OFO No:

What is a Recreation Manager / Officer?

A Recreation Manager develops programmes at a recreational centre to improve the quality of life for the individuals at the centre. 

These centres are usually designed for a specific group of people, for example: children, disabled or the elderly. 

The Recreation Manager/Officer is responsible too, for informing the centre’s various groups about different programmes (health or social) that are on offer, excursions, informative talks, concerts and exhibitions etc. 

The Recreation Manager/Officer keeps strict records of all activities and events. 

What does a Recreation Manager /Officer do?

• maintains a varied recreational programme for the centre
• researches and is constantly on the look-out for new activities and events
• develops new programmes and activities
• works out programme schedules so that they don’t clash
• organises regular excursions, talks, concerts, exhibitions etc
• provides text and photographs for brochure designs
• assists the centre manager when necessary
• keeps records

Are you … ?

• organised?
• detail orientated?
• observant?
• a creative thinker?
• a peoples’ person?
• efficient?
• empathic?
• helpful?

How do I become a Recreation Manager / Officer?

One way to start in this field is to volunteer at a local recreational centre. Here you will pick up numerous skills. If you work hard, you may even be offered a permanent position later on. If you do, you may decide to continue studying part-time and get enough training to allow you to apply for a job as the Recreation Manager/Officer.

Courses in business or office management would be extremely beneficial.  Check with your local institution if they offer these kind of courses.  See also under General Manager for more info.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Amusement Centre Manager … or … Day Care Centre Manager/Owner … or … Events Manager

Is becoming a Recreation Manager/Officer the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 143106

Other names for an Amusement Centre Manager:

• Entertainment Centre Manager
• Skateboard Park Manager
• Video Games Arcade Manager
• Video Games Centre Manager

What is an Amusement Centre Manager?

Amusement Centre Managers are responsible for scheduling the use of recreation facilities, maintain and provide equipment to participants of sporting events or recreational pursuits, or operate amusement concessions and rides.

What does an Amusement Centre Manager do?

• ensures the flow of the following activities at the centre
• provides information about facilities, entertainment options, and rules and regulations
• records details of attendance, sales, receipts, reservations, and maintenance activities
• monitors activities to ensure rules and safety procedures are obeyed
• arranges for the removal of unruly customers 
• is in charge of tickets sales
• keeps themselves up to date on emergency evacuation procedures
• organises cleaning of equipment, vehicles, rides, booths, facilities and grounds
• prepares and maintains all equipment, rides etc
• advertises amusement park attractions to patrons
• explains safety devices for customers
• inspects equipment to detect wear and tear
• performs minor repairs, adjustments or maintenance tasks such as oiling parts
• calls experts in for major mechanical faults etc

Are you … ?

• a peoples’ person?
• enthusiastic?
• good at managing?
• organised?
• motivator?
• observant?
• willing to work unsual hours?
• good under stress?
• mechanically minded?

How do I become an Amusement Centre Manager?

Formal education would be highly recommended. 

Suggested studies would include a BComm or something similar. Most universities offer this.

Certificates or Diplomas in Management Studies, Accounting, Business Studies or something similar would be worth considering.

PATH 1

• Occupations in related fields
• Workplace experience

PATH 2

• Matric
• Workplace experience
• Higher Certificate in Facilities Management
• Managerial workplace experience

PATH 3

Matric

Workplace experience in Managerial position

National Diploma in Management

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• Tshwane University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg
• UNISA
• University of the Free State
• University of Zululand
• Waler Sisulu University

Managerial workplace experience

PATH 4

Relevant qualification

Advanced Diploma in Management

• University of the Western Cape

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Gaming Worker (Casino) … or … Tour Manager

Is becoming an Amusement Centre Manager the right career choice for me?

A Caddy (or Caddie) carries a golf player’s bag and clubs, and sometimes gives advice and support.  He/she is usually an independent (self-employed) contractor and not employed by a golf club.

What does a Caddy do?

• carrying the golfer’s clubs throughout the game
• cleaning the clubs and balls throughout the game
• knowing the yardages (distances) between the ball and the pin (flag)
• knowing where all the hazards are along the course
• raking the bunkers and sand-traps after the golfer has used it
• replacing divots (chunks of grass) if golfer has made them
• holding the pin (flag) on the green while golfer is putting
• offering assistance or advice if asked
• keeping up to date with the rules, techniques etc
• keeping up to date with players, rakings, golf news
• learning about the details of each golf course
• joining online forums to chat with other caddies

Are you … ?

• passionate about golf?
• fit and strong?
• responsible?
• observant and attentive?
• neat and tidy?
• always prepared?
• dependable?
• punctual?

How do I become a Caddy?

Visit a local golf course regularly and meet golfers – offer to caddy for them. Be as friendly as you can. 

Try learning as much as you can about the game of golf as well as all the technical words used in golf – so that you are prepared.

Actually playing golf and understanding the game would be extremely advantageous!

Some golf clubs offer a development programme, for example:

• GLENDOWER GOLF CLUB: (Johannesburg)

http://www.glendower.co.za/index.php?page=caddyassociation

• THE GOLF SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE:  (Gauteng)

Offers a variety of courses for up and coming golfers – these courses will also help you get more skills and understanding of the game of golf so that you may end up caddying for a professional golfer. 

The more skills you have – the more likely you are going to jump ahead of the rest.

• TGSE INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR ACADEMY

A full-time programme for Grades 10, 11 & 12, where learners combine intensive golf training with private school education. 

http://www.tgse-golf.com/juniorprogrammes.html 

Minimum requirements:
Grade 9 if applying for Grade 10.  Excludes remedial schools.  A passion and a talent for golf.  Lower handicaps are given preference for enrolment.
All applicants must undergo:
•    Interview with TGSE Director
•    Interview with Abbotts College Principal
•    Game Assessment Session – R400 interview & assessment fee payable

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Professional Golfer and Sports Coach

Is becoming a Caddy the right career choice for me?

See below for more info.