At its 21st February meeting, the British Wrestling Board agreed far-reaching changes to shape up the sport’s governance, (the current structures date back to 2008,) making it fit for the next chapter of growth in participation numbers and talent.

Firm foundations for growth have been laid with the implementation over the past four years of a new Talent Pathway, the externally certified UKCC* Coaching Programme and the introduction of Athlete Awards.

Attended by representatives of all the Home Nations and Regions, those present set the BWA on a path to a Board/Operational team structure, with a focused remit of oversight and direction by the Board, separated from operational activity.

An example in practice of such a change is the separation of the oversight roles of the independent Finance Director and operational financial management.

The finalised detailed structure now needs to be worked up, consulted upon and job descriptions reviewed. Then the new roles will be openly advertised and applicants interviewed and appointed, the process beginning with the appointment of a new Chair.

If you have the skills, knowledge and are interested in working to grow the sport of wrestling, keep an eye on the British Wrestling website news and job vacancies pages for the role that suits you.

With changes of various Board members already in the offing, now is a particularly good time implement these changes. Barry Pollin and Malcolm Morley are in interim roles (as Chair and Performance Director respectively,) and Nick Flaxman (Finance Director,) recently tendered his resignation to the Board. The Board accepted Nick’s resignation, but thanked him for his voluntary work, including sitting on Selection Appeal Committees.

Said interim-Chair Barry Pollin, “These changes will bring greater transparency and an organisational structure appropriate to modern standards.”

The BWA Board also took the opportunity to endorse the Scottish Wrestling Association’s new constitution that enshrines the SWA as a limited company, wishing every success to the new organisation.

*UKCC stands for UK Coaching Certificate endorsed by 1st4Sport