SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Sport Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
60309  National Certificate: Sport Management 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Sport, Recreation & Fitness 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CATHSSETA - Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sports Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Sport 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  126  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 9999/99  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

This certificate is aimed at developing specific competencies in a range of self-organisational and life-long learning skills with an in depth knowledge of sport requirements and technical know-how applicable to a sport specific context.

The qualification will enable the assuming of job responsibilities as a sport manager in schools, clubs and private institutions in a range of areas, which includes, but is not limited to sport team management, federation management or facility management. Learners will be exposed to establishing of commitment, policy and planning to achieve racial, disability and gender equity through sport programmes whilst maintaining a safe environment for sport activities, events and tournaments within the selected operational environment and community.

Learners meeting the requirements of this qualification will be positioned to further their learning, practice, experience and career within the sport or fitness industries, either at further levels or in other areas of practice. This qualification will serve as a stepping-stone to equip the learner to specialise in one of the various disciplines of choice in order to take up a leadership role and expand training and development into the area of management.

Qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Promote principles of good governance in sport organisations and structures.
  • Organise and establish a sport organisation or structure in order to enhance operational effectiveness.
  • Maintain operations in a sport organisation or structure.
  • Plan, coordinate and implement sport tournaments and/or events.

    Rationale:

    Sport and its associated industries of recreation and fitness have entered a period of rapid growth. The recent Skills Audit conducted by the Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority in 2007, highlights the need for capacity building in sport to promote competence in managing sport organisations, tournaments and events, sport teams and sport facilities.

    The bridging of the current skills gap will have a positive impact on the management of sport organisations and sport teams as well as the growth of sport at all levels in South Africa.

    Competence in all the areas of sport is becoming increasingly specialised as well as professional. South Africa is being provided with increased opportunities to host sport events at an international level and this qualification will provide professionals to work at the dynamic level required of international sport events. In addition, the sport marketing industry represents a multi million rand industry and the current ten TV channels dedicated to sport is evident of its reach and public demand in terms of access.

    The role of sport in South Africa continues to grow in social and economic importance particularly in terms of integrating healthy lifestyles in the workplace and communities.

    Managerial competencies are acquired in a variety of contexts, ranging from private fitness facilities and sport clubs to local government initiatives in sport and recreation and on to the marketing and promotional world of sport sponsorships, media, athlete representation as well as sport tourism. Increased pressure to deliver efficient and effective management of sport entities, athletes, facilities and events comes from participants, federations, spectators and the media as well as athletes with special needs.

    The industry specific technical skills required within the operational sport and related environments require specific contextualisation within the operational environment in particular for the areas for which specialization streams were designed within the qualification.

    The competencies that will be acquired from this qualification can be applied to areas such as:
  • Sport team management.
  • Sport event management.
  • Sport tournament management.
  • Sport facility management.
  • Fitness facility management.
  • Sport sponsorship management.
  • Financial management in the Sport environment.
  • Sport Project management.
  • Sport organisation management.
  • Volunteer management.

    The qualifying learner will be able to contribute positively to the general quality and safety of the sport experience for participants, members and spectators.

    Furthermore, the qualifying learner will promote awareness of the social benefits of sport within the broader community, thus enhancing participation levels. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.
  • Communication at NQF Level 4.
  • Computer Literacy at NQF Level 3.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    This Qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning and the Qualification may be granted to learners who have acquired the skills and knowledge without attending formal courses providing they can demonstrate competence in the outcomes of the individual Unit Standards as required by the Fundamental, Core and Elective areas stipulated in the Qualification and by the Exit Level Outcomes.

    An RPL process may also be used to credit learners with Unit Standards in which they have developed the necessary competency as a result of workplace and experiential learning. RPL may also be used by learners, who are not in possession of a GETC or equivalent qualification, to gain access to the Qualification.

    Access to the Qualification:

    There is open access to any learner who is in possession of an FETC or equivalent qualification and who is able to arrange for assessment of the unit standards in a suitable environment. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification is made up of Fundamental, Core and Elective unit standards. A minimum of 126 Credits is required to complete the qualification.

