How to Be Athletic Equipment Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 5, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of an athletic equipment manager is to ensure that athletes have the right equipment to perform safely and effectively. This includes providing the right apparel, accessories, and equipment for each sport. As a result, they are responsible for ordering, organizing, and maintaining all equipment and supplies.

Being an effective equipment manager requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills, as well as an understanding of the different types of sports equipment used in various sports. Furthermore, they must be aware of safety regulations and practices to ensure that athletes are not put at risk. When equipment managers are successful in their role, athletes are able to perform at their highest level and enjoy their sport without injury or disruption.

Steps How to Become

Get a Bachelor's Degree. A bachelors degree in sports management, business administration, or a related field is typically required for an athletic equipment manager. A degree in sports management can provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of sports such as marketing, finance, and organizational behavior.
Gain Experience. Athletic equipment managers typically have to have several years of experience in the professional sports field. Working as an intern with a professional sports team is a great way to get hands-on experience with the organization and its operations.
Develop Expertise. Athletic equipment managers need to be knowledgeable about the various types of equipment used in various sports. They should also be familiar with safety regulations, proper maintenance procedures, and the proper use of equipment.
Become Certified. Athletic equipment managers should consider becoming certified in order to demonstrate their expertise and experience. The National Athletic Equipment Managers Association (NAEMA) offers certification for athletic equipment managers.
Find a Job. Athletic equipment managers can find job openings through professional sports teams, college and university athletic departments, or sporting goods stores. Athletic equipment managers should have experience working with professional athletes, as well as knowledge of the latest safety regulations and technologies.

Athletic equipment managers must be reliable and capable to ensure the smooth running of any sporting organization. They are responsible for the acquisition, maintenance, control, and distribution of all athletic equipment. Reliability and capability are essential in order for equipment managers to properly and accurately manage inventory, track equipment usage, and handle any necessary repairs.

A reliable and capable athletic equipment manager will be able to effectively manage the organizations budget, handle orders and shipments, and keep accurate records. In addition, they must have excellent problem solving skills to quickly react to any potential issues that may arise. Having reliable and capable equipment managers allows organizations to provide athletes with the necessary resources to perform at their best.

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Job Description

Manage the purchase, inventory and maintenance of all athletic equipment.
Ensure that all equipment is properly stored, inventoried and maintained.
Perform regular equipment inspections to ensure proper functioning, safety and cleanliness.
Research new equipment, technology and safety regulations to ensure all equipment meets current standards.
Order and purchase needed equipment and supplies.
Monitor and coordinate team travel for away games and competitions.
Develop and implement policies and procedures for the maintenance and use of athletic equipment.
Maintain accurate records for budgeting and tracking expenses.
Assist in the training of coaches and staff on the proper use of athletic equipment.
Assist with the setup and takedown of athletic events and competitions.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of equipment used in sports and recreation.
Ability to maintain, repair and replace athletic and recreational equipment.
Excellent customer service and communication skills.
Ability to evaluate and select appropriate equipment for staff, teams, and athletes.
Knowledge of safety regulations related to sports and recreation equipment.
Ability to establish and maintain effective record-keeping systems.
Ability to prioritize and organize tasks while meeting deadlines.
Knowledge of budgeting and financial management principles.
Ability to conduct inventory and stock reports.
Knowledge of proper storage and maintenance procedures for sports equipment.

Being an Athletic Equipment Manager requires a variety of skills, but the most important is organization. This skill helps ensure that equipment is properly inventoried and maintained, as well as properly distributed to team members. strong organizational abilities are essential for tracking orders, staying up to date on equipment maintenance and repairs, and managing inventory levels.

Good communication and customer service skills are also essential for working with vendors, coaches, and athletes. Finally, a strong knowledge of safety regulations and best practices for using and maintaining equipment is also necessary to ensure a safe and successful sports season. Without these skills, an Athletic Equipment Manager would not be able to do their job effectively, leading to missed deadlines, poor customer service, and unsafe conditions for athletes.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in managing athletic equipment?
How would you ensure that all equipment is accounted for and properly maintained?
Describe a time when you successfully managed the distribution of equipment to multiple teams or athletes.
What strategies do you have for maintaining an organized inventory system?
What methods do you use to ensure that equipment meets safety standards?
How do you prioritize and manage multiple tasks related to athletic equipment?
How do you handle emergency situations related to equipment?
What strategies do you have in place to prevent theft or damage of equipment?
How do you stay up-to-date on new products and technologies related to athletic equipment?
How would you go about ensuring that the budget for athletic equipment is spent wisely?

Common Tools in Industry

Inventory Management Software. A software that helps manage and track inventory of athletic equipment, such as sports apparel, shoes, and other equipment. (eg: Microsoft Dynamics 365)
Marking Tools. A tool used to identify and mark each piece of equipment in the inventory. (eg: Barcode stickers)
Storage Containers. Containers to store and organize the equipment. (eg: Plastic bins)
Maintenance Tools. Tools used to maintain the condition of the equipment, such as cleaning supplies, lubes, and repair kits. (eg: Bicycle chain lube)
Security Systems. Security systems to protect the equipment from theft or damage. (eg: Security cameras)
Recording Systems. Systems to track usage, maintenance, and repair of equipment. (eg: Logging software)
Transportation Equipment. Equipment used to move the equipment from one place to another. (eg: Carts and dollies)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA)
American Football Coaches Association (AFCA)
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA)
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA)
International Association of Athletic Equipment Managers (IAAEM)
International Sports Professionals Association (ISPA)

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Common Important Terms

Team Equipment. Refers to the equipment that is necessary for a team to compete in their sport, such as helmets, pads, bats, balls, and uniforms.
Equipment Inventory. A list of all the equipment owned by the team, including the condition and quantity of each item.
Equipment Maintenance. The process of keeping the teams equipment in good working order, such as cleaning and repairing items.
Equipment Ordering. The process of ordering new equipment for the team, such as uniforms and bats.
Budgeting. The process of managing the teams budget for equipment purchases and maintenance.
Distribution. The process of distributing team equipment to players for use during practices and games.
Safety Standards. Establishing standards for safely using and storing team equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an Athletic Equipment Manager do?

An Athletic Equipment Manager is responsible for ordering, maintaining and distributing athletic equipment for a school or organization. They manage inventory, ensure the proper care and maintenance of equipment, and ensure that athletes have the proper gear for practices and games.

What skills are needed to be an Athletic Equipment Manager?

An Athletic Equipment Manager needs excellent organizational and communication skills, as well as knowledge of sports equipment and safety regulations. They should also be proficient in computer systems for inventory management and budgeting.

How is an Athletic Equipment Manager's workload typically distributed?

An Athletic Equipment Manager's workload is typically divided among ordering, maintenance, distribution and inventory management. During the season, they may be required to travel with the team to events or games.

What is the typical salary range for an Athletic Equipment Manager?

The typical salary range for an Athletic Equipment Manager is between $35,000 and $45,000 annually. This can vary depending on experience and the size of the school or organization they work for.

How many years of experience are required to become an Athletic Equipment Manager?

Generally, two to three years of related experience is required to become an Athletic Equipment Manager. However, some organizations may require more experience depending on the size of their program.