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A Day in the Life of a Live Sports Scout: How Hard is This Job, Really?
For sports fans, there is not much more exciting than live games. The feeling of being in the stadium and witnessing the fantastic feats on the court or field is unparalleled. But do live sports scouts still get that same thrill? Scouts must sit in the stands and watch games daily to collect data and provide statistics in real-time.
So does the love of the game keep them going, or does the grind whittle away at that passion?
What is a Live Sports Scout?
A live sports scout is someone who watches live sporting events. They gather crucial information about the game and players using laptops, dedicated apps, and other software. In short, scouts are the building block of worldwide providers’ live scouting sports data and success.
While it may seem easy, live sports scouts must put in a lot of hours. They must pay attention to detail on the field or court while keeping up with the fast pace of live sporting events. Also, they often have to travel extensively to watch live games. In fact, one of the many conditions to become a live tournament reports/match reporter is your availability to travel nationally and internationally.
Being a live sports scout is not an easy job. It requires a commitment to hard work. But, on the other hand, it can be rewarding to be there on the field, not only watching the game but also living it with every fiber of your being.
How Do You Become a Live Sports Scout?
Do you have a passion for sports? Do you want to turn your love of the game into a career? Then, a live sports scout career might be the perfect fit for you.
As a live sports scout, you will spend days attending sporting events and learning everything about the data you need to collect and provide to your employer. You will need a keen eye for detail and identify crucial game moments, players' strengths and weaknesses, movements, strategies, scores, and more.
If you think you have what it takes to become a live sports scout, then here are a few things to do:
- Build up your deep, “meta” knowledge of the game or sports you are passionate about. You need to know everything there is to know about the sport you want to scout for. Read books, watch games, read the news, follow sports websites, and listen to podcasts. Stay updated on the latest news and trends in the sports industry and learn how sports data and analytics work.
- Get a degree in sport management or a related field. This will give you the basic knowledge to understand the sports business. For example, a live sports scout usually needs a degree in exercise science, sports science, business, statistics, etc.
- Start working in the scouting industry. Most live sports data providers hire full-time sports scouts or freelancers, so you can consider a long-term career opportunity or a chance to get extra work in a field you love.
- Attend as many games as possible. This is the best way to learn about scores, odds, strategies, players, etc.
- Get as tech-savvy as you can. Your employer will provide you with training and all the apps and tools you need to become proficient, but some extra learning doesn’t hurt.
- Build relationships with coaches, players even, and other scouts. These relationships will be essential as you move up in the live scouting world. If you get very good at it, you might advance your career and move from junior scout to senior/advanced scout.
What Are the Hours?
The hours for a live sports scout can vary. Some days may only be a few hours, while others could be 12 or more. It all depends on the particular events that you are attending. As a life-work balance goes, you might have a hectic schedule to manage.
What Are the Challenges of this Job?
The job of a live sports scout can be both exciting and challenging. Watching sporting events and tracking a game’s progress is certainly enjoyable. However, there is pressure to perform well in this role. Scouts need to pick out small details in action on the field or court that could make a big difference.
This can be difficult when trying to keep track of everything happening in front of you. It's an intense focus that the best can develop from experience. Another challenge of this job is that you need to be able to make quick decisions, work fast, always stay connected to the game in front of you and your team at the other end of your transmission, and handle a lot of pressure. However, being a live sports scout is one of those jobs where it is more than just a job, more than a career, but a lifestyle.
Bottom Line
A day in the life of a live sports scout is undoubtedly not for everyone, but it can be a rewarding career for those who are up for the challenge. From early morning to late nights spent at the stadium, a live sports scout must be ready for anything.
Unparalleled access to some of the most exciting sporting events in the world is a great perk. But first, compare that against the impact on your personal relationships and life goals and determine if it is worth it.
