Sport is one of the characteristic features of a University Calendar. The involvement in sport is both recreational and competitive (Emiola, 1994; Kenyatta University, 2001; Njororai, 1997). Due to the difficult of fitting into the national competitive structures, most teams therefore function at the recreational levels. Such activities are characterised by friendly matches, open tournaments, Inter-house or year competitions, Inter-Institutional test matches etc. It is only in a few disciplines such as Rugby, Basketball, Volleyball and Handball (in some institutions) that university sides compete shoulder to shoulder with other club sides at national level.
According to Erniola (1994), Sport is a programme just to keep the students busy and away from mischief. Additionally, it is meant for students to while away their time when they do not want to be in the library and laboratories. Unfortunately, the public expectation is that the universities should produce the cream of sportsmen and women to represent a country at International Sports competitions such as Commonwealth, All Africa and even Olympic games.
In the Western countries such as United States of America, Canada and Great Britain, Universities produce players and athletes for their national teams. East African Universities therefore have a challenge to produce world-beaters. The Sport and games tutors and coaches find themselves in a dilemma of trying to involve as many students as possible within the institutional and structural limitations and also to rouse teams that can win nationally organised events to project the image of the institutions.
In an attempt to fulfil the twin objectives of recreation and elite performance one ends up achieving neither to a level that can be appreciated by the institutional heads the public and the political establishment.
Situational Analysis and Conceptual Base
The performance of university teams and individuals like and other in the competitive world can be conceptualised in terms of the factors that influence performance outcome. These factors affecting sports performance can be grouped into two, namely internal and external ones.
The internal or inner factors are individual based and include one's disposition physical abilities, talents, technique, physique, tactics and psychological orientation. These factors are amenable to training. Sports tutors and coaches try in their day today engagements to improve or modify these individual based factors so that they can produce winners.
In addition to the internal factors, there are the external ones which include issues such as funding (finances) facilities, equipment, opposition, incentives, personnel, sports policy Institutional structure institutional policies, among others (Fmiolea 1994; Singh, 1982, Njororai, 1997). Thus sports involvement in the Universities can only be enhanced it coaches sports tutors and their related staffs, such as Deans of students among others appreciate the broad factors that impinge on team performance and therefore require attention (See Figure)
Figure 1: Conceptual understanding of the role of Sports Tutor
Figure 1 illustrates the external factors that impinge on the internal ones and the subsequent performance in training and competition - ideally when all factors have been taken care-off performance should be good. If performance is not good one looks backward to identify the service of the problem (s).
Sports Tutors' Role and Function
- Technical Roles
- Teacher: Imparts knowledge and skills to students
- Trainer: Prescribes conditioning programme to improve and maintain athlete's fitness levels
- Instructor: Directs activities and practices for athletes
- Motivator: Sets goals for players as well as shaping the altitude and will of the athletes
- Disciplinarian: Establishes system of rules to guide rewards and punishment to athletes
- Managerial and administrative roles
- Manager: Organising planning co-ordinating, evaluating, delegating, budgeting, staffing for student's activities as well as other department obligations. The sports tutor is involved in organising sports events, planning for student activities, co-ordinating sports as well as budgeting and seeking sponsorship. By virtue of his/her technical skills, the tutor is also expected to plan and manage teams on external engagements nationally and internationally.
- Administrator: Deals with office work, keeping records, filing player profiles, communication, and meetings
- Publicity agent: Projects the image of the teams and the department to the outside public within and without the institution
- Social worker: Counsels and advice staff and students. This entails knowing the clients talking and listening to them.
- Friend: Involves being sensitive to the needs of both players and even staff. The sports tutor gives support as well as sharing confidential information. (Alao, 1996: Thompson, 1991; Jensen, 1988; Leith, 1990; Bucher and Krotee, 1993; Kozoll, 1985.
- Scientific Roles
- Scientist: One is expected to scout on opposing institutional capacities, carry out an analysis as well as evaluating own teams performances. Through analysis, can also identify problems that require solving.
- Student: Sports tutor should be a good listener, learner and constantly seeks new knowledge. One strives to improve his/her teams by adapting new approaches in training as well as strategies in the various games.
- Researcher: Formulate and design researches on various topical issues and discriminating the same to various consumers. (Thompson, 1991;
- Legal roles:
- Proper planning and execution of activities e.g. learning processes, travelling.
- Providing proper instruction during training etc
- Providing a safe learning and competition environment
- Providing adequate and proper equipment
- Evaluating the players for any injuries or incapacity
- Supervising the activities closely
- Keeping adequate records for players and staff
- Provide appropriate emergency assistance
- Following due process when dealing with athletes and even staff
