What is sport management?

Sport management can be both exciting and complex. This is a very demanding industry that requires a thorough knowledge of sports, laws and regulations. It has grown dramatically in recent years. If more in detail, what is sport management? More than just a hobby, sports has become a huge business on a global scale and those with the skills to manage these businesses are in high demand. In this article, we will take a closer look at what the sport management profession is and what is at stake, as well as the organizational skills needed to succeed.

What is sport management?

Sport management is a complex business. The objectives are multiple and the motivations of the actors involved are numerous. Sport management is the set of activities that allow to manage a company or a sport organization. These include financial management, personnel, equipment and sports facilities. The main objective of sport management is to guarantee the sustainability of the sport activity while ensuring the quality of the services provided to the athletes and spectators.

What are the objectives of sport management?

The objectives of sport management, from an organizational point of view, are many and varied. They can be financial, but also marketing or communication. It can also be a question of satisfying technical, sporting or sanitary requirements. Finally, they can be economic, financial or patrimonial.

Thus, the objectives of sport management include the following:

• Increase revenue through ticket sales, sponsorships ;
• improve the fan experience;
• develop players, coaches and staff;
• Create an effective marketing and promotional strategy;
• develop a sustainable budget;
• develop and implement strategic plans;
• monitoring performance measures to evaluate success;
• Improve brand recognition and exposure for the sport;
• improve community engagement and awareness ;
• manage risks to ensure the safety of all participants.

What are the main issues facing sport management professionals?

There are several issues facing sport management professionals. First, they must ensure that the athletes and team are performing well. Then they must manage the finances of the team and the organization. They must also manage public relations and the media.

Examples of these issues include:

• develop and maintain effective budgets;
• recruit, hire and retain players;
• respond to fan requests;
• manage player health and safety;
• manage the business side of the sport;
• ensure compliance with laws and regulations;
• managing media attention;
• negotiate and execute sponsorship agreements;
• build and sustain long-term organizational success;

What are the different areas of competence and responsibility of sport management?

Sport management is a discipline that brings together different areas of expertise and responsibility. In general, sport management is considered to encompass the organizational, financial, marketing and legal aspects of sport. However, depending on the nature and size of the sport organization, managers may have more or less extensive responsibilities.

The purpose of sport management is to ensure the smooth running of the organization by setting up an appropriate structure and defining the roles and responsibilities of each member of the organization. It is also about managing the different services (administrative, logistic, technical) within the organization.

Financially, sport management aims to ensure the financial viability of the organization by implementing rigorous financial management. This includes the search for funding (sponsors, grants), budget management and investment planning.

How is sports management organized in clubs and sports federations?

Sport management is the set of activities that allow to manage a club or a sport federation. These activities include the management of finances, personnel, equipment and sports facilities. In most cases,sports clubs and federations are organized in a hierarchical structure. At the top of the hierarchy is the Board of Directors, which is responsible for making policy decisions and strategic plans for the organization. Below the Board of Directors is the staff, which includes coaches, trainers and administrators. These staff members oversee the daily operations of the club or federation. Then, under the guidance of the coaches, are the players and members, who participate in the sport and help promote its growth and success.

Updated 3 May 2024