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

Apr 15, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Athletic Equipment Technician is an important role in the sports industry as they are responsible for maintaining and repairing all athletic equipment and uniforms. By doing so, they ensure that athletes are able to perform their best as they have all the necessary equipment in good condition. This in turn can have a great effect on the performance of a team or individual athlete as they will have the right equipment to use during practice and competition.

This can lead to better results, improved morale, and even increased sponsorship opportunities. The Athletic Equipment Technician also assists coaches and staff in selection and purchasing of new equipment, as well as ensuring that all equipment is safely stored for future use.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Athletic equipment technicians typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent to find employment.
Pursue a postsecondary education. Many employers require, or at least prefer, athletic equipment technicians to have some formal education. Consider enrolling in a postsecondary degree program in sports equipment technology, sports management, or a related field.
Gain experience. Many employers prefer to hire athletic equipment technicians with some related experience, such as a college internship with a sports equipment company or retail store.
Become certified. The National Athletic Equipment Reconditioners Association (NAERA) offers a certification program for athletic equipment technicians. To qualify, applicants must pass an exam and complete 20 hours of field-related experience.
Pursue additional certifications. The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) offers a Certified Protective Equipment Technician (CPET) certification program. This certification is available to those who complete an online course, pass an exam, and have at least two years of experience in the field.

Athletic equipment technicians are skilled and qualified professionals who are responsible for the maintenance and repair of sports equipment. They inspect, adjust and repair any defects in sports gear and equipment to ensure that athletes are provided with safe and reliable sports gear during practice and competition. This helps reduce the risk of injury, as faulty equipment can cause serious accidents.

Furthermore, athletic equipment technicians also help to extend the life of sports gear by checking for wear and tear and providing necessary maintenance. This in turn helps to save money, as expensive sports equipment does not have to be replaced as often.

You may want to check Athletic Marketing Manager, Athletic Recruiter, and Athletic Sales Representative for alternative.

Job Description

Inspect and maintain athletic equipment and apparel, such as helmets, shoulder pads, shin guards, and cleats.
Troubleshoot and repair damaged equipment and apparel.
Clean and sterilize athletic equipment and apparel.
Maintain inventory of supplies and equipment.
Order new equipment and supplies as needed.
Assist athletes with fitting and selection of appropriate safety equipment.
Monitor the condition of athletic fields and courts.
Adjust, repair, and construct athletic field, court, and other sports equipment as needed.
Monitor and enforce safety regulations for sports equipment and facilities.
Create reports on the condition of sports equipment, supplies, and facilities.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of different types of athletic equipment and their functions
Ability to safely handle and inspect equipment
Ability to repair and maintain equipment
Ability to set up and break down athletic equipment
Ability to troubleshoot issues with equipment
Knowledge of appropriate safety protocols
Knowledge of preventative maintenance and safety procedures for athletic equipment
Ability to communicate effectively with athletes, coaches, and staff
Ability to work as part of a team
Knowledge of the rules and regulations governing athletic equipment

Being an Athletic Equipment Technician is a rewarding career, requiring a unique set of skills. The most important skill to have as an Athletic Equipment Technician is the ability to troubleshoot and repair equipment. This requires a thorough understanding of the components and functioning of the equipment.

Knowing how to identify the source of problems and then repair the equipment in a timely manner is essential. having good interpersonal skills is important to developing effective working relationships with coaches, athletes, and other members of the organization. strong organizational skills are necessary to ensure that all equipment is in working order and accounted for.

Finally, having a good knowledge of safety protocols is essential to ensure the safety of athletes and others who use the equipment. By having these skills, Athletic Equipment Technicians can provide an invaluable service to their organizations.

Athletic Fundraising Manager, Athletic Scout, and Athletic Medical Staff Member are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with athletic equipment?
How would you handle a situation where the equipment needs to be repaired quickly and there are no spare parts?
What steps do you take to ensure that the equipment is properly maintained?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a complex piece of athletic equipment.
What safety protocols do you follow when repairing and maintaining athletic equipment?
Are there any particular types of athletic equipment you have expertise in?
How do you stay up to date on new technologies and equipment developments?
What processes do you follow to ensure that the equipment is stored securely and safely?
What process do you follow to ensure that the equipment is inspected for any damages or defects?
How do you go about diagnosing and resolving technical problems with athletic equipment?

Common Tools in Industry

Screwdrivers. Used to turn screws in small spaces (eg: Phillips head).
Wrenches. Used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts (eg: adjustable).
Socket Sets. Used for fastening and loosening nuts and bolts (eg: ratchet).
Pliers. Used to grip, twist, cut, or bend objects (eg: needle nose).
Hammers. Used to drive nails, loosen parts, or break objects (eg: claw).
Allen wrenches. Used to tighten or loosen hexagonal screws (eg: L-shaped).
Toolbox. Portable box with compartments for storing tools and supplies (eg: Stanley).
Grease Guns. Used to apply lubricating grease to machinery (eg: pneumatic).
Soldering Irons. Used to heat and melt solder when making electrical connections (eg: cordless).
Measuring Tape. Used to accurately measure length (eg: 25-foot).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Athletic Equipment Managers Association (NAEMA)
National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE)
American Sports Builders Association (ASBA)
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD)
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
National Council for Certified Personal Trainers (NCCPT)
National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA)
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM)
International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA)

We also have Athletic Equipment Manager, Athletic Facilities Manager, and Athletic Performance Analyst jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Sports Equipment. Refers to any items and tools used in sports or physical activities, such as balls, protective gear, clubs, and other gear.
Athletic Apparel. Clothing specifically designed for and worn during athletic activities.
Repair and Maintenance. The process of keeping equipment and gear clean, functional, and safe for use.
Storage Solutions. Includes shelving, cabinets, and other storage options used to organize and store athletic equipment.
Safety Standards. Guidelines and procedures that must be followed to ensure that equipment is safe for use.
Equipment Evaluation. The process of determining whether a piece of equipment is in good working order and safe for use.
Inventory Management. The process of tracking and managing the inventory of athletic equipment to ensure that it is up-to-date and properly maintained.
Sanitation Practices. Procedures for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing equipment to prevent the spread of infection and disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the duties of an Athletic Equipment Technician?

Athletic Equipment Technicians are responsible for maintaining, repairing, and distributing athletic equipment and uniforms to sports teams and athletes. They also perform regular inventory checks, order supplies, and organize storage areas.

What qualifications are needed to become an Athletic Equipment Technician?

Most employers require Athletic Equipment Technicians to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, some employers may require certifications in equipment maintenance or repair.

What kind of hours do Athletic Equipment Technicians typically work?

Athletic Equipment Technicians typically work full-time hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays depending on the sports team's schedule.

What type of environment do Athletic Equipment Technicians work in?

Athletic Equipment Technicians typically work in indoor and outdoor athletic facilities such as gyms, stadiums, and locker rooms.

How much do Athletic Equipment Technicians typically earn?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Athletic Equipment Technicians is $33,000.

Web Resources

Details - Athletic Equipment Attendant I | Careers | Sacramento careers.csus.edu
Power Sports Technician | Northwood Technical College www.northwoodtech.edu
Heavy Equipment Technician Program at CWI cwi.edu