Irish Sailing Youth Nationals Coaching Policy Update
The Irish Sailing Youth Nationals has received an important NOR change which affirms regatta coaching as an integral part of coaching programs. The policy change aims to prioritise hiring regatta coaches who consistently coach club or class sailors, have strong relationships with them, and focus on their long-term development. It also fosters commitment to club programs and healthy interclub rivalry.
This Notice of Race change permits coaching on the youth course, an activity that has not been allowed in recent years. The primary reason for the restriction previously was to ensure a fair trial for the World Sailing Youth Worlds, which is typically selected at the Irish Sailing Youth Nationals, and to mimic the restricted coaching at that event.
One of our key strategic goals for 2025 is to expand coaching activity. This includes supporting the employment of club head coaches and increasing opportunities for coach qualifications and continued professional development. We believe that high-quality coaching is an invaluable asset to our sport, and we will be trialling this policy change in alignment with this.
The NOR change includes 16.6 and 16.7 as follows:
- 16.6 In addition, for the 29er, 420 and ILCA6 Classes, coaches shall be a nominated coach from the club or class, with an endorsement letter from club/class committee.
- 16.7 In addition, for the 29er, 420 and ILCA6 Classes, support boats shall not communicate with competitors afloat. 16.7 does not apply to those registered under 16.6.
The intention is to make further policy step changes for the 2026 IS Youth Nationals. These policy changes will include the application of club/class coach endorsements across all fleets. Additionally, all coaches will be required to hold a current coaching qualification (Instructor qualification also allowed for 2026) from Irish Sailing or another approved NGB. Furthermore, restrictions around interactions with non-coach support boats will be assessed in pursuit of placing coaches at the core of sailor support on the water.
We appreciate the importance of hearing from different stakeholders on these policy changes, so please reach out with any feedback or queries to our racing manager - stephen.oshaughnessy@sailing.ie