The “History and management of sport” department includes two of the main scientific directions in sport science and the preparation of specialists. Still in 1900 when the first course for preparation of specialists in the areas of physical education and sport in Bulgaria began, these two disciplines – history and organization (management of sport) were included in it.
These two disciplines were also included as basic in the curricula of the state courses for physical education teachers in 1928.
From 1942 the history and management of physical education and sport are an integral part of the curriculum, which changes each year. Firstly the two disciplines were studied in the “Theory of physical education” department. At that time there were only 4 departments in the Public higher school of physical education.
After 1951 the “History and organization of physical culture” department was differentiated. Later the department is enlarged with some new subjects and till 1991 it has definitely approved structure.
The department deals with research work, teaching activities and practical developments and project in the fields of sport management, history of sport and physical education, and the Olympic movement.
It has developed modules and programs on these disciplines for full-time, extramural and distant training of bachelors in all faculties, as well as specialized master’s programs on sport management and Olympic movement.
The study process is lead by eminent teachers with prestige among the sport society: prof. Kalaikov, prof. Bardareva, prof. Bankov, ass.prof. Tsvetkov, ass.prof. Tsolov and others. The continuous actualization of the programs and their development regarding the content, methods and forms of education, guarantee the high training quality, conformable to European standards.
The educational purposes of the two disciplines respond to the common strategy for preparation of specialists: mastering of the knowledge, developing professional qualities and skills for work in the social and economic aspects of sport, developing the pedagogic abilities of the students. The forms of education are varied: practices, seminars, discussions, independent research work, visit of institutions, organizations, museums, organization of events and many others.
The department develops research activities in both areas: history and management. In this respect the two directions are leading in Bulgaria and the researches are internationally acknowledged.
The department has contact with specialized scientific institutions and organizations: The Ministry of Sports, The International Union of Sport History, The European Association of Sport Management, The German Sport University in Koeln and others.
There is a discussion club for students, masters and doctors, who want to participate in the research activities of the department, according to their interests and specialization.
The department has rich library, scientific-historical archives, methodic cabinets and technical appliances, which support education and research activities of the students.
