Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation and Sport (NOC 5254)
Description
Program leaders and instructors in recreation and sport lead and instruct groups and individuals in recreational, sports, fitness or athletic programs. They are employed by community centres, sports and fitness clubs, outdoor centres, resorts, medical institutions, recreational facilities, correctional institutions and similar establishments.
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Example Titles
- aerobics instructor
- camp counsellor
- day camp leader
- fitness instructor
- gymnastics teacher
- lifeguard
- playground worker
- recreation program leader
- riding instructor
- ski instructor
- ski patrol
- swimming instructor - sports
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Classified Elsewhere
- Other Instructors (4216)
- Recreation and Sports Program and Service Directors (0513)
- Recreation and sports supervisors (in 4167 Recreation, Sports and Fitness Program Supervisors and Consultants)
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Duties
Program leaders and instructors in recreation and sport perform some or all of the following duties:
- Plan and carry-out recreational, athletic, fitness and sports activities
- Assemble supplies and sports and game equipment
- Demonstrate and instruct athletic, fitness or sports activities and techniques
- Instruct groups and individuals in arts, crafts and similar activities and lead groups and individuals in recreational or leisure programs
- Attend to clients with special needs
- Provide lifestyle awareness information
- Conduct therapeutic recreational or athletic activities
- Monitor recreational or sports activities to ensure safety and provide emergency or first aid assistance when required
- Enforce safety rules and regulations.
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Skills
Recreation and arts program leaders should have the following skills and abilities:
- an interest in and knowledge of the program being delivered,
- excellent verbal communication skills to explain movements or activities clearly,
- good observation skills,
- be open to questions and input from participants,
- ability to motivate, and to be patient with learners,
- recreation leaders need good physical fitness and co-ordination,
- sports leaders need athletic training and awareness of health hazards,
- the ability to work on one's own,
- creativity in designing new programs,
- the ability to plan schedules and organize equipment and space needed,
- clerical and computer skills for keeping records,
- be able to respond calmly to emergency situations.
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Employment Requirements
- Demonstrated ability in one or more recreational or sports disciplines may be required.
- Completion of a college program in recreation or physical education or extensive experience in a specific recreational or sports program activity is usually required.
- A background in teaching or physical education may be required. Certification in a specific area of recreational activity may be required: Swimming instructor's certificate, fitness instructor, etc.
- Certified skills in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or first aid may be required.
- For information regarding requirements for instructing in a particular sport, contact the local association or governing body for that particular sport.
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Terms & Conditions
Program leaders and instructors in recreation and sport commonly work indoors as well as outside and may be required to travel back and forth between facilities on a regular basis. They are usually employed by community centres, recreation centres, as well as sports and fitness clubs. The work of program leaders and instructors can be physically demanding.
Evening and weekend work is common in this occupation, as is travel to other sport and recreation facilities. The majority work part time (53%). Many positions are seasonal. Self-employment in this occupation is not very common (10%). Program leaders and instructors work irregular hours.
Although employment in this occupation is primarily seasonal, the annual earnings reported below represent the prevailing wages, salaries, for full time employment for the full year.
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Earnings
$20,800 per annum - starting
$29,900 per annum - average
$43,700 per annum - high
Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.
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Education / Training
The University of Manitoba, Faculty of Physical Education and Recreational Studies offers the following degree programs:
- Bachelor of Physical Education B.P.E. [3 years; University 1 plus 2 years]
- Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science B.E.S.S. [4 years; University 1 plus 3 years] - Concentrations are available in Athletic Therapy, Exercise and Sport Science, Health and Wellness.
- Bachelor of Recreation Studies B.R.S. [4 years: University 1 plus 3 years]
- The University of Winnipeg offers a three-year degree program in Physical Activity and Sport Studies.
- The University College of the North offers a two-year Recreation and Community Leadership Program.
- Assiniboine Community College, Continuing Education, offers a Wilderness Recreation Skills program.
- Red River College, Continuing Education Division, offers a Certificate program in Recreation Facilitator for Older Adults.
- Most high schools in Manitoba offer a program in Physical Education.
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Career Paths
Persons who have received training or education in a recreational pursuit may obtain assistant positions or work as volunteers. Students may gain work experience in summer or part-time jobs.
Recreation or fitness instructors may set up their own businesses. Sports instructors may become coaches, trainers or athletic managers. Recreational workers may move into management positions with experience.
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Outlook
Employment prospects for program leaders and instructors in recreation and sport are expected to be good in the period 2010 - 2014. Employment in Manitoba in 2010 is estimated at 1,975.
The physical activity of adolescents and older adults and the implications for healthy aging are of increasing concern. Physical fitness and life-work balance are also important to those in the labour force. More programs and employment in recreational sport, personal training and activities for seniors could result from this trend.
Given that the average age of this occupational workforce is very young compared to the workforce in general, turnover tends to be fairly high. Federal and provincial funding of sports programming can influence employment levels in this field. Most positions in this occupation are sessional or part time so leaders and instructors often take on multiple programs or other employment to maintain their income level. There are many opportunities for full time student employment in the summer months.
A proportionally larger number of jobs are located in Winnipeg. Across industries, employment is found in Arts, Entertainment and Recreation (46%), Health Care and Social Assistance (16%), Public Administration (12%) and Educational Services (10%).
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Employment by Age Group
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Employment by Industry
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Employment by Region
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Employment by Gender
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Employment by Aboriginal Self-Identification
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Employment by Visible Minority
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Please Note - The source for above charts is the 2006 Census.
Professional Associations, Unions, and Regulatory Bodies...
- Manitoba Fitness Leader Development Association, 102, Frank Kennedy Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2.
- Manitoba Sport Parachute Association, http://mspa.mb.ca
- Canadian Wellness, http://www.canadianwellness.com
- Canadian Sport Parachuting Association, http://www.cspa.ca
- National Fitness Leadership Advisory Council, 1600 James Naismith Drive, Suite 306, Gloucester, Ontario, K1B 5N4.
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