Sports Management

According to Parks, Quarterman, and Zanger, there is a host of aspects related to sports management that must be considered by those endeavoring to join the contemporary field of managing sports organizations. Among these are issues such as the psychosocial aspects of sport and exercise, the organizational behavior of sports organizations, the marketing of sports management, and the professional development of the sports manager (Parks, et al, 1998). Contemporary sports management involves a series of challenges for managers, from the growing commercialization of sports to the growing number of foreign athletes playing on teams. This research will review some of the challenges and considerations with respect to sports management preparation and career choice.

We are a nation of sports fans and sports players. Interest in watching sports events continues to grow as do the salaries of athletes, coaches, and managers of sports organizations. Increased television coverage and Internet technologies create further interest and appeal in sports. Nevertheless, according to the Occupational Outlook and Handbook (2002-2003), careers in sports management are difficult to come by at best: "Very few beat the long odds and have the opportunity to make a living from professional athletics. Those who do find that careers are short and jobs are insecure�so having an alternative plan for a career is essential" (1).

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provided in the chart below: MOST IMPORTANT COMPETENCIES BY GENDER FEMALE MALE COMPETENCY Prepare annual budget 97% 91% Administer budget 94% 90% Maintain ethical standards 92% 90% Cope with stress 92% 88% Delegate responsibility/authority 90% 87% Foster confidence/trust in employees 94% 88% Interact with coaches/staff/faculty 89% 85% Maintain staff cooperation/morale 93% 85% Recruit best persons for positions 99% 91% Comply with employment laws 60% 97% Discern employee strengths/weaknesses 56% 90% Public speaking skills 57% 92% (Judd 11) According to the Occupational Outlook and Handbook (2002-2003) jobs for sports managers are expected to increase about as fast as all occupations through the year 2010 (5). In contemporary sports management, colleges and universities are becoming "large economic, social, and political agents in American higher education" (Padilla and Baumer 25). The growing commercialization of sports continues to play out in dramatic fashion. Television rights for major college sports events continue to increase revenues for schools and sports managers are faced with more complex challenges to effectively manage sports organizations. The

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