Netball New Zealand (NNZ) / AUT Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ)

PhD Scholarship: Tactical Game Development in High Performance Netball

Netball New Zealand in partnership with SPRINZ have created an exciting opportunity for a strong applicant who has a passion for Netball and tactical skill development in the high performance sport.

As part of Netball’s new High Performance Strategy and the High Performance Player Development work that Netball has undertaken, it has been identified that the tactical area of the game is an area in which Netball NZ requires further understanding in order to develop World Class Silver Ferns. Decision Making, Reading Play and Interpersonal Coordination have been recognised as key tactical areas linked to successful athlete performance. It is envisaged that the outputs of this research would see the development of tests and protocols which can be effectively utilized across Netball’s High Performance Pathway and help inform the development requirements of athletes in order to become World Class Silver Ferns.

The PhD scholar will be highly engaged with the High Performance unit of Netball NZ. The scholar should effectively be able to integrate with our High Performance Coaches (Silver Fern, Silver Fern Development Squad), administrators and support staff. The Netball New Zealand High Performance Player Development Manager will be the lead contact for the scholar from Netball NZ. The lead supervisor for this PhD from AUT is Dr Sarah –Kate Miller and the co-supervisor will be Dr Chris Button, both of whom have world class expertise in this field. The precise research questions and design will be finalised in agreement with the supervisors, and in accordance with AUT regulations and those of Netball NZ.

This scholarship includes an annual stipend of NZ $25,000 for up to three years. Tuition fees are not included however the applicant will be supported to apply for a fee scholarship from AUT.

Applicants must demonstrate well-developed knowledge and a clear interest in tactical game development. Familiarity with a performance sport environment, and/or competitive netball environment is desirable.

Location: AUT Millennium Campus and Netball New Zealand
Enquiries: Sarah-Kate Millar, skmillar@aut.ac.nz

CLOSING DATE: 30 June 2016 (will be re- advertised if a suitable candidate is not identified)

START DATE: Applicants must be able to commence as soon as possible after the decision is made. This will depend on completion of AUT University admission and enrolment requirements for PhD study and any student visa requirements. No Scholarship funding will be released until the successful applicant is enrolled.

NB: it is strongly advised that the applicant commences application to the PhD programme at the same time as applying for this scholarship.


APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must meet the entry criteria for the Doctor of Philosophy programme at AUT and complete the AUT Scholarship application form. Applicants must attach:
• A personal statement addressing point by point the conditions of appointment as outlined in the Eligibility criteria section below.
• A brief CV containing contact details (maximum 2 pages).
• If previous study was completed at a University other than AUT a copy of academic transcripts
• Email your application to: scholarships@aut.ac.nz
Reference statements: Reference statements from two academic referees are also required and must be sent directly and confidentially to scholarships@aut.ac.nz

VALUE
• An annual stipend of NZ $25,000 for up to three years.
• Tuition fees are not included. Domestic applicants will be encouraged to apply for a fee scholarship with AUT.

ELEGIBILITY CRITERIA
• A relevant Master’s degree in Sport and Exercise, Coaching, Athlete Development or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research and an understanding of how to apply the findings in practical settings.
• A clear interest in and understanding of netball.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• Personal attributes as follows:
 Enthusiasm, reliability, creativity and perseverance
 Ability to function effectively as a member of a team and independently where necessary.
• Willingness to travel and to be flexible.
• Minimum English language requirement for international applicants – IELTS scores of 6.5 overall with 7 in writing and all other bands 6.0 or higher.
• Background in sport as an athlete, coach or as part of a support team is desirable.

CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT
• The scholarship will not be awarded if the selection panel or the funding body is of the opinion that the applicants are not of sufficient merit and the position may then be re-advertised.
The successful applicant will:
• Add value to the high performance unit within Netball NZ by designing and conducting sound PhD research relevant to current issues in the area of tactical skill development as approved by the AUT Postgraduate Board.
• Provide regular presentations (oral and written) of research findings to Netball NZ and SPRINZ in line with AUT reporting and progress requirements.
• Satisfy PhD supervisors and Netball NZ with their work ethic and with the rate of progress in the design and conduct of research