Mission Statement
The Development Officer’s mission at MASA is to grow and support martial arts across South Africa, making it accessible to everyone, especially in communities with fewer resources.
This role is all about promoting martial arts, ensuring everyone’s safety, and building awareness of MASA’s work and values.
By lowering financial and practical barriers, the Development Officer aims to create a strong, welcoming martial arts community.
Key Duties of the Development Officer
1. Helping to Raise Funds
Fundraising Activities: Work to raise money to support the MASA provincial fund. These funds
help make martial arts affordable and accessible.
Use of Funds?
The money raised goes towards:
- Supporting events and tournaments
- Covering entry fees and travel costs for athletes who need financial help
- Providing uniforms for students who can’t afford them
Coordination with Fund Managers:
The Development Officer raises funds but does not manage them. The Provincial Executive Committee or National MASA Structure is in charge of managing and allocating these funds.
2. Making Tournaments Affordable and Accessible
Supporting Tournaments:
Help organise affordable tournaments at provincial and club levels so more people can participate.
Keeping Costs Low:
Work to keep participation fees as low as possible, so everyone has a fair chance to compete and gain experience.
Small-Scale Events:
Set up smaller events, like club tournaments, to give more people the chance to compete and grow in a friendly environment.
3. Developing Community Programmes
Self-Defence and Safety Seminars:
Work with other MASA directors, like the Women’s Martial Arts Director, to create community programmes. These might include self-defence classes for women and children.
Local Examples:
Recently, the Development Officer in the Northwest helped run a seminar for school teachers, focusing on personal safety and the basics of martial arts.
4. Raising Awareness of MASA as a National Body
Community Awareness:
Promote MASA as the national governing body for martial arts in South Africa, separate from other federations.
Explaining MASA’s Role: Help the public understand MASA’s mission and the support it provides
for athletes and clubs across the country.
5. Educating on Safety and Safeguarding Policies
Promoting Safety Policies:
Educate instructors, parents, and students on MASA’s policies around safety, including how to report any issues like bullying or abuse.
Confidential Reporting:
Ensure there are safe, confidential ways for community members to report any concerns.
6. Supporting and Promoting Training Programmes
Organising Training:
Work with training providers to promote training programmes, like the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) coaching courses.
Forming Training Groups:
Help organise groups of people interested in professional development so they can attend training together.
Improving Instructor Standards: Ensure that instructors have access to certified training to help them grow and improve the quality of martial arts instruction.
7. Managing Provincial Communication and Social Media
Overseeing Social Media:
Manage the provincial social media page, linked to MASA’s official page, to promote events and keep the community informed.
Promoting Events and Activities:
Post and share information about events, seminars, and club activities, making sure it aligns with MASA’s values.
Serving as a Marketing Leader:
Act as the marketing contact for MASA at the provincial level, ensuring that all posts and communications promote MASA’s mission and increase community engagement.
8. Working with Tournament, Health, and Safety Directors
Supporting Safe Tournaments:
Work closely with Tournament, Health, and Safety Directors to ensure tournaments follow proper safety measures.
Educating on Safety Standards:
Help clubs understand and follow MASA’s safety standards, so all events are safe and well-organised.
Supporting Clubs with Protocols:
Guide clubs in following tournament safety protocols to promote a safe and responsible environment for all participants.
Summary
The MASA Development Officer plays a vital role in making martial arts accessible, supporting safe practices, and promoting MASA’s mission. They help raise funds, organise events, promote safety, and ensure the public knows about MASA’s values and services. Although the Development Officer raises funds, the management of these funds is the responsibility of the Provincial Executive Committee or National MASA Structure.