In today’s world of sports, managers must be aware of all components of their organization, including their ability to impact and influence our communities. The University of Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Extension realizes this, and has partnered with the Green Sports Alliance and industry experts to create a certificate course aimed to empower individuals to make a positive impact. The recently launched, Green Sports Management Certificate is part of the University of Florida Sport Management Department’s Institue for Coaching Excellence.
About the Certificate
Whether you’re new to a sports organization or an experienced sport management professional, this program is designed to prepare students to become environmental leaders within the sports industry. Students will receive a first-hand, real-world focus throughout the course, while simultaneously being exposed to a handful of key tactics and skills needed for success in the field. In addition, industry leaders will be featured throughout the course and best practices on core topics to provide students with a look at how organizations implement environmental sustainability and social responsibility programs.
Through case studies, in-class discussions and practical exercises, students will gain an understanding of the components of a successful environmental sustainability program. Throughout the course, students will evaluate sporting leagues, individual teams, collegiate programs, as well as venues and arenas that are implementing environmental programs into their operations.
Additionally, we will look at environmentally focused event management. Students will receive a first-hand, real-world focus throughout the course, while simultaneously being exposed to a handful of key tactics and skills needed for success in the field. In addition, industry leaders will be featured throughout the course and best practices on core topics to provide students with a look at how organizations implement environmental sustainability and social responsibility programs.
Just like a sporting event, this certification course is uniquely designed with four quarters.
1st Quarter – Sustainability in Sports
- Environmental Movements
- Going Green in Sports
2nd Quarter – Strategic Planning and Marketing
- Sustainability Marketing
- Partnerships and Sponsorships
Halftime – Connecting with the Instructor
- At halftime of the course, students will have a “live” check in with the instructor.
- The focus of this check in is to discuss the course and green sports. The number one goal is to help students reach their potential.
3rd Quarter – Environmental Operations
- Professional Sports Leagues
- Facility and Team Operations
4th Quarter – Sustainability in Action
- On Campus Sustainability
- Climate Change, Food Systems, and Social Sustainability
About Green Sports Alliance
The Green Sports Alliance leverages the cultural and market influence of sports to promote healthy, sustainable communities where people work, live and play. The Green Sports Alliance convenes professional sports leagues, sports governing bodies, colleges, teams, venues, their partners, and millions of fans around meaningful change toward a more sustainable future. Through 
the Play to Zero® program, it leads the embrace of renewable energy, waste diversion, water efficiency, and environmentally preferable practices. Through its marquee event greening division, The Green Sports Alliance delivers best-in-class sustainable productions to minimize environmental impacts and maximize community legacies, driving scalability and replications across the industry.
Enroll today to become a Green Sports Certified Professional: here.
UF Institute of Coaching Excellence
In addition to the Green Sports Management Certificate, the Institute offers a number of certificate courses connected with the sports industry including: a certificate in athlete development and director of racquet sports with the U.S. Professional Tennis Association.
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