Diploma of Sport, Aquatics & Recreation Management

Aspiring to steer the future of sport and recreation in Australia? The Diploma of Sport, Aquatics & Recreation Management (SIS50122) from AIPT is your strategic pathway to leadership.

This qualification sharpens the operational, budgeting, and team-leading skills essential for overseeing facilities, crafting inclusive programs, and driving community engagement in a sector of sports and recreation. With over 25 years of excellence in fitness and recreation education, AIPT equips you for autonomous roles in commercial gyms, aquatic centres and community organisations. From coordinating events at local sports clubs to managing budgets for regional facilities, this diploma builds on your practical experience and develops it into executive-level impact.

What is the SIS50122 Diploma of Sport, Aquatics & Recreation Management?

This qualification positions you as a pivotal leader in Australia’s dynamic sport and recreation landscape, where demand for skilled managers is surging amid post-pandemic wellness booms.

Qualification Overview

The SIS50122 Diploma of Sport, Aquatics and Recreation, delivered by AIPT (RTO 32363), comprises 17 units of competency focused on high-level oversight in diverse settings, from not-for-profit to commercial enterprises. It’s nationally recognised, blending online theory with practical workplace experiences to ensure you're not just qualified, but also competent in real-world scenarios, such as risk mitigation during community events or stakeholder negotiations for facility upgrades.

Key elements at a glance

Core focus: Business risks, WHS compliance, budgeting, and participation strategies.
Elective streams: Tailored to aquatics, community initiatives, or customer service.
Assessment mix: Knowledge question, projects, and supervisor-verified observations.

Course Purpose

Designed to bridge operational roles to management, this diploma addresses the skills gap in an industry that is rapidly projecting new leadership positions. With this course, you’ll gain the acumen to:

Develop budgets that align with organisational goals, ensuring fiscal efficiency.
Lead diverse teams through change, fostering inclusive cultures in multicultural facilities.
Evaluate program impacts, using data to refine offerings like adaptive aquatics for seniors.

For detailed course information, enquire now to request a course flyer and speak with one of our friendly Careers Advisors.  

Career outcomes

You’ll gain the practical skills and knowledge that will help you work across several Sport Management roles when you complete the SIS50122 Diploma of Sport, Aquatics, and Recreation Management. Popular career outcomes include:

Competition Manager

In this fast-paced role, you’ll oversee and coordinate the day-to-day operations of organising and managing weekly matches and events.

Facility Manager

As a Facility Manager, you'll be responsible for managing the upkeep of equipment and supplies to meet health and safety standards.

Program Manager

In this role, you’ll formulate, organise and monitor inter-connected projects.

Centre Manager

You’ll oversee daily centre operations and coordinate centre activities through assigned staff, where you’ll be prioritising and delegating work activities.

Course snapshot

Qualification

Diploma of Sport, Aquatics and Recreation Management

Delivery structure

Theoretical elements:

Study the theoretical elements of this course, anywhere and anytime through our online learning platform.

Practical Elements:

You’ll be required to complete practical tasks under the direction of a qualified workplace supervisor and must have access to a sports or community recreation facility or gym.

Duration

Up to 24 months

Study load

17 course units to complete.
Complete one course unit approximately every 6 weeks to graduate in 24 months.

Who Should Enrol in this Course?

If you’re a seasoned sports professional eyeing the next rung on the ladder, this diploma clarifies your progression, turning vague ambitions into structured advancement.

Ideal Candidate Profile

This course suits:

Current Certificate III holders in sport, aquatics, or fitness seeking supervisory credentials.
Mid-level operators with 1-2 years in facilities like gyms or community centres, hungry for budgeting and strategy expertise.
Ambitious career changers from business or events backgrounds, passionate about community health.

Course overview

Education 

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification as specified in the packaging rules.  No specific educational prerequisites are required to enrol in this course. Students will be required to utilise the online learning system to access the learning and assessment resources.

