BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasAthletes and Sports Competitors

O*NET · 27-2021.00

Athletes and Sports Competitors

Compete in athletic events.

Also called All Terrain Vehicle Racer (ATV Racer) · Archer · Athlete · ATV Racer · Auto Racer · Automobile Racer (Auto Racer) · Barrel Racer · Baseball Pitcher
136 more

Baseball Player · Basketball Player · Bass Fisher · Bicycle Racer · Bicyclist · Billiard Player · BMX Rider · BMX Rider (Bicycle Motocross Rider) · Bodybuilder · Bowler · Boxer · Bull Rider · Cage Fighter · Car Racer · College Athlete · Competitive Athlete · Competitor · Cricketer · Cyberathlete · Cyclist · Dirt Bike Racer · Diver · Drag Car Racer · Equestrian · Esports Competitor · Exerciser · Figure Skater · Football Player · Gamer · Golf Professional · Golfer · Hockey Player · Horse Racer · Horseman · House Player · Ice Skater · Jai Alai Player · Jockey · Karate Black Belt · Kick Boxer · Lacrosse Player · Major League Baseball Player · Minor League Baseball Player · MMA Fighter · MMA Fighter (Mixed Martial Arts Fighter) · Motocross Racer · Motorcycle Racer · Motorcyclist · NASCAR Driver · NASCAR Driver (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing Driver) · NASCAR Racer · NASCAR Racer (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing Racer) · NBA Player · NBA Player (National Basketball Association Player) · NFL Player · NFL Player (National Football League Player) · Oarsman · Pitcher · Player · Pool Player · Powerbuilder · Prize Fighter · Professional All-Terrain Vehicle Racer · Professional Athlete · Professional Auto Racer · Professional Baseball Pitcher · Professional Baseball Player · Professional Basketball Player · Professional Bass Fisher · Professional Bass Fisherman · Professional Bicycle Racer · Professional Bicyclist · Professional Billiards Player · Professional Bowler · Professional Bull Rider · Professional Car Racer · Professional Caster · Professional Cyclist · Professional Dirt Bike Racer · Professional Drag Car Racer · Professional Fighter · Professional Figure Skater · Professional Football Player · Professional Golf Tournament Player · Professional Golfer · Professional Hockey Player · Professional Horse Racer · Professional Ice Skater · Professional Jockey · Professional Kickboxer · Professional Motocross Racer · Professional Poker Player · Professional Prizefighter · Professional Pugilist · Professional Race Car Driver · Professional Roller Skater · Professional Skateboarder · Professional Skater · Professional Skier · Professional Snowboarder · Professional Soccer Player · Professional Softball Player · Professional Stock Car Driver · Professional Surfer · Professional Swimmer · Professional Tennis Player · Professional Volleyball Player · Professional Wrestler · Pugilist · Race Car Driver · Racecar Driver · Racing Car Driver · Rodeo Performer · Roller Skater · Rower · Sales Athlete · Show Horse Driver · Skateboarder · Skater · Skier · Sky Diver · Skydiver · Snowboarder · Soccer Player · Softball Player · Stock Car Driver · Sulky Driver · Sumo Wrestler · Surfer · Swimmer · Tennis Player · Tennis Professional · Volleyball Player · Wrestler · WWE Wrestler · WWE Wrestler (World Wrestling Entertainment Wrestler)

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RES35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Occupational Therapy Aides

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RESRealistic · Enterprising · Social — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic5.18
  • E Enterprising4.53
  • S Social4.30
  • C Conventional3.01
  • A Artistic2.14
  • I Investigative1.40

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma35%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent23%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate6%
  • Some College Courses3%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree9%
  • Bachelor's Degree25%
Related work experience
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years (27%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (60%)
On-the-job training
None or short demonstration (24%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Speakingbasic3.93.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Active Listeningbasic3.83.3Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.83.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Coordination3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Monitoringbasic3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.32.9Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Social Perceptiveness3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Active Learningbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Instructing3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Time Management3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Complex Problem Solving3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
Show the other 23
  • Persuasion3.02.5Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Service Orientation2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.92.5Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Negotiation2.92.4Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Writingbasic2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Systems Evaluation2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Operations Monitoring2.41.9Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Systems Analysis2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Mathematicsbasic2.11.5Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Operations Analysis2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Quality Control Analysis2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Troubleshooting1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Equipment Maintenance1.90.9
  • Technology Design1.90.9
  • Operation and Control1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Management of Material Resources1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Sciencebasic1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Management of Financial Resources1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Equipment Selection1.0—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Programming1.0—
  • Repairing1.0—

