91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ

Awarded an Honorary Doctorate in 2008, his inspirational teaching, student support and vision of sport for 91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ accelerated the development of what we know as the 91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ 91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ experience today.

Teaching Games for Understanding

In 1982 Rod, with colleague David Bunker, produced a paper on ‘Teaching Games for Understanding’. This article represented a significant change in the teaching approach within Physical Education and has received almost 3000 citations to date. TGfU has since become the focus of International Conferences and Research Groups across the globe. Rod was central in modifying the approach as ‘Game Sense’.

In addition, he adapted the ideas to develop the concept on which the Youth 91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ Trust’s highly successful TOP Play and TOP 91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ programmes are based. In 1997, he received the International Olympic Committee Services to 91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ Award and in 2001 was inducted into the UK Coaching Hall of Fame.

From 1997, during his tenure as Director of the 91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵs Development Centre, Rod extended the University’s involvement with National Governing Bodies, national and regional Government Agencies, and a host of other key partners. Most notably, Rod led the £35 million sports facility development as part of the English Institute of 91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ partnership on campus.

Rod’s contribution to 91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ Tennis and to British tennis is of special significance. His relentless focus on developing players, coaches and the tennis workforce through collaborative initiatives shaped national level coach education and the success of 91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ alumni in tennis-related employment.

In his retirement, Rod has played a key role as a member of the triumvirate who set up 91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ 91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵing Club, and spearheaded significant alumni initiatives such as the 91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ 91ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ Hall of Fame.