Working in the Sport and Active Leisure Sector

Know about the sport and active leisure sector.

Learning Outcome 1: Indicative Content 

Size and scope may include number of:

• customers (participants, spectators)
• employees (full-time, part-time, seasonal, casual and volunteers)
• facilities (ownership, type – e.g. leisure centres, AstroTurf, grass pitches, tennis courts)
• number and range of activities and opportunities

Contribution to society should include: Health, Social, Economic, Educational

Sub-sectors should be identified such as:

• health and fitness
• sport and recreation
• outdoors Activity
• playwork

Assessment Criteria

• 1.1
  Describe the size and scope of the sport and active leisure sector.
  
• 1.2
  Outline the contribution of the sport and active leisure sector to society.
• 1.3
  Outline the main sub-sectors of the sport and active leisure sector.

Know about a specific sub-sector of the sport and active leisure industry.

Learning Outcome 2: Indicative Content 

Types of sport / active leisure organisations:

• private (e.g. private gyms, health centres, sports clubs)
• public (e.g. leisure centres, community sports centres)
• voluntary (e.g. non-profit making organisations - charities, grassroots sports and leisure clubs)

Differences between the three sectors – i.e. their aims and objectives, funding and operational procedures.

Size of the sub-sector to include number of:

• employers
• employees
• types of employment (i.e. full-time, part-time, seasonal, sessional)
• volunteering activities
• facilities
• sport and leisure opportunities.

Codes of practice: Facility maintenance, Customer service standards, Health and safety

The FIA (Fitness Industry Association) who are ensuring standard procedures are followed.

Key organisations may include: user groups, trade unions, regulatory and professional bodies / organisations

Key roles – e.g. consumer support and protection, training and advice, industry standards and law enforcement, research and inspection.

Assessment Criteria

• 2.1
  Describe the composition of a specific sub-sector in terms of public, private and voluntary organisations.
  
• 2.2
  Outline the size of a specific sub-sector in terms of employment and participation.
• 2.3
  Outline the key values, principles or codes of practice relevant to a specific sub-sector.
  
• 2.4
  Outline the roles of key organisations involved in a specific sub-sector.

Know about employment opportunities in the sport and active leisure sector.

Learning Outcome 3: Indicative Content 

Sources of information on career progression, training and education:

• sector skills council
• line managers / senior managers
• career centres
• awarding bodies
• training providers
• professional bodies
• internet
• journals.

Main job roles:

• recreational assistant
• receptionist
• personal trainer
• sports coach
• duty manager
• fitness instructor
• sport development officer
• leisure facility manager
• lifeguard.

Career pathways – e.g. understanding of:

• diversity of career pathways
• local and national career pathways within the sub-sector
• progression routes / pathways
• qualifications and experience required
• transferable skills necessary
• personal skills necessary
• need for references

Key factors in career progression –transferable skills, team working and leadership, experience, personal qualities, professional development.

Assessment Criteria

• 3.1
  Outline relevant sources of information on career progression, education and training.
  
• 3.2
  Outline potential job roles within the sector that match own interests, skills and qualifications held (existing or planned).
• 3.3
  Describe potential career pathways within the sport and active leisure sector, relevant to own aspirations.