Posted by admin | Careers | Posted on March 10th, 2009
We know that not everyone has the physical and mental talents needed to become a professional athlete. So what’s the next best thing? Why, sports jobs that constantly bring you into contact with professional athletes, of course. And one of the most necessary of sports jobs is being a massage therapist for professional athletes.
Why become a massage therapist?
Though it does not carry the same prestige that a professional athlete may enjoy, being a sports massage therapist is still an important job that no sports team can do without. No serious professional athlete can survive the rigors of regular sports competition if he lacks the services of a good sports massage therapist.
Why is sports massage needed by athletes?
A sports massage therapist can aid athletes who are going through overcompensation and adaptation. Simply put, overcompensation is when the athlete has recently undergone stress overload (a usual occurrence in regular training and sports competition proper) so he overcompensates so that he will be prepared for the same or higher level of stress in the future. Adaptation is when the athlete is specially trained in coping with a certain type of stress. For example, a sprinter is used to running in short bursts over short distances so he needs to adapt to that.
A sports massage therapist will manipulate soft tissue (such as the hamstrings of a sprinter) prior to and after the exercise so that the athlete can experience less muscle tension and pain. Another benefit is that waste products can be eliminated from the body of the athlete, especially via the lymphatic system because of massage. Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is lessened through massage as well. In the end, treatment via sports massage allows the athlete to gain better flexibility and posture.
Where can sports massage therapists be employed?
Since sports massage is needed by both recreational and professional athletes, sports jobs like that of sports massage therapists are offered in both recreational and professional sports venues. You can find work in local gyms and community sports centers if you target recreational athletes for your service. If you favor working with professional athletes, you might want to apply with teams affiliated with professional sports organizations. If you get really, really lucky (or just have good networking skills) you might be able to find work with a particular professional sports athlete as part of his personal care team.
What other services does a massage therapist provide?
Aside from massage, a massage therapist might also help the professional athlete with the treatment and management of sports injuries, exercise rehabilitation and therapy, and helping plan the sports nutrition program of the professional athlete.
The advances in the 20th century as far as sports medicine is concerned have helped foster demand for sports massage therapists as one of the more valued sports jobs. Of course, you may need to train for this position before you can be considered by a professional sports organization, but it promises to be a great type of job (if you enjoy working with athletes.)
Posted by admin | Careers | Posted on November 25th, 2008
Because of the booming demand for sports events in the world, the sports industry presently offers more than 5 million positions for employment. Not all those positions have been filled to date, so maybe you should apply for at least one of those sports jobs.
Here are some things you ought to know when applying for sports jobs:
1.Professional job listings – There are some websites which are devoted purely to posting types of sports jobs that are available for people to apply for. You just need to type in the search term “sports jobs” to find these websites. Some websites will charge a commission, though, for getting jobseekers in touch with sports jobs employers so you need to ask before answering an ad at such websites, or posting your own ad.
2.Narrow down what types of sports jobs you have in mind before you even start searching. This means knowing what qualifications you may have that would make you ideal for a sports job. Contrary to what people may think, you do not necessarily need to be an athlete to qualify for sports jobs. There are many types of jobs that require people of average physical abilities rather than super athletes. For example, you might be qualified to be a ticket seller at a sports venue. Or perhaps you could be a grounds maintenance personnel. Even sports venues need to be manned and maintained. It would be nice if you could match your present skills to those needed for the sports industry.
3.How long do you want to work at your sports job? There are sports jobs which pay different rates, depending on what type of job you require. You also need to find out if the job will last for six months, a year, and so on. You have to inquire how long the contract will last. Even a well-paying job becomes less attractive if it will only last a very short time.
4.Would you be willing to relocate to accept the new sports job? There are really very many sports organizations and leagues out there, so it is quite likely that you get lucky and find a dream sports job – in another state. So ask yourself if you can stand being uprooted just to pursue your type of sports job.
5.Is the job an Equal Opportunity job? Equal Opportunity employers are those who do not discriminate as to your race, or age, or gender. In the US, the law requires employers to be Equal Opportunity employers (though unfortunately not all employers follow this law.) The same goes for Canada. Employers for sports jobs in other countries may not even have an Equal Opportunity law, so you need to be more careful about foreign employers. The Equal Opportunity stipulation helps people who would be discriminated against (such as African Americans, Asian Americans, the elderly, or women) get the same chance at applying for and working at the sports job in question.
These are just some of the requirements you may run into in your search for sports jobs. But these alone may help you get the right type of sports job for your qualifications.
Posted by admin | Careers | Posted on March 21st, 2008
Though jobs in the sports industry might seem to be plentiful, it is a very competitive field. Divided into ten sections, this industry contains thousands of jobs in, sporting events, trade shows and meetings, sport sponsors, sport related media, sport facilities, sport retailers and manufactures, and professional sport services.
