How to become a 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.

Personal requirements for a Sports Administrator

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

Education & Training for a Sports Administrator

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 Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, biology and chemistry are normally required. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.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.

Duties & Tasks of a Sports Administrator

Sports administrators:

Talk to members, fans and stakeholders, conducting research to determine their needs
Develop programs 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 program 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.

Tasks

Identifies formal standards and regulatory codes appropriate to a sports needs and assists with the completion of documentation.
Identifies and develops objectives, strategies and plans to achieve greater awareness of sport and maximise efficient use of an organisation's resources, including identifying potential improvements to systems, marketing and promotion.
Implements a record system to monitor the progress of new initiatives and activities.
Assists in the locating and hiring of coaches, umpires and other necessary officials.

Employment Opportunities for a Sports Administrator

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.

Specializations

Sports Development Manager

A sports development manager works to increase the number of people participating in a sport.

Sports Facility Manager

A sports facility manager manages a sporting venue, such as an indoor swimming centre or an athletics track.

Sports Marketing Manager

A sports marketing manager works to improve the image, profile and funding of the particular sport or event.

Sports Administrator

Average age
38
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
41% female
Average full-time
43 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
75%
Employment Size
2,900
Employment by state
ACT: 3.6%
NSW: 28.8%
NT: 1.4%
QLD: 17.7%
SA: 6.7%
TAS: 2.0%
VIC: 31.0%
WA: 8.9%
Age brackets
15-19: 2.8%
20-24: 9.6%
25-34: 30.2%
35-44: 23.1%
45-54: 19%
55-59: 6.7%
60-64: 5%
65 and Over: 3.6%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 12.9%
Bachelor degree: 39.4%
Certificate III/IV: 11.4%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 12.3%
Year 10 and below: 4.4%
Year 11: 2%
Year 12: 17.6%