Arts & EntertainmentISCO 3421

Professional athlete

Professional athletes compete in sports and athletic events. They train on a regular basis and exercise with professional coaches and trainers.

Check yourself in a minute: professional athlete

Rate 5 of the 10 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

participate in sport events

implement relevant tactical skills to perform at the highest level in sport

adapt lifestyle for sports performance

participate in training sessions

implement relevant technical skills to perform at the highest level in sport

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (10)

participate in sport eventsparticipate in sport eventsParticipate in sport events or competitions according to established rules and regulations to apply technical, physical and mental abilities.implement relevant tactical skills to perform at the highest level in sportimplement relevant tactical skills to perform at the highest level in sportIdentify the tactical demands of your sport and work with the coaching and supporting team (e.g. coaches, physiotherapist, nutritionist, psychologist) to implement an adapted programme to achieve the ...adapt lifestyle for sports performanceadapt lifestyle for sports performancePlan and manage effectively sporting commitments (e.g. time for training, competition) versus leisure time to create the conditions to perform as a player/athlete at the highest sport level.participate in training sessionsparticipate in training sessionsObserve a training session. Try out the exercises. Understand the underlying concepts. Document the exercises Evaluate the quality and relevance of the training session. Propose adjustments. Verify pa...implement relevant technical skills to perform at the highest level in sportimplement relevant technical skills to perform at the highest level in sportIdentify the technical demands and work with coaching/supporting team (e.g. coaches, physiotherapist, nutritionist, psychologist) to implement an adapted programme to achieve the targeted highest leve...develop strong attitudes in sportsdevelop strong attitudes in sportsIdentify and understand the emotional demands, the necessary attitudes and mental skills and work with supporting team (including for example coaches, physiotherapist, nutritionist, psychologist) to i...manage sporting careermanage sporting careerConsider all career routes and identify short, medium and long term goals for the career. Review and update the career plan.apply sport games rulesapply sport games rulesDevelop and sustain the ability to apply rules, within the spirit of the sport activity and competition, and in a professional and respectful manner.assess performance in sport eventsassess performance in sport eventsAssess performance following sport events and competitions, identify strengths and weaknesses, provide feedback to the coaching and supporting team, and make suggestions or adjustments to improve futu...work to develop physical ability to perform at the highest level in sportwork to develop physical ability to perform at the highest level in sportIdentify the necessary level of fitness, understand the nutritional strategy and work with coaching/supporting team (e.g. coaches, physiotherapist, nutritionist, psychologist) to implement an adapted ...
Optional (5) — show
badmintonbadmintonThe techniques, theory, and rules of badminton. The performance of a serve, forehand and backhand grips or jumping skills are some of these sport techniques. Knowledge of the basic equipment needed to...communicate with mediacommunicate with mediaCommunicate professionally and present a positive image while exchanging with media or potential sponsors.manage personal financesmanage personal financesIdentify personal financial objectives and set up a strategy to match this target in seeking support and advice when necessary.set up effective working relationships with other sports playersset up effective working relationships with other sports playersSet up and sustain effective working relationships with other players and athletes from the same team.contribute to the development of a sporting estatecontribute to the development of a sporting estateAnalyse estate records for previous sporting years to establish effectiveness of previous activities and development opportunities, establish previous resource usage to determine efficiency, assess op...

Related Occupations

Other occupations in the Legal, social, cultural and related associate professionals category that share similar skill requirements.

Frequently asked questions

What does a professional athlete do?

Professional athletes compete in sports and athletic events. They train on a regular basis and exercise with professional coaches and trainers.

What skills does a professional athlete need?

A professional athlete needs 10 essential skills, including participate in sport events, implement relevant tactical skills to perform at the highest level in sport, adapt lifestyle for sports performance, participate in training sessions, implement relevant technical skills to perform at the highest level in sport.

Will AI replace professional athlete jobs?

The AI disruption score for professional athlete is 7/100 (very low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: manage personal finances, communicate with media, contribute to the development of a sporting estate. Most resilient: set up effective working relationships with other sports players, participate in sport events, implement relevant tactical skills to perform at the highest level in sport.

Quick Facts

ISCO GroupLegal, social, cultural and related associate professionals
Essential Skills10

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