The US Olympic Committee extend DeVry Education Group

The United States Olympic Committee have announced the extension of its partnership with DeVry Education Group, try a global provider of educational services.

DeVry Group will continue as an official education provider of Team USA through 2020.

Specifically, anesthetist DeVry University and its Keller Graduate School of Management will provide undergraduate and graduate educational opportunities, a dedicated support staff and scholarship awards totaling $13.5 million between 2011 and 2020 to Team USA student athletes.

Read more HERE.

Rugby Sevens Series Set for Record Broadcast Coverage

The 2015-16 rugby Sevens Series will set a record for broadcast coverage, according to World Rugby.

Rugby’s governing body estimate the new series will 400 million homes in 144 nations in 12 different languages.

In addition to the live output, World Rugby’s official highlights programme is set to air on some new free-to-air broadcasters, ITV4 showing highlights in the UK for the first time with deals pending in further territories.

More info HERE.

LaLiga Chief Tebas Says Spanish League Game Could be Played Overseas

By Christian Radnedge

Javier Tebas, unhealthy the head of La Liga, symptoms admits that it is a strong possibility that there will be a regular Spanish league season fixture played abroad in the future.

The idea of an overseas game has been suggested by La Liga club representatives in the past. Now it seems that the league itself is on board, though not in the immediate future.

“Definitely not in the short term,” Tebas said at the Leaders Sports Business Summit in London. “In the medium term, yes it is quite possible we will have cup matches or even La Liga matches abroad.”

The Spaniard spoke about the league’s desire to grow the brand in markets such as China and south east Asia as a whole.

That may help with sponsorship opportunities, though Tebas was not concerned on that front saying that they have a number of companies ready to take the place of current La Liga title sponsor BBVA who announced last month that they are to end their partnership with the league at the end of the current season.

BBVA have been associated with the top two tiers of Spanish football since 2008. But Tebas was not worried about finding a replacement.

He said: “We will continue with this model of having one title sponsor. After BBVA announced they were to end their partnership, I already had calls from three interested parties. So we are not worried”.

Tebas also sought to assure worried football fans that in the event of Catalonia becoming an independent nation state, the El Clasico would continue for many years.

Barcelona lies in the Catalonia region where some local government officials have pushed for a referendum to separate from Spain.

However, Tebas said a way would be found to keep La Liga champions Barcelona in the league.

“In the ‘impossible’ case of a unilateral secession Spanish law does not allow clubs from other countries to play in its league,” he said. “It only allows one country; Andorra, whose clubs play in the Spanish league.

“So, in this ‘impossible’ case there would have been an agreement so you can be sure we will have Real Madrid v Barcelona for many years to come.”

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Howard Webb to join Dutch FA in reviewing Video Refereeing at Soccerex

Two of the most influential voices on the future of refereeing will be addressing delegates at this year’s Soccerex Global Convention, 7 – 9 September, Manchester, UK.

World renowned former referee, Howard Webb will be joining Dutch FA (KNVB) Operations Director, Gijs de Jong, on a specialist panel looking at the impact of technology on refereeing and, in particular, the revolutionary role video assistants can play in supporting the on-the-pitch officials.

De Jong is responsible for the KNVB’s “Refereeing 2.0 ” project, a two year pilot scheme launched  in 2013, with the aim of creating fair and sporting  football matches at all levels, through high-quality refereeing. The project centred on the evaluation of goal-line technology, 5th and 6th match officials and a pioneering trial of the use of a video assistant.

The trial saw matches monitored across the Eredivisie, with clearly defined protocols limiting the moments evaluated to those which are directly related to key decisions such as red card incidents, penalties and goal-scoring opportunities and a limit of 15 seconds in which interventions could be implemented. Of the 24 matched monitored in the 2013-14 season, it was found that 76 incidents fitted the protocol and the referee’s verdict would have been overturned in 24 cases.

The KNVB presented their proposal to IFAB in February this year and, although the board failed to reach agreement on the sanctioning of a live trial, the KNVB remains committed to championing the introduction of video assistants with De Jong stating “The KNVB firmly believes that video replays are the future in football, so we’re keen to develop this”.

Speaking alongside De Jong on this important topics, will be Howard Webb, arguably England’s finest ever referee. Webb officiated in the Premier League for over a decade and took charge of some of the biggest matches in football including the finals of both the UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup in 2010.

