Knowledge, skills and attributes

• a high level of physical fitness

• to be able to perform under pressure

• dedicated to attaining and maintaining a high standard of skill and endurance in a particular sport

• good communication skills for promotional work

• willing to travel.

Duties and Tasks

Professional sportspeople may perform the following tasks:

Working conditions

Individual working conditions may vary depending on the particular sport, though there are a number of common factors. To keep performing at their peak, sportspeople must stick to a strict training regime, which may include early morning, evenings and weekends, even during their 'off-season'. Those participating in an outdoor sport will train and play in all weather conditions. There can also be a lot of travel involved, with sportspeople regularly having to travel interstate or overseas to compete.

Tools and technologies

The equipment used by a sportsperson will vary greatly depending on which sport they are competing in. Most professional sportspeople will do at least some training and/or tests with gym equipment, such as weights, treadmills and exercise bikes. In many cases they will also wear a uniform, which may also be specially designed to maximise performance, such as swimsuits that cut down resistance in the water.

Education and training/entrance requirements

There are no formal requirements to become a professional sportsperson. You must show a high level of expertise and skill in your chosen sport.

Most sportspeople begin playing in their chosen sport at a young age, developing their skills and abilities through years of experience, training and playing. Some educational institutions have special sports programs where students combine traditional school work with specialist training in their chosen sport. Entry to these programs may be dependent on a student's existing ability.

Sportspeople usually work with a specialist coach to develop their skills and abilities to an elite level.

Footballer (Soccer, Rugby & AFL) Footballers (Soccer, Rugby and AFL) play football professionally in competitions.

Golfer Golfers play golf professionally in tournaments, or as a resident professional, and organise golf-related activities. Duties and Tasks Maintains a high degree of expertise in golf. Attends regular practice sessions and undertakes private training to maintain the required standard of fitness. Decides on strategies in consultation with coaches. Assesses other competitors and conditions at venues. Competes in golfing events. Adheres to the rules and regulations associated with golf. Undertakes sports promotional activities and television appearances. Education and training/entrance requirements You can work as a Golfer without formal qualifications, however, a high level of skill is required. Trainee programs, that result in a VET (Vocational Education and Training) qualification, may be available.

Other Sportspersons   Other Sportspersons includes jobs like Cricketer, Cyclist, Surfer, and Tennis Player. Duties and Tasks Maintains a high degree of expertise in a particular sport. Attends regular practice sessions and undertakes private training to maintain the required standard of fitness. Decides on strategies in consultation with coaches. Assesses other competitors and conditions at venues. Competes in sporting events. Adheres to the rules and regulations associated with a specific sport. Undertakes sports promotional activities and television appearances. Education and training/entrance requirements There are several occupations in this group, which may have varying study pathways.

Professional athletes make a living by participating in sporting events and competing in sporting competitions, either individually, or as part of a sporting team.

ANZSCO ID: 452499

Knowledge, skills and attributes

To become a professional athlete, you would need:

• a superior level of natural talent and competency in your chosen sport

• discipline and dedication

• excellent physical fitness

• good communication skills for publicity and promotional aspects of your job

• preparedness to travel and to work on evenings and weekends.

(Source: Sporting News)

Duties and Tasks

As a professional athlete, you would:

• maintain a high level of skill and dedication in your chosen sport

• attend individual or group practice sessions on a regular basis

• undertake additional private training as necessary to maintain or improve skills

• participate in scheduled matches and competitions

• coach other individuals or teams

• undertake publicity and promotional activities.

Working conditions

Professional athletes work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. You might work more than 40 hours per week for several months during the sports season, and then have extended breaks from scheduled matches outside of the main sports season. Professional athletes travel frequently to sporting events, both locally, nationally and sometimes internationally. You are likely to need a current drivers' licence.

Most athletes compete as unpaid amateur sportspeople until they reach a sufficiently high level to be offered payment as a professional.


Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a professional athlete without formal qualifications. The essential components are natural talent and a high level of expertise in your chosen sport, combined with the dedication and enthusiasm to work continually on improving your skill level through training and coaching.

Some states have specialist sports high schools, which combine traditional school subjects with coaching and competition in a wide range of sports. Many sports codes also offer traineeships to promising elite sportspeople. Sportspeople often study courses in sports-related areas such as sports science, coaching or human movement studies, but these are not a requirement for employment as a professional athlete.

Employment Opportunities

Employment of professional athletes is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.

Rising participation in sport at high school and in the community generally, as well as the growing interest in professional sport, and an increasing number of codes developing women's as well as men's teams, are likely to increase demand for professional athletes.

Motorsport drivers race competitively in cars or motorbikes around a set course.

ANZSCO ID: 452499

Alternative names: Automobile Drivers, Motor Sports Driver, Racing Car Driver, Motorbike Driver, Racing Driver

Knowledge, skills and attributes

To become a motorsport driver, you would need:

• excellent driving skills
• a high level of physical fitness
• good stamina
• an extremely good level of concentration
• excellent reflexes
• self-motivation
• an understanding of racing strategy
to be able to make quick decisions.

Supercars Australian Grand Prix 2022: Chaz Mostert wins
(Source: Daily Telegraph)

Duties and Tasks

As a motorsport driver, you would:

• work with your team to analyse maps of the race circuit, and plan your lines how to take each turn

• work with your technical team to make sure your car is in peak condition and suited to the specific course and conditions

• plan your tactics for the race and decide when to take pit stops (if necessary)

• test your vehicle before a race

• work with other team members during the race

• review the race after the event and evaluate performance

• take part in any sponsorship events or special appearances to promote your team, sponsors, and racing organisation

• follow a strict diet and exercise regime

• practise and train daily.

Your working hours would be irregular and possibly long, depending on the type of vehicle you race. Press and sponsorship engagements as well as travelling locally and internationally would be part of your role as well as training and racing. You would spend a lot of time in a sitting position while racing and training. Your role would be physically demanding. You would race in all types of weather.

Motorsport racing can be a dangerous. You would be putting your body on the line every time you drive or ride. Crashes and fires are common, and motorsport drivers are required to wear crash helmets and flame-retardant clothing.

You can work as a motorsport driver without formal qualifications. Many people start their motor racing career by getting involved in karting at a young age and then graduating to driving cars or riding motorbikes. Aspiring racing drivers tend to join racing clubs, and then develop their skills through hard work and practice on the track. You would then need to work your way up through the ranks of the lower classes of racing, within your chosen field. You would be trained by your team as you progress.

Becoming a professional driver is very competitive with many choosing to become a mechanic or engineer for their chosen sport instead.

Employment growth for motorsport drivers is expected to remain neutral. This is a small and specialised occupation, and competition for professional motorsport roles will remain very strong.