sports as a career option

Career options in Sports | sports profession

3 years ago

Since childhood, there has been a perception forced in our minds that “Zindagi me set hona hai” by the society of course. By this, they mean that to get successful or so-called ‘set’, one needs to complete his/her education in a decent field and then acquire a routine job or pursue higher studies. As a result, anyone who wants to build up an offbeat career, like sports he has to face societal and parental pressure in most of the cases.

Sports have always been considered as a part-time activity. People accept it as a passion or hobby, but not as a full-time career. But, perceptions are changing rapidly in this matter. The spread of awareness regarding this career has motivated many people to take sports disciplines as a career. This has caused the emergence of many sports management firms and substantially increased job prospects in this field.

Before discussing the different career options in sports, let’s have a look at some prerequisites

Basic needs to opt Sports as a career

1. Determination

This is the utmost required trait a person should possess before going into sports. Many times, to achieve success in sports, there come delays. What you need to have a sheer will, patience, and confidence upon your skills to sustain in this field.

2. Basic knowledge of Sports

This is also of prime importance, as if you don’t know what you are actually working for, there is no possible way you can succeed in it. Having the basic knowledge of technical and social skills about the particular sport which you are opting for is considered to be good.

Career options in Sports

1. Sportsperson

This is undoubtedly the most decorated career option in sports. Every Sportsperson receives a handsome salary and incentives. Becoming one doesn’t require academic experience, but is advised to have some. Top-level sports persons also endorsed different brands which increase their pay scale exponentially. But remember, this is a highly competitive field, so you need to do all the hard work in the sports world along with your top-notch skills.

2. Umpires/Referee

An umpire or the referee is the one who regulates and executes the rules of the game while the match is being played. This position is mostly acquired by the retired players but this doesn’t necessarily imply. What is important in this field is your proper education in the sporting field with prior experience. Degrees like Bachelor of Physical Education (B.P.Ed) and Master of Physical Education (M.P.Ed) play role in this. This is a good career option if you consider payscale and respect.

3. Coaches and Team Managers

Coaches are the backbone of any team or player. They impart the technical, physical, and psychological skills to players required to play the game smoothly. They are the real Masterminds behind the game being played. A lot of experience is required to become a coach/ manager. The Team Manager also plans the schedule of the team along with the arrangements of travel, food, and lodging. People with tough mental strength are recommended for this post as the coach/manager has to bear a lot of pressure.

4. Sports Journalist

This is also a good career option considering the media limelight and money you will receive. Sports journalists interview the sportspersons/ coaches/managers and acquire the information about players, their practice methods, game techniques, mental and physical state. People with a common interest in sports and journalism are recommended for this job.

5. Dietician / Physiotherapist

They play an extremely important role in enhancing the performance of players. The dietician prepares a proper diet for the players having a balanced amount of carbs, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. They prepare diet charts for the pre, during, and the post-playing times.

You might have seen a player groaning in pain during playing. Here is when the Physiotherapist comes into play. The Physiotherapist relieves the player from the hamstring pull or ankle sprain like injuries. Moreover, they make them do proper workouts and warm-ups before and after the match to prevent sports injuries which can be extremely dangerous for a player’s career. To opt for any of the above careers, the person needs prior knowledge of medicine and must possess the apt degree for the same.

6. Sports Administration

By doing law and management/administration courses, you can pursue your career in sports administration. The sports administrator works on the official board which in turn decides the policies regarding the sports. Sports administrator has to make decisions regarding the appointment of coaches/ managers/physiotherapists for the team, scheduling of the team tours and set up camps for the betterment of players.

All in all, taking up sports as a career option seems like a good deal, provided your intent and will power should be rock solid even if you don’t receive success in a short span of time. This field is definitely like a rough sea, which can be sailed through only by a skilled sailor. If you want to excel over here, you really need to buckle up and work hard from the very beginning. And the result of the hard work always lay into sweet fruit.

Suyash Ranjan

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