How to Become a Sports Equipment Manager?

Are you looking for a career in sports management? Here’s how to become a sports equipment manager and what you need to know to be successful in this field.

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Introduction

A sports equipment manager is responsible for the purchasing, distribution, and maintenance of athletic equipment for a school, team, or other organization. They often work closely with coaches and athletes to ensure that everyone has the right gear and that it is in good condition.

To become a sports equipment manager, you will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some jobs may require you to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as business administration or sports management. You should also have experience working with athletic equipment and be familiar with the different types of gear used in different sports.

If you are interested in becoming a sports equipment manager, contact your local school district or team to inquire about job openings. You can also look for job postings online on websites like Indeed.com or Monster.com. Once you find a job that interests you, be sure to submit a well-written resume and cover letter to improve your chances of being hired.

What Does a Sports Equipment Manager Do?

The position of sports equipment manager is one that is responsible for the organizing, stocking and distributing of sporting equipment for a team or organization. They may also be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of this equipment. In some cases, they may also work closely with the athletic trainer to help prevent injuries by making sure that the right equipment is being used.

Education and Qualifications
Most sports equipment managers have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some may also have a degree in business administration, sports management or a related field. It is not uncommon for those working in college or professional level organizations to have a bachelor’s degree.

Skills Needed
A successful sports equipment manager should be organized and detail oriented with good customer service skills. They should be able to multitask and work well under pressure. They should also have basic knowledge of sports equipment and be able to use various tools and machines.

Work Environment
Sports equipment managers typically work in an office environment, but they may also travel to job sites or events. They typically work during regular business hours, but they may occasionally work nights, weekends or holidays.

How to Become a Sports Equipment Manager

There are a few steps you need to take if you want to become a sports equipment manager. Firstly, you need to have experience working in the sports industry, preferably in a management or customer service role. Secondly, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field. Finally, you need to have excellent communication and organizational skills.

Education

Many colleges and universities offer courses in sports management, and some offer majors or concentrations in the field. A few schools also offer master’s degree programs in sports management. Although not required, completing a course of study in sports management can give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in the field.

In addition to completing a degree program, you may also want to consider becoming certified by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification (NATABOC). To be eligible for certification, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, complete NATABOC’s approved clinical training program, and pass the Certification Examination for Athletic Trainers.

Training

There is no one path to becoming a sports equipment manager. However, most equipment managers have at least a high school diploma, and many have completed college coursework or earned a degree in athletic training, recreation management, business administration, or a related field.

Gaining experience through an internship or entry-level position in the athletic department of a school, college, university, or professional team is often required. Many equipment managers are promoted from within after demonstrating their abilities and commitment to the organization.

Many equipment managers are certified through the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification (NATABOC). To be eligible for certification, candidates must have completed a baccalaureate degree in athletic training from an accredited institution and must have met all clinical proficiencies required by the athletic training program. In addition, candidates must successfully complete the NATABOC examination.

Certification

Most equipment managers in the NFL hold a bachelor’s degree in business management, sports management or a related field, although some have degrees in areas like athletic training or education. A handful of equipment managers began their careers as player’s club assistants or equipment interns, working their way up through the ranks.

While not required, many equipment managers pursue professional certification through organizations like the National Athletic Equipment Managers Association (NAEMA). To become certified, candidates must have at least three years of full-time experience managing athletic equipment and complete an exam covering topics like safety, inventory management and budgeting. Many NFL teams prefer to hire certified equipment managers.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for sports equipment managers is good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% growth in the field from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations.1 With the growth of youth and amateur sports leagues, as well as the continued popularity of spectator sports, the demand for qualified sports equipment managers is expected to rise.

Those with experience in the field and a bachelor’s degree will have the best job prospects. Many jobs in this field are at the collegiate or professional level, so those with experience working in these environments will have an advantage.

Conclusion

A career as a sports equipment manager can be both rewarding and challenging. If you have a passion for sports and want to be involved in the management of sports equipment, then this may be the career for you. There are a few things that you need to do in order to become a sports equipment manager, including completing a degree in sports management, gaining experience in the industry, and passing a certification exam. With hard work and dedication, you can be on your way to a successful career in this field.