Why Continuing Professional Development?

Professional development in any field means learning basic skills, developing expertise and subsequently staying abreast of current trends and information.

The sport market is changing at a frantic pace. Sport Managers have to deal with these changes quickly and efficiently. They must be aware of industry best practice and be prepared to implement strategies which will keep them and their organisations up to date and competitive.

More specifically the Institute of Sport Management considers that professional development:

• updates industry knowledge;
• demonstrates job/career commitment;
• increases career options;
• demonstrates professionalism;
• improves and refines skills.

What constitutes a Continuing Professional Development Program?

Individual members will be the best judge of what kind of professional development best suits their needs. However, for the Institute of Sport Management to meet its stated obligations to the sporting community we have set minimum standards for structured Continuing Professional Development.

Structured Professional Development means educational activities which:

• have a clear objective;
• have a formal, organised structure;
• extend professional knowledge and skills;
• require members to be active participants.

The Institute of Sport Management can provide specific guidelines on the types of activities considered suitable. Here are some examples:

• attending approved conferences and seminars;
• undertaking approved educational courses and programs including undergraduate and post graduate programs;
• undertaking short courses offered by reputable educational institutions;
• undertaking approved individual self-paced study programs;
• attending approved training programs conducted by a member’s employer;
• attending discussion groups;
• conducting research and/or writing for technical publications;
• presenting approved lectures and seminars;
• serving on approved reference or research committees.

Members simply choose which type of professional development they require and which areas of expertise they want to develop. Of course, members will need to keep a record of these structured courses and activities so they can properly account for them when required. To assist members with keeping records the Institute of Sport Management provides a CPD diary at its web-site. Accessed with the appropriate membership number this site allows members to record their Continuing Professional Development as they go.

Making sure the CPD commitment is upheld

The Institute of Sport Management conducts compliance audits of members. If selected for an audit a member will be asked to produce evidence of their Continuing Professional Development participation during the preceding three years.

This evidence can take the form of:

• Certificates
• Attendance lists
• Diary entries
• Receipts/assessment/reports
• Employer reports
• Statutory declarations.

It is therefore advisable for each member to keep his/her records in a safe place for at least 12 months after the conclusion of each three-year ISM period.

Please note the three-year (triennium) is deemed to commence for each ISM member from the date of admission to the Institute of Sport Management as shown on the ISM certificate and ISM membership card.