Tasks

9 core

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Attend scheduled practice or training sessions.4.2
  2. Maintain equipment used in a particular sport.4.2
  3. Assess performance following athletic competition, identifying strengths and weaknesses and making adjustments to improve future performance.4.2
  4. Participate in athletic events or competitive sports, according to established rules and regulations.4.0
  5. Maintain optimum physical fitness levels by training regularly, following nutrition plans, or consulting with health professionals.4.0
  6. Exercise or practice under the direction of athletic trainers or professional coaches to develop skills, improve physical condition, or prepare for competitions.3.9
  7. Receive instructions from coaches or other sports staff prior to events and discuss performance afterwards.3.9
  8. Represent teams or professional sports clubs, performing such activities as meeting with members of the media, making speeches, or participating in charity events.3.6
  9. Lead teams by serving as captain.3.4

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Administration and Management3.73.7Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • English Language3.73.3Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Customer and Personal Service3.64.4Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Personnel and Human Resources3.44.2Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
  • Communications and Media3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • Education and Training3.23.9Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Sales and Marketing3.23.7Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
  • Mathematics3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
Show all 33
  • Administrative2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Economics and Accounting2.93.2Level 4 looks like: Develop financial investment programs for individual clients
  • Public Safety and Security2.92.9
  • Mechanical2.82.8
  • Computers and Electronics2.72.8
  • Psychology2.52.8
  • Foreign Language2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Production and Processing2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Transportation2.42.6
  • Design2.32.4Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Engineering and Technology2.32.2Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Telecommunications2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Therapy and Counseling2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Physics2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Law and Government2.01.7Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Building and Construction1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Chemistry1.91.7Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Geography1.92.1Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Food Production1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.71.5Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • History and Archeology1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Philosophy and Theology1.61.5Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Biology1.4—
  • Fine Arts1.4—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Comprehension4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Problem Sensitivity3.93.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Stamina3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Climb 6 flights of stairs
  • Static Strength3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Dynamic Strength3.64.0Level 5 looks like: Climb a 48-foot long ladder
  • Explosive Strength3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Jump onto a 3-foot high platform
  • Speech Clarity3.63.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
Show all 52
  • Gross Body Coordination3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Swim the length of a pool
  • Near Vision3.53.5Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Deductive Reasoning3.43.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Extent Flexibility3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Reach for a box on a high warehouse shelf
  • Far Vision3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Inductive Reasoning3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Multilimb Coordination3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Speech Recognition3.43.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Gross Body Equilibrium3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Walk on ice across a pond
  • Information Ordering3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Trunk Strength3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Shovel snow for half an hour
  • Written Comprehension3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Manual Dexterity3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Selective Attention3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Visualization3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Fluency of Ideas2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Originality2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Perceptual Speed2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Reaction Time2.92.4Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Time Sharing2.92.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Category Flexibility2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Sort paintbrushes based on length
  • Finger Dexterity2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Flexibility of Closure2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Response Orientation2.82.6Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Speed of Limb Movement2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Written Expression2.82.9
  • Auditory Attention2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Control Precision2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Depth Perception2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Memorization2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Rate Control2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Dynamic Flexibility2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Hand pick a bushel of apples from a tree
  • Speed of Closure2.32.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number Facility2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Peripheral Vision2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Glare Sensitivity1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Spatial Orientation1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Night Vision1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Sound Localization1.60.8

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting Information4.24.5Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.14.8Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.94.9Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.94.8Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.94.9Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.95.6
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.84.8Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
Show all 41
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.74.5Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Processing Information3.74.9Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.74.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.65.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Developing and Building Teams3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.55.4Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.54.5Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.54.6Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Thinking Creatively3.44.3Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.34.5Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.34.3Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.34.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.23.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.24.4Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources3.13.7Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.03.7Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Training and Teaching Others3.04.2Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.93.6Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.93.2Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.73.0Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.62.6
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Working with Computers2.42.7
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.22.8

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.8
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.5
  • Level of Competition4.4
  • Contact With Others4.3
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results4.2
  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions4.2
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.1
  • Spend Time Standing4.1
  • Telephone Conversations4.1
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.0

Technology

12 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (7)

  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Facebook
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle PeopleSoft
Other tools (5)
  • Email software
  • Motion analysis software
  • Twitter
  • Web browser software
  • YouTube

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Coaches and Scouts
  2. Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials
  3. Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
  4. Amusement and Recreation Attendants
  5. Athletic Trainers
  6. Training and Development Specialists
  7. Self-Enrichment Teachers
  8. Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School
  9. Dancers
  10. Musicians and Singers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.