CIMSPA

A modern sports facility with athletes and trainers symbolizing leadership and teamwork, featuring the CIMSPA logo to represent elevating standards in sports and physical activity management.

Understanding CIMSPA: Elevating Standards in Sports and Physical Activity Management

CIMSPA, the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity, plays a pivotal role in setting professional standards and fostering excellence in the sports and physical activity sector. As an accredited body, CIMSPA provides comprehensive certifications and qualifications that equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in sports leadership, coaching, health management, and more. Whether you’re a professional seeking to enhance your credentials or someone interested in entering the field, CIMSPA offers the resources and support needed to succeed.

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CIMSPA – The Chartered Institute For The Management Of Sport And Physical Activity

The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in sports performance management through its membership, certification, and research programs.

CIMSPA was officially founded in 2011, building upon the legacy of earlier organizations focused on sports and leisure management. Since its inception, it has expanded to offer qualifications in sports leadership, coaching and training, exercise physiology, and health promotion.

These are known as ‘professional’ qualifications, requiring a higher level degree or professional qualification without the necessity for teaching experience. In addition to these primary program levels, CIMSPA offers two lower-level awards: ACAMS (Association for Coaching & Mental Skills) and CAPS (Certification in Applied Performance Sciences).

Organization of the CIMSPA

Two people clasping hands, symbolizing teamwork and support in sports and physical activity.
Teamwork and support are key pillars in sports and physical activity management.

Like most professional associations, CIMSPA comprises individuals who come together to promote the common good of its members. These individuals are called delegates or fellows.

There are two main ways to contract individual membership with CIMSPA: applying as an individual member or being nominated by someone already a member. Both types of membership require agreement to abide by CIMSPA’s constitution and rules.

As with any large organization, tensions can arise when different groups work in similar areas, leading to feelings of exclusion or underappreciation. It can also occur when one group feels that another receives too much attention and recognition. Such situations can create a hostile atmosphere affecting how well everyone works together.

Sport and the CIMSPA

Person rolling out a blue yoga mat with dumbbells and a water bottle on the floor, preparing for a workout.
Preparing for a workout with essential fitness gear: yoga mat, dumbbells, and hydration.

As mentioned before, CIMSPA is an educational charity that offers certification in areas such as professional development, health management, fitness assessment, and exercise science.

These courses can be pursued through student membership or affiliate member status. Affiliate members, though not students, can still earn certification by applying their knowledge.

Both student and affiliate members receive a certificate appropriate for their coursework, which can be used to improve their careers.

CIMSPA also runs open days where anyone can attend seminars to determine if the organization aligns with their personal goals.

Sport significantly influences our lives and self-perception. Therefore, understanding its fundamentals and staying updated with changes is essential to enjoy and maintain the activity long term.

The CIMSPA Code

Two men playing basketball on an outdoor court, one dribbling while the other defends.
Engaging in outdoor basketball for fitness and recreation.

CIMSPA is an independent, not-for-profit organization promoting best practices in sports and physical activity management through its professional membership, certification, and research programs.

CIMSPA has two main products to promote health and wellness via sports and active lifestyles: its code of ethics and its qualification courses and exams.

Its ethical codes emphasize respect, honesty, integrity, and compassion as critical values for those in the sports sector. Qualification courses are designed to develop fundamental skills needed to work with children, adults, or groups engaged in organized sports activities.

These include developing goal-setting, leadership qualities, communication strategies and techniques, time management, etc. Several qualifications are available from CIMSPA, including the Certified Health & Fitness Coach (CHFC), which can be obtained after completing an introductory course and passing an exam.

How to become a CIMSPA member

Person performing push-ups using red kettlebells on a gym mat.
Strength training with kettlebells to enhance fitness and endurance.

Becoming a member of CIMSPA is straightforward and beneficial for professionals in the sports and physical activity sectors. Visit their website at cimspa.co.uk/join-us to join.

On the membership page, you can apply for individual student membership (‘Membership by Student’) or business membership (‘Business Membership’). Student members are eligible to use the CIMSPA professional title ‘Chartered Professional Member (CPM)’ after being awarded the degree.

Once these steps are completed, your account will be activated, granting access to all resources, including journals, e-newsletters, and mobile apps.

Key CIMSPA events

Two people stretching their sides while standing against a red brick wall, preparing for exercise.
Stretching exercises to warm up before physical activity.

CIMSPA regularly holds events to engage and educate its members. The Annual Conference, usually held in October, is a highlight, featuring keynote speeches, interactive workshops, and engaging debates.

Attendees have the opportunity to explore current issues, such as protecting young people online and managing stress. Additionally, there are discussions on global food security threats, providing a platform for diverse perspectives.

These events also offer networking opportunities and a chance to learn from industry leaders. To register, visit cimspa.org/events-and-ticketing.

Why is the CIMSPA important?

An elderly woman jogging outdoors beside a river, promoting an active lifestyle for all ages.
Staying active with outdoor jogging is a healthy habit at any age.

CIMSPA is an accredited body setting standards in sports management, encompassing professional qualifications, technology use, and general administration practices within sports organizations.

Founded in 2011, CIMSPA has since expanded its membership to include sports professionals, individuals in related industries like fitness and health services, academics, and administrators from non-sporting sectors.

These members unite under one common goal – to promote, preserve, and develop the highest quality and most sustainable practices in sports leadership, governance, and management.

By offering certifications, CIMSPA ensures that qualified individuals can demonstrate their expertise, fostering trust among peers, employers, and the public.

Some tips for starting a sports management degree

A woman performing a dynamic stretching exercise with a fitness ball, emphasizing balance and flexibility.
Dynamic stretching with a fitness ball to improve balance and flexibility.

Running your club or team is an excellent way to develop leadership skills. Depending on your position, you can be the manager, coach, trainer, administrator, or mentor.

Many positions within sports require good leaders to motivate people around them and ensure everything goes smoothly.

Becoming involved in sports administration is a great way to develop these leadership qualities. Several courses are available through various CIPSPA member organizations and CIPSPA.

Here we will look at some top tips for becoming more involved in sports management. These include how to get started with sports administration, ways to earn while studying, scholarships and bursaries, and what career paths there are after university.

Organization and structure of a sports management degree

A young man stretching his leg on a bridge railing during an outdoor workout in the city.
Stretching exercises during an outdoor workout to improve flexibility and prevent injury.

After completing high school, most students attend either an undergraduate or graduate program at a university. These programs are typically offered through a college or department. Different universities provide various lengths of degrees with different name brands attached to them. Some may even be branded as “sports management” instead of “management.” Regardless of their title, all bachelor’s degrees in sport management include eight semesters (two years).

Students must also determine if they would like to pursue their Bachelor’s Degree online or via campus location. There are many benefits to both, so it is best to research before making your choice.

Mario Boser, the Lead Instructor, is a former CIMSPA member.

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