Welcome to the ISM global sports management community

Our commitment to the Sporting Community

The Institute of Sport Management is at the forefront of developing and fostering higher standards in sport management. The three key promises the Institute of Sport Management makes to the sporting community are that each registered Sport Manager has:

• agreed to abide by a strict Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct
• agreed to undertake structured Continuing Professional Development each year, and
• attained prescribed levels of competencies as a result of work experiences and/or study.

Our commitment to the profession of Sport Management

The Institute of Sport Management aims to be instrumental in setting professional standards, developing member skills, monitoring industry participant performance and working with the various representatives of the sport industry to formulate the future.

Membership of the Institute of Sport Management

The Institute of Sport Management fosters higher sport management standards through its five tiered approach to membership. This includes three levels of certification and the designation of a post-nominal as follows:

1. ISM Members
2. ISM Pathways Program - designed for Full-time and/or Part-time students
3. Associate, Institute of Sport Management (A.I.S.M.)
4. Certified Practising Sport Manager (C.P.S.M.)
5. Fellow, Institute of Sport Management (F.I.S.M.)

An internationally recognised standard

The Institute of Sport Management certification has been developed as an international standard for Sport Managers. Once an ISM certification is attained the member’s competencies and experience levels will be recognised in the sport industry worldwide. In fact through the Institute of Sport Management, members are part of a global network of Sport Managers.

Professional Development Program

Professional development is the cornerstone of the Institute of Sport Management. Each sport manager, from Associate level to that of Fellow, is required to maintain his or her levels of expertise through a strict and rigorous professional development program. Every three years each member must achieve a set number of credit hours of professional development. These credits can only be obtained through programs and courses approved by the Institute of Sport Management. Click the link here for more information on our continuing professional development program or professional development opportunities.

Who can apply for membership of the Institute of Sport Management?

The employment opportunities within the sport and leisure industry are as numerous as they are varied. Sport Management roles in sporting organisations include administration, marketing, accounts, management, public relations, coaching, development, facilities, events – the list goes on. The Institute of Sport Management recognises those people who, working in the sport industry, can easily identify him or herself as a sport manager.

However, the Institute of Sport Management is aware of the myriad of service organisations and specialists working in and around the sports industry. It understands that it is more challenging for instance for a specialist sports lawyer, a sports journalist, a sports accreditation specialist, a sports IT provider or a venue manager to identify themselves as Sport Managers.

‘Relevant, associated industry’

The Institute of Sport Management, therefore, also recognises a ‘relevant, associated industry’ in both its membership criteria and Continuing Professional Development policies. In so doing we are acknowledging the unique diversity of people working and contributing to the sector under the ‘sport management’ banner.

At the time of making an Application for membership to the Institute of Sport Management, applicants are asked to confirm their employment details. If an applicant believes that their employment is in a ‘relevant, associated industry’ they should submit an application for review by the Institute of Sport Management. If in doubt, email the Institute of Sport Management prior to application at ism@ismhome.com and one of our Customer Service Staff will be in contact.

How to apply for membership of the Institute of Sport Management

CLICK HERE to view the membership categories and the application process.