The 10 Commandments of Sports Management

The spotlight is on you, there are ten microphones in your face, cameras flashing from all over the room, everyone crowded around you and all talking at once trying to get a response from you. Who do I answer? What do I say? Which camera do I look at? How am I going to get out of this?

You may be wondering what the answers are to these questions, well there is only one question you really need to answer right now: can you handle it?

Sports managers are in and out of media conferences which is why it is so important to prepare responses beforehand. The media can be a bit overwhelming; however I’m going to provide you with the 10 Commandments of Sports Management which will ultimately transform you into a master of the media.

1. Pre-conference preparation

• Developing a mock conference beforehand will help you build confidence as well as perfect statements that you plan to make in the media conference.

2. Responses are well thought out

• Make sure your responses are safe and direct to avoid any media conflicts.

3. Answer questions in a timely manner

• Do not rush yourself and do not take too much time in responding to one question.

4. Do not answer any questions that you are not prepared for

• Hold off on any questions of substance that you are not prepared for.

5. Refrain from giving too much away

• As a sports manager you don't want to give too much away about your team, just keep it simple and respond to the questions that you are prepared for.

6. Maintain a positive atmosphere

• Keep everything positive for instance, if a teammate leaving the organization: tell the media that is for the better of both the player and the team. Be sure to let them know that we have many possible prospects looking to fill the position.

7. Respect the media

• Keeping your relationship on a respectful level is important when dealing with the media, because they can make or break you and they control the public eye.

8. Make eye contact

• Be direct with our responses and make sure you aren't looking down and away. This shows confidence and you will gain people's trust.

9. Don’t show any sort of weakness

• Do not crumble under any circumstance and if the media see's weakness they'll try to bring that out of you every chance they get.
  

10. Professional attire

• Attire is very important, you want to look very presentable and professional. You are ultimately representing your team.

Following these Ten Commandments of Sports Management will ensure as well as sustain success throughout your career. These are all very important aspects involving the image of your organization. These steps will help you on a daily basis avoid negative media and maintain a positive view of yourself as well as the organization you are representing.