Soccerex CEO, Duncan Revie commented “Technology has improved so many aspects of football and football business and refereeing is no different. In a few years I am sure the pioneering work of Gijs and the Dutch FA will be looked back on as pivotal to the way the game has developed.”

“I am also delighted to welcome back Howard – as one of the most respected referees of his generation, he witnessed the introduction of goal line technology during his career and his insight into what technology might do to further support the decision making process on the pitch will be fascinating.”

The panel “Video Technology and the Future of Refereeing” is just part of a market leading conference programme at the Soccerex Global Convention addressing the most topical issues affecting the governance, regulation and business behind the beautiful game.

Webb and De Jong join an impressive and diverse list of expert speakers that already includes Davor Suker, Croatia Football Federation President and UEFA Executive Committee member, Don Garber, MLS Commissioner, Ian Ritchie, Rugby Football Union CEO, Dave Kaval, San Jose Earthquakes President and Simon Timson, UK Sport Performance Director.

The Soccerex Global Convention brings together over 3000 of football’s elite over three days of a thought provoking conference programme packed with business insight, alongside a market-leading international exhibition and extensive networking. A programme of social events completes the schedule for what is widely acknowledged as the world’s leading football business event.

The Convention is preceded by the Soccerex Football Festival, 5-6 September at The Old Granada Studios in Manchester. The two day free-to-attend event will combine the UK Football Freestyle Championships with a legends three v three tournament refereed by Howard Webb, a panna cage, interactive gaming, music and community initiatives to create the UK’s largest urban football festival.

For more information on Soccerex please visit http://www.soccerex.com/events/global-convention/2015, call +44 (0)20 8987 5522 or email us at enquiry@soccerex.com.

Delhi Put Forward to Replace Hanoi as Host of 2019 Asian Games

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is seeking government support to put forward Dehli as the potential host for the 2019 Asian Games.

A new host is being looked for after Vietnam’s Hanoi withdrew their hosting righrs due to a lack of preparation and worries over cost.

Speaking to the Press Trust of India news agency, viagra IOA Secretary General Rajeev Mehta said: “We want to host the 2019 Asian Games after Vietnam’s withdrawal. We will take a final decision in an IOA general body meeting which will be held most likely next month.

“We are waiting for the new government to be formed and hoping to get its approval. We have all the infrastructure in Delhi. I feel it’s a matter of getting government approval.”

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) will appoint the host city and when asked if the IOA had spoken to them, pharm Mehta unofficial talks had taken place, but the new Indian government was needed first.

The OCA is set to make a decision on September 20 during the Incheon Asian Games, with Indonesia and Chinese Taipei  being reported as possible 2019 hosts

Ian Ayre and Garry Cook Join Directors’ Club London Panel

iSportconnect is delighted to announce that Liverpool FC Managing Director Ian Ayre and Garry Cook, the Vice President and Managing Director of UFC Europe, Middle East and Asia, have joined the panel for the next Directors’ Club event in London.

iSportconnect Directors’ Clubs are exclusive events where a specially invited audience can offer questions to speakers through a ‘Question Time’ style panel, followed by networking. The next event, in association with Havas Sports & Entertainment, will be held in London on 27 March.

Ayre and Cook will be joined by Bill Sweeney, the new Chief Executive Officer of the British Olympic Association (BOA).

Ayre joined Liverpool FC in 2007 as the club’s Commercial Director and is credited with securing a lucrative shirt sponsorship deal with Standard Chartered Bank – a deal which is believed to be one of the biggest in football. He became the Managing Director of the club in 2011 and has since seen the club return to the top end of the Premier League table.

Cook joined the UFC in September 2012 as the Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Europe, Middle East and Africa. His role is to spearhead the competition’s overseas growth. Prior to this, Cook was the CEO of Manchester City FC and was at the helm when the club won the FA Cup and Premier League. Cook also worked for sportswear giants Nike between 1996 and 2008 and therefore has a wealth of experience in the sport industry.

Speaking of the new panellists, Sree Varma, CEO and Founder of iSportconnect said: “I am very excited to be able to welcome Ian Ayre and Garry Cook to our panel. Both of them have had long and successful careers in sport business and it is a great pleasure to have them join us.

