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

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.

  • Average age
    Average age
    38
  • Future Growth
    Future Growth
    N/A
  • Gender Share
    Gender Share
    41% female
  • Average full-time
    Average full-time
    43 hours
  • Weekly Pay
    Weekly Pay
    N/A
  • Skill level rating
    Skill level rating
    Very high skill
  • Unemployment
    Unemployment
    Lower unemployment
  • Full-Time Share
    Full-Time Share
    75%
  • Employment Size
    Employment Size
    2,900
  • Employment Size
    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%
  • Employment Size
    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%
  • Employment Size
    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%
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