Sports and Leisure Centre Assistant

Also known as:

Health/Leisure Centre Assistant
Leisure Centre Assistant

Introduction

Sports and leisure centre assistants look after equipment and help members of the public in sports and leisure centres. They may help instructors to run sports or fitness courses.

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Work Activities

Sports and leisure centre assistants set up and look after equipment and make sure everything is clean and safe in the centre. They must be familiar with all the equipment used in the centres, in order to repair and maintain it to meet safety and hygiene standards. They also need to show members of the public how to use equipment properly and sensibly.

Assistants also look after the changing rooms and clothes lockers and are responsible for the safe care and return of valuables. There are likely to be general cleaning duties in and around the centre as well as cleaning the equipment.

If there is a swimming pool, a suitably qualified assistant may help with supervision. This would involve taking care of the safety of the public using the pool, and cleaning the poolside areas.

The assistant may help instructors to run sports or fitness courses for the public.

The job could also involve serving drinks and snacks in a bar or cafeteria, including taking money and giving change. If there are special events at the centre, the assistant may help to set up seating and equipment, and act as a steward during the event.

Dealing with problems and complaints from members of the public is another part of the job. It may also be necessary to deal with emergencies, such as accidents, and give first aid if necessary.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

Physical fitness is very important, as the job involves standing for most of the time and moving equipment and furniture that may be heavy. Fitness and stamina are also needed for any active involvement with sports and fitness courses. A keen interest in sport is essential.

Common sense, a practical approach, initiative, a sense of responsibility and the ability to remain calm in an emergency are all needed. It is important to be good at working as part of a team. You should be good at explaining things to people, such as the safe use of equipment, clearly and tactfully.

Life saving skills will be required if the centre has a pool.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Sports and leisure centre assistants earn in the range of £11,000 - £14,500 a year, rising to around £15,000 - £17,000. Higher earners can make around £19,500 a year.

Assistants usually work a basic 37-hour week, which can include evenings, shift work and work on public holidays.

There are jobs in sports, recreation, fitness and health centres and clubs throughout the country. Clubs and centres may be privately run or part of a local authority service. Private clubs can be found in hotels, holiday camps and companies. There may also be jobs in schools, colleges and universities.

There is keen competition for jobs.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Any sports prizes or coaching/instructor qualifications are useful. A keen interest in health and fitness issues is important.

Some colleges relax entrance requirements for applicants with a relevant background in sport and recreation.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

The Institute of Sport and Recreation Management (ISRM) offer the ISRM Operations Certificate, by distance learning.

• 47% of people in occupations such as leisure centre assisting work part-time.
• 2% have flexible hours.
• 1% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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