“We have four very strong panellists for our Directors’ Club and I am convinced that this will be the best one yet.”

Invitation Policy: iSportconnect Directors’ Club is an invitation only event open exclusively for chief executives, chairmen and director level executives from governing bodies, sports teams and sponsorship brands.

To register your interest please contact Matthias Moulin at matthias.moulin@isportconnect.com

Visit the official iSportconnect Directors’ Club website: http://www.directorsclub.biz/

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Brazil Suffers Setback as Rio Anti-Doping Lab Loses Accreditation

The anti-doping laboratory in Rio de Janeiro has had its accreditation revoked by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

The news is embarrassing to Brazil who host the World Cup next year and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

WADA stated that the laboratory did not comply with the International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) and that the revocation will come to be on September 25.

WADA said the lab ‘will no longer be authorised to carry out the testing of doping control samples on behalf of WADA or any testing authority, nurse ’ since the suspension that was imposed on August 8 remains valid.

The laboratory can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21 days.

Ofcom to Launch Investigation after BT Complain About Sky Sports TV Supply

UK telecoms regulator Ofcom will start an investigation into BSkyB regarding the supply of its sports channels to their rivals.

The investigation comes after a complaint by BT who have launched their own sport channel and look set to seriously challenge Sky’s dominance in the UK pay-TV sports market.

Ofcom will investigate the terms set out by Sky when offering Sky Sports 1 and 2 for BT to then offer though YouView.

BT say Sky are making the channels available on condition that BT make theirs available on Sky, buy something they say is ‘unreasonable.’

A BT statement read: “We are pleased Ofcom has decided to open an investigation as we believe Sky has behaved in an unreasonable and discriminatory manner.

“This is because they have refused to provide Sky Sports 1 and 2 to BT on YouView on fair terms whilst providing them to other pay-TV retailers such as TalkTalk.”

Complaint has no merit says Sky

However Sky have described BT’s complaint as to ‘be entirely without merit’ and added they would ‘look forward to engaging constructively with Oficam.’

BT has the rights to 38 Premier League football matches in the coming season and has made their channels free to customers on BT broadband.

They also have the rights to football in Germany, buy France, Italy and Brazil, as well as Aviva Premiership Rugby and many other sports.

Damian Irvine Walks Out of Cronulla Sharks after Doping Gaffe, Glenn Coleman Becomes Chairman

Damian Irvine has quit his post as chairman of National Rugby League (NRL) club Cronulla Sharks amid anti-doping investigations.

Irvine had been the centre of controversy after telling a newspaper that Sharks players had been injected with ‘equine substances.’

The revelation left Irvine in an untenable position with the players and his board, and board deputy chairman Keith Ward had said serious management failures were to blame when they departed with coach Shane Flanagan and sacked four football club staff.

Although Ward said those sackings were not to do with doping activities, Irvine admitted his comments did not help.

Stepping down, Irvine said: “I don’t think it did (help). And I’m honest it’s been a period of time of extreme pressure and strain for a lot of people.

“That conversation I had I won’t back away from it. But it wasn’t an interview in a calm situation. It was a middle of the night conversation after quite a bit of badgering. It wasn’t sensible to make those comments and I’ll take responsibility for those.

“I feel my presence at the club may prove be to an obstacle in allowing those affected by the decisions made by the board last week to move forward.

“As a result I’m standing down as chairman of the board of directors today.

“The club needs some time to investigate and plan the way forward without added distraction.

“There’s been ill-informed speculation recently reporting the motivation and reasoning of the board’s strong action last Friday.

“Self-interest was the furthest thing from the minds of the directors when they took the tough decisions they took last week.

“I believe we made the right decision for the right reasons.”

Board member Glenn Coleman will replace Irvine as chairman, the club have confirmed.

Coleman joined the Board of Directors at the beginning of the year, played 123 first grade games for the Sharks and 216 grade matches in total in an 11 season playing career that spanned from 1984 to 1994.

Coleman said: “The board has thanked Damian for his life-long contribution to the Sharks and wish to publicly acknowledge his wholehearted efforts during his four years as Chairman.
“Damian’s time in the Chairmanship was characterised by selfless commitment, enormous dedication and an infectious passion and vision for the team and the Club.