Pre-screening 

AIPT uses LLN Robot to pre-screen you before enrolment across five core skills including literacy, numeracy, oral communication, learning and reading. 

Parental permission 

If you are under 18 your enrolment form will need to be signed by a parent or guardian. 

Residency status 

You must be a permanent Australian resident (or equivalent) or have the right to study in Australia, other than a Student Visa.  

Recognition of prior learning 

We offer Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an option for those who have gained relevant skills and knowledge through prior experience or training. If you believe you may be eligible, please contact our Career Advisor to discuss the RPL process and how it can be applied to your studies. 

Please note: While RPL allows you to gain credit for existing knowledge and skills, it is not necessarily less work than the standard study method. The RPL process requires you to demonstrate your competencies through rigorous assessment, which may involve providing evidence, completing 3rd party observation checklist, knowledge questions, and/or attending competency call (for certain government funded enrolments). 

Assessments 

Assessment will include knowledge questions and workplace observations.

Knowledge questions: You’ll be presented with short answer questions that require a written response. 

Workplace observation assessment: You’ll be required to complete set tasks with the nominated workplace supervisor, as per the Placement Agreement. This also includes the completion of task documents and templates, which you must complete with observation tasks. This assessment must be completed in a pre-approved sports or community recreation facility or gym under the direct supervision of a suitably qualified, pre-approved workplace supervisor or supervisors.

Learning support services

AIPT offers a range of learning support services including individual support plans and learner guides delivered in alternative formats.

Work placement requirements

You’ll be required to complete practical tasks under the direction of a qualified supervisor and must have access to a sports or community recreation facility or gym to complete practical tasks in the workplace.

Workplace supervisor requirements

You’ll be required to perform practical tasks under the direction of a qualified supervisor. The supervisor must meet the below criteria named in either option 1 or option 2:

Option 1:

Has been awarded a relevant qualification from the list below:

SIS50122 Diploma of Sport, Aquatics and Recreation Management or a superseded diploma qualification in sport and recreation

Diploma in a business discipline

Bachelor’s degree in sports management, recreation or a business discipline

2) Has the following industry experience:

At least two (2) years full-time experience working in one of the below job roles (or the part-time to the equivalent of two (2) years, over a three (3) year period):

Competition Manager

Facility Manager

Program Manager

Centre Manager

Assistant Centre Manager

Option 2:

Has the following industry experience:

At least five (5) years full-time experience working in one of the below job roles (or the part-time equivalent of five (5) years, over a seven (7) year period):

Competition Manager

Facility Manager

Program Manager

Centre Manager

Assistant Centre Manager

The qualified supervisor must also hold a Working with Children Check if the student is under 18 years old.

You’ll be responsible for sourcing an appropriate work placement host employer/s. AIPT may provide support and guidance to identify work placement opportunities. 

Check the currency of SIS50122 Diploma of Sport, Aquatics and Recreation Management.

Resources and equipment 

To successfully complete this course, it’s essential that your placement provider has the necessary equipment, resources and/or documentation. For detailed information on these requirements, please reach out to our friendly Career Advisors to obtain a copy of the complete list. 

For the online part of this course, you’ll need regular access to: 

Computer: Laptop or desktop computer with working speakers or headphone points. Note that our Learning Management System (LMS) is not compatible with touchscreen 

Internet: High-speed internet such as Broadband or ADSL, T1/T2, fiber optic (Dial up access is not recommended) 

Windows: Operating system – Windows 8 or above  

MAC: Operating system - OS X 10.14 Mojave or later 

Internet browser: Google Chrome and Firefox are recommended browsers and have Javascript enabled. Browsers like Edge, Safari and out-of-date browsers may cause issues with some material, particularly our interactive elements in the LMS 

Software: Flash, Adobe Reader, Microsoft Word (or Open Office which is free to download) 

Office equipment: A printer and scanner may be required to print and upload some of your assessments 

Mobile phone with video capability or video camera: Some assessments in this course may require you to take and submit videos of you undertaking tasks for assessment. 

