1. 1. Rationale. This Rule highlights those elements distinctive to the Sport Management program. The study of sport management begins at the Class A level. These standards build upon the InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards, ISTE Standards, and Alabama Specific Standards.  The study of sport management begins at the Class A level. Implementation of the standards will be in the Alabama Continuous Improvement guidance.

2. 2. Program Curriculum. The curriculum shall require coursework, key assessments, and field experiences in the following areas:

   1. a. Foundational knowledge of sport and sport management to include, definitions, historical roots, social issues, psychology, and evolution of sport; management concepts; governance and policies, international sport; health and safety in sports programs.
   2. b. P-12 School sport management to include eligibility requirements; leadership in the public/private school environment; local, state, and federal regulatory agencies; program development, operation, and assessment.
   3. c. Functions of sport management to include sport operations, event and facilities management; sport marketing, sales and public relations; sport media and communications; sport finance, budgeting, account, and economics; organization and administration of sports programs.
   4. d. Sport management environments to include legal and risk management aspects; ethical aspects; technological advances; sports injuries and liabilities.

3. 3. Unique Field Experiences, Practica, and Internship Placement Requirements.

   1. a. Field experiences should be completed in an environment where the candidate can practice their ability to work within the confines of the standards for the sports management program.
   2. b. In internship totaling at least 300 clock hours with at least half of the time in one or more P-12 setting.

4. 4. Requirements for Certification for Class A Sport Management. Readiness to serve as a sport manager shall include:

   1. a. At least a valid Class B Professional Educator Certificate in a teaching field or a valid Class A Professional Educator Certificate in a teaching field or in another area of instructional support.
   2. b. An official transcript from an accredited institution documenting an earned master’s degree. The institution must have been approved at the time of degree conferral.
   3. c. A Survey of Special Education course is required if not previously completed. The course may not be older than 10 years unless the candidate has teaching experience within the last 5 years, or he/she used the course for prior level certification.
   4. d. Satisfactory completion of a sport management program approved by the Alabama State Board of Education with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all courses in the program.
   5. e. Completion of internship.
5. 5. Testing for Certification in Sport Management. A passing score on a comprehensive assessment documenting mastery of the curriculum of the sport management program, which may include, but may not be limited to, an oral examination.

Author: Dr. Eric G. Mackey

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§16-3-16 and 16-23-14.

Editor’s Note: Previous Rule .31 was renumbered .39 per certification published August 31, 2021; effective October 15, 2021.

History: New Rule: December 19, 1978. Amended: Filed December 13, 1990; effective February 1, 1991. Repealed and Replaced: Filed January 9, 1997; effective February 13, 1997; operative July 1, 1997. Repealed and New Rule: Filed September 11, 2003; effective October 16, 2003. Repealed and New Rule: Filed July 13, 2004; effective August 17, 2004. Repealed and New Rule: April 14, 2005; effective May 19, 2005. Repealed and New Rule: Filed August 6, 2007; effective September 10, 2007. Repealed and New Rule: Filed August 3, 2009; effective September 7, 2009; operative October 1, 2009. Repealed and New Rule: Filed August 13, 2015; effective September 17, 2015. Amended: Filed September 13, 2018; effective October 28, 2018; operative June 1, 2019. Repealed and New Rule: Published August 31, 2021; effective October 15, 2021. Repealed and New Rule: Published March 31, 2025; effective May 15, 2025.