New Zealand Rugby is seeking expressions of interest from qualified individuals to be considered for appointment to its Judicial Panel. In accordance with the NZR Disciplinary Rules, appointments are for a period of 3 years with reappointment permitted.
NZR is looking to appoint the number of individuals necessary to maintain the capability and capacity of the Panel.
Members of NZR’s Judicial Panel play a vital role, acting according the NZR Disciplinary Rules, in upholding the integrity of our domestic competitions, including the:
· National Provincial Championship,
· Farah Palmer Cup,
· Heartland Championship, and
· Under 85kg National Club Cup.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the game at a national level, ensuring fair play and discipline are upheld.
A number of current Judicial Panel members are also appointed to SANZAAR and World Rugby judicial panels, reflecting confidence in the capability of our disciplinary systems and potential pathways that are available.
In accordance with the NZR Disciplinary Rules, EoIs will be assessed against the:
· Technical Criteria; and
· specialist skills, experience, gender, and ethnicity of existing panel members.
See below for the full Technical Criteria.
All EoIs will be screened to ensure they meet the Key Experience requirements. Following screening, remaining EoIs will be assessed and considered by NZR staff and the Chair of the NZR Judicial Panel. If necessary, we may hold interviews with shortlisted individuals.
We welcome expressions of interested from individuals who meet the Key Experience requirements and have strong alignment with the Key Skills and Attributes of the Technical Criteria.
We strongly encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including Māori, Pasifika, women, and those from the rainbow community, to help build a panel that reflects the communities that we serve.
To apply, please complete the Judicial Panel Expression of Interest Form and email it to chad.burnell@nzrugby.co.nz using the subject line “Judicial Panel EOI – [name]”.
A number of Provincial Unions have indicated they would be open to receiving copies of EoIs of applicants who may also indicate interest in serving on their judicial panel. The Expression of Interest Form includes a question for this purpose.
Key Experience
a) be senior legal practitioners of at least seven years standing or serving or retired judges independent of NZR or any of its members and their members; and
b) have demonstrable, proven and recent (i.e. within the last 2 years) disciplinary or judicial experience within organised sport or another regulated sector; and
c) have an in-depth recent knowledge of the Laws and skills of the Game and the relevant World Rugby Regulations or a demonstrable and proven ability to quickly acquire such knowledge.
Key Skills and Attributes
1. Judicial Officers shall possess the following key skills:
a) Decisiveness
b) Objectivity
c) Independence
d) Impartiality
2. Further, they shall have and demonstrate the ability to:
a) Chair meetings and hearings.
b) Work collaboratively and as part of a team with others.
c) Reach collegiate decisions.
d) Inspire respect and confidence.
e) Maintain authority when challenged.
f) Work at speed and under pressure.
g) Organise time efficiently and produce clear reasoned decisions expeditiously.
h) Engage in training and feedback to retain up-to-date knowledge of the game and foul play issues.
i) Engage positively with all judicial colleagues and NZR employees and volunteers and reflect the values of The Rugby Way.
3. Judicial Officers must have the capacity and ability to commit to potential hearing ‘slots’, with sufficient scope for necessary flexibility.
You can download the Judicial Panel Expression of Interest Form by clicking here.