OSEP builds capacity for Sports Team Managers
Individuals applying for a position in the General Management Team (GMT) for Team PNG or a Team Manager for specific teams or sports will be required to be accredited with relevant Oceania Sport Education Program (OSEP) qualifications to be part of future Games with Team PNG.
This was made known by Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) Secretary-General Auvita Rapilla at the start of the OSEP National Team Managers course last Wednesday, 02nd of June, 2022.
Following the workshop, OSEP Regional Master Educator Andrew Lepani said the course was a three-day workshop for individuals aspiring to become part of the GMT, or a team manager in their respective sport.
“A couple of years ago, a gap was identified with the capacity of team managers in the region, and the important role they play in helping Team PNG succeed in international competitions .
“OSEP developed this course to address the identified gap. The course covered modules relating to the different phases of a team manager’s role. This begins with the Design Phase, followed by the Development Phase, Implementation Phase, and the Dissolution Phase at the end of the Cycle.”
This is the second time the course has been delivered in Papua New Guinea. It was first delivered back in 2019 before the Samoa Pacific Games.
Participants were from a variety of sports and are Team Managers to the upcoming Pacific Mini Games in the Northern Marianas and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
“It is important to impart the skills and knowledge that is needed by the team managers to fulfill their role appropriately. OSEP & PNGOC sees the role of Team Managers as vital to the success of Team PNG and this course provides the skills and knowledge to support the athletes and teams to achieve their respective goals.”
Lepani said it was a good turn out with thirty participants attending the course, they will be assessed after completing their tasks to become competent.
He added that apart from the Team Managers course there are other courses provided by OSEP Course Educators from the PNGOC and the PNG Sports Foundation for Coaching, Administration, Strength and Conditioning and Educators/Presenters.
Course participant Deslyn Siniu from PNG Football Association said the course was very informative and opened her mind.
“Transitioning from an athlete to a Team Manager, it opened my mind towards the expected roles and responsibilities of a team manager. Also some functions and roles, including the many hats they (Team Managers) wear in terms of Conflict Resolution, managing a Budget, and Risk Management among others.”
The next Team Managers course will be run at the end of this year to upskill more team managers in preparation for the 2023 Pacific Games in Solomon Islands where Team PNG is expecting to take a big team.
Sporting bodies who are interested in attending these courses can enquire through the OSEP Regional Coordinator Alurigo Ravusiro at the PNGOC Office. She can be contacted through the PNGOC office.
The course is also open to non-Games Sports to nominate Team Managers targeted for their sport-specific international competitions.
