The NTIS is inviting Peak Sporting Bodies to nominate high performing sporting officials for developmental opportunities as part of its 2019 High Performance Officiating Program.

The program recognises and supports up to ten officials and their mentors to pursue development opportunities, with the aim of further enhancing the quality of sports and officials in The Territory.

Department of Tourism and Culture Senior Director of Sport and Active Recreation, Ian Ford, said he was pleased to launch the 2019 High Performance Officiating Program, which is the only program of its kind operating in Australia.

“Sport is a way of life in The Territory, and the High Performance Officiating Program is an important scheme to not only recognise our top level sporting officials, but to also strengthen the quality of sports across The Territory for the benefit of the wider sporting community,” said Mr Ford.

“Sport facilitates a number of positive pathways for a wide range of people, and the program provides us with the opportunity to bolster an already important network of officials and mentors from sports across The Territory.”

The Northern Territory Government has committed $42,000 to the High Performance Officiating Program, with NT Peak Sporting Bodies having the opportunity to nominate potential high performing officials for the twelve month program.

The program enables participants to participate in professional development workshops, attend high level competitions, and undertake a community project within their sport. A mentor program will be conducted in unison with the program.

“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,” Mr Ford added.

Officials in the 2018 program represented a variety of sports including Australian football, athletics, basketball, football, hockey, judo, netball, BMX and tennis.

There are two compulsory workshops that officials and mentors must attend, including the Induction Workshop in February 2019 and the Final Workshop in November 2019.

Applications open 1 September and close 5pm 12 October 2018.

For more information, or to apply for the HPOP, visit https://dtc.nt.gov.au/sport-and-recreation/northern-territory-institute-of-sport/officiating/ntis-high-performance-officiating-program or contact the NTIS Coaching and Officiating Manager, Mr Sean Cooke, on 8922 6819 or email NTIS.coachandofficial@nt.gov.au.

Media interview: Mr Ian Ford, Senior Director of Sport and Active Recreation, Department of Tourism and Culture 0401 115 644

Media contact Department of Tourism and Culture | Media Manager 0447 130 495