School to offer students new focus on sports management
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on January 13, 2010 1:46 PM
Sports management will be among the electives students at Southern Wayne High School can take in the fall, and might be added to other county high schools in the future.
The Board of Education Monday night approved the new course offering, which will be part of the physical education program.
Dr. Ralph Smith, director of secondary education and science for the district, said the suggestion for the addition came from the school's principal, Dr. John Boldt.
According to the submitted proposal, "Sports are more than just the game seen on television or in the stadium. Students interested in sports management should be aware of the various occupations in the sports industry. This course gives an overview of the responsibilities of those involved in the sports industry, as well as how general management principles apply to the industry."
The program's outline will include an overview of different types of jobs available in the sports industry, as well as responsibilities of sports administrators. Students will also learn about developing new programs, special events and media publications, creating a budget for all phases of an athletic department, evaluating players, personnel and programs and about fundraising and booster clubs within high school and collegiate athletic programs. It even ventures into an understanding of pre-game field prep and duties and responsibilities of sports rules and officiating.
Board member Dave Thomas, a former administrator and coach, was enthusiastic about the additional program.
Sports science management is coming into prominence, he said, "So this is really coming up with what these colleges are offering and the universities are providing."
Board member Thelma Smith agreed there are a number of students interested in pursuing a major in that field.
"This certainly would be a prelude to that," she said. "Since we have six high schools, I would like to see it at every high school. Could we make it a requirement or at least offer it?"
"We could certainly recommend that and the guidance counselors would be aware of it," Ralph Smith replied.
Dr. Sandra McCullen, associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction, said it was a distinct possibility if individual schools chose to include it on their schedules.
"It would be good if they all could have that experience," said board member Shirley Sims.
Health and physical education are required in the ninth grade. The sports management option would likely be offered in 11th and 12th grades, Dr. McCullen said.