Our Mission:
"To
represent and service the interests of Sport Managers,
to enhance their profile, credibility, professionalism and ongoing development".
In pursuing this mission the Institute of Sport management aims to make commitments not only to individual sport managers, but also the profession of Sport Management and the wider sporting community.
Our commitment to the Sporting Community
The Institute of Sport Management is at the forefront of developing and fostering higher standards in sport management. The three key promises the Institute of Sport Management makes to the sporting community are that each registered Sport Manager has:
Our commitment to the profession of Sport Management
The Institute of Sport Management aims to be instrumental in setting professional standards, developing member skills, monitoring industry participant performance and working with the various representatives of the sport industry to formulate the future.
Membership of the Institute of Sport Management
The Institute of Sport Management fosters higher sport management standards through its five tiered approach to membership. This includes three levels of certification and the designation of a post-nominal as follows:
1. ISM Members
2. ISM Pathways Program -
designed for Full-time and/or Part-time students
3. Associate, Institute of Sport
Management (A.I.S.M.)
4. Certified Practising Sport
Manager (C.P.S.M.)
5. Fellow, Institute of Sport
Management (F.I.S.M.)
An internationally recognised standard
The Institute of Sport Management certification has been developed as an international standard for Sport Managers. Once an ISM certification is attained the member's competencies and experience levels will be recognised in the sport industry worldwide. In fact through the Institute of Sport Management, members are part of a global network of Sport Managers.
Professional Development Program
Professional development is the cornerstone of the Institute of Sport Management. Each sport manager, from Associate level to that of Fellow, is required to maintain his or her levels of expertise through a strict and rigorous professional development program. Every three years each member must achieve a set number of credit hours of professional development. These credits can only be obtained through programs and courses approved by the Institute of Sport Management.
Why Continuing Professional Development?
Professional development in any field means learning basic skills, developing expertise and subsequently staying abreast of current trends and information.
The sport market is changing at a frantic pace. Sport Managers have to deal with these changes quickly and efficiently. They must be aware of industry best practice and be prepared to implement strategies which will keep them and their organisations up to date and competitive.
More specifically the Institute of Sport Management considers that professional development:
What constitutes a Continuing Professional Development Program?
Individual members will be the best judge of what kind of professional development best suits their needs. However, for the Institute of Sport Management to meet its stated obligations to the sporting community we have set minimum standards for structured Continuing Professional Development.
Structured Professional Development means educational activities which:
The Institute of Sport Management can provide specific guidelines on the types of activities considered suitable. Here are some examples:
Members simply choose which type of professional development they require and which areas of expertise they want to develop. Of course, members will need to keep a record of these structured courses and activities so they can properly account for them when required. To assist members with keeping records the Institute of Sport Management provides a CPD diary at its web-site. Accessed with the appropriate membership number this site allows members to record their Continuing Professional Development as they go.
Making sure the CPD commitment is upheld
The Institute of Sport Management conducts compliance audits of members. If selected for an audit a member will be asked to produce evidence of their Continuing Professional Development participation during the preceding three years.
This evidence can take the form of:
It is therefore advisable for each member to keep his/her records in a safe place for at least 12 months after the conclusion of each three-year ISM period.
Please note the three-year (triennium) is deemed to commence for each ISM member from the date of admission to the Institute of Sport Management as shown on the ISM certificate and ISM membership card.
Who can apply for membership of the Institute of Sport Management?
The employment opportunities within the sport and leisure industry are as numerous as they are varied. Sport Management roles in sporting organisations include administration, marketing, accounts, management, public relations, coaching, development, facilities, events - the list goes on. The Institute of Sport Management recognises those people who, working in the sport industry, can easily identify him or herself as a sport manager.
However, the Institute of Sport Management is aware of the myriad of service organisations and specialists working in and around the sports industry. It understands that it is more challenging for instance for a specialist sports lawyer, a sports journalist, a sports accreditation specialist, a sports IT provider or a venue manager to identify themselves as Sport Managers.
'Relevant, associated industry'
The Institute of Sport Management, therefore, also recognises a 'relevant, associated industry' in both its membership criteria and Continuing Professional Development policies. In so doing we are acknowledging the unique diversity of people working and contributing to the sector under the 'sport management' banner.
At the time of making an Application for membership to the Institute of Sport Management, applicants are asked to confirm their employment details. If an applicant believes that their employment is in a 'relevant, associated industry' they should submit an application for review by the Institute of Sport Management. If in doubt, email the Institute of Sport Management prior to application on admin@ismhome.com and one of our Customer Service Staff will be in contact.
How to apply for membership of the Institute of Sport Management
Click on the membership categories set out below for more details of each level and the application process.
1. ISM Members
2. ISM Pathways Program -
designed for Full-time and/or Part-time students
3. Associate, Institute of Sport
Management (A.I.S.M.)
4. Certified Practising Sport
Manager (C.P.S.M.)
5. Fellow, Institute of Sport
Management (F.I.S.M.)