NEW VOLUNTEER ROLE: INVICTUS GAMES FOUNDATION CATEGORISER

The Invictus Games Foundation is recruiting for volunteer categorisers to support competitors preparing for the Invictus Games.

The Invictus Games use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women. The categorisation process across the participating nations aims to ensure the best possible competitor experience at the Invictus Games, and the system and process is completely unique to the Invictus Games,  as it takes into account not only physical injuries or illnesses acquired during or as a result of service, but invisible injuries such as mental health conditions too. Each competitor participating in an Invictus Games is on a journey of recovery and rehabilitation, emphasising the importance of categorisation in accommodating the needs of each individual.

The role will be supported by the Operations Director, Operations Executive and Categorisation Lead, and will join a team of existing volunteer categorisers. The role is voluntary but all approved expenses will be paid for.

IGF Categorisers are expected to:

• Attend online IGF education sessions
• Be available for a minimum of 2 IGF Verification Visits to Participating Nations (PNs) to verify competitor provisional categorisations, involving bench testing and sports observation
• Liaise with the IGF to organise logistical arrangements for Verification Visits
• Complete all categorisation paperwork and return to the IGF in a timely manner
• Willingness to deliver education package to nation staff during Verification Visit
• There may be opportunity to fulfil a Games Time role, where categorisers will assist with continuing categorisations, sport-specific technical assessments, form review panels for protested categorisations and observe competitors during competition
  • Invictus Games Düsseldorf 09-16 Sept 2023
    • Verification Visits between Feb – June 2023
  • Invictus Games Vancouver-Whistler 06-17 Feb 2025

Essential Requirements:

• Registered Healthcare Professional: Doctor, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist with current authority to practice in their home country
• Medical Classifier for International Paralympic Committee sport (multiple sport experience preferable)
• Good understanding of and competency with manual muscle testing, goniometric measurements and balance testing
• Spoken and written English sufficient to communicate with other categorisers and athletes, and completion of all categorisation paperwork
• Experience working with persons with physical impairments resulting in activity limitations
• Awareness of working with individuals with mental health conditions and able to ensure a welcoming, relaxed and open approach to assessment
• Confidence working individually and in teams in the assessment of athletes
• Able to assess and communicate information sensitively to competitors and team staff
• Attention to detail with a flexible attitude, good work ethic and organisation
• Commitment to contributing to the continuing development of the IGF categorisation system

Please send your application with CV and covering letter to caroline.davis@invictusgames.org by no later than Monday, 5th September 2022.
Two references will be required.
Interviews to be held online on 21st and 22nd September 2022, expected to last approx. 30mins per applicant.