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Sports Administrator

Sports administrators manage sports clubs, associations and peak bodies, undertaking activities such as promoting their sport, obtaining corporate sponsorship and refining the rules and structure.

Sports administrators usually work with a voluntary board or committee to develop strategies and programmes to achieve the aims and policies of the club, association or peak body.

TASKS

Sports administrators may perform the following tasks:

talk to members, fans and stakeholders, conducting research to determine their needs
develop programmes and services that meet the needs of members, fans and stakeholders
consult widely to develop short-term and long-term business plans for their sport
supervise the design, planning and maintenance of sport and recreation facilities
plan and organise sporting and other related events
supervise office, facility and/or programme staff and volunteers
identify staff training needs
coordinate the business activities of a sport or club
report to various committees and/or government agencies
plan and oversee promotional and marketing activities
secure funding and prepare, implement and monitor budgets

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

a strong interest in sport and recreation
good communication and interpersonal skills
sound business ability
willingness to travel and work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends

Very Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Sports Development Manager - works to increase the number of people participating in a sport.

Sports Facility Manager - manages a sporting venue, such as an indoor swimming centre or an athletics track.

Sports Marketing Manager - works to improve the image, profile and funding of the particular sport or event.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a sports administrator you usually have to complete a degree in sports management at university. You could also consider degrees in sport development, commerce, business or management. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, biology and chemistry are normally required. Most universities in Australia offer relevant degrees.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

A strong background in sport (such as that gained as a sports coach or sportsperson) may also be an advantage, especially if you undertake one of the general degrees listed above.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

At the local level, sport in Australia has traditionally been administered by unpaid volunteers. Since sport has become more complex and businesslike, more clubs, associations and organisations are appointing trained professional administrators.

Sports administrators are employed mostly by sporting clubs, associations and organising bodies. Generally, employment with smaller sports bodies is on a part-time basis.