INFO Commissions Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Arcu ridiculus non aliquet sit odio. Facilisi non nulla habitant egestas. Nisl amet at sed laoreet congue senectus lectus gravida. Commission Roles & StructureWorld Squash Commissions Commission Roles & Structure Roles ANTI-DOPING (Managed by the ITA on behalf of WSF) Define and implement the WSF’s doping control strategy Produce the annual WSF Test Distribution Plan and regularly update with intelligence based data Select and manage the WSF Registered Testing Pools, educating athletes on the use of ADAMS Monitor Athletes’ whereabouts in ADAMS Organise a comprehensive in- and out-of-competition testing program Monitor the “Play True Tip Line” and investigate accordingly Investigate Atypical Findings and if processed as an Adverse Analytical Finding proceed to Results Management Provide administrative support to the Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE) Commission Educate athletes with regard to values, inadvertent usage and the use of the different existing online platforms e.g. ADEL Manage the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) program (Haematological and Steroidal) Monitor compliance of the WSF Anti-Doping Rules by signatories (National Federations of the WSF, PSA) Maintain WADA Compliance Provide statistical reports to WADA and an overview of activities to the WSF Executive Board, while maintaining privacy, confidentiality and independence of the Anti-Doping Commission Ensure website information is updated regularly to provide athletes information on anti-doping, education, TUE applications etc. ATHLETES COMMISSION The Athletes Commission was set up to maintain IOC compliance and generally to: Improve communication between the athletes and the WSF Provide input from the Athletes Commission for the annual review of WSF Referees Encourage dialogue between athletes, clubs and Member Nations AUDIT & RISK COMMISSION Review and recommend annual budgets and four year forecasts to the Board Evaluate finance proposals and business cases (if any) prepared by Management and recommend them (or otherwise) to the Board for adoption Monitor and address any concerns relating to financial performance against budgets, cash flow projections, debtors, foreign exchange requirements, exposure and management accounting Review any significant accounting and reporting issues, including professional and regulatory announcements Review the annual financial statements and liaise with the external Auditor before submission to the Board for approval Recommend the appointment, terms of engagement, audit plan and the audit evaluation and/or dismissal of the external Auditor to the Board Oversee the quality of the audit conducted and review external audit reports Monitor the establishment and maintenance of corporate governance, risk and internal control frameworks Oversee the WSF’s Risk Management Policy and Framework, including regular monitoring via a risk register Review and recommend insurance coverage for the WSF CHAMPIONSHIPS COMMISSION Maintain, improve and enforce WSF Championship Regulations Ensure that there is a host nation for each WSF World Championship and that a full range of WSF Championships are offered Plan Tenders for each World Championship Oversee the efficient planning, marketing and running of all World Championships Specify standards for, and provide quality control on, all World Championships Advise the Board on competitive structures for all events, including Major Games Advise the Board on player eligibility Raise maximum possible income from Rights Fees for World Championships, compatible with efficient staging and distribution of events around the five WSF Regions. To coordinate the World Calendar Control seeding for all World Championships, in conjunction with Junior and Masters Commissions, through the Seeding Panels Advise the Board and Major Games Commission as required on competitive structures and formats of play for competition generally Nurture the development of potential Technical Delegates for all World Championships, and to mentor to raise their standards COACHING COMMISSION Disseminate relevant resources, notably via the WSF website Conduct a WSF Coaching conference annually Implement worldwide coaching level standardisation and qualification recognition and transportability via the WSF Coach Education Programme COURTS & EQUIPMENT COMMISSION Set specifications and standards for all technical products used in the sport of Squash, including courts, rackets, balls and eye protectors Set specifications for squash courts Monitor all products on the market worldwide and recommend appropriate action on those not meeting WSF standards Evaluate applications for company and product Accreditation, carry out site inspections and report on suitability for approval Monitor all technical aspects of Squash and recommend change as appropriate Provide a linkage between WSF Accredited Companies and specifiers and builders of Squash courts Assist in the maximisation of income from WSF approval of all Squash products Liaise with PSA in relation to playing standards DIGITAL COMMISSION Review the digital component of the WSF strategy and make the appropriate recommendation Support the creation and implementation of a digital first approach across our organisation Develop a digital toolkit for our MNFs and Continental Federations Ensure our communication activities prioritise digital especially to reinforce the fan experience Make recommendations to improve digitalisation of the activities of our Commissions Provide guidance to the establishment of the digital WSF ecosystem in conjunction with WSF partners to support in particular the development of the World Graded Tour Review the opportunity to create specific digital solutions to support the organisations of our events Support the development of the WSF esport strategy to ensure the inclusion of Squash:Next in the Olympic Esport Week Closely cooperate with the Marketing/Commercial Commission to support higher commercialisation of our assets Assist the review of our logo and the development of WSF branding guidelines Nominations are being invited from interested parties DISCIPLINARY PANEL Continue to monitor, advise on any disciplinary incidents at WSF events and recommend actions Update the WSF Code of Conduct as necessary Encourage Continental Federations to fully adopt the WSF Code of Conduct Continue the introduction of Mutual Recognition of Penalties via and Integrated Disciplinary Panel in conjunction with PSA and Regional Federations Provide an appeals procedure for disputes between WSF members