An Advanced Sports Management course for everyone

By S. RAMAGURU

KUALA LUMPUR: Over the years there have been numerous calls for former national sportsmen and sportswomen to take up jobs within the sports organisations.

But inexperience and lack of knowledge in sports management often cause them to shy away from applying for such jobs.

Now, the athletes can do just that by enrolling for the Advanced Sports Management Course which the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) will organise for all those who are interested.

OCM secretary general Datuk Sieh Kok Chi said there were ways for the former internationals to arm themselves with the proper knowledge, including through such courses, as it would allow them to handle the task at hand with greater impact.

“Many feel that politicians, business people, former athletes and some parents are not qualified to hold office in sports organisations because they lack first-hand experience, passion and dedication for sports,” he said yesterday.

“While it may be true, properly structured training of sports officials is essential to making a person a good and effective sports official with correct ethics and responsibilities.

“Our advanced sports management course is a tool to make sports officials better, more efficient and effective and have correct ethics, values and responsibilities.”

The Advanced Sports Management Course is designed for volunteers and paid staff of the executive level at the National Olympic Committee, National Sports Federations and other bodies responsible for the organisation and development of sports.

“As it is an advanced course, it is important that participants are at the executive level so that they can participate fully in the learning activities and gain from them,” said Kok Chi.

The course this year will be held over a four-weekend session, each lasting four days from Thursday to Sunday.

Kok Chi, who said that places were limited to 25 people, is aware that a full turnout does not mean all will go through the full course.

“Last year we had a maximum entry of 25 but at the end only 12 graduated.

“Many opted out after a few sessions. This is not what we want. We go to a lot of trouble to organise this course and we expect all 25 people to complete it. We hope it will not recur,” he said.

Each participant is required to pay a fee of RM150. Entries close on Feb 17. Log on to the OCM website www.olympic.org.my for more details.