“Critically, he oversaw the achievement of the property approvals which will result in a $400 million development on Club-owned land. The Club’s share of this development will ensure its financial security and has already resulted in a $10 million reduction in debt.

“Damian’s single-minded determination has always been to act in the best interests of the players and this Club. He has kept fighting for the Sharks when others said it was too tough.

“Anyone who knows how hard the football Club has had to battle over recent years will recognise and appreciate what Damian has done for the Cronulla Sharks.”

Sport Competition Manager, Glasgow 2018

Location: Hammersmith, allergy London

Closing Date: 20th September

Overview:

The Sport Competition Manager is responsible for leading on the planning, try organising, management of the sport competition and related services across the 2018 European Rowing Championships, working in conjunction with the Race and Event Manager to ensure this is delivered in line with FISA and ERCM regulations and the project plan for Glasgow 2018. 

Responsibilities

  • – Manage operational planning for the sport competition of the Championships, alongside the Race Director and Event Manager, ensuring that the competition is organised and conducted in accordance with FISA rules and regulations
  • – Manage the planning of the operations of the competition, Rowing Course, Athlete warm-up and preparation areas at the venue.
  • – Lead on the development and finalisation of the competition schedule, in relation to sport specific competition elements.
  • – Co-ordinate the delivery of the official timing, scoring and results systems for the Championships, in conjunction with the official timing, results and data provider.
  • – Produce all sport documentation required to support the delivery of the event.
  • – Provide regular updates, reports and communications to FISA on the progress of planning.
  • – Lead on the preparation of the sport component of the Team Handbook and Technical Handbook and other relevant publications and operational documents.
  • – In conjunction with the Venue Team, confirm all infrastructure, layout and sport equipment required for the venue and support procurement processes and installation and management during the Championships.
  • – Provide sport specific input and requirements into the venue planning and operations.
  • – In consultation with Race Director, support the appointment of Technical Officials and selection of Workforce and volunteers required to deliver the Championships.
  • – Undertake such duties as may be required from time-to-time as are consistent with the responsibilities of the post and the needs of the Championships.
  • – Co-ordinate the medical and anti-doping programme requirements for the Championships, in conjunction with FISA and UKAD in accordance with WADA regulations, and the wider the Glasgow 2018 central team
  • – As appropriate manage elements of the budget as agreed at the Sport Working Group
  • – Work with Venue Environmental Officer in relation to FISA requirements in the planning and during competition
  • – Act as the key Sport Specific contact to provide advice and support in the development of centrally services such as; Sport Presentation, Broadcast, Protocol, Accommodation, Accreditation, Transport etc.
  • – Act as the key contact with British Rowing and Scottish Rowing in relation to shared requirements.
  • – Work closely with the Venue Management at Strathclyde Country Park team in relation to the delivery of sport competition requirements.

This list is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive, as there may be other reasonable duties and requirements associated with the post, which British Rowing may call upon the post-holder to perform from time to time 

Person Specification 

Essential

  • – A good working knowledge of Sport competition, operations and logistics to effectively deliver all sport specific competition elements.
  • – Experience of working with volunteers in the delivery of Rowing or other Sporting events.
  • – Project management skills and experience within the sport and event sector, involving budgets, project planning and complex operations.
  • – Experience of working with varied partners and stakeholders.
  • – Excellent communication, diplomatic and inter-personal skills across a variety of forms of communication.
  • – Strong organisational skills; the ability to manage a project of scale, prioritise and meet deadlines.
  • – Flexible approach to work, resilient and able to work under pressure.
  • – Ability and willingness to undertake routine administrative tasks.
  • – Computer literate, with experience of Microsoft office software.

Desirable

  • – Knowledge of the structure of British and Scottish Rowing and the wider UK Sporting landscape.
  • – Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience.
  • – Awareness of anti-doping and sport competition medical requirements.
  • – Ability to act on own initiative.
  • – Demonstrable ability to implement innovation to event delivery.
  • – Ability to communicate conversationally across one or two European languages would be beneficial.

Additional Information

Standard working hours are 9:00 to 17:00 although flexibility is required in order to ensure core objectives are achieved. National travel may be required. 

Equal Opportunities

British Rowing is committed to equal opportunities for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

How to Apply

Click HERE to apply