and other parties Maintain development of offence benchmark penalties ETHICS COMMISSION Deal with ethics matters and complaints brought to it when activated Advise on policies that will minimise the possibility of Ethics issues Promote good governance as necessary GOVERNANCE & COMPLIANCE COMMISSION Complete the transition of the UK company and subsequent dissolution of the company incorporated in the Isle of Man Generally, oversee WSF’s compliance and adherence to principles of good governance in the context of international sports federations. Make recommendations to the Board on proposed changes Ensure compliance of the WSF and its Continental Federations with legal, financial and other requirements including data protection, aligned with good governance Review, for potential conflicts of interest situations, and pre-approve all related party transactions on an on-going basis Review performance of all WSF Commissions to ensure compliance with the WSF charter Carry out periodic reviews of relevant WSF policies, processes and documentation, and their implementation vis-à-vis good governance standards. Make recommendations for improvement. Support and advise any specific task groups pertaining to governance-based reviews, e.g. on the voting system Carry out a periodic review of the articles to ensure clarity and consistency. Make recommendation to the Board for amendments. Complete review of gaps in WSF policies. Prioritise and support the office and Board to produce missing policies Review of non-financial worldwide data collected from National Federations with a view to make recommendations on improving what and how it is collected and used Nominations are being invited from interested parties MARKETING & COMMERCIAL COMMISSION Assist the WSF Board with the development of a marketing plan with reference to the Strategic Plan Define a commercial strategy that is consistent with the WSF Regulations Propose appropriate marketing evaluation process for our events Determine the WSF Commercial Rights Policy Develop income generating opportunities through exploitation of all our assets Develop a commercial strategy for partnerships and sponsors in conjunction with our stakeholders Support the sporting agencies mandated to commercialise our assets Initiate promotional and contact plans Align the communication activities with our marketing plan Arrange marketing materials for each major WSF events Provide legal and administrative support to review agencies contract Liaise with International broadcasters to enhance WSF Championships exposure Review WSF branding and visual identity of all its assets Recommend PR plans for WSF World Championships and for squash competitions at major multi-sport events in conjunction with our communication manager Enable stronger alignment with continental marketing commissions and National Squash Federations Provide ongoing leadership and practical support for WSF’s external and internal communications as needed, including reputation management, media relations and social media management MASTERS COMMISSION Advise on matters relating to Masters squash generally Recommend specific Rules & Regulations for Masters Squash Coordinate a World Masters Circuit and Rankings as agreed Assist the seeding process for Masters events MEDICAL COMMISSION Advise on and respond to medical or scientific questions from WSF Commissions or the Board Provide independent advice on health issues to WSF Member Nations and their players Monitor the physical effects of Squash on players of all standards and recommend action plans to ensure that it remains a safe sport Oversee the implementation of the World Squash Anti-Doping Code RULES COMMISSION Monitor, recommend changes to, and draft the Rules of Squash Promote awareness of the Rules to member nations Develop and publish Rules information as appropriate SQUASH 57 COMMISSION Advise on the Rules Answer general enquiries Develop promotional and information materials for nations SAFEGUARDING PANEL Review WSF’s policies and processes to ensure effective management of WSF’s safeguarding responsibilities. Propose necessary changes to the Board for approval Liaise with relevant WSF Commissions to ensure alignment of policies, processes and practices related to safeguarding, in particular those of Championships and Coaching Commissions Contribute to training and awareness-raising related to safeguarding, for example for coaches, major events, etc. Carry out, via the WSF Office, a periodic survey of Member Federations on the adoption of safeguarding policy and practices in each nation. Propose strategies to encourage the adoption of effective safeguarding practices Provide guidance to Member Federations where required, with consideration for different cultures, environments and circumstances at local level Ensure an effective reporting / whistle-blowing process in place, and an effective process for handling reports/cases Nominations are being invited from interested parties Operational Outline of WSF Commissions Each Commission Chairman (normally a specialist in the field) reports to the Board via the Board appointed liaison on the Commission (WSF President or Vice President) and the WSF office. Commission members are proposed by the Chairman, Continental Federations and/or the WSF Office for review by the Board. Chairs will submit Board reports twice a year. SELECTION OF CHAIR & MEMBERS Chairs are recommended to the Board for selection, normally by the WSF Office. Term of Commission Membership: Commission membership would not ordinarily exceed five persons, chosen for their relevant skill sets. There will be a review of Commission membership every two years so that a degree of regeneration can be incorporated to maintain freshness. COMMISSION CHAIR RESPONSIBILITIES: Manage their Commission activity. Provide a half yearly report for review by the Board Attend the WSF Conference and, if required to do so, present their activities from the past year. Provide data for the Executive Committee Report. Provide an outline of the following year’s anticipated activities. Provide a draft budget for the following year’s anticipated activities. COMMISSION MEETINGS Routine business is carried out by email. E-meetings should be held at least once a year, with face-to-face meetings being held whenever costs allow. The WSF funds the travel and accommodation for the Chair of each Commission, but members are self-funded or possibly supported by Continents. FUNCTION & ACTIVITIES The Chair of each Commission is responsible for identifying areas of action for the Commission and recommending strategy and plans to the Board.