How to Become a Sports Facility Manager: Career Path Guide
If you want to become a sports facility manager, you first need to determine if this career path is a good fit for you. If the following description sounds like you, then you’re probably well suited for a career as a sports facility manager:
Those who become sports facility managers have a genuine interest in sports and safety, and enjoy working with people from different backgrounds. They must be responsible and trustworthy, and capable of effectively handling emergency situations.
Sports facility managers are individuals that are able to combine an interest and knowledge in sports and recreation, with an aptitude for property and staff management.
Below we've outlined what you'll need to begin a career as a sports facility manager. We've also included helpful information for this career, such as job description, job duties, salary expectations, a list of possible employers and much more!
Educational Requirements for Becoming a Sports Facility Manager
Employers typically do not require sports facility managers to have formal post-secondary education, although some employers, especially those that administer specialized facilities such as swimming pools and ice rinks, may prefer candidates with certification, such as a “Swimming Pool Operator” certificate.
These certificate programs can provide sports facility operators with knowledge and skills that are essential to their job, like how to make minor repairs to a refrigeration system, and how to safely use chlorine.
Sports Facility Manager Job Description
Sports facility managers oversee the daily operations and management of sports facilities such as football fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, swimming pools, ice rinks, racquetball courts and many other playing surfaces. This includes ensuring the safety and quality of playing surfaces as well as ensuring the safety of those enjoying the facilities.
Sports Facility Manager Job Duties
• Ensure that proper security systems are in place for the facility or facilities, including alarm systems, fire alarms, sprinklers and emergency exits
• Organize evacuation routes Keep track of all equipment that is being used, including exercise equipment, sporting equipment and other equipment such as towels
• Arrange for equipment repairs when necessary
• Source and order new equipment when necessary
• Prepare annual budgets and work within those guidelines
• May assist in determining salaries for employees
• May assist in determining guest and facility fees, as well as membership costs
Who Hires Sports Facility Managers?
Sports facility managers are hired on a part-time or full-time basis by organizations that require individuals to oversee and operate sporting facilities. Such organizations may include:
• Municipal governments
• Private sports organizations
• Colleges and universities
• Public school boards
Other Requirements for Becoming a Sports Facility Manager
Employers often require sports facility managers to have First Aid and CPS certification as a condition of employment, as managers must be prepared to deal with emergency situations within the facility. Many employers also require sports facility managers to have previous experience working in a sport, recreation or fitness facility.
Sports Facility Manager Salary
The salary level of sports facilities managers can vary, depending on factors such as their level of experience, their level of education, who their employer is, the size of the facility they manage, the specific responsibilities of their job, and many others.
Unfortunately there is no reliable salary information available for the career Sports Facility Manager, however we can get a good idea of their salary level by looking at the salary levels of closely related careers.
Sports Facility Manager Salary Alberta: According to the 2011 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans working in the Operators and Attendants in Amusement, Recreation and Sport occupational group earn an average wage of between $11.56 and $15.32 per hour. According to the same survey, Albertans working in the Property Administrators occupational group earn an average wage of between $20.66 and $27.52 per hour.
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Careers Similar to Sports Facility Manager
Listed below are jobs that are similar in nature to Sports Facility Manager, as they may involve many of the same skills, competencies and responsibilities.
References: Sports Facility Manager Career
Please consult the references below to find more information on the various aspects of a career as a sports facility manager.
Occupations in Alberta: “Recreation Facility Operator.” (July 1, 2011). ALIS website - Alberta Learning Information Service. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
Employment: “Building Manager.” (n.d.). University of Centra Florida - Recreation and Wellness Center website. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
Please Note: Some of the information for this career guide was gathered from actual job postings, which due to the brief nature of their online presence, are not listed here as sources.
Scholarships for Becoming a Sports Facility Manager
Scholarships listed for majors that apply to becoming a Sports Facility Manager can be found on our All Scholarships by Major page.
Success Tip: Be sure to apply for any scholarships that you even barely qualify for, as there are millions of dollars of scholarships that go unused every year due to a lack of applicants!
Becoming a Sports Facility Manager: Applicable Majors
Studying one of the university majors listed below is an excellent starting point to becoming a sports facility manager. Click on the links to find out what else you can do with these majors!
