Deadline: Open until vacancy filled.
• The Chair, in consultation with staff, will then liaise with candidates by e-mail/phone as soon as possible to progress and assess applications as is consistent with the terms of reference.