    Fundamental component:
  • All unit standards totalling 18 Credits are compulsory.

    Core component:
  • All unit standards totalling 80 Credits are compulsory.

    Elective component:
  • The Elective Component consists of a number of specialisations. Learners are to select a specialisation and then choose unit standards listed under that specialisation totalling at least 28 credits. In the case where the unit standards in a specialisation total less than 28 credits, additional elective standards to make the value of 28 Credits must be selected from other specialisations.

    The following specialisations are provided in the qualification:

    Sport Team Management:

    Unit Standards:
  • ID 254454: Coordinate public relations and liaison with the media, NQF Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • ID 254457: Develop and implement team ethical behaviour and discipline, NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.
  • ID 252180: Coordinate the logistics of a sports team on tour, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.

    Sport/Fitness Facility Management:

    Unit Standards:
  • ID 246740: Care for customers, NQF Level 4, 3 Credits.
  • ID 254462: Maintain a sport or fitness environment and equipment, NQF Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • ID 254461: Manage a sport facility, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.

    Sport Administration:

    Unit Standards:
  • ID 10622: Conduct communication within a business environment, NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.

    Sport Event Management (National and international level):

    Unit Standards:
  • ID 246740: Care for customers, NQF Level 4, 3 Credits.

    Sport Tournament Management (Community and Club Level):

    Unit Standards:
  • ID 254463: Organise and administer a sport tournament, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • ID 246740: Care for customers, NQF level 4, 3 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Promote principles of good governance in sport organisations and structures to support operational sustainability.

    2. Organise and establish a sport organisation or structure in order to enhance operational effectiveness.

    3. Maintain operations in a sport organisation or structure.

    4. Plan, coordinate and implement sport tournaments and/or events. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

    1.1 The role and function of effective governance is explained as it applies to sport organisations and structures in South Africa.
    1.2 The impact of effective governance on the operational sustainability of a sport organisation is described as it applies to the identified needs and goals in a specific operational structure.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

    2.1 Community structures are identified or established to address sport development issues in the area of operation.
    2.2 Sustainable structures are established in sport organisations through facilitation and communication with communities and sport organisations as it applies to the governance structure requirements in the area of operation.
    2.3 Principles of inclusiveness and diversity are applied by making provision for persons with special needs in the sport environment.
    2.4 The organisation or structure is promoted to its beneficiaries and the community it serves through the application of marketing and communication principles within the operational environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

    3.1 Logistical requirements are planned, co-ordinated and executed in the maintaining of an organisational structure.
    3.2 Sound financial and business principles are implemented in the operational environment in order to comply with and promote best operating practices.
    3.3 Administrative duties are conducted according to operational requirements and organisational standards.
    3.4 Principles of customer care are applied in the maintaining of operations in a sport organisation or structure.
    3.5 Health and safety is considered and maintained within the operational environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

    4.1 Sport tournaments and/or events are planned, coordinated and administered according to operational and project management requirements.
    4.2 A sponsorship proposal is drafted in support of the organisation, tournament and or event.
    4.3 Tournaments and/or events are promoted to ensure effective participation and support.
    4.4 Volunteers are recruited and managed effectively to achieve competent execution of duties.
    4.5 A secure environment is provided and maintained to conform to legislative requirements and ensures safe participation.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Integrated assessment at this level will evaluate the learner's ability to combine actions and ideas across a range of activities and knowledge areas. The integrated assessment must specifically assess the learner's ability to:
  • Demonstrate competence by means of the practical application of the embedded knowledge in a manner that meets the required performance standards required.
  • Illustrate a clear understanding of the concepts, theory and principles that underpin the practical action taken.

    The assessment will require assessment methods, which measure and evaluate evidence generated during on-the job activities into account. Because assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid and reliable, ensuring that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever, an integrated assessment approach is incorporated into the qualification.

