Sport Administrator

Sport administrators plan, organise and direct sport and recreation programs and services in accordance with policies set by management, owners, boards of directors or executive committees. They regulate the activities around sport and then maintain contact with sport organisations in order to see that the regulations are implemented and coordinated effectively..

---

Sport administrators are also involved in promoting participation in sport and have a mandate to promote the image of sport by maintaining a good example as a management body. They attend sporting tournaments, training courses and meetings where the administrative aspects of sport events are dealt with. They plan and manage the building of sporting facilities such as sports stadiums and recreation complexes. They may initiate research into areas of need within a sport for instance in the field of training, fitness, diet, equipment and apparatus. They may plan events such as coaching for trainers and leaders in sport and recreation. Sports administrators may also may participate in the process of conflict resolution between sport organisations or sportsmen.

In South Africa, there are a variety of government sports administration bodies both at provincial and national level. The administration may also vary according to the type of sport i.e. sporting bodies for golf, soccer, cricket, running and swimming for example. In any one of these areas sports administrators are directly involved in managing and coordinating events and facilities. In South Africa, sport administrators and officials are employed by the government mainly at a national and provincial level. However, most sport administrators and officials tend to be part-time employed or volunteer workers. This is especially the case in sports that are less well known in the country.

In general, recreation and sport administrators:

• develop and recommend overall recreation strategies, plans and policies
• implement policies
• act as a liaison for boards, committees and community organisations
• organise and co-ordinate recreation programs and educational events
• plan regional, provincial, national and international sporting events
• initiate and oversees fund raising activities
• assist community organisations in planning and administration, and facilitate the delivery of their programs and services
• manage or oversee recreational and sport facilities such as arenas, swimming pools and golf courses
• establish yearly budgets for equipment, staffing and facility maintenance and repair
• advertise programmes and services
• train and supervise staff 
• write reports 
• co-ordinate volunteer groups.

---

How to Enter

Schooling and School Subjects

There are no specific subject requirements for sport administrators. School sporting activities, however are the foundation for future sport involvement and should be encouraged.

• National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
• National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course

Each institution has its own entry requirements.

Compulsory Subjects: None

---

What to Study

Sports administration positions are generally entry level positions. Employers generally prefer to hire applicants who have several years of sport related experience. A sport administrator should have a strong background in having played and been involved in sport events. Preferably, however a sports administrator should have a relevant degree or diploma possibly with a sport emphasis. These may include a BA or BCom degree with sport or sport science as a major subject. Relevant diplomas in sport management are offered by most universities of technology and some private colleges

---

Employment

• South African Federation for Movement and Leisure Sciences
• Confederation of South African Sports
• Municipalities and provincial administrators
• Universities and universities of technology
• SANDF
• SAPS
• Department of Correctional Services
• self-employment, sport advancement officers can act as agents and handle the planning and management of the activities of a professional sportsperson or team.

---

Further Information

Department of Sport and Recreation
Tel: (012) 304-5038

Exercise Teachers’ Academy
P O Box 694
Rondebosch 7701
Tel: (021) 683-8342
www.exerciseacademy.com

---

---

Related Occupations

---