Applications are now open for round 2 of the Northern Territory Institute of Sport Officiating Scholarship Program 2016-17.

The scholarship program helps increase the number of Territorians officiating at the highest levels in sport.

NTIS Director Ian Ford said the scholarships help qualified officials in their pursuit of excellence.

“The grants help improve the knowledge, skills and experience of accredited sport officials in the Northern Territory.”

“The effective delivery of sporting events and competitions relies upon the ongoing development of officials and the NTIS is proud to be able to support them and I encourage all eligible officials to apply,” said.

The program also assists in expanding the range and quality of local sporting events and enhances the capacity of regional and remote communities to deliver regular and well-organised sporting competitions.

“With the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast looming the NTIS is hopeful that officials will have the opportunity and exposure to represent NT at that major event.”

The NTIS Officiating Scholarship Program was launched in March 2016 and $60,000 has been budgeted for 2016-17.

Round 1 of the program saw $29,000 granted to seven applicants (5 peak sporting bodies and 2 individual officials) for them to participate at national championships, hold advanced accreditation courses and upskill officiating coaches.

Previous grant recipient Karen Ruzsicska from equestrian said she was able to travel interstate in order to upgrade her accreditation.

“The officiating scholarship was the key to me being able to complete the upgrade, as there are no opportunities in the NT to attend the required level of events necessary to complete the next accreditation phase.”

“It was a fantastic experience; I was mentored by some of the very best International Equestrian Federation level judges, and given the opportunity to actually judge at high level competitions. The upgrade will now enable me to mentor any local Level 1 judges who are looking to upgrade in the future. I was the only Level 2 judge in the NT, and now will be the first and only Level 3 judge in the NT,” Mrs Ruzsicska said.

Applications close 31 March.

For more information: https://dtc.nt.gov.au/sport-and-recreation/northern-territory-institute-of-sport/officiating-scholarships

Media Contact: Angelina Anictomatis, Media Manager +61 476 844 832