SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Sport and Recreation Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97237  Diploma in Sport and Recreation Management 
ORIGINATOR
Exercise Teachers Academy - Cape Town 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Sport 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2030-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
Learners will have a variety of job skills that will allow them to function within private organisations, the government sphere, educational institutions such as schools and academies as well as in sport and social development programmes. They are required to work in a range of areas which include but are not limited to sport events, fitness facility management, sport clubs or recreation facilities management, team management.

On completion, qualifying learners are able to:
  • Manage a sport tournament.
  • Co-ordinate athlete and team support.
  • Manage a sport or fitness facility.
  • Apply administration and business management skills.
  • Engage in community sports development.
  • Conduct sports-specific marketing strategies.

    Rationale:
    Sport and the associated industries of leisure, recreation, and fitness have entered a period of rapid growth. Recent skills audits conducted by the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA), have highlighted the need for capacity building in sport to promote competence in managing sport organisations, tournaments and events, sport teams and sport facilities.

    South Africa is being given more opportunities to host sport events at a national and international level. This qualification provides professionals who can work at the level of competence required for international sport events. Sports marketing with sport sponsorships represent a multimillion rand industry and the current range of TV channels dedicated to sport is evident of publics' interest and demand for sporting activities.

    The role of sport in South Africa continues to grow in social and economic importance, particularly in terms of integrating healthy lifestyles in the workplace and communities. This qualification has been designed to meet this demand. Managerial abilities are needed in a variety of contexts, ranging from private fitness facilities, sport clubs to local government initiatives in sport and recreation. Increased pressure to deliver effective and efficient management and marketing of sport entities, athletes, facilities, and events comes from participants, federations, spectators and the media as well as athletes with special needs.

    This qualification will fulfil the need for scarce skills in sport and critical skills in governance and management. The qualification can be applied to areas such as:
  • Sport team management.
  • Sport event or tournament management.
  • Sport or fitness facility management.
  • Sport sponsorship management.
  • Financial management in the sport environment.
  • Sport project management.
  • Sport organisation management.
  • Volunteer management.

    This Diploma in Sport and Recreation Management prepares its qualifying learners for work in various sectors of the sport world. These sectors include the following:
  • NGO (Non Government Organisation).
  • Public (National, Provincial, District, Regional, Local and agencies).
  • Entrepreneurial (Manufacturing, Tourism, Sport skills, sport goods, Management organisation and information technology).
  • Services (sport medicine, talent development, wellness, consulting, coaching, PR and communication, marketing and events.)
  • Fitness (Trainers, health promotion and physical activities).
  • Administrative (clubs, facilities, federations and teams).
  • Education (school, academies and tertiary). 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This Qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning and the Qualification may be granted to learners who have acquired the skills and knowledge without attending formal education, providing they can demonstrate knowledge and skills that meet the assessment criteria as stipulated in the Qualification and its Exit Level Outcomes.

    An RPL process can also be used to credit learners with modules of the qualification wherein learners can show that they have developed the necessary competence as a result of workplace or experiential learning. RPL may be relevant for applicants who are not in possession of a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification, to gain access to the Qualification. Learners submitting themselves for RPL should be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment process, and will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition. While this is primarily an occupationally based qualification, evidence from other areas may be considered if pertinent to the exit level outcomes of the qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum recommended requirement for admission to this qualification is the:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Diploma studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate (SC) without endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5 and 6, as well as electives at NQF Level 6 totalling 360 Credits:

    Compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, totalling 120 Credits:
  • Sport and Recreation Studies 1A (Introduction to Sport and Recreation Studies), 10 Credits.
  • Sports and Recreation Studies 1B (Recreation and Leisure Studies), 10 Credits.
  • Sports and Recreation Studies 1C (Experiential Work and Project Based Learning), 10 Credits.
  • Sports and Recreation Management 1A (Introduction to Business and Financial Management), 10 Credits.
  • Sports and Recreation Management 1B (Financial and Business Development of Sport Structures), 10 Credits.
  • Sports and Recreation Management 1C (Experiential work and Project Based Learning), 10 Credits.
  • Marketing and Public Relations 1A (Principles and Sport Marketing), 5 Credits.
  • Marketing and Public Relations 1B (Events Marketing and Public Relations), 5 Credits.
  • Event and Project Management 1A (Introduction to events Management), 10 Credits.
  • Event and Project Management 1B (Team Tour Logistics), 10 Credits.
  • Event and Project Management 1C (Experiential work and Project based learning), 10 Credits.
  • Sport Sociology 1A (Introduction to Sport Sociology), 10 Credits.
  • Sport Informatics 1 (Introduction to Sport Informatics), 10 Credits.

