Unit Outline
UCP004
Sports and Recreation Management
Full Year Period, 2026
Mark Shelton
University College
University College
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B
Unit Coordinator
Mark Shelton
Email: Mark.Shelton@utas.edu.au
What is the Unit About?
Unit Description
 
This is a University Connections Program (UCP) unit that provides an introduction to disciplines of sports and recreation management. The unit’s primary focus is on the sport and recreation industry, which includes professional sport, amateur sport, for-profit sport participation, non-profit sport participation, sporting goods, and sport services. The unit includes an applied focus on research and inquiry skills and provides opportunities for learners to explore topics of interests within their local community as well as topics of national and international relevance.
In this UCP unit, you will be introduced to the different managerial and administrative components of the sport and recreation industry at local, state, national and international levels. In-class discussions and the unit’s assessment items will focus on assisting you in establishing skills and knowledge necessary to function as a professional person in sports or recreation industries or careers.
Intended Learning Outcomes
As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.
On completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1
Interpret and apply theories, principles and concepts of sports management across contexts
2
Analyse and interpret sports data and evidence and recommend solutions for sports management organisations to serve the community.
3
Communicate sport and recreation theory and practice effectively
4
Critically evaluate major challenges in and across sports management contexts
Requisites
REQUISITE TYPE
REQUISITES
Anti-requisite (mutual excl)
BMA114
Alterations as a result of student feedback
To be determined
 
 
Teaching arrangements
ATTENDANCE MODE
TEACHING TYPE
LEARNING ACTIVITY
CONTACT HOURS
FREQUENCY
Attendance / engagement expectations
If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online or includes online activities, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline or MyLO, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.
 
 
 
 
How will I be Assessed?
 
For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.
Assessment schedule
ASSESSMENT TASK #
ASSESSMENT TASK NAME
DATE DUE
WEIGHT
LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:
AT 1: Social Media Campaign
See the MyLO site for the due date
20 %
LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:
AT 2: Case Study
See the MyLO site for the due date
20 %
LO1, LO2, LO4
Assessment Task 3:
AT 3: Event Planning
Refer to Assessment Description
20 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 4:
AT 5: Learning Portfolio
Refer to Assessment Description
20 %
LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 5:
AT 4: Research Project - Exploring a Sports and Recreation Topic
Refer to Assessment Description
20 %
LO1, LO2, LO3
 
Assessment details
Assessment Task 1: AT 1: Social Media Campaign
Task Description:
This practical assessment challenges you to develop and present a comprehensive social media campaign, applying marketing principles, digital communication strategies, and stakeholder engagement skills in a real-world sports context. You will choose between creating a campaign for a local sports club or developing a brand campaign for a sports organisation.

Option A: Local Sports Club Campaign
Develop a targeted social media campaign for a local sports club, addressing their specific community engagement, membership, or promotional needs. You can achieve this by identifying and contacting a local sports club to conduct stakeholder interviews. Or for students without direct local connections, you can access our curated series of podcast interviews featuring all the required information.
After analysing the information provided, Choose ONE primary focus area for your social media campaign:
• Membership recruitment and retention
• Community engagement and local support
• Fundraising for equipment or facilities
• Event promotion and attendance
• Volunteer recruitment and recognition

Option B: Sports Brand Social Media Campaign

Create a strategic social media campaign for an established sports brand (equipment manufacturer, athletic wear company, sports drink brand, etc.) targeting a specific demographic or market opportunity. Choose an established sports brand and then determine one strategic focus for your social media campaign:
• Product launch or seasonal promotion
• Athlete endorsement integration
• Youth market penetration
• Sustainability messaging and brand values
• Community sports program sponsorship
• Performance technology education