    A variety of methods must be used in assessment and tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working or will work. Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

    The term, integrated assessment implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. Whenever possible the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the Unit Standards should be integrated and, during integrated assessment, the assessor should make use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools and methods. Combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies should be assessed. Assessment should further ensure that all specific outcomes, embedded knowledge and critical cross-field outcomes are evaluated in an integrated way.

    Assessors must assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience as the assessment process is capable of being applied to RPL, subject to the rules and criteria of the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International Comparability for the National Certificate: Sport Management NQF Level 5 was conducted against sport management qualifications in Australia/New Zealand and the United States of America where the incorporation of managerial competencies into qualifications with a predominantly sport specific focus indicated a substantial degree of similarity in terms of both approach and content.

    These two qualifications were selected to provide a comparison in terms of practices in training and development within this specific focus area in both the Southern and Northern hemispheres in terms of sporting excellence and effective organisational management in the sport and related environments.

    The following qualifications were selected for a direct comparison:
  • The Sport Management Certificate as offered by the Loyola University in Chicago.
  • Certificate in Sport Management as offered by the University of Technology in Sydney.

    Sport management unit standards on Levels 4, 5 and 6 have also been compared in terms of the standards incorporated into the envisaged qualification.

    The Sport Management Certificate as offered by the Loyola University in Chicago contains the following competency areas:
  • Sport management.
  • Strategic sport management.
  • Financial accounting.
  • Sport marketing.
  • Human Resources management.
  • Ethical issues in Sport.
  • Sport Leadership.
  • Sport Operations Management.
  • Sport broadcasting.
  • Balance scorecards (Sport administration).

    Note: Areas in italic indicates a positive comparison with the envisaged qualification in terms of the following areas of competency as reflected in the unit standards making up the core of the qualification:

    The core of the above qualification compares favourably with this qualification:
  • Governance structures in sport.
  • Manage business components of a sport organisation.
  • Manage project finances.
  • Apply principles of marketing to sport.
  • Ethical behaviour and team discipline.
  • Sport tournament or event planning.
  • Organise and administer a sport tournament or event.
  • Create, maintain and update record keeping systems.

    This qualification distinguishes itself through the inclusion of the following additional competency areas:
  • Establish sustainable sport organisations structures.
  • Plan and implement a customer care strategy.
  • Manage volunteers in sport.
  • Manage participants with disability in sport.
  • Support sport and fitness participation for people living with HIV/AIDS.
  • Monitor and maintain health, safety and security.

    These areas of competency have specific relevance to the South African sport environment and the competencies in the South African qualification will enhance sport as part of the transformation process with regard to previously disadvantaged communities, empowerment of individuals previously not included effectively in terms of disabilities as well as volunteerism which is envisaged to become a driving force in sport organisations within communities.

    Certificate in Sport Management as offered by the University of Technology in Sydney contains the following focus areas:
  • Applied research.
  • Sport Management.
  • Sport Marketing.
  • Venue Management.
  • Sport Industry.
  • Accounting.
  • Sport Law.
  • Event marketing.

    Note: Areas in italic indicates a positive comparison with the envisaged qualification in terms of the following areas of competency as reflected in the unit standards making up the core of the qualification:

    The core of the above qualification compares favourably with this qualification:
  • Governance structures in sport.
  • Manage project finances.
  • Apply principles of marketing to sport.
  • Sport tournament or event planning.
  • Organise and administer a sport tournament event.
  • Create, maintain and update record keeping systems.

    The competencies below once again ensure a specific South African context and expand on the qualification content when compared with the above qualification:
  • Establish sustainable sport organisations structures.
  • Plan and implement a customer care strategy.
  • Manage volunteers in sport.
  • Manage participants with disability in sport.
  • Support sport and fitness participation for people living with.

    The competencies below were identified as comparable to those in qualifications from the Columbia South University and the Edith Cowan Universities:
  • Sport organisation management.
  • Sport service delivery.
  • Leisure and sport development.
  • Fund raising.
  • Sport facilities.
  • Sport business planning.

