The Department of Tourism and Culture’s Northern Territory Institute of Sport (NTIS) has launched a new High Performance Officiating Program (HPOP) to identify and assist Territory sports officials.

The Northern Territory Government has committed $45,000 to the HPOP to support up to ten officials and their mentors to pursue development opportunities, with the aim of further enhancing the quality of sports officials in the NT.

NT Peak Sporting Bodies will have the opportunity to nominate high performing officials for the twelve month program aimed at: assisting to upgrade accreditation and qualifications; participation in professional development workshops; attendance at high level competitions; and undertaking a community project within their sport. A mentor program will be conducted in unison with the HPOP.

NTIS Director, Dr Ian Ford, said he was excited to launch the new HPOP and looked forward to the process of identifying and developing high performing sporting officials and their mentors.

“The new HPOP is a really great way for the NT Government to support a very important network of officials and mentors from sports across the Territory,” Dr Ford said.

“The program provides key sports officials and mentors with the opportunity to perform at their best – which is great news for all those involved in Territory sport.

“This new program complements the already active Officiating Development Program, and I’m pleased that this additional funding is now available to support some of our higher performing officials and mentors in the NT.”

“The HPOP has been modelled on the Australian Sports Commission’s internationally acclaimed National Officiating Scholarships Program.”

There are two compulsory workshops that officials and mentors must attend, including the Induction Workshop in February 2018 and the Final Workshop in November 2018.

Applications open 25 October and close 5pm 22 November 2017.

For more information, or to apply for the HPOP, visit https://dtc.nt.gov.au/sport-and-recreation/northern-territory-institute-of-sport/officiating or contact the NTIS Coaching and Officiating Consultant, Mr Graham Glassford, on 8922 6841 or email NTIS.coachandofficial@nt.gov.au.

Media interview Director, NTIS: Dr Ian Ford 8922 6820

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