What is the World Association for Sports Management?

Sports ManagementThe World Association of Sport Management, or WASM, was launched in April of 2012 and serves as the premiere trade organization for the field of sport management. If you’ve ever thought about a career in sports, but just never had the ability to steal second base or return a blazing backhand from Roger Federer, then sport management just may be the way to go. Just remember, behind every winning (and losing!) professional and amateur sports team is a front office steering the ship. That front office is full of sport management professionals and they all regard The World Association of Sport Management as the governing body of their profession.

The History of The World Association of Sport Management

As noted, WASM was established in the spring of 2012. It was born in the Taiwanese institution of Aletheia University. Prior to WASM, there existed a confederation of sorts of sport management associations. Those associations included the European Association for Sport Management, the Sport Management Association of Australia & New Zealand, the Asian Association for Sport Management, the Latin American Association for Sport Management, the African Sport Management Association and the North American Society for Sports Management. The leaders of these organizations felt that a central governing body would provide more cohesion in the field, so WASM was born. The association is currently governed by members of the continental organizations as well as from representatives from Aletheia University.

What Does The World Association of Sport Management Do?

According to the WASM, the mission of the organization is “to facilitate sport management research and teaching and learning excellence worldwide.” When it comes down to is, the organization serves as a communication hub by disseminating the latest trends in the industry through publications and public relations. They also support organized events, trade meetings and generally strive to facilitate advancements in sport management in all corners of the globe.

When it comes to communications, WASM coordinates official publications which include newsletters, the compiling and analysis of data and dissemination of those reports as well as reporting on the state of affairs in sport management . In addition to that, the organization supports student athlete programs by promoting scholarship opportunities and educational paths of those interested in the field of sport management. WASM projects the professionalism and stature of an established organization through the hosting of international congresses and planned events that include professional seminars and symposia. The association has even gained the recognition of well-respected sports associations including the International Olympic Committee.

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A Little More on Sport Management

The world of sport is a huge draw for many people. Unfortunately, what most people associate with sports, the athletes, is just the tip of the iceberg. In order for a sport to be successful, not only must you have talent out on the field or court, but also in the front office. However, you can’t just walk in off the streets and into the general manager’s office. Fortunately there are a wealth of universities and colleges that offer programs in sport management. At the end of the day, sports can be an exciting field to work in and the success of sports program is assisted in no small part by the World Association of Sport Management.

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