Annual General Meeting 2022 and Board Nominations
Annual General Meeting 2022 and Board Nominations
The JudoScotland annual general meeting (AGM) 2022, will take place on Saturday 29th October 2022.
Nominations
In advance of this year’s AGM and in line with the current Articles of Association (the Articles), we hereby give notice that nominations will be sought for the following positions:
- Chair of the Board and;
- Two (2) Non-Executive Directors.
Please find a job description and person specification for the above position(s). This should provide prospective candidates with relevant background information on the roles currently available.
Nomination Process
In terms of the nomination procedure:
- Nominations for any position on the Board must be received in the Company office no less than thirty days prior to the Annual General Meeting (AGM). For the avoidance of doubt, all nominations should be received by 1630 hours on Thursday 29 September 2022;
- Each nomination should be supported and endorsed by two JudoScotland Member Clubs and;
- Each individual nomination should take the form of a ‘pen portrait’ of the candidate.
Please note that the above position(s) are not suitable for anyone disqualified from holding a Directorship in a Limited Company.
Pen Portrait Submission
In previous years, we have been asked for broad guidance around the submission of the ‘pen portrait’ for aspirant members of the Board. To look towards ensuring uniformity and equality, we would appreciate that any submitted ‘pen portraits’ do not exceed two (2) pages of A4 paper in length.
Aspirant Board members can submit a document of their own design, or alternatively, we have supplied a pro-forma template that individuals may wish to utilise and submit:
All nomination forms received that meet the requirements of the Articles will be issued to member Clubs as part of the formal notice of the AGM, to be sent at least fourteen days prior to the date of the AGM.
News From the Chair
A Brief update from the Chair of some key events and recent news from August
Hi Judo Community,
Some exciting news as we are now moving into a different period for JudoScotland.
Currently, our main focus is the development of our Strategic Plan for the next 4 years. The process is already well underway, with a survey having been sent out to all members. This was followed up by an online consultation session with members of the judo community. I would like to thank you for the incredible response we have had. Thanks to all of those who took part. A special mention to Keira Ansell, Shishi Kai Club who, to the best of my knowledge, and at the age of 11, is the youngest JudoScotland member to have participated in such a conversation. Keira contributed some valuable – and well-thought-through - ideas and suggestions. Thank you, Keira.
During our recent Board of Directors meeting on 23rd August, we welcomed our new, Independent Director, Jodie Cox. She is a dual-qualified solicitor with experience in sports litigation – and her current role is Legal Case Manager at the International Tennis Integrity Agency. Her skills are a valuable addition to the Board and she has already added value in helping us put together our new, proposed Articles. Thanks Jodie.
Another piece of good news. I would also like to announce that the Board of Directors wanted to mark the significant contribution that both Ronnie Saez and Tam Brown have made to Scottish Judo. Lifetime membership for each of them was approved this August in recognition of the great amounts of hard work and dedication they have shown over the years to our sport. Well done both – much deserved!
Thanks also go to Andy Ramage, member of the Scottish Judo Community. During the Edinburgh Festival, he kindly invited a group of ‘auld judoka’ from JudoScotland and British Judo to his Japanese Restaurant just off the Pleasance and provided us with fantastic hospitality. Andy is closing this much-loved venue down, after many years, and we wish him and his family all the best for the future.
And finally, as the new academic year gets underway our numbers are continuing to grow – with membership back to 91% of pre-covid levels. I would like to congratulate our coaches, clubs and JudoScotland staff for their efforts in developing our sport and increasing membership. Judith, myself and the JudoScotland team are all looking forward to spending the day with many of you at The Scottish All Stars Championship this Sunday at Ravenscraig. I will let you know how it all goes in next month’s report.
Marc Preston
JudoScotland Chair
JudoScotland Appoints New Independent Director
JudoScotland is pleased to announce that Jodie Cox will be joining the Board as an independent director.
As Legal Case Manager at the International Tennis Integrity Agency, Jodie brings a wealth of knowledge to the legal and governance side of JudoScotland Board Activity. A keen sportswoman and sports volunteer herself, she also brings expertise in anti-corruption, disciplinary procedures, and anti-doping. Jodie is also an Independent Disciplinary Panel Member for Scottish Athletics.
