Athletic programs do more than provide healthy physical activity and a trophy. They offer opportunities for mentorship, team building and healthy conflict resolution, all life skills that will help students become successful adults.
Those who want to pursue leadership roles in designing, implementing and evaluating sports programs and have a passion for sports can achieve their goals with an advanced degree in sport administration. The online Master of Science (M.S.) in Sport Administration program from Arkansas State University (A-State) helps students build a foundation for a rewarding career in sport administration that impacts the lives of professional and collegiate athletes.
According to a study on the effect of role models on young athletes’ self-efficacy, “Most people at some point in their life are inspired by another human being and try to improve by modeling themselves after that person.” In a survey of adults and teens about whether they had a role model, 78.3% of teenagers answered in the affirmative. Sports administrators, such as graduates of A-State’s program, are equipped to structure sports experiences and model behaviors that boost athletes’ self-esteem, self-discipline and collaborative skills — regardless of athletes’ ages.
Team Building and Discipline
Team sports allow individuals to learn how to work with others to achieve a common goal. Here, they learn skills that help them foster teamwork like leadership strategic thinking, decision-making and problem-solving. Each team member has specific responsibilities and learns collaboration by supporting the rest of the team. They sharpen their interpersonal relationship and communication skills by working together.
A recent study on the leadership and teambuilding impacts of sports proves this. Results of the study found that team-building interventions in sports were most effective for athletes between 15 and 20 years old and performed on collegiate teams. Researchers note that “…team-building has emerged as a prominent strategy for promoting effective collaboration among team members, thereby strengthening cohesion and team performance in sports teams. This approach has been employed to optimize the functionality of sports teams, resulting in improved team performance.”
Discipline, resilience and perseverance are all required in sports participation and are life skills individuals use in every aspect of their lives. Those who engage in team sports are more likely to develop these skills and a positive attitude toward challenges.
Athlete Role Models
Athlete role models and their behavior on the field are often inspiring to athletes (especially young athletes) and help individuals form a positive attitude towards sports and competition. In a discussion of athlete role models for the Money Smart Athlete Blog, Vasilia Polycarpou writes, “Athletes showing respect not only for their teammates but also for their opponents, the fans and the game itself, competing fairly and ethically, highlight the importance of good sportsmanship. Developing such life skills is crucial for young people in building character and leading a well-rounded life.”
When world-renowned athletes like gymnast Simone Biles and swimmer Michael Phelps share their struggles, it helps athletes understand that sports — and life in general — can be challenging. Athletes learn from others’ examples that everyone experiences obstacles and asking for help when needed is okay.
Top athletes who use their wealth and status to give back to their communities and mentor and support young people are role models all athletes can admire. For example, NBA superstar LeBron James has provided crucial support to underprivileged youth in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. Likewise, NFL icon JJ Watt established a foundation that has helped develop youth sports programs in his native Milwaukee. Many well-known athletes in every sport have made generous contributions to youth sports.
Coaches as Role Models
While professional and collegiate athletes may admire different famous sports icons, those involved in their day-to-day lives are often the most influential role models. Coaches are responsible for more than just managing their sport. They also provide an example that young players emulate. They do this by respecting officials and opponents while engaging in good sport conduct that influences both athletes and spectators.
Coaches can actively teach good sport conduct to their athletes. This includes training them to shake hands with opponents following a game, showing concern and helping an injured opponent, accepting decisions of referees, and encouraging and congratulating teammates.
Establishing rules of sportspersonship or a code of conduct at the beginning of a season helps establish guidelines and consequences for breaking the code. It can be helpful to discuss both the positive and negative behavior of professional or college athletes and the impact of their actions. Additionally, rewarding athletes who are good examples of sportspersonship can inspire the team. Providing constructive feedback and fostering an encouraging environment help kids learn and model the values and behaviors that influence their character development.
Becoming a Sports Administrator and Role Model
Prepare for leadership roles in spaces such as professional or collegiate athletics administration, health and fitness clubs, stadiums and arenas, and professional sports organizations by obtaining an M.S. in Sport Administration online from A-State. The fully online program is ideal for working professionals who want to turn a passion for sports into a rewarding career.
Regardless of their chosen path, students in this program gain the skills and knowledge to model positive behaviors in their roles. A-State’s program provides prepares students to become coaches and leaders with the insight to guide and support athletes of all ages and backgrounds.
Learn more about A-State’s online Master of Science in Sport Administration program.