This industry in particular has a large turnover, a complex infrastructure, and an influence on many people’s lives via the media and participation. To completely understand the nature of the sports industry, one must know that it is composed of different components:
Different Components in the Sports Industry
-Sporting goods – equipment manufacturers, high street sports retailers
-Facility management, provision and maintenance – motor sport facilities, stadiums, sports and leisure centers
-Sports coaching
-Sports tourism – packages for fans attending the world cup matches, or Olympics
-Sports development – sports development initiatives, governing bodies for various sports, local authority sports development officers
-Sports-related gambling/betting
-Professional sport
-Health and fitness – health clubs, GP referral schemes, personal fitness
-Trainers
-Sports medicine -sports injury clinics, physiotherapists
-Outdoors and adventure activities – mountain biking, climbing, canoeing
To know every section of the sports industry, you must understand the type of activities that take place and the respective organizations that provide them. For instance, if you are planning to get involved with sporting goods, you should know the different types of goods that are available through specialist equipment manufacturers and high end retailers, plus names of the various companies involved.
Likewise, to seek a job in sports development, you should be aware of what “sports development” is and the various jobs available for sports development officers, as well as the organizations that employ them, like the local authorities and charities governing bodies of different sports.
In general, people take it for granted that jobs are restricted within the sports industry. However, there are many other opportunities available. A job in the sports industry could range from that as a professional athlete, to a ball girl/boy, to a general manager of a professional sports team. You don’t have to work for a professional sports team to get into the industry. You could start working as a trainer or coach for a high school team, a journalist, or a sports agent, or even work as a television broadcaster.
Salary Range in the Sports Industry
The sport, the team and the type of job, are some of the aspects that influence salaries in the sports industry. Following are examples of salary ranges of some jobs in the sports industry:
Coach: $20,000-$400,000+ (College) and $20,000-$70,000 (high school)
Sportscaster: $18,000-$1 million
Sportswriter: $15,000-$1 million
Sports Event Coordinator: $24,000-$90,000+
Education largely depends on the type of job one is planning to pursue. A college degree may not assure a job in the industry but may provide numerous opportunities for employment. Besides, it is almost impossible to get into the sports industry without experience. The best way to prepare for a job in the sports industry is to get maximum exposure.
Posted by admin | Careers | Posted on February 8th, 2007
You don’t have to hang up your soccer cleats or trade in your tennis racket when your school days are over. By choosing a career in a sports-related field you can stay in the game indefinitely.
People who love athletics can work in areas as diverse as medicine, management, marketing, manufacturing and many other sports-occupational areas. Prospects are increasing as more people play and watch sports. With the explosion of sports for women and girls, entire industries have sprung up, such as women’s clothing and equipment. In other careers–like sports journalism and sports administration and sports training–opportunities for women to participate in previously male-dominated have, if not leveled the playing field, at least greatly expanded it.
There are over six million jobs in sports-related careers, according to Donna Lopiano, executive director of the Women’s Sports Foundation. While many of these jobs take special education and training, entry-level positions exist for young men and women willing to work their way up.
Careers in sports take many forms. While many young athletes dream of making it to the professional ranks, the reality is that very few make it that far. In other sports-related careers the news is more encouraging. From educators to architects, facilities managers to fitness instructors, physical therapists to professional athletes, there are positions to fill.
Below is a sample of jobs with suggested education and/or training requirements for breaking into the field.
Sports Journalist
Sports journalists report on the news of the sports world to the public. A four-year degree in journalism and/or equivalent writing experience is recommended. Job opportunities exist in newspapers and magazines, radio, and television. Most beginning journalists begin as interns on college newspapers, radio, or television stations or as general reporters on small-town newspapers. Curiosity, writing, and interviewing skills and the ability to work within deadlines are characteristics of successful journalists.
College Coach
College and university coaches are responsible for getting athletic teams ready to play in competition. In smaller colleges they may coach several sports, while in larger institutions they are mainly responsible for just one team. Duties include recruiting players, developing game strategies, and teaching skills. Most college coaching positions require a minimum of four years of college. A typical career path might begin as an athlete, followed by becoming an assistant coach at the high school or college level.
Exercise Physiologist
An exercise physiologist studies how the stress of exercise affects the body. The most common areas in which exercise physiologists work are prevention–teaching healthy lifestyle habits–and rehabilitation–helping to restore function following an accident or debilitating illness. They may manage a wellness center, teach, or conduct research. Most jobs require a minimum of a master’s degree with an expertise in exercise physiology
Sports Agent
A sports agent acts as a professional athlete’s representative in negotiating contracts, salaries, endorsements, and other business arrangements. Education includes a four-year college degree in business or a related major, often followed by a law degree. Negotiating skills, sales ability, and ability to work under stressful conditions are all traits of the successful sports agent.
