The Six Most Common Challenges and Rewards of Working in the Sports Industry

This article is a guest contribution from freelance writer Anita Ginsberg

The sports industry is always changing. Each season brings with it new athletes, new coaches and new challenges. As the industry evolves, so too do the tactics and strategies coaches create to help their teams achieve athletic greatness.

The sports industry is never boring nor complacent. It is fast-paced, exciting and full of emotions. It can change lives both on the field and off the field. It could be the right industry for you.

Here are six common challenges or rewards experienced by workers in the sports industry.

Motivating Others

In the sports world, extra effort is rewarded. Being able to motivate athletes to run the extra mile, complete one more repetition, or persevere through one more drill will lead to better performance on the court or field.

What’s more, being able to motivate others will also help them have more drive and determination in their daily lives. In the sports industry, you can push others to better themselves.

Experiencing the Thrill of Victory

Every sports competition has a winner. No team will win every game, but when a victory is secured the joy is tangible.

Being part of a victory makes the hard work worth it. Winning forges friendships. It is also contagious. Winning deepens the quest for future victory.

Enduring the Agony of Defeat

The flip side is that every completion also has a loser.

Losing hurts. It is palpable and can make the long, difficult practices seem unrewarded.

Yet, when used properly, a loss can be a great motivator. It can serve as a great teacher. Mastering how to respond to a loss is pivotal to success in the sports industry.

Learning to Be a Successful Coach

A successful coach is a student of the game. A great coach is constantly learning and never content with his or her knowledge of the sport.

Like the team he or she leads, a coach researches the game, the competition, and the game plan. A coach must also be willing to learn from others in the sports industry. This includes learning in the classroom.

Many coaches get their start in a formal classroom setting. Pursuing a coaching degree can be a fantastic way to become immersed in sports strategy and hone the characteristics necessary to lead a team.  There are many coaching master’s degree programs to choose from.

Managing Time

There is only so much time that can be devoted to practice. With only so many hours in the day and other life obligations, managing time is paramount to success.

It is imperative to learn what is merely a good use of time and what is a best use of time.

Remembering the Individual

A team is made up of individual players, each with his or her unique personality and struggles. In the sports industry there are all types of skill sets and personalities. Being able to communicate with each individual player on a personal level contributes to success. It also forges teamwork and trust.

If these challenges and rewards sound invigorating, the sports industry may be an ideal fit for you. The rewards outweigh the challenges for many coaches, and it’s an exciting field to work in.