| Policy Alternatives for Expanding Professional Domain of Sports/Exercise Specialist for Health |
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Jung-Sok Oak |
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Dankook University |
Correspondence:
Jung-Sok Oak,
Email: jsoak@dankook.ac.kr
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Received: 15 March 2013 • Accepted: 20 April 2013 |
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| Abstract |
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[Introduction] After National Sports Promotion Act is amended, enforcement ordinances on sports/exercise professionals will be effective from 1st, January 2015. This research report will discuss points of criticism of the revised National Sports Promotion Act and suggest policy alternatives for enforcement ordinances to expand professional domain of sports/exercise specialist for health. [Body] To increase employment of sports/exercise specialists, National Sports Promotion Act should state more work places for them and also the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism should enact clauses for mandatory employment or, at least, encouragement of employment. The structure of qualification system for sports/exercise professionals is too complex and excessively subdivided. It is possible to train various professionals by subdividing area of expertise and levels even if qualification title is unified. Sports/exercise specialist for health can work at athletic complex, fitness training center, public institutions, related industry, community wellness center, medical institutions such as hospital, oriental medical clinic, health centers, sports organizations and sports teams, etc. Sports/exercise specialists for health are people who plan and instruct the most appropriate exercise activities for individuals considering one’s physical characteristics, therefore their field of activity should be extended to health and medical area. If sports/exercise specialist for health system is categorized in 2 levels, it is possible to classify 1st level primarily as sports specialists, clinical specialists, etc. Since occupational training after qualification will be implemented, the role of university will be extended. However, the government should only perform as qualifying body by abolishing occupational training and respect the role of university. In the amended provisions of the interim measures, former “1st level life sports leader” should be regarded as “2nd level sports/exercise specialist for health” to achieve expertise and prevent confusion. Also there should be counterplans for people who already have been working in related field.
[Conclusion] The qualification system should be operated as means of employment for majors. For a virtuous cycle of national health promotion, disease prevention, and financial improvement in national health insurance in low fertility and aging society, the ministry of health and welfare should admit role of sports/exercise specialist for health or have forward-looking perspective and foster specialists in sports/exercise by itself. For employment of students, there should be one voice from university for a successful establishment of qualification system of sports/exercise professional. |
| Keywords:
National sports promotion act, sports/exercise professional, coach, life sports leader, sports/exercise specialist for health, professional domain, policy alternative, occupational training |
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