You can’t get enough sports in your life, right? You talk about it at work. You check your teams’ stats online, you follow all the leagues’ Twitter accounts and you hit up every game in person that you possibly can. If the SportsCenter theme is your alarm clock, who am I to judge?
But, with the NHL and NBA suspending their seasons this year, and the MLB’s season still somewhat up in the air (please stay strong, NFL!), you might be feeling a bit antsy and anxious about getting enough sports in your life.
So, have you ever considered working in the sports field?
You don’t have to be an athlete or even have a lot of experience to find an awesome sports job that not only pays well but can completely immerse you into the world of athleticism.
Let’s look at three great jobs in the sports industry that are a perfect fit for anyone who can’t get enough.
- Umpire/Referee
Did you know that umpires and referees, even on local levels, can make $30,000 a year? For working seasonally, that certainly isn’t a bad chunk of change! If you’re already itching for baseball season to start and you know the rules, you might want to apply for any open positions on local teams, or even the minor leagues. No more yelling at those umps or refs on TV!
As an umpire or referee, be prepared to face a lot of different conditions depending on the sport you’re officiating! Weather can be a factor in baseball and football, and accidents can happen even on the basketball court. If you fall or trip, you might end up having to call someone like Jonathan Rosenfeld, who specialises in slip and fall accidents. It can be a physically demanding job, so make sure you’re in good enough shape to take on the responsibility.
- Coach
There is nothing more fulfilling than coaching and shaping the minds and athletic prowess of the next generation. You don’t need to be a coach in the Majors to make a difference.
Most coaches need to have a degree in sports education, physiology, or even sports meditation to be successful, but your experience and overall knowledge of the sport you’re coaching can get you a long way.
- Sports Photographer
Whether you’re currently a photographer or you just pick up your camera as a hobby, with the right training you can get into the world of sports photography. Being a member of the media community within the sports world can gain you access to some pretty exclusive games. Most notable photographers can be found as close to the action as possible.
Sports photography isn’t for everyone. You often have to work long, irregular hours and have to travel quite a bit. But, it puts you in the game in a way that not many other jobs can. Plus, all it takes is one incredible shot to make you a notable name in the industry, and you may even be in high demand with certain publications.
There are plenty of ways to get started on a career in sports, from local levels to the national leagues. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to turning your favorite hobby into an amazing career.