Why Choose AIPT?

Flexible online learning

All theoretical content is delivered online, making it easy to learn at your own pace, at home, on the go, or wherever inspiration strikes.

Dedicated student support

Enjoy unlimited support from our dedicated team of Support Officers, here to guide you and make your journey feel seamless from day one.

Expert Trainers and Assessors

Tap into the knowledge of our industry-leading Trainers and Assessors; they’re here to support, monitor, and elevate your learning whenever you need it.

“

They have an excellent range of courses on offer, as well as superb customer service that made me feel welcomed and supported throughout my studies.

Brad Davis

“

I spoke with Tamara, who was wonderful. She gave me all the information about the course and kept in touch right throughout the enrolment process.

Amy Marshall

“

Studying my theory online and at my pace allowed me to continue working full-time. The face-to-face component was amazing, working with an experienced instructor.

Jaiden Myer

“

AIPT supported me from the moment I joined. Even through COVID times, they carried on and were always there for me if I needed anything.

Mem Hockley

“

Studying with AIPT allowed me to study while working 5 days a week and at university. It allowed flexibility while ensuring I received the best education possible .

Dylan Garbutt

Cost & payment.

Choose what works for you. Pay upfront via VISA, MasterCard, or bank deposit, or opt for a flexible instalment plan paid weekly or fortnightly.

Your course fee includes

Delivery and assessment of your qualification

Study materials (including all resources)

Ongoing support from our Education Team

We offer two payment methods

Full fee upfront

Instalment plans

For more information about the course costs, please call us on 1300 616 180.

Delivery, Timeline, and Flexibility

This course is designed to fit around real working lives, not disrupt them. What sets AIPT apart is how learning translates directly into workplace confidence and capability.

Rather than studying in isolation, you’ll develop leadership and coordination skills in environments that reflect how the fitness and recreation industry operates.

Learning through real-world application

Your learning is grounded in genuine, on-the-job experience that reflects day-to-day professional responsibilities. This means you’re not just completing assessments; you’re building capability that carries straight into employment.

Also, this is genuine, on-the-job learning where you’ll:

Apply your skills in real workplace situations, not simulations.
Work directly with live budget cycles to build financial confidence.
Lead inclusion workshops and support everyday facility operations.
Take on tasks that mirror real leadership and coordination roles.
Complete assessments using video evidence and written reports.
Build a polished professional portfolio that impresses future employers.

Units.

Achieve your qualification by completing the following units of competency:

Diploma of Sport, Aquatics and Recreation Management

This unit describes skills and knowledge required to manage business risks in a range of contexts across an organisation or for a specific business unit or area in any industry setting. The unit applies to individuals who are working in positions of authority and who are approved to implement change across the organisation, business unit, program or project area. They may or may not have responsibility for directly supervising others.

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to lead teams in the workplace and to actively engage with the management of the organisation.

The unit applies to individuals working at a managerial level who lead and build a positive culture within their work teams. At this level, work will normally be carried out using complex and diverse methods and procedures requiring the exercise of considerable discretion and judgement. It will also involve using a range of problem solving and decision-making strategies.

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to collect and analyse information and apply sound accounting principles to the development and ongoing management of a budget for a small organisation or section of a large organisation.

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish, maintain and evaluate work health and safety (WHS) policies, procedures and programs in the relevant work area, according to WHS legislative requirements.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to analyse an organisation’s current participation patterns for sport, fitness, aquatic or recreation programs. It requires the ability to determine the purpose of the analysis, and to collect, analyse and report on relevant participation data. Participation data analysis and reporting can be used for a variety of purposes including program design and scheduling, funding and marketing.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to manage organisational compliance with legal and contractual obligations in sport and recreation environments. This unit applies to individuals working in sport and recreation organisations. This includes individuals working as program, recreation and sport coordinators, sport coaches and managers.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop and maintain an effective relationship with key stakeholders who contribute to and influence the delivery of sport, fitness, aquatic and recreation services.