    Africa and SADC:

    Albeit searches were conducted for comparison to Sport Management qualifications on the African continent in general and in particular for the Universities of Namibia and Botswana relevant information could unfortunately not be sourced to enable a comparison closer to home. The University of Namibia indicates a Sport Management qualification. The qualification could unfortunately not be accessed and it is assumed that the information is still under construction for web-site purposes.

    Conclusion:

    International comparison with the qualifications from the United States of America and Australia show that this qualification compares favourably with what is offered internationally. In addition, the specific focus on matters closer to home, such as the levelling of the playing fields in this sector for disadvantaged and disabled individuals ensures currency and applicability to the specific needs and requirements in this sector within the present moment within the South African environment.

    Provision for sport and fitness access and planning for people with HIV/AIDS, supports positive initiatives to enable a healthy lifestyle to promote quality of life for individuals who certainly need to be included in community activities such as sport for as long as possible and is regarded as a unique and positive aspect within the qualification which may in fact provide leadership in this regard on an international level.

    The specific driving of disability sport focus once again enables the maintaining of individual rights in our society whilst the management of volunteers enables involvement of individuals in the environment to support sustainable sport club and centre development within communities specifically focussed on sport development and community participation from scholastic to club level. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification provides the following articulation opportunities:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Higher Certificate: Sport Administration and Marketing, NQF Level 5.
  • National Higher Certificate: Sport Management, NQF Level 5.
  • Certificate: Sport Management, NQF Level 5.
  • Diploma: Sport Management, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts: Sport and Recreation Management, NQF Level 6.
  • National Diploma: Sport Management, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner, or moderating the assessment of a learner, against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor or moderator with the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance body (ETQA), or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA. Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation of that ETQA, in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between various ETQAs (including professional bodies), and in terms of the moderation guideline detailed immediately below.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at all exit points of the Qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual Unit Standards as well as the integrated competence described in the Qualification. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor or moderator of this Qualification the applicant needs:
  • To be declared competent in all the outcomes of the National Assessor Unit Standards.
  • To be in possession of a relevant Qualification at a minimum of NQF Level 5.
  • Minimum of three years practical and relevant occupational experience. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  252175  Apply principles of marketing to sport  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  115855  Create, maintain and update record keeping systems  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  252182  Establish sustainable organisational structures for sport  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Core  252181  Explain the role of governance structures in sport  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  252177  Manage participants with disabilities in sport  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Core  242650  Manage project finances  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
    Core  252176  Manage the business components of a sport organisation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Core  252179  Manage Volunteers in sport  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  243948  Monitor and maintain health, safety and security  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Core  254463  Organise and administer a sport tournament  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  254455  Plan a sport tournament  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  252178  Support sport or fitness participation for people living with HIV/AIDS  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Fundamental  10622  Conduct communication within a business environment  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Fundamental  254460  Promote an understanding of diversity and equity in sport and fitness organisations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Fundamental  13927  Utilise personal development training for personal growth  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Elective  246740  Care for customers  Level 4  NQF Level 04  3 
    Elective  254456  Explain the principles of physical activity in the context of sport or fitness  Level 4  NQF Level 04  3 
    Elective  254462  Maintain a sport or fitness environment and equipment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  254454  Co-ordinate public relations and liaison with the media for athletes and sport teams  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Elective  10215  Conduct a screening procedure  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Elective  252180  Coordinate the logistics of a sports team on tour  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Elective  254457  Develop and implement team ethical behaviour and discipline  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Elective  117871  Facilitate learning using a variety of given methodologies  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Elective  254461  Manage a sport or recreation facility  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Elective  252034  Monitor and evaluate team members against performance standards  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Elective  254459  Supervise the use of a fitness facility and equipment  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Institute of Sport Education and Training 
    2. McKENNAGOLF CC 
    3. Northlink College 
    4. Perfect Solution Project Consulting Pty Ltd 
    5. SIYAKHA ADVENTURE TEAM LEARNING INSTITUTE (PTY) LTD 
    6. Trifocus Fitness Academy (Pty) Ltd 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.