Sport and Recreation Program Planning and Delivery
Planning cycle
Programs move through needs analysis, aims and objectives, design, delivery, evaluation. Objectives should be SMART - specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound. A needs analysis considers the target group, available facilities, budget, staffing and risk.
Session design
A well-structured session includes warm-up, skill development, modified game or activity, and cool-down. Use progression and regression to cater for mixed ability. Consider TGFU (teaching games for understanding) and modified rules to increase participation. Plan for inclusion, equipment ratios and time management.
Delivery and evaluation
Delivery requires clear instructions, demonstrations, feedback and safety checks. Evaluation uses participant feedback, attendance data and observation against objectives. Continuous improvement means adjusting the program based on evidence.
Traps to watch
- Writing vague objectives ("have fun") instead of measurable ones.
- Forgetting risk assessment and emergency planning in the program plan.
- Overlooking inclusion or equipment availability.
- Evaluating without reference to the original objectives.
Worked example
Objective: "By week 6, 80% of participants can complete a chest pass accurately in a modified game." This is measurable and time-bound, unlike "improve passing".
Rule of thumb
If you cannot measure it against the objective, you cannot evaluate it.