The document provides instructions for students to complete 20 hours of volunteer work in a sport-related field of their choice. It outlines areas where students can volunteer, such as with college athletics departments, professional sports teams, or youth sports organizations. It also lists information students must submit before beginning their volunteer work. The document describes what students should include in a reflection paper after completing their volunteer hours, such as the name of the organization, their supervisor's contact information, total hours worked, job duties, and a discussion of how the experience prepared them for a career in sports management. Students will present their experience in class and the majority of the 2-page paper should focus on their reaction to the experience, education required for full-time

1. Volunteering and Reflection Paper
HP 360, Spring 2014
Due Date – 4/21/14?
Students are required to put in 20 hours of volunteer work within an area of sport that they are
interested in gaining professional experience and networks (i.e. marketing, event management,
and facilities management). Areas to volunteer in the past have included MSU Athletics,
Vikings, T-Wolves, Mankato YMCA, Volunteer Coach with youth or H.S. teams, and Sport
Management Spring Barbeque.
The items in red are what you should complete prior to starting your volunteer work and submit
to the D2L drop box.
Once the student has completed their volunteer work they will then complete a reflection paper
covering, but not limited to the following items:
- Name of the organization: Maple Lake High School District #881
-
- Supervisor’s name: Dave Schroeder/Tim Knudsen
-
- Title: Schroeder = Athletic Director, Knudsen = Head football/softball coach and P.E.
teacher
- Contact information: schroederd@maplelake.k12.mn.us knudsent@maplelake.k12.mn.us
-
- Total hours spent volunteering: 21
- Job description, duties, tasks, and responsibilities of the student: Work with physical
education classes, set up softball equipment, organize storage building around the school,
complete other tasks given by both supervisors.
- Education and experiences required for full time employment with this organization:
o Degree Level Bachelor's degree is required; some athletic directors have a
master's degree (preferred)
o Degree Field Sport management or physical education
o Licensure and/or Certification Teacher licensure may be required; optional
certifications are available
o Experience Fieldwork (can be acquired through internships)
o Key Skills: Math, business, athletic/sports background, communication skills

2. - Discussion about how these hours have prepared you for a position in sports
management:
o I got to experience the work put in by the coaches and athletic director between
seasons. This includes moving equipment around the school, organizing closet
space, and preparing contracts with officials, umpires, and starters. Scheduling
meetings also are part of the offseason projects. I learned to understand the work
that coaches have to do to prepare their teams to start each season as well as what
the athletic director must do to allow these teams to play. I was advised what
skills to focus on such as communication and writing as well as education
requirements such as certain degrees to earn. I feel more assured in how I am
preparing myself after volunteering and learning from people in the field.
- Your reaction to the experience:
o A lot of organization is required to keep track of equipment.
o Equipment movement between sport seasons
o The amount of information needed to be obtained before attending meetings
(Schroeder)
o Working on schedules, for meetings and events.
o Possibly teaching classes if required at the district.
o Contracts required with people.
o Balance between sports and education
o Amount of communication and writing skills needed.
o How those skills can affect getting the job.
Your final paper should be at least 2 typed pages, dbl spaced, 12pt. The majority of the paper
should concentrate on the last three items of the list above. Students will also present their
experience in class.