How to Be Sports Facility Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 25, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a Sports Facility Manager is critical for successfully running a sports facility as it provides an essential link between facility operations and personnel. This position requires an individual with a strong organizational and communication skills, as they are responsible for the management, maintenance, and safety of the facility and its staff. Furthermore, they are in charge of scheduling, budgeting, and developing marketing strategies to bring in new customers.

The success of a Sports Facility Manager is dependent on their ability to effectively plan and manage the facility and its staff, while also ensuring all safety standards are met. If successful, the sports facility will be able to operate efficiently and generate revenue while providing a safe environment for staff and customers.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. The first step to becoming a sports facility manager is to earn a bachelors degree in sports management, recreation administration, business administration or a related field.
Gain Experience. Many employers prefer to hire sports facility managers with at least two years of experience in the field. Volunteering or interning at a sports facility can be a great way to gain hands-on experience that could lead to a job offer.
Obtain Certification. Becoming certified as a sports facility manager can help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs.
Network. Developing professional relationships within the sports industry is important for career growth. Attending industry conferences, joining professional organizations and connecting with other professionals on social media are all great ways to network.
Stay Up-to-Date. The sports industry is constantly evolving, so staying up-to-date with industry trends and developments is important for sports facility managers. Being aware of the latest technology and regulatory changes can help you create effective policies and procedures for your facility.

In order to stay ahead and competent as a Facility Manager, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in sports facility management. This includes implementing best practices to ensure safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. building relationships with vendors and suppliers is essential to keep costs down and acquire the best available materials.

Finally, having a thorough understanding of relevant regulations, such as health and safety codes, and being able to effectively communicate with stakeholders is essential for success. By staying informed, organized, and proactive, a Facility Manager can remain competent and ensure their facility runs smoothly.

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Job Description

Develop and implement facility operations and maintenance plans.
Monitor and maintain all sports equipment and facilities.
Coordinate facility access, scheduling, and usage.
Manage facility staff, including hiring, training, and evaluation.
Establish and maintain safety protocols, emergency procedures, and security measures.
Oversee facility security, cleaning, janitorial, and maintenance activities.
Coordinate with vendors to ensure equipment is properly maintained and functioning.
Develop and implement plans for facility improvements and upgrades.
Prepare and monitor facility budget.
Develop and administer contracts related to facility maintenance and services.
Negotiate with vendors to secure competitive pricing for services and supplies.
Act as a liaison between facility users and management.
Ensure all facility rules and regulations are followed by staff and visitors.
Respond to customer inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a timely manner.
Monitor facility usage to identify trends and recommend strategies for improvement.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of sports facility operations and management
Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations
Leadership and people management skills
Budgeting and financial management skills
Ability to interpret and apply safety standards
Knowledge of relevant equipment, materials, and supplies
Ability to develop and implement operating policies and procedures
Ability to coordinate with staff, contractors, and vendors
Excellent communication and customer service skills
Ability to create and maintain records
Knowledge of sports rules and regulations
Knowledge of sports equipment maintenance and replacement
Ability to troubleshoot and resolve operational issues
Ability to develop and implement marketing strategies
Proficiency with computer programs, including office software

Having good organizational and communication skills is essential for a Facility Manager to successfully manage a sports facility. Being able to effectively plan and coordinate events, programs, personnel, and resources is key in order to ensure a successful experience for all the users of the facility. Facility Managers must have strong financial acumen in order to monitor budgets and adhere to cost restrictions.

They must also be able to develop relationships with vendors to ensure that the facility is properly maintained and is up-to-date with the latest technology. Finally, Facility Managers must have an understanding of marketing and promotional strategies in order to reach out to users and promote the facilitys services. All these skills are essential in order for Facility Managers to effectively run the facility and create a positive experience for its users.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in managing sports facilities?
What strategies do you have for overseeing the staff and scheduling of sports facility operations?
How do you ensure that all safety and health regulations are met?
What strategies do you have for marketing and promoting the facility?
How would you handle customer complaints and feedback?
What budgeting experience do you have?
How would you handle a difficult employee situation?
How would you handle a facility emergency situation?
What experience do you have with maintenance and repair of sports equipment and facilities?
Can you provide examples of how you've effectively handled customer relations in the past?

Common Tools in Industry

Facility Scheduling Software. A software tool used to coordinate facility resources, bookings, and reservations. (eg: Bookedin)
Event Management Software. A software tool used to track and manage upcoming events and activities. (eg: Ticket Tailor)
Maintenance Management Software. A software tool used to track maintenance requests, assign tasks, and monitor progress. (eg: FacilityOne)
Point of Sale System. A software tool used to process payments, track sales, and manage customer data. (eg: Square)
Data Analysis Software. A software tool used to analyze large amounts of data and generate reports. (eg: Tableau)
Budgeting Software. A software tool used to set and monitor budgets for facility operations. (eg: YNAB)
Access Control System. A hardware and software system used to control access to facilities. (eg: Salto Systems)
Security System. A hardware and software system used to monitor and protect premises from unauthorized access or vandalism. (eg: Verkada)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA)
International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM)
National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)
National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA)
American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation (AAPAR)
Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA)
National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA)
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD)
American Sport Education Program (ASEP)
National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS)

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Common Important Terms

Risk Management. The process of identifying, assessing, and controlling potential risks that can negatively affect an organization.
Facility Maintenance. The act of regularly maintaining the condition of a facility, such as a sports arena, for the purpose of keeping it safe and operational.
Event Management. The planning and execution of events, such as sports tournaments or concerts, to ensure they run smoothly and achieve their goals.
Budgeting. The process of setting and managing a budget to ensure the organizations finances are managed efficiently.
Customer Service. The provision of services to customers before, during, and after a purchase to ensure their satisfaction.
Safety Policies. Guidelines outlining the procedures to be followed to ensure the health and safety of employees and visitors in a facility.
Emergency Planning. The process of preparing for potential emergencies in a facility, such as fires or floods, and developing procedures for responding to them quickly and effectively.
Staff Supervision. The act of overseeing the performance of staff members in order to ensure they are working efficiently and meeting their goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Sports Facility Manager?

A Sports Facility Manager is responsible for the daily operations, maintenance, and upkeep of a sports facility such as an arena, stadium, or gymnasium. They oversee the staff, manage budgets and schedules, and ensure safety regulations are followed.

What skills are necessary to be a successful Sports Facility Manager?

A successful Sports Facility Manager must possess strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills. They must also have a working knowledge of maintenance and repair, budgeting and finance, and health and safety regulations.

What qualifications are needed to become a Sports Facility Manager?

To become a Sports Facility Manager, individuals typically need at least a bachelor's degree in business, sports management, or a related field. Additional certifications may be required depending on the type of facility.

What is the job outlook for Sports Facility Managers?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for Sports Facility Managers is expected to grow 6% from 2019 to 2029. This growth is slightly faster than average compared to other occupations.

What is the average salary for Sports Facility Managers?

The median annual salary for Sports Facility Managers was $54,000 in 2019. Some managers may make more depending on their level of experience and the size of the facility.