On her appointment to the Board, Jodie commented “I am thrilled to be joining the JudoScotland Board as an Independent Director. The unique and exciting opportunity to actively participate in an organisation responsible for the anti-corruption, discipline and anti-doping within the sport in Scotland, will allow me to bring my experience and knowledge at an independent international sporting body to a national governing body. As someone who is passionate about sport, I strive to make a difference and that is what I hope to do by being on the Board. I am really looking forward to helping shape JudoScotland as we currently move into a new strategic cycle and continue the growth of the sport in Scotland.”
Marc Preston, JudoScotland Chair added “Jodie, who is originally from Carnoustie, will bring a lot to the Board as a dual-qualified solicitor with experience in the sports sector, – and her current role as Legal Case Manager at the International Tennis Integrity Agency. Her skills will be a valuable addition to our Board and make us a stronger team.”
Jodie's appointment coincides with an exciting time for JudoScotland as we look to shape the new strategic plan for 2023 -2027.
2022 Coaching & Volunteering Awards Open for Nominations
Is there someone at your club who continually goes above and beyond? Now’s the time to say thank you with the JudoScotland Coaching and Volunteering Awards!
JudoScotland are delighted to announce that the 2022 Coaching and Volunteering Awards are open for nominations! We are pleased to re-introduce our Coaching and Volunteering Awards for 2022 after a 2-year break from the pandemic! Our 8 award categories provide a unique opportunity to share the stories and celebrate those that have contributed to Judo in Scotland over the past 12 months.
Community Coach Award
The Community Coach Awards is for a coach who has supported the development of judoka and has significantly increased the Judo opportunities available and participation levels within their community.
Things to consider before you nominate:
- What does your coach do to make sessions enjoyable, safe and inclusive?
- How does your community club coach go above and beyond?
- Have they made your club part of the local community are they linked with schools or community groups? Perhaps providing sessions for specific groups within your community?
Disability Coach Award
The Disability Coach Award will be made to a coach working with people with a disability. We are looking for an individual who can evidence person-centred development leading to successful performance and/or sustained participation of those taking part.
Things to consider before you nominate:
- How does your coach create sessions that are enjoyable, safe and inclusive?
- What has your coach done to develop as a coach in order to meet the needs of those on the mat, do they look at opportunities to continually develop as a coach?
- Has your coach helped those taking part reach their potential?
Technical Official/Referee of The Year
The Technical Official of the Year Award will be presented to an Official or Referee aged 26 years or above who has demonstrated hard work and dedication to the role and the competition structure in Judo.
Things to consider before you nominate:
- Do they go above and beyond the role at events to help develop Judo in Scotland?
- Are they committed to evolving in the role and willing to take part in professional development?
- How has the person inspired participants and peers, are they passionate about helping others progress on the officiating pathway?
Pathway Coach of The Year
The Pathway Coach of The Year award will be made to a coach who has supported the development of judoka, significantly increasing the Judo opportunities available and achievement levels within their community.
Things to consider before you nominate:
- Does the coach regularly deliver quality sessions that enable those taking part in the sport to progress?
- Has the coach provided appropriate opportunities and experience, such as training camps, that support the development of the judoka?
- What have they done to support the holistic development of judoka? Looking at the physical, technical and behavioural development of the judoka?
Volunteer Award
This award will be made to a volunteer in a non-coaching role, aged 26 years or more, who has made an outstanding contribution to their club, the wider judo community or to the development of judo.
Things to consider before you nominate:
- Does your club volunteer continually go above and beyond organising the Summer BBQ, collating event entries or supporting club admin?
- Do they inspire and act as a positive role model within the club?
Young Coach Award
The Young Coach award will be made to a coach aged 25 years or younger. This award looks for young people who have invested in their development as a coach and have made a significant impact on the people they coach. The club will be a better place for having them in the team.
Things to consider before you nominate:
- What makes this young coach such a positive role model?
- What have they done to help those taking part reach their potential?
- Has the coach invested time and energy into their development by attending events such as The Gathering or looking at further study to develop their coaching?
Young Official Award
This award will be made to a Technical Official or Referee aged 25 years or younger, and recognises the hard work and dedication that these roles make to the competition structure; providing fantastic opportunities and experiences in judo.
Things to consider before you nominate:
- Do they go above and beyond the role at events to help develop Judo in Scotland?
- Are they committed to evolving in the role and willing to take part in professional development?
- How has the person inspired participants and peers, are they passionate about helping others progress on the officiating pathway?
