Athletes and Sports Competitors

What the job really is

Compete in athletic events.

At a glance

• Sector: Arts, Design & Media
• O*NET-SOC code: 27-2021
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 9
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Assess performance following athletic competition, identifying strengths and weaknesses and making adjustments to improve future performance.
• Maintain equipment used in a particular sport.
• Attend scheduled practice or training sessions.
• Maintain optimum physical fitness levels by training regularly, following nutrition plans, or consulting with health professionals.
• Participate in athletic events or competitive sports, according to established rules and regulations.
• Exercise or practice under the direction of athletic trainers or professional coaches to develop skills, improve physical condition, or prepare for competitions.
• Receive instructions from coaches or other sports staff prior to events and discuss performance afterwards.
• Represent teams or professional sports clubs, performing such activities as meeting with members of the media, making speeches, or participating in charity events.
• Lead teams by serving as captain.

Tools and technology

Adobe Photoshop, Facebook, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Oracle PeopleSoft, Badminton rackets, Balance beams, Baseball catching gloves, Bicycle motocross BMX bikes, Bowling balls

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Coaches and Scouts
• Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials
• Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
• Amusement and Recreation Attendants
• Athletic Trainers
• Training and Development Specialists
• Self-Enrichment Teachers
• Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Athletes and Sports Competitors — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.