ABSTRACT
Chapter 5 focuses on the pivotal role of sport development officers as change agents. These practitioners, by virtue of their relationships with sport’s volunteer base are at the frontline of sport development. Central to their effectiveness is a clearly defined job description which centres on community sport and does not allow them to be diverted into high performance and/or administrative tasks. Because developing relationships and trust with local sporting communities takes time, it is important that organisations employ sport development officers on a long-term basis.