    Compulsory modules at NQF Level 6, totalling 230 Credits:
  • Sport and Recreation Studies 2A (Sport Organisation and Administration), 10 Credits.
  • Sport and Recreation Studies 2B (Sport Development and Health promotion), 10 Credits.
  • Sport and Recreation Studies 2C (Experiential Work and Project Based Learning), 10 Credits.
  • Sports and Recreation Management 2A (NGO and Local Government Management), 10 Credits.
  • Sports and Recreation Management 2B (Wellness management and Sport Agent), 10 Credits.
  • Sports and Recreation Management 2C (Experiential work and Project Based Learning), 10 Credits.
  • Marketing and Public Relations 2A (Community Marketing and Market Research), 5 Credits.
  • Marketing and Public Relations 1B (Corporate Marketing and Sponsorship), 5 Credits.
  • Event and Project Management 2A (Social Sport Development Programmes), 15 Credits.
  • Event and Project Management 2B (Wellness and Talent Development Programmes), 5 Credits.
  • Sport Sociology 2 (Psycho-Social and Cultural Dynamics), 10 Credits.
  • Sport Informatics 1 (Project Management, Database Management and Social Networks), 10 Credits.
  • Sport and Recreation Studies 3A (Master Sport Plans), 10 Credits.
  • Sport and Recreation Studies 3B (SRS Internship and Project Placed Learning), 30 Credits.
  • Sport and Recreation Studies 3C (Capstone Research Project), 10 Credits.
  • Sports and Recreation Management 3A (Advance Sport Business Development and Strategies), 20 Credits.
  • Sport and Recreation Management Internship, 30 Credits.

    Elective Modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Sport and Recreation Studies 3D (Sport Tourism and Outdoor Adventure), 10 Credits.
  • Sport and Recreation Studies 3E (Multi Sport Club and Stadium Management), 10 Credits.
  • Sport and Recreation Studies 3F (Sport Market Research), 10 Credits.
  • Sport and Recreation Studies 3G (Fitness Facility Management), 10 Credits.
  • Sport and Recreation Studies 3H (Sport Skills Development, Education and Training), 10 Credits.

    The learner will complete an internship programme linked to the chosen two specialisations plus a capstone project that reflects their research and analysis skills. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Manage a sport tournament.
    2. Co-ordinate athlete and team support.
    3. Manage a sport or fitness facility.
    4. Apply administration and business management skills.
    5. Engage in community sports development.
    6. Conduct sports-specific marketing strategies. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria For Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Tournament programmers are designed, developed and implemented.
  • A secure environment to conform to legislative requirements and ensures safe participation is provided.
  • A volunteer strategy to achieve event outcomes are planned and implemented.
  • A plan to control and manage spectators is developed.
  • Participants with special needs are accommodated to support the principles of inclusiveness and diversity.
  • School based sport tournaments and events are developed to promote mass participation.
  • Community based sport events are developed to promote health and physical activity.

    Associated Assessment Criteria For Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Codes of good conduct are developed to manage team discipline and behaviour.
  • Support services are ensured by demonstrating logistics coordination of a touring sport team.
  • Co-ordination of multi-disciplinary team and focus on holistic development of individuals and teams is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria For Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Management principles in the context of facilities and their equipment are explained.
  • Marketing plans which meet the strategic aims of the facility are developed.
  • Operational functions in accordance with best practice are described.
  • Principles of human resource management in the context of facility requirements are understood.
  • Plan considers accessibility to sport and sport resources are facilitated.
  • Local government integration in the development of sport facilities is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria For Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Compliance of financial principles with best business practices is adhered to.
  • Safety and risk management practices to comply with legislative requirements are conformed.
  • Principles of sport law and good governance in accordance with local and international protocols are applied.
  • Entrepreneurship through sustainable business practices is demonstrated.
  • Business leadership within sport organisations and structures is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria For Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Community structures to address sport development are identified.
  • Management strategies addressing special needs in the sport, recreation, and fitness environment are developed.
  • Long term sport development programmers which focus on community development and health promotion are created.
  • Socio-cultural dynamics in the context of sport participation are described.
  • Leadership and mentoring skills within community based sport structures are demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria For Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Market research for use within sport marketing strategies are conducted and analysed.
  • Sponsorship proposals for potential funders are developed.
  • Marketing and sponsorship plans for teams and athletes are developed.
  • Promotional campaigns for sport teams and athletes are developed.
  • Public relations and media liaison to promote athletes and sports teams are planned and implemented.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessment at the level of qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show that they are able to integrate concepts, ideas, and actions to achieve knowledge and skills that are coherent to the purpose of the qualification.

