Expressions of Interest – Head of Delegation 2026 Olympiad (Uzbekistan)

Expressions of Interest – Head of Delegation 2026 Olympiad (Uzbekistan)

The Head of Delegation (HOD) is a bit like the ‘Chef de Mission’ of our NZ Olympic Team (or team manager!).

‘Chef de Mission’ translated directly from French, the title means “head of mission”. In the sports context, it usually refers to the person who leads a national delegation – including athletes, coaches, and other behind-the-scenes team members who form the Mission Team – at an international competition.

FIDE says the following:

2. The Role of the Head of Delegation
2.1 For team events, if there is no Head of Delegation appointed by the Federation, or the specific regulations of the tournament do not provide for one, the functions listed below shall be responsibility of the Captain.
2.2 The Head of Delegation is an ambassador for the National Federation. They are expected to maintain high standards of behaviour, both personally and amongst their players.
2.3 The Head of Delegation is the only point of contact used by the Organisers once the National Federation has submitted their entry in accordance with Article 1.
2.4 Any information conveyed by the Organisers to the Head of Delegation shall automatically be assumed to have been conveyed to the Captain and all of their players.

The HOD looks after everything NOT chess related at the Olympiads – assisting with things like accommodation, meals, health and wellbeing, transport, visas. Making sure that the team captains and players can focus on chess.

There is plenty to do in the build up to the Olympiad, and then there is the time there with the teams, when someone on site to manage things is vital.

Craig Hall has been our HOD for the past 2 Olympiads, Chennai 2022 and Budapest 2024, feel free to chat to him if you have any questions about the role.

President@newzealandchess.co.nz

Skills/experience that may be helpful:
• International playing experience – particularly in team events
• Organisational skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Administration Skills

If you are interested in being the HOD for the 2026 Olympiad in Uzbekistan, please email the NZCF Secretary Richie Christie, admin@newzealandchess.co.nz

The deadline for expressions of interest is 30 April 2025.