Young Volunteer Award
This award will be made to a volunteer in a non-coaching role, aged 25 years or under who has made an outstanding contribution to their club or the wider judo community.
Things to consider before you nominate:
- Does your club volunteer continually go above and beyond organising the Summer BBQ, collating event entries or supporting club admin?
- Do they inspire and act as a positive role model within the club?
Anyone can nominate and celebrate the amazing work of the individuals that make our sport so special!
The closing date is Friday 30th September 2022
If you require the nomination form in a different format or require help in the completion of the form please contact rosannawood@judoscotland.com or call 0131 333 2981.
Five Scottish Judo Coaches Pass IJF Academy UCJI
Five Scottish Judo Coaches have passed the IJF Academy Level 1 Instructor and Undergraduate Certificate Judo Instructor (UCJI). Lee Calder, Chris Barry, Louise Renicks, Gary Edwards, and Euan Burton successfully completed the 13-week course which concluded with a week-long practical exam based at British Judo's National Training Centre in Walsall.
The UCJI, which is a new course for coaches to develop skills and explore techniques with IJF Academy experts saw 31 participants from 8 different countries take part. The course which took place over 13 weeks with continual theoretical examinations and a weeklong practical assessment of the execution of judo techniques, concluded this weekend.
Louise Renicks, who is currently participating in the British Judo Elite Coach Development Programme commented "The Course highlighted the dedication of each of the coaches to their craft.” She added “Everyone was there to support and motivate each other. Although hard work, it was a lot of fun and a great networking opportunity."
JudoScotland National Talent Development Coach, Gary Edwards reflected "This is the future for Judo Coaching, it took coaching back to the basics of Judo. It was a phenomenal course that took every coach on a journey and it is probably the best thing I have ever done as a coach."
JudoScotland would like to offer our congratulations to all Judoka who participated and passed this course, and we look forward to seeing how the learnings will trickle down into Scottish Judo.
Monica Lennon MSP launches Health and Wellbeing for all at Hamilton Judo Club!
Monica Lennon MSP launches Health and Wellbeing for all at Hamilton Judo Club!
The impact of COVID-19 has been felt across the sports industry. To improve students‘ and parents' mental health and physical well-being, the disability Lead coach at Hamilton Judo Club, John D’Ambrosio has started a Health and Well-being session for adults of all ages and fitness levels, that includes active and regular exercises. While the parents of the disability /ASN students were invited and offered a safe space to talk about their concerns and share opinions.
On Tuesday 24th August Monica Lennon attended the club with Coreen Fulton, PA/diary secretary. Later, Stephen Sweeney CEO of VASLan joined the Wellbeing session. It was a great time for everyone, parents and coaches to talk to Monica and Stephen while Monica graciously presented one of the ASN students with his first grade.
The JudoScotland 2023-27 Strategy Consultation
Help us to shape the future of Judo in Scotland!
JudoScotland wants your views to help us shape an ambitious and exciting strategy for 2023-27.
Growing & developing the number of people involved in judo whilst contributing to a better society underpins the work that JudoScotland does.
By providing your input, you can help us focus on the areas where support is needed most, and where we can influence the greatest impact.
There are several ways you can get involved:
- We have an online survey open until 28th August and strongly encourage you to participate. The survey should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete and is anonymous. Click here to take part. Summaries of our surveys and feedback will be shared with our membership as we continue to shape our strategy.
- We will also be hosting an interactive session to generate discussion and ideas for consideration. Our online session will take place on Wednesday 24th August from 7-8 pm. Booking is essential and will close on Tuesday 23rd August at 5 pm. Book your space here.
If you require the survey in an accessible format please contact rosannawood@judoscotland.com.
Kana Ebinuma Joins the Line Up for The Gathering 2022
JudoScotland is delighted to announce that two-time World Team Champion, two-time All Japan Champion, three times Grand Slam Champion and IJF World Masters Champion Kana Ebinuma will be joining the Line up for The Gathering 2022.
She will join an already stand-out line up including her husband and three-time World Champion Masashi Ebinuma. As well as The Gathering favourite Neil Adams MBE 9th Dan, Greg Valentine the lead physical preparation coach for JudoScotland and the sportscotland institute of sport, Dr Andy Dalziell, a child development specialist who co-designed the Better Movers & Thinkers programme.