Common deliverables for both options:
• Needs/Market Analysis Document (template provided)
• Campaign Proposal Document (template provided)
• Creative Portfolio - Choose 3-4 elements based on your skills and campaign needs:
o Visual Identity (logo designs, brand identity documents)
o Digital Content (social media posts, short promo videos, written stories)
o Marketing Materials (digital flyers, website design concepts, email templates)
o Campaign-Specific Assets (hashtag strategies, contest design proposals, event or launch content)
• Professional Presentation - 5 minute recorded pitch presentation including:
o Executive summary of campaign strategy
o Showcase of key creative elements
o Implementation plan and timeline
o Expected outcomes and success measures
o Professional delivery demonstrating industry readiness
Task Length:
Campaign materials as per the requirements, 5 - minute recorded presentation.
Due Date:
See the MyLO site for the due date
Weight:
20 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Analyse stakeholder needs and market data to develop campaign strategies
LO2
2
Communicate sports management concepts through digital content and presentations
LO3
3
Evaluate marketing challenges in sport organisations and propose solutions
LO4
 
Assessment Task 2: AT 2: Case Study
Task Description:
This assessment challenges you to analyse how global megatrends are reshaping the sports industry and apply this understanding to the Tasmanian context. Drawing from the 2022 Future of Australian Sport Report (CSIRO), you will develop a comprehensive case study that demonstrates your ability to think strategically about industry transformation and your own career development. You can present your case study in either a written or presentation format. There are also two focus options for this task:

Option A: Tasmanian Application - For this option you will Identify a real-life example within Tasmania where a megatrend is already shaping the Tasmanian sporting landscape.

Option B: Adaptation Opportunity – For this option you will examine a successful example from elsewhere (Australia or internationally) where a megatrend is shaping sport and propose how similar initiatives could be adapted for the Tasmanian context.

For either option, you will be expected to include information on the following:
Core Analysis Components (All Formats)
• a comprehensive current state analysis that provides a clear description of your chosen example, identifies the key players, organizations, or communities involved, and establishes the geographic and temporal context of where and when this example is occurring.
• Establish an explicit connection between your example and one specific CSIRO megatrend, demonstrating how your example illustrates broader industry transformation through a clear theoretical framework. This analysis must be supported by credible research and data that validates the trend's significance.
• A future impact analysis that examines the potential Tasmanian implications of how this trend could reshape the local sporting landscape into the future, while identifying both the opportunities and challenges that may arise during implementation.
• A thorough skills analysis to identify what new competencies will be required in this evolving landscape, while exploring how this trend creates new career opportunities and potential roles within the sports and recreation industry. This section requires you to outline specific steps for professional preparation that you can take to prepare for these changes, culminating in personal reflection on how this analysis impacts your own career planning and professional interests.
Task Length:
Written case study 1500 words, or 10-minute presentation with reference list
Due Date:
See the MyLO site for the due date
Weight:
20 %
 
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Use ideas from sports management and industry trend frameworks to analyse your example and scenario
LO1
2
Examine data and evidence about the industry and use it to make recommendations for sports organisations
LO2
3
Consider challenges and explain what they mean for the future of sport in Tasmania and beyond
LO4
 
Assessment Task 3: AT 3: Event Planning
Task Description:
This practical assessment allows you to apply event management principles learned throughout the module by planning a real or hypothetical sporting event. You may choose from three distinct pathways based on your interests and local opportunities. This assessment can be completed individually or in small groups (2-3 students).

Option 1: Planning a Local Sporting Event
Focus: Real-world application with community engagement
Plan a sporting event that is actually happening in your local environment, such as a school sports day, local amateur competition, or community fun run. This option requires you to engage with real stakeholders and develop a practical, implementable event plan.
Key Requirements:
• Choose a local sporting event scheduled for the near future
• Conduct stakeholder meetings (school administrators, sports club officials, participants, community members)
• Gather real requirements and constraints from stakeholders
• Develop a complete, actionable event plan
• Justify decisions based on stakeholder input and community needs

Option 2: Re-Designing a Major Tasmanian Sporting Event
Focus: Critical analysis and strategic improvement
Select an existing major or regional sporting event in Tasmania (such as the Tasmanian Masters Games, Devonport Triathlon, or Cradle Mountain Run) and propose a comprehensive re-design to improve its effectiveness and impact.
Key Requirements:
• Research an established Tasmanian sporting event thoroughly
• Analyse current strengths, weaknesses, and participant/spectator feedback
• Propose evidence-based improvements and innovations
• Align recommendations with the Tasmanian Government Events Strategy 2023-2027
• Justify changes using event management theory and best practices

