SCOTTISH RUGBY / EDINBURGH NAPIER UNIVERSITY STUDENTSHIP EDINBURGH REGION Applications are welcome for a unique opportunity to gain experience as part of the Scottish Rugby Academy Strength & Conditioning team in the Edinburgh Region whilst working towards gaining an MSc in Sport Performance Enhancement at Edinburgh Napier University. This placement will be in conjunction with the part-time MSc course; committing a portion of time to the Scottish Rugby Academy for the duration of the study period (approx 2 years). This is due to commence in September 2018 with expected completion of the MSc by September 2020. It is expected that the successful candidate will gain the substantial knowledge and experience through four learning strands; Academic learning, Practical mentoring, Formal CPD & applied Coaching experience. APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS APPLICATION Please read the full details below about the studentship. To apply, email a copy of your CV with a covering letter outlining why you believe you are the person for this course and placement to hr@sru.org.uk The closing date for receipt of applications is 8 th June 2018 @ 1pm (GMT). SELECTION Short listing will take place as soon as possible following the closing date. Please could you indicate clearly on your application a telephone number where you can be contacted during office hours (i.e. 9am 5pm Monday to Friday). It is intended to hold interviews for this post week commencing 25 th June 2018
STUDENTSHIP DESCRIPTION & DETAILS Department: Sport & Exercise Sciences Edinburgh Napier University / Scottish Rugby Academy Strength & Conditioning Course/Placement: MSc Sports Performance Enhancement (part-time) / Strength & Conditioning Studentship Fees: Time Commitment: 5,850 for UK /EU students. International applications are welcome. However, applicants should be aware Scottish Rugby will only contribute up to 5,850. A minimum of 20 hours per week, generally 2½ days per week, or equivalent over the 45 weeks of the year with Scottish Rugby plus approximately 2 days per week for study classes. Responsible to: Scottish Rugby Edinburgh Academy Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach / Edinburgh Napier University MSc Sports Performance Enhancement Programme Leader. Location: The location of the placement is Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill campus, however travel to other Scottish Rugby sites may be required from time to time. Commencement Date: Induction at Scottish Rugby Academy early August 2018. Course enrolment will be week commencing 10 th September 2018.
PLACEMENT SUMMARY This is a unique opportunity to gain experience as part of the Scottish Rugby Academy S&C team in the Edinburgh Region whilst working towards gaining an MSc in Sport Performance Enhancement at Edinburgh Napier University. This placement will be in conjunction with the part-time MSc course; committing a portion of time to the Scottish Rugby Academy for the duration of the study period (approx 2 years). This is due to commence in September 2018 with expected completion of the MSc by September 2020. It is expected that the successful candidate will gain the following through 4 learning strands of - academic learning, practical mentoring, formal CPD & coaching experience: Mentored through to becoming a UKSCA accredited S&C Coach Gain an MSc qualification with project based on applied rugby research Attain ISAK Level 1 accreditation Attain First Aid certification Attain UKAD accreditation advisor status, alongside continue education Attend the UKSCA annual conference Attend BASES annual conference Exposure to GPS player tracking systems and reporting Participate in Scottish Rugby and local CPD events Perform regional S&C squad duties Deliver coaching to Academy & Pathway rugby players alongside other UKSCA accredited coaches Experience professional rugby training and match day environments Support Scottish Rugby National projects, and experience National squad environments The successful applicant will contribute to the achievement of the aims and objectives of Scottish Rugby and the Edinburgh Regional Academy through: Contributing to the overall impact of the S&C team to players in the Edinburgh region and designated national age grade squads. The delivery and development of strength & conditioning services for Stage 2 and 3 academy players and assist in the academy age grade Pathway programme. Develop exercise resources to support athlete assessment and interventions in conjunction with Regional Lead S&C. Be part of a multi-disciplinary team delivering services to athletes and coaches. This placement involves training, supervising and/or being in sole charge of children and young people. The successful applicant will require Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) clearance.
MAIN TASKS & ACTIVITIES MSc Sport Performance Enhancement Complete all the requirements for the part-time MSc Sport Performance Enhancement academic programme at Edinburgh Napier University, including attendance and work submission deadlines Edinburgh Napier University and Scottish Rugby will agree on suitable assignment & project topics taking into account the contribution to the Scottish Rugby knowledge base, university requirements and post-holder skills and expertise Scottish Rugby Strength & Conditioning Observe and support S&C coaches at the Edinburgh Regional Academy, as part of a structured development programme, with time table commitments to be mutually agreed This may include: I. Setting up of training and testing equipment as required II. Taking responsibility for specific tasks relating to the operation of the Edinburgh Napier and BT Murrayfield gyms III. Contribute to data collection and data management activities including sports specific strength & conditioning related projects IV. Undertake an agreed programme of mentoring including both technical and non-technical skill development V. Attend regular meetings and participate in CPD activities as required Undertake any other reasonable tasks for Academy Managers and other colleagues as requested Participate in ad hoc projects and or applied research across the organisation as appropriate Any other duties as may be requested. This is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of the areas of activity.
PERSON SPECIFICATION The person specification describes the knowledge, skills, aptitudes, experience and qualifications that Scottish Rugby deems as necessary for successful performance in the placement. 1. QUALIFICATIONS Essential A 2:1 BSc degree (or equivalent) in Sports Science or related area 2. EXPERIENCE Essential Experience of coaching in a strength & conditioning environment Ability to obtain UKSCA Accreditation within 12 months Up to date and ongoing personal experience of physical training Desirable Experience of coaching in a performance orientated sports specific training environment Experience of developing and implementing innovative ideas and putting them into practice, including working in an applied and integrated manner Experience in data collection, analysis, interpretation and dissemination Personal experience of performing sport at an elite (international) competition level Experience of coaching developing (15-20 years old) athletes in a strength & conditioning environment 3. KNOWLEDGE An understanding of the needs of elite and developing athletes and coaches in a high-performance environment An appreciation of the various sports science and medicine disciplines Excellent anatomical knowledge and ability to apply this to a strength and conditioning setting Knowledge of and ability to teach Olympic lifting techniques Knowledge of and the ability to construct, strength, power and endurance based training schedules, both gym and field based, with components of testing as required. Knowledge of statistical assessments and processes 4. SKILLS AND ABILITIES Strong IT skills; with excellent knowledge of Microsoft excel Ability to work under pressure & prioritise own workload Ability to balance conflicting demands and tight deadlines Excellent problem solving and decision-making skills Ability to communicate fluently, in English Ability to communicate complex data in terms that are easily understood by a wide range of audiences Excellent presentation and communication skills that can motivate behavioural change to have a positive impact on performance Ability to work effectively with colleagues both within Scottish Rugby and from other organisations
5. PERSONAL DISPOSITION Personal commitment to continuous personal professional development Team player Open minded with a view to adopting new practices Highly motivated with a passion for high performance sport Personal integrity and the ability to invoke trust and respect from others. 6 OTHER CONSIDERATIONS Ability to work irregular and unsocial hours as required involving work outside normal office hours, at evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays Ability to travel within the region and throughout Scotland An understanding of and commitment to fair play and all national and international anti-doping policies as enforced by national governing bodies, international federations, Olympic Associations and other relevant organisations.