    Integrated assessment judges the quality of the observable performance and the quality of the critical thinking and problem solving that underpins the performance. Assessment tools must encourage learners to give an account of the thinking and decision-making that underpins their performance. Assessment includes a range of tasks which ensure that learners demonstrate their theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The ratio between action and interpretation is not fixed, but varies according to the modules within the qualification.

    Knowledge is assessed through ongoing class tests, semester exams and assignments. Practical skills are demonstrated through practical projects, demonstrations or simulations. Learners demonstrate their ability to plan and implement an event, using relevant resources and demonstrating appropriate communication skills to engage with communities and role players. Projects show how learners work with others, preparing events or tournaments; learners monitor and adapt their plans according to the needs of participants.

    Experiential learning:
    Learners work at fitness facilities, schools, sport clubs; local government SRF units and other sport based organisations. Hours are logged and signed off by supervisors.
    Learners complete a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE). This PoE is continuously assessed against the key learning objectives. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A comparative analysis was conducted to compare this qualification and other qualifications offered internationally. The following aspects were compared: the purpose, the modules and outcomes of the qualifications.
    Sydney Training and Further Education (TAFE) offer a Diploma of Sport and Recreation Management. This qualification provide learners with the skills and knowledge to work in the sport and recreation industry in a management or organisational capacity in locations such as fitness centers, outdoor sporting grounds or complexes or aquatic centers or community recreation centers. Learners will be able to manage the effective provision of services or programs and have a high Degree of autonomy. In completion of this qualification learners may be eligible for articulation into undergraduate Sport and Recreation related qualifications at a number of universities or other higher education providers. Learners may also be able to assume roles as competition manager; complex manager; executive officer; facility manager or program manager.

    This qualification consists of modules in Sport and Recreation Marketing, Sport and Recreation Management, Management and Organisations and Buyer Behaviour and Decision Making. This qualification is said to provide skills, expertise, knowledge and understanding, which will assist the learner in taking the next step in their career.

    Eastern Institute of Technology offers a Diploma in Recreation and Sports.
  • The Diploma in Recreation and Sport is a full-time, or part-time, qualification which offers learners a pathway to a career in the wide field of recreation, sport and leisure. In particular, the qualification is designed to enable learners to:
  • Understand human body structure and function with emphasis on the musculo-skeletal system.
  • Develop knowledge and skills related to professional practice in the recreation and sport industry.
  • Understand the relationship between nutrition, physical activity, and other personal health behaviours and health.
  • Develop knowledge of a range of sporting and recreational activities through practical experience and active participation.
  • Understand the sport and recreation industry in New Zealand.
  • Design and apply group exercise programmes.
  • Assess physical performance, apply exercise techniques and design exercise for people with special needs In this application pack you will find information about the programme, descriptions for each of the subjects covered, and fees and costs associated with this programme.

    The modules outlined in this qualification are Recreation and sport landscapes, Anatomy and Phycology, Nutrition, Activity and health, leadership and coaching, organisation and management, Movement Education, Physical fitness Assessment and Principles of Physical Training.

    Conclusion:
    From the above research it has been found that the qualifications offered internationally compares favourably with this qualification with regard to the purpose, the duration and the course modules. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Qualification can articulate vertically with other qualifications within the envisioned learning pathway or closely associated pathways in sport and exercise or sport and exercise science.

    Horizontal articulation includes:
  • National Diploma in Open Space and Recreation Management, at NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Recreation Management, at NQF Level 6.

    Vertically articulation includes:
  • Bachelors of Technology in Recreation Management, at NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelors of Technology in Open Space and Recreation Management, at NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Sports Management, at NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Exercise Teachers Academy - Cape Town 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.