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and enhance own practice through a process of reflection and ongoing professional development.

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide information about infection prevention and control procedures, integrate those procedures into work practices and monitor workplace performance. This unit applies to individuals working in health or direct client care contexts, who have coordination, team leading or supervisory responsibility in relation to infection prevention and control.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to coordinate programs with a health and wellbeing focus. The unit addresses coordination of the range of programs that would typically be associated with health and wellbeing such as stress management, smoking cessation, exercise and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop, deliver and evaluate community recreation initiatives. Initiatives can be as targeted as increasing participation by local populations, or as broad as implementing a nationally recognised need within the community. This unit is relevant to any type of initiative.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to promote the safe and effective use of facilities, activities and equipment through the provision of information to patrons. It requires the ability to identify facility use issues, develop information that addresses these, and to use a variety of communication methods to disseminate information.

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to manage a range of meetings including overseeing the meeting preparation processes, chairing meetings, organising the minutes and reporting meeting outcomes.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to monitor customer service and evaluate the quality of service provision. It requires the ability to report on service provision and make recommendations for change to service standards, policies and procedures.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to expand participation in sport, fitness, aquatic or recreation programs. It requires the ability to evaluate organisational participation reports, and respond to underperforming programs and consumer market segments by initiating targeted marketing strategies.

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish, develop and maintain effective work relationships and networks through relationship building and negotiation skills required by workers. These workers may be within an organisation as well as freelance or contract workers.

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify signs and sources of strain on personal health and wellbeing (both physical and mental) within job roles and according to key performance indicators (KPIs).

Frequently Asked Questions

The basic responsibilities of a sports and recreation manager are to organise, control and promote activities/facilities in centres like gyms or aquatic hubs, handling budgets, teams, compliance, and programs to boost participation and safety.

Completing a Diploma in Sports and Recreation can help you step into roles such as Facility Manager, Program Manager, Competition Manager or Centre Manager. The diploma prepares you for leadership positions that require budgeting, team oversight, and program delivery.

Yes, an AQF Level 5 diploma is widely accepted for centre management roles, especially when paired with industry experience. The mix of theory and supervised practical hours makes you job-ready for leadership positions.

Yes, the SIS50122 Diploma of Sport, Aquatics and Recreation is nationally recognised and delivered under the Australian training framework. Even though the theory is online, the practical and assessment requirements ensure full industry credibility.

WHS is a core responsibility for managing sports or recreation environments. This diploma includes the required WHS units to help you lead safe, compliant operations.

Diploma of Sport, Aquatics and Recreation Management

What is the SIS50122 Diploma of Sport, Aquatics & Recreation Management?

Qualification Overview

Course Purpose

Career outcomes

Competition Manager

Facility Manager

Program Manager

Centre Manager

Who Should Enrol in this Course?

Ideal Candidate Profile

Course overview

Why Choose AIPT?

Flexible online learning

Dedicated student support

Expert Trainers and Assessors

Cost & payment.

Your course fee includes

Delivery and assessment of your qualification

Study materials (including all resources)

Ongoing support from our Education Team

We offer two payment methods

Full fee upfront

Instalment plans

Delivery, Timeline, and Flexibility

Learning through real-world application

Units.

Diploma of Sport, Aquatics and Recreation Management

Manage business risk

Manage team effectiveness

Develop and manage a budget

Manage work health and safety

Analyse participation patterns

Manage legal compliance in sport and recreation

Develop and maintain stakeholder relationships

Reflect on and improve own professional practice

Implement and monitor infection prevention and control standards, policies and procedures

Coordinate health and wellness programs

Facilitate community recreation initiatives

Promote safe and effective use of facilities

Manage meetings

Monitor and evaluate customer service

Develop and implement participation strategies

Build and maintain business relationships

Manage personal health and wellbeing

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Frequently Asked Questions