The Department of Tourism and Culture’s NT Institute of Sport (NTIS) has launched the 2017/18 Officiating Development Program, with key funding available to the Peak Sporting Bodies to develop qualified sport officials across the Territory.

This year’s development program has been remodelled from the 2016/17 program, and aims to strengthen sport across the Territory by assisting qualified officials in their pursuit of excellence, with a total pool of $40,000 available for developmental initiatives.

The program has two main focus areas valued at up to $4,000 each, including funding for:

• Advanced accreditation courses and competitions for officials; and
  
  
• Development for the coaches and educators of officials
  
  

The Department of Tourism and Culture, Director NT Institute of Sport, Ian Ford said the program aims to develop the knowledge, skills and experience of accredited sport officials who make a significant contribution to sporting life in the NT.

“The 2017/18 Officiating Development Program is a really great way for accredited officials to be recognised, while also developing their skills, both professionally and personally, and I’m pleased that we can make this funding available to continue to grow sport in the NT.

“The remodelling of this year’s program brings to the forefront the importance of ongoing coaching and educating officials in sport.  Sports need to support officials by providing a quality environment to continually learn and develop,” said Mr Ford.

Peak sporting bodies can apply for a grant up to$4,000 in either or both programs.

“The applications for funding must demonstrate improved capability and capacity of sport organisations to asses, coach and educate other NT officials, and aim to increase the number of Territorians officiating at the highest levels in sport across the Territory,” Mr Ford added.

Athletics NT Official Stephen Darling, is a previous recipient of the Officiating Development Program, and said the funding provided him with much needed support to attend national development events, resulting in him qualifying to officiate at the Commonwealth Games.

“My goal in athletics was to obtain my Level 3 grading in Technical which has required being involved and assessed at many Athletics Australia events.  To culminate with my selection to a second Commonwealth Games as a Technical Official is just the icing on the cake.  It’s great that a guy from Alice Springs with little athletic prowess can be involved in the Commonwealth Games.  If I can do it then anybody that is prepared to apply themselves can.”

Applications opened 25 September and close 31 October 2017.

For more information, or to apply for an Officiating Development Program grant, visit https://dtc.nt.gov.au/sport-and-recreation/northern-territory-institute-of-sport/officiating or by contacting NTIS Coaching and Officiating Consultant Graham Glassford on 8922 6841 or email by emailing graham.glassford@nt.gov.au.

Media interview
Director NTIS Ian Ford 8922 6820

Media contact
Department of Tourism and Culture | Media Manager 0476 844 832