Sports Official
A sports official is the field-of-play arbitrator of rules at an athletic event. The ability to make instantaneous decisions, resolve conflicts, and deal with stress and pressure, as well as the fitness level to keep up with the game are keys to success in this field. Men and women are needed to officiate in every sport and at every level from youth to professional leagues. Most people start by studying the rules of the sport and attending clinics, followed by officiating at youth and recreational levels. From there, dedicated officials can advance into high school and college sports. Officiating at the professional level is like playing in the pros—only a very few of the finest, most ambitious make it.
The areas with the most opportunities during the next five years are estimated to be new business development, sports apparel, internet marketing, coaching and athletic administration, and officiating.
Tips to getting started in a sports career:
• Assess your skills and determine how to translate them into a career in sports.
• Set goals. Think about what interests you and what you have to offer. Career planning is a process.
• Seek the advice of guidance counselors and do career research to create an educational program to fit your needs.
• Follow the educational or training plan you’ve developed.
• Get experience. Internships, work-study, part-time and summer jobs, and volunteering can help you prepare for a career and allow employers to assess your talents.
• Enter the job market, looking for entry-level positions or jobs that match your experience and that can be paths to your career goal.
• Network. Join professional organizations, attend conferences, volunteer for leadership positions. Seek a mentor—someone who can assist you on your career path.
While it’s not enough just to love a particular sport or sports in general, your passion can help you chose a career that combines business and pleasure.
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Sidebar:
Sports-Related Careers
Massage therapy
Physical education/coaching
Physical recreation
Public relations
Retail sales of sporting goods products
Sports administration
Sports architecture
Sports broadcasting
Sports equipment management and maintenance
Sports facilities management and maintenance
Sports information
Sports journalism
Sports law
Sports management
Sports marketing
Sports medicine
Sports nutrition
Sports photography
Sports promotion
Sports psychology
Careers also exist as:
Acupuncturists
Clothing designers
Curators in sports museums
Equipment designers
Historians
Officials and referees
Personal trainers
Physical therapists
Professional athletes
Professional or college scouts
Sports officials
Statisticians
Web-site designers
End sidebar
Posted by admin | Careers | Posted on January 8th, 2007
We all want to be respected in whatever occupation we choose to practice, and people who choose sports jobs are no exception. Well, if you seem to have mastered the ins and outs of a certain sport (or maybe a lot of sports), then you just might be qualified to become a sports instructor.
Why become a sports instructor?
People who opt to teach sports-related classes enjoy a certain amount of prestige and respect that other sports jobs may not command. This is because even people who become professional athletes turn to sports instructors at times when they want to fine-tune certain skills. For example, a tennis pro may seek a sports instructor to help her improve her backhand swing, or score killer aces with her serve. A golf pro might ask a sports instructor to identify problem areas in his game, such as awkward putting habits that just kill the athlete’s chances at a tourney win.
If you want to become a sports instructor, the first requirement is that you love the sport (or sports) you have chosen to devote your career teaching about. If it is tennis that you love, then be a tennis instructor. If golf makes you high, then teach golf. If you dislike the sport you want to practice in, then that is counter-productive, don’t you think?
The second requirement is that you should have adequate training from a respected institution. The apple does not fall far from the tree, as the proverb goes, so if you are recognized as a sports instructor by a respected training institution, the odds are greater that you will get the same level of respect when you start applying for positions as sports jobs instructor.
Types of Positions Available
A good sports instructor can easily find work at such sports jobs all around the US, if you look hard enough.
1.You could opt to teach in schools. All schools (from the elementary to university levels) require sports teachers because all schools have some sort of physical education program established. To become a schoolteacher, you will have to like children and youngsters as a rule. And you have to enjoy imparting your knowledge to these young people, who may become future sports athletes in the future with the right training.
2.A unique type of schoolteacher is one who introduces new sports to the children. For example, one website advertises a position for a sports instructor who will teach Middle Schools about Street Surfing, a new form of skateboarding. If you have an adventurous streak, this might be for you.
3.You could also work in gyms and community centers. Gyms are always a good idea because more and more people are shifting to a fitness-oriented lifestyle, thus fostering demand for sports instructors. Community centers may not show the same demand but are also good places to inquire into.
4.You might seek employment at private country clubs. This is where many perks and benefits can be gained, because the clientele have the money to spend for your compensation.
5.Act as private consultant for professional athletes – This is also where sports jobs like teaching sports skills are well compensated though they are harder to get into.