Option 3: Creating a Coaching Skills Event
Focus: Educational event design and youth engagement
Design a skills development event for younger students within your school or local community. This could be a multi-sport clinic, specialsed skills workshop, or coaching carnival targeting primary school students or junior secondary students.
Key Requirements:
• Choose target age group and sport/skills focus
• Design educational activities that are age-appropriate and engaging
• Plan for skill progression and inclusive participation
• Consider safety requirements for working with younger participants
• Integrate coaching principles and learning objectives
• Coordinate with school administration or community organisations
Task Length:
1500 words or 10 minute presentation
Due Date:
Refer to Assessment Description
Weight:
20 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Applies event management theories and sports management principles to develop event strategies
LO1
2
Analyses stakeholder needs and operational challenges to recommend solutions for event implementation
LO2
3
Evaluates potential challenges, constraints, and success factors to develop event management strategies
LO4
4
Communicates event management concepts and proposals for industry stakeholders
LO3
 
Assessment Task 4: AT 5: Learning Portfolio
Task Description:
Your Learning Portfolio showcases the breadth and depth of your engagement throughout the unit. This collection demonstrates your progressive skill development, critical thinking growth, and active participation in the learning community.

Your portfolio should include all completed activities from the following categories, organsed chronologically or thematically with brief reflective commentary:
• Discussion Board Contributions
• Skill-Building Exercises
• Collaborative Learning Evidence
• Term Reflections
• Academic skill development reflections

While your Learning Portfolio has a final compilation and submission date at the end of Term 4, each individual activity within the portfolio has its own specific due date throughout the year that you must adhere to. You will be assessed not only on the quality of your outputs but also on the completeness of your portfolio.
Task Length:
As per individual tasks
Due Date:
Refer to Assessment Description
Weight:
20 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Apply sports management theories across learning activities and contexts
LO1
2
Demonstrate communication skills through discussions, reflections, and collaborative activities.
LO3
3
Synthesise learning experiences and industry insights to inform career preparation and professional development.
LO2
 
Assessment Task 5: AT 4: Research Project - Exploring a Sports and Recreation Topic
Task Description:
In this assessment, you will complete a research project that introduces you to university-level research and writing skills. You will choose a topic in sports and recreation management that interests you and build your own perspective by using academic sources.
Your project has four parts that build on each other:

Component 1: Research Topic and Objectives
Write a short statement about your chosen topic.
• Create 2–3 research objectives (clear goals for what you want to find out).
• Explain briefly why you chose this topic and why it matters in sports and recreation.

Component 2: Annotated Bibliography:
Find five academic sources (journal articles, books, or reliable industry reports).
For each source, explain:
• Who wrote it and their expertise
• Who it was written for
• How it will help your research
• The main findings or arguments
• Any limitations (e.g. bias, small sample, gaps)

Component 3: Literature Review
Bring your five sources together to show what is already known about your topic.
• Highlight key themes, theories, or debates.
• Point out any gaps or disagreements in the research.
• Show how the sources link together, not just one by one.
• Build a logical flow that connects to your own research focus.

Component 4: Research Essay
Write an essay that presents your perspective, supported by evidence.
Include:
• Introduction: context, thesis statement, and essay outline
• Body paragraphs: 2–3 main arguments supported by sources
• Conclusion: summarise your findings and suggest implications or areas for future research
 
Task Length:
Maximum - 2000 words
Due Date:
Refer to Assessment Description
Weight:
20 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Apply ideas from sports management theories and concepts to support your research
LO1
2
Analyse and connect information from academic sources to build your perspective on the topic.
LO2
3
Communicate your research in written form using academic writing conventions.
LO3
 
 
 
How your final result is determined
To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.
Academic progress review
The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.
Submission of assignments
Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.
Academic integrity
Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see
Important Guidelines & Support.
Requests for extensions
If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.
 
A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.
 
The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.
Late penalties
Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.
 
Review of results and appeals
You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.