The development of both qualifications are the result of a needs-assessment and mapping exercise conducted by ONOC’s flagship programme the Oceania Sport Education Programme (OSEP).

Experts from National Olympic Committees (NOCs) the sport sector, consultants, and training providers met in Nadi to review the proposed unit standards developed under the Pacific Community’s Educational Quality and Assessment Programme (EQAP).

“The endorsement meeting brought together sports sector experts, consultants, and training providers to ensure that the knowledge and skills embedded in the two qualifications are up-to-date, relevant, and aligned with the needs of the sporting industry across the region,” said Apenisa Tamani, Professional Officer – Qualification Development, Pacific Community.

Both qualifications comprise nine unit standards. With endorsement now complete, the next step is a rigorous accreditation process. Accreditation must be successfully completed before delivery and certification can begin.

What’s in the qualifications?

Certificate IV in Sports Administration

1. Discuss the sports system in the Pacific.
2. Demonstrate understanding of the key principles of good governance.
3. Discuss safeguarding in sport.
4. Demonstrate understanding of a media plan.
5. Examine features of a marketing plan.
6. Analyse sport for development.
7. Summarise common financial transactions for a sports organisation.
8. Examine features of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) for a sports programme.
9. Provide support services in human resource management for a sport organisation.

Diploma in Sports Management

1. Examine governance and management functions of a sport organisation.
2. Develop key components of a strategic plan and annual workplan.
3. Evaluate safeguarding protocols in a sport organisation.
4. Review financial frameworks for a sport organisation.
5. Prepare draft financial reports.
6. Implement a media campaign.
7. Implement a sponsorship programme.
8. Develop an event for a sport organisation.
9. Design a sport for development community initiative.

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Developers and stakeholders welcome the milestone

Dr Nacanieli Rika, Lead Developer, praised the collaborative approach that shaped the qualifications:

“Collaboration has been a hallmark of the entire exercise—from developers and industry advisory committees to OSEP, SPC, and stakeholders. The feedback highlighted governance and finance gaps and opportunities to improve areas such as marketing and sport for development. We set out expecting one strong qualification and now have two that feed into each other. The Certificate provides a pathway into the Diploma, which is a huge step forward for capacity-building. Including a Sport for Development unit is significant: sport is a powerful vehicle for sustainable development across health, education, and gender equality. Endorsement is a milestone—the true measure of success will be when a Pacific training provider delivers the qualification and graduates the first cohort.”

Netina Latu, Secretary General, Tonga Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee (TASANOC), underscored practical benefits:

“It’s an exciting time from the NOC perspective. This qualification will support our build-up to the 2031 Pacific Games and strengthen capacity for our members and NOC staff. If delivered locally through providers such as Tonga National University and the University of the South Pacific, it will be a huge step up for Tonga.”

Dr Suzanne Schuster, National University of Samoa, highlighted strong sector backing:

“I’m very impressed with the quality of input during the stakeholder meeting. The universities are willing to take on this qualification for our nations, and the industry is loudly advocating for it to be formally recognised. I believe stakeholders will support rollout across their institutions so we can begin offering the qualification and lift sport management standards across our nations.”

About the programme

The Regional Certificate and Diploma in Sports Management provide a comprehensive, Pacific-contextualised pathway for learners to gain multi-disciplinary skills relevant to the sport sector. Delivery will combine theory and practical coursework, with flexible pathways including Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Recognition of Current Competence (RCC) to ensure equitable access for experienced practitioners.