So if you want to try getting a job as a sports instructor, these are just some of your options. Keep your eyes open and you might land the best job you ever had soon.
Posted by admin | Careers | Posted on July 17th, 2006
Why coach chess? Unlike other sports, Chess is not a sport that makes you run and tire out yourself from running. Nonetheless, this sport can make you perspire and make your heart beat fast especially if you are the one who is playing the game. Sports job such as a chess coach requires a great deal of mental control to win a game. It is a sports job that will not need stamina and physically gifted player.
There are many other physical sports job available for kids to choose. But, harder to accept the fact that there are kids who are not physically inclined to engage on contact and tiring sports. There are young people who are in need of such games that will not need to much physical pressure. This sports job will teach the young mind to think before they act. It develops analytical skill for the learning player.
Teaching the sport
Basically, the game has the king, the queen, the bishop, the knight, the rook and the pawn. With this sports job such as chess coaching, teaches the basic moves of each piece is the top priority. Knowing how to move each piece is basically all you need to know. Some players move their piece by knowledge, and some players move their piece by instinct.
Developing a player’s mind on how to move the chess piece as favorable for them as much as possible is one of the hardest to do so. A person’s mind given with their own common senses, don’t usually agree with what you want them to do. Before making an attempt to dictate your player, you should first get their trust. All most all sports job requires a great deal of trust.
This sports job will take patience as another good value of the sport. Waiting for your components move is very usual in chess games. Teaching the player to be tolerant of waiting is another mental advantage.
Developing trust
Not all people are suited to play chess just like any other sports. To develop your player’s trust on you as a coach, showing him why he needs to trust you is one of the options. Showing him as much credibility you have as much as possible. By this, you can gain your players full trust and would keep their attention to you as much as possible.
Some sports job like a chess coach will make you transfer as much knowledge as you have to your player. Unlike other sports, chess develops the mental and thinking capability of the person. You will surely know which of the moves to teach, and the moves you need not to teach.
Advantages of mental sports
With that, only the best moves will be passed on to your players, and some that are worthless are left out. Sports job like coaching chess can be tricky at times. Minding your players all the time, keeping them informed for the best moves, may consume up most of your private time. But unlike other physical sports job, you will not be tired out physically, but will develop more of your thinking capability. Your memory, your concentration, logical thinking, analytical development and even your life skill can be affected by this mental activity.
Posted by admin | Careers | Posted on April 24th, 2006
The majority of the jobs on the market these days are the dependable, yet monotonous day in and day out desk jobs. However, for those audacious and venturesome types, there are careers out there that are everything except monotonous, but still just as dependable as well as lucrative. Examples of these intriguing and adventurous professions include military work, Alaskan fishing, guiding hunters, as well as a career as an Arborist.
A military career is not only exciting and constantly varied work, it is also an exceptionally rewarding career with countless benefits for those in service as well as their families. From the land-based Army, to the sea-based Navy and air-based Air Force, a career in the military is sure to offer one exhilarating experiences day in and day out as they are required to be clued in, alert, and always ready to think on their toes. The U.S. Army and the Army Reserve are the foundation of the United States’ military land operations, however, a more technically minded individual would presumably be more attracted to a career in the US Navy or the US Air Force, both notorious for their forward thinking technological equipment and machinery.
One interested in employment in one of the most profitable and risky jobs available should consider a vocation of fishing in Alaska. Obtaining a career as an Alaska fisherman is not always an easy task, as current crewmembers rarely leave their positions. Nevertheless, one who does secure a job on a fishing crew is sure to understand just how lucrative a career in fishing and crew work can be. With wages based upon a share and/or percentage of harvest/catch earnings ranging from 1.5-10% for newcomers. Bear in mind that anyone looking into these careers is advised to obtain a signed contract/work agreement concerning pay and job responsibilities before heading out to sea.
An individual who is already interested in game hunting should be pleased to know that they can get paid to hunt every day if they were to choose the unique career of a hunting guide. Hunting guides are generally trained through schools and/or programs which help those interested in guiding to learn the principal environments where the game is to be found, as well as training in protection of those they are to lead in case something goes amiss in the wilderness. The compensation for work as a hunting guide, unfortunately, is not its main appeal, however, if one truly is a hunting enthusiast the possibility of hunting as a career is a job perk within itself.
An Arborist, or a tree surgeon, is yet another professional option for those looking for an adventurous career, which is far from monotonous desk work. An arborist’s responsibilities include the management and maintenance of various plantlife, as well as focusing on the health and safety of individual trees and/or wooded areas. Requiring certification, those interested in this one of a kind profession must first pass a somewhat difficult written exam, alongside three years minimum of field experience. One interested in arboriculture and is interested in the care and preservation of nature should definitely examine further a career as an Arborist.