FREE ESSAY ON SPORT MANAGEMENT

SPORT MANAGEMENT

HPR 475 - Management of Sport & Recreation
Semester Project Proposal - Homework 1
INTRODUCTION
Enterprise Description
The Springfield Statesmen Hockey Organization will play in the North American Junior
Hockey League (NAJHL). The NAJHL is a Division A junior hockey league, which is the
highest level of junior hockey, consisting of eight teams located in the Great Lakes
Region of the United States. The league is comprised predominantly of players 16 -20
years old. Each team in the league plays a twenty- game schedule. In addition, league
members play in a mid-season all-star game and in a league tournament that culminates the
season by declaring a league champion. The team will play its home games in the Ice
Palace, leased from the City of Springfield. The Ice Palace has a maximum capacity of
3,000 people. It includes four locker rooms, eight restroom facilities, an arcade room,
an athletic training facility, a weight room, and a large room available for private
functions.
Description of the Community
The City of Springfield, which hosts the team, has a population of 110,000; plus an
additional 559,000 within a 60-mile radius. The largest age group for both men and women
is 35-44. The city's government is a municipality with a mayor and 10 aldermen that
represent an area of the city. Springfield is the state capital of Illinois and therefore
houses many of the state's agencies. Its economic base depends upon state and federal
agencies, three major hospitals, three colleges, and two state universities (University
of Illinois at Springfield and Southern Illinois University School of Medicine). The cost
of living in Springfield has an index of 97.4; the national average is an index of 100.
Thirty-five percent of the households in Springfield earn between $25,000 and $49,000.
The three main industries providing employment are the public sector, services, and
retail trade. Springfield has an unemployment rate of 5.4%. 
Thirty-three percent of Springfieldians have a high school diploma and fourteen percent
have a bachelor's degree. Springfield has 36 public schools and 29 non-public schools
employing over 2,600 teachers. The YMCA, YWCA, Boys and Girls Club of America, and the
Springfield Rotary Club offer social service to the community. Springfield offers 6
museums (including the Illinois State Museum), two zoos, a minor league baseball team,
and numerous state and national historic sites. Parks offered include seven parks in the
Springfield Park District, a wildlife sanctuary, botanical gardens, and Lincoln's New
Salem State Park. The Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Springfield Chamber Orchestra,
Springfield Muni Opera, and Springfield Theatre Center house the city's performing arts.
Natural resources of the area include Lake Springfield and the Sangamon River. 
Numerous highways and Interstates 55 and 72 allow for travel in and out of the city.
Capital Airport provides air service to the community with service provided by American
Eagle, Great Lakes, United Express, and Trans World Express. Five trunkline railroads
serve Sangamon County and Amtrak provides passenger service. Intra-city bus service is
available via the Springfield Mass Transit District, and Greyhound provides interstate
bus service (Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, 1999). 
Target Population
The athletic services provided by the Springfield Statesmen Hockey Organization (SSHO)
serves primarily 16-20 year old hockey players seeking an opportunity to eventually play
for a major college or professional hockey team. Players will be recruited and drafted
from national and international midget (a younger group of players) leagues, with players
coming from as far away as Europe and Russia to play. Due to the expenses to play the
sport most players come from upper-middle and upper class families. The entertainment
services provided by the team serves an audience of all ages. Working class families
provide the largest audience base. Special seating will be provided for families as well
as group ticket pricing. A private room is available for larger parties. The facility is
handicapped accessible, and smoking is prohibited in the arena.
Financing
The SSHO is financed primarily by player fees (players must pay $5,000 each to play in
the league), ticket sales, and advertising sales. Additional funding will come from
concession sales, team merchandise sales, booster club fundraisers, and team fundraisers
(the Summer Golf Outing with the team and a Silent Auction of team memorabilia).
Legal Basis for Service
The SSHO is a for-profit corporation, incorporated in the State of Illinois and
registered with the Federal Government as a for-profit corporation. Annually, the major
shareholders for the team file taxes with the Illinois Department of Revenue and the
Internal Revenue Service.
PURPOSE STATEMENT
SPRINGFIELD STATESMEN HOCKEY ORGANIZATION
The primary purpose of the SSHO is to enhance the development of its players through
top-quality coaching, extensive practice time, and a rigorous game schedule. The
Organization is committed to providing these developmental opportunities in conjunction
with a commitment to academic support, as the Organization's schedule is designed around
weekend travel to minimize school conflicts.
VISION STATEMENT
SPRINGFIELD STATESMEN HOCKEY ORGANIZATION
Springfield Statesmen Hockey is one of the premier junior hockey organizations in the
country. The Organization is committed to putting a winning team on the ice by developing
a team of extremely talented players. League competition helps players make the
transition from midget and high school hockey to college and professional hockey by
creating an environment that is highly competitive, encourages skill development, and
provides time for personal growth and maturity. Springfield Statesmen Hockey is the
coolest game in town!
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART DESCRIPTION
The organizational chart (See Appendix A) of the SSHO follows the classical bureaucratic
chart, where authority and responsibility flows from top to bottom. The major partners
(shareholders) are at the top of the chart. A Board of Directors reports to the
shareholders and is assisted by a legal counsel and external auditor. The Board is
responsible for the hiring of the Chief Executive Officer who oversees the General
Manager and Business Manager. The General Manager (GM) also serves as head coach, and is
assisted by the Assistant Coach in making team policies and conducting the on-ice
business. The head and assistant coach are also responsible for the hiring of the medical
staff and for providing scouting, player development, and strength and conditioning
training. The medical staff consists of a sports physician, a certified athletic trainer,
and a team chiropractor; all of who work in conjunction with each other (linking pin
format). The head athletic trainer is responsible for the hiring of a qualified assistant
athletic trainer (who may not be paid). 
The Business Manager is responsible for the hiring of the Office Manager and the other
various business departments of the organization: marketing and community relations;
ticket operations and sales; finance; merchandise sales (the latter three are in a
locking pin format); rink operations; and media and public relations (PR). The Office
Manager oversees the Organization's clerical staff. The head of rink operations is in
charge of hiring a public address (PA) announcer, security officers, ice maintenance
crew, concession employees, and parking staff.
DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED SERVICES
The primary service provided by the SSHO is a means for advancement in competitive
hockey. Our players receive quality coaching and ample opportunity to be scouted. The
team is located in the heart of Midwestern collegiate hockey, making all league games and
tournaments easily accessible by college recruiters and professional scouts. National
Hockey League (NHL) teams, NHL Central Scouting, and all levels of major college and
junior hockey consistently scout league games. In addition, the NAJHL takes an active
role in promoting its players by distributing monthly progress reports to NHL Central
Scouting and all major college programs. The team also publishes a media guide, is
covered by a number of local news services, and has all of its away games broadcasted on
radio. Being a part of the Springfield Statesmen Hockey Organization will provide all of
its players with the opportunity to compete against some of North America's best hockey
players, and enjoy the benefits of the visibility that goes along with it.