BECOMING A CHAPLAIN

What is a Sports Chaplain?

A Chaplain is a trained, authentic, caring person. They are trained in sports pastoral care to assist sports communities provide genuine care for their staff and athletes.

The common skill is Pastoral Care
• Are volunteers
• Are guests of the club/sporting body
• Serve their club with pastoral care
• Are authentic Christian men and women
• Are trained in sports pastoral care
• Commit to a professional code of conduct (Link here)


One of the key functions of SCZA is to provide training and support for existing and new members. Taking a chaplaincy role in sport is unlike any other chaplain position, and so sport specific training is required. SCZA provides induction training and ongoing support for all its chaplains. In the fast moving world of sport it is essential that chaplains are kept up to date with all the developments in their sport, including welfare issues.

We run regular two day introductory training events in Sports Chaplaincy. Previous training events have taken place in Cape Town, Pretoria and Durban. However, we are hoping to extend this training to other locations as interest and demand for the training grows.

If you are interested in receiving more information regarding training opportunities please contact our National Director, Bruce Nadin – [email protected]

SCZA welcomes all people who love Jesus, love people and have the passion & competence to serve as community sports chaplains.
Chaplains need to be authentic, team players, inclusive, relational, and trustworthy. They are people who enjoy volunteering and building into the lives of others.

We are a professional body offering a professional service to professional organisations. It is essential that this is reflected in our training and in the process of accrediting chaplains to serve the sports community.

To become a fully accredited SCZA Chaplain you need to:

  • Obtain a Certificate of Competence in Sports Chaplaincy.
  • This can be obtained by attending our Introductory Two Day Training and submission of ‘Learning Capture’ assignments outlined at the training
  • Be commissioned, or ‘sent out’, by your local Christian Community
  • Provide an up to date police clearance (less than 6 months old)
  • Sign and agree to abide by the SCZA Code of Conduct & Statement of Faith
  • Complete an accreditation interview with members of the SCZA Board
  • Maintain annual membership of SCZA