A group of 19 students have completed their first semester on the new Certificate in Sports Administration for camogie administrators at Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT ).
The course introduces participants, who are drawn from club and county administrative positions in the Camogie Association, to the principles and practices of administering a sports club with particular reference to assisting the development of the Camogie Association.
The 10-week programme commenced in October and will conclude in mid-January 2011.
Course participants are covering a number of topics including an introduction to financial management; ethics and legal issues in sports administration; introduction to training and methods of instruction skills; and leadership and management skills. The certificate is a level six single module award on the National Framework of Qualifications.
Speaking about the Certificate in Sports Administration, President of the Camogie Assocition, Joan O’Flynn, said, “Under the Camogie Association’s five year national development plan ‘Camogie - Our Game Our Passion’, volunteer development and leadership and excellent governance and organisational development are two of five key objectives.
“Our administrators have identified a need for training to us as an association. This course provides a fantastic opportunity to those intending to improve their existing skills and knowledge in their roles while also receiving a recognised qualification from AIT - one of the country's leading institutes for sports and related programmes.”
AIT president, Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin, noted that the programme reflected the institute's commitment to the flexible delivery of higher education. “AIT has long recognised that people need to access third level education in a manner that suits their professional and personal lifestyles. We are offering an increasing number of flexible programmes in Athlone that reflect the needs of learners and organisations.
“This Certificate in Sports Administration draws on several strengths of the institute, including expertise in sports and organisational management. I have no doubt that those undertaking the course will return to their clubs better enabled to ensure their growth and future development,” he said.