Due to the popularity of this event, we have now sold out of residential spaces, however, we still have a limited number of weekend and day tickets available. Largs has a number of local offsite accommodation options so that you can still make the most of The Gathering 2022. Click here for more information.
News From the Chair
Hi all,
A slight delay in this month’s Chairman’s statement, but given certain other events competing for your attention, I decided to wait until after the Commonwealth Games to give my update.
And on that very topic, I’d like to congratulate the entire Scottish team and coaching staff led by Team Manager Euan Burton for doing Scotland proud. Our judoka, every single one of whom fought their hearts out. Personally, I’d like to say a very well done to all – and especially to Sarah Adlington, Finlay Allan, Malin Wilson and Rachel Tytler for medalling.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Judith McCleary and her team at JudoScotland for the incredible amount of work they did to coordinate all the various facets of the Games.
One such event was an evening we hosted for 75 guests at ‘Scotland House’ on Sunday. It was attended by JudoScotland colleagues, sportscotland, members of the BJA, representatives of the home nations and other commonwealth countries – as well as some of our athletes and their families. A grand time was had by all!
British Judo also hosted an event at the Games: this time for proud Scot, Colin McIver, who’s announced that he’s stepping down from his position at BJA. As most of you probably know, Colin was a first-class competitor, Chief Executive of JudoScotland for many years, manager of a highly successful Olympic team and, latterly, worked for a long period with British Judo. Many of the directors and professional staff from JudoScotland attended his leaving do – and all of us thank Colin for his exceptional contribution to judo in this country over the years and wish him all the very best in his retirement.
Special congratulations also go to Rick Kenney who has been re-elected as President of the Commonwealth Judo Association for another term.
Away from the Commonwealth Games, can I bring your attention to a brand new event in the JudoScotland Calendar – the Scottish All Stars Championship, which is set to launch at Ravenscraig on 4th September. This is a brand new type of tournament. By attending, Judoka can learn what it means to compete, to fight and to be challenged – but will also come away inspired, as the event will be delivered in a fun and very engaging way. All participants will be rewarded for displaying one of the judo values – courage – in stepping up and trying something different. We’re hoping that the All Stars Championship will become a permanent feature in our events calendar.
And finally, a couple of JudoScotland announcements.
First of all, we’re about to renew and upgrade our CARE system – which I know will make our officials, coaches and players extremely happy! And secondly, it’s great to be able to announce that we’re building up and strengthening the team in the office, and so I’d like to welcome along two new JudoScotland colleagues, Anna Hunter and Daria Fedorenko who will be joining the Business Support Team.
To sign off I wish you and yours a great summer and look forward to catching up with you in the very near future.
Regards Marc Preston, Chairman
Two Medals for Team Scotland on Day Three of The Commonwealth Games Judo
Another exciting day for Team Scotland Judo at Coventry Arena as Sarah Adlington retains her Commonwealth title winning Gold in the +78kg and Rachel Tytler winning Bronze in the -78kg at her first ever Games.
Sarah Adlington managed to retain her title as Commonwealth Game +78kg Champion! The first Scottish Judoka to retain a Commonwealth title, beating Tulika Maan of India in the final. She wins this title 8 years after years on since she first claimed it in Glasgow in 2014!
A fantastic start to the day for Sarah, beating Dianah Kana of Kenya by Nippon in the quarter-final. Sarah was able to secure her place in the +78kg finals by beating Abigail Paduch of Australia with a Waza-Ari.
It was a tough start to the day for Rachel Tytler (-78kg) as she lost out to England’s Emma Reid, who would later win gold, in the first round of the contest. However, she was able to make a come back in the repechage as she beat Hayley Mackay of New Zealand by Ippon taking her into the bronze medal fight. Moving into the Bronze medal fight Rachel faced Coralie Godbout of Canada, where she won by ippon within the first 30 seconds. An incredible achievement for this Commonwealth debutant.
It was also a difficult first round for Andrew McWatt in the +100kg as he lost out to Australia’s Liam Park. Moving into the repechage he was able to beat Giannis Antoniou of Cyprus by ippon moving him into the bronze medal fight. Unfortunately, Andrew closely missed out on a bronze medal losing out to Sebastien Perrinne of Mauritius by a Waza-Ari.
That marks the end of the Judo for Birmingham 2022. We would like to congratulate all Scottish Judoka on the tremendous achievement of qualifying for the team and their performance throughout the tournament. All 11 Judoka have done Scotland proud!