A variety of organizations across the country have a need to hire qualified
management personnel who possess a theoretical background in recreation
and/or sport. Successful management of recreation and sport services is
predicated on the acquisition of three areas of knowledge, which comprise
the overarching goals of the RSM program:
Goal 1: Produce graduates with a strong theoretical foundation in recreation
and/or sport behavior.
This background enables the manager to understand the motivations, expectations,
and satisfactions of the participant, consumer, or spectator, and to incorporate
these variables into sport and recreation events, programs, facilities,
and services.
Goal 2: Produce graduates with strong managerial skills and techniques
specific to the delivery of recreation and sport services.
These competencies include a thorough background in the management, development,
and operation of systems, facilities, programs, and ancillary services
in recreational/sport systems.
Goal 3: Produce reflective professionals who are able to research, analyze,
evaluate, and interpret complex information for effective programs and
services in recreation and/or sport.
This skill base prepares the manager for data-driven management techniques
to solve complex problems, assess current services and programs, revise
management strategy, and predict consumer demand specific to contemporary
recreation and sport.
To meet these RSM program goals graduates will:
Understand the
principles and philosophies underlying the field of recreation and sport
management, distinguishing between recreation and sport venues.
Develop managerial skills in the areas of personnel, scheduling,
promotion, program evaluation, decision-making, goal setting, and problem
solving.
Successfully apply managerial skills in areas of budgeting and finance.
Understand legal and risk management aspects of sport and recreation
management.
Demonstrate knowledge of facilities and events planning, facility/event
risk management, equipment purchasing, repair, and maintenance.
Conduct appropriate needs assessment, marketing, and public relations
necessary to promote and program recreational and sport events and activities.
Competently utilize research methods and data analysis to predict,
plan, and evaluate programming and managerial strategies.
Demonstrate skills in leadership and counseling, crisis management,
and resolution of problems concerning participants, parents, club members,
and personnel.
Demonstrate skills in working with diverse populations in the recreation
or sport management settings.
