Applications are now open for vacancies on the IRFU Youth Council. The aim of the programme is to advocate for and on behalf of young people and ensure their voices are listened to within Irish Rugby. Candidates should be an active member in their rugby club, must be aged 16-25 and must be committed and passionate about youth rugby. Current vacancies are available in Connacht, Ulster and Munster. TO APPLY: Please complete the attached application form. The closing date for applications is strictly 1pm, 13^th September 2019. YOUTH COUNCIL TERMS OF REFERENCE PURPOSE

• Advocate for and on behalf of all youth
• Create opportunities for young people
• Assist young people to voice their opinions
• Help initiate ideas and projects
• Ensure there is a range of opportunities youth can have their voices heard

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Encourage the development of programmes
• To be respectful to other ideas and opinions
• To raise awareness about youth issues relating to rugby
• To achieve goals set by Youth Council
• To create and provide opportunities that may allow positive change within rugby

COMMITMENTS

• At least 1 hour per week working on Youth Council Projects (further commitments may be needed at weekends)
• Attend meetings up to 4 times a year
• Report to Spirit officers in each province
• Present and report to national committees as well as provincial committees
• Youth Council members may be asked to assist at other IRFU events
• Liaise with clubs and club officers to organise Youth Council events

MEMBERSHIP

• Active member of the rugby community
• Elected members must be aged 16-25
• Balanced membership of all provinces
• Balanced membership of rural and urban clubs
• Balanced membership of male and female
• Be enthusiastic, energetic and pro-active
• Be committed to attending meetings regularly
• Have the ability to work well within a team using Respect, Integrity, Inclusivity, Excellence and Fun

TERM OF APPOINTMENT The standard term of appointment will be three years. Members can ask for their membership to be extended for additional time where applicable. The term of appointment can be less than three years should a member:

• Resign
• Miss more than three consecutive meetings (without adequate reason or communication, e.g. term time abroad)

Should a member resign, a replacement will be found through the process for recruitment currently in place. APPLICATION PROCESS Individuals must complete an application form and forward to Youth Council Co-ordinator. Candidates will be contacted by the Co-ordinator to set up an interview. Should the applicant meet the criteria conditions the candidate will be invited to attend regular meetings. REPORTING The Youth Council will report to the Spirit Committee via Spirit Manager three times a year and/or by presentation to the Spirit Committee when necessary. The report will outline:

• Work undertaken
• The groups achievements
• Any issues or initiatives it wishes the committee to consider further

OPERATION AND OTHER MATTERS The Spirit Officer will oversee the administration and coordination of the Youth Council. Members of the Youth Council will facilitate the following roles for three years: Chairperson: Responsible for running the meetings and ensures the meetings stay on task Vice Chairperson: Assist chairperson and step into chairperson role when/if chairperson unavailable The Youth Council meetings must have a minimum of 60% of members present or available via video conference in order to continue with a meeting. Meetings will be cancelled if the 60% membership is not present. More than 24 hours’ notice must be given if a member cannot attend a meeting (exceptional circumstances excluded) CONFIDENTIALITY Youth Council members may receive confidential and personal information concerning age grade players. In this case they will follow the IRFU reporting procedure. Other information they may receive regarding committee members or age grade players will remain confidential.