FAKULTEIT GESONDHEIDSWETENSKAPPE
Instituut vir Sportwetenskap en -Ontwikkeling

The Institute for Sport Science and Development (ISSD) is an extension of the Sport Science activities within the School for Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science. It was officially established in 1996 when it was realized that internationally and nationally the development of sport demands a more scientific approach. It was also realized that a new area of specialization needs to be developed that can provide support services aimed at the enhancement/improvement of performance and performance capacity. It was also realized that students need to be trained as specialists to provide such required services for the enhancement of sport performance. The Institute also delivers Sport Science services throughout the spectrum of the internationally recognized sport continuum (from baseline talent identification, through participation on various levels – club/provincial to the support of elite national and international level athletes. The support services provided by the Institute, is based on the scope of international best practice for Sport Science.

The ISSD is involved as a Center of Specialization for several South African sports (currently Netball and Basketball) and is the Sport Science service provider for the North-West Academy of Sport. The Institute also provides expertise in the development of sports coaches by delivering workshops and seminars on topics related to the Science of Coaching.

Internationally the Institute is affiliated to the Strength and Conditioning Association and the Association of High Performance Sports Training Centers.