Seven Territory Peak Sporting Bodies will benefit from a total of almost $32,000 in funding as part of the Northern Territory Government’s 2018-19 NTIS Officiating Development Program.

Administered by the Department of Tourism, Sport and Culture’s Northern Territory Institute of Sport (NTIS), the program aims to support and strengthen sport at the top level through key funding to develop sporting officials associated with the Territory’s Peak Sporting Bodies.

The development program encompasses two main focus areas: Development of Officiating Coaches/Educators and advanced Accreditation Courses and Competitions with grants up to $4,000 available in each category.

The Round 2 Officiating Development Program recipients are:

• AFL NT                        $3,800            Development of Officiating Coaches
• AFL NT                        $4,000            Officials Talent Pathway
• NT Cricket                   $4,000             NT Cricket Development of Officiating Coaches/Educators
• NT Cricket                   $1,500             NT Cricket Officiating Accreditation Courses
• Equestrian NT             $4,000             2019/20 Officials Accreditation
• NT Gymnastics           $4,000             2019 GNT Judging Accreditation
• Netball NT                   $3,350             Umpire Coach Workshop
• Netball NT                   $2,850             Bench Officials Accreditation
• NT Rugby Union         $2,215             Referee Coaching Course
• NT Softball                  $2,000             Level 2 Officiating Course

 Quotes from Department of Tourism, Sport and Culture, Senior Director, Dr Ian Ford

“Congratulations to the successful recipients of the Round 2 NTIS Officiating Development Program.

“Sport is a way of life in the Territory, and the funding helps to strengthen the capability and capacity of sporting organisations to assess, coach and educate NT officials for the benefit of the Territory sporting community.

“The program supports Peak Sporting Bodies in a variety of ways to increase the number of Territorians officiating and umpiring at the highest levels of sport. Netball NT will use the funds to update national accreditation for bench officials for the upcoming Suncorp Super Netball and Australian Netball League games being played in Darwin in June.”

Quotes from Yachting NT, Race Officer, Ed Vincent

“To work with some of the best international officials in my sport who have conducted Olympic sailing regattas was a great experience. At the same time I met and worked with officials from all Australian states and seven other countries. Making these contacts have already provided measurable financial benefits to my home club, Darwin Sailing Club, through sourcing information and resources.

“The regattas were both a personally rewarding experience and huge fun. The comradery of a team of people working together to achieve excellence in what they are doing is hugely satisfying. There are also many light moments - this is not an environment where humour is absent!

“Attending these regattas has been a big help in furthering my officiating aspirations, and helps the NT to build capacity to conduct internationally ranked events here in Darwin.” 

Media Contact: Department of Tourism, Sport and Culture 0447 130 495