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Bruce Pitman, Helen Drew, and Gerry Meehan

This course will provide students with an introduction to using specific data techniques to address key sports administrative functions in team and roster management. The primary focus is on the use of data analysis in player acquisition and retention, as well as player and coach assessment. Students will learn how the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and standard player contract (SPC) provide the framework for management decisions in which data analysis play a pivotal role.

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This course will provide students with an introduction to using specific data techniques to address key sports administrative functions in team and roster management. The primary focus is on the use of data analysis in player acquisition and retention, as well as player and coach assessment. Students will learn how the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and standard player contract (SPC) provide the framework for management decisions in which data analysis play a pivotal role.

There is a focus on data science techniques as applied to sports datasets. Students will interpret outcomes of data analysis within the context of a sports calendar; identify provisions of the CBA and SPC; and gain an understanding of how the provisions impact decisions on team and roster management.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Management’s Critical Dates 12-month Calendar Overview & Downloading RStudio
This module will cover the significance of each segment of a full-year sports calendar, including critical dates and key management activities in each part of the calendar.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on data science techniques as applied to sports datasets
Taught by experienced instructors in the field of sports management
Teaches the use of data analysis in player acquisition and retention
Explores the impacts of CBA & SPC on roster decisions
Reviews the rules and regulations management follows when making roster/team changes

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Reviews summary

Data-driven sports management and player evaluation

According to students, this course offers an incredibly practical and highly relevant deep dive into data analysis for sports management. Learners consistently praise its unique focus on how Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) and Standard Player Contracts (SPC) frame managerial decisions, making it stand out among other offerings. The modules effectively cover player evaluation, team performance, and roster management, often aligning with the sports calendar. While widely considered a game-changer for understanding the business side of sports, a significant portion of learners found the data science explanations (e.g., linear algebra, RStudio) a bit rushed or that the course assumed prior knowledge, suggesting it's most suitable for those with some existing analytical foundation.
The course is well-structured and led by knowledgeable instructors.
"The instructors were engaging, and the material was well-organized."
"The instructor was clearly an expert."
"The modules flow logically with the sports calendar, and the depth of coverage on CBA implications was impressive."
Offers a unique and detailed understanding of contractual frameworks in sports.
"The way Dr. Smith explained the intricacies of the CBA and SPC was truly eye-opening."
"The focus on CBA and SPC is what truly sets it apart from other general data science courses."
"The discussions on the collective bargaining agreement were particularly strong. I appreciated the real-world case studies."
Provides highly relevant, real-world tools and strategies for sports management.
"I particularly found the modules on player acquisition and roster management using data science techniques incredibly practical."
"Very relevant for anyone looking into sports operations or analytics. This course provides a unique perspective..."
"This course is a game-changer for anyone interested in the business side of sports. The blend of sports management principles with data analysis is perfectly executed."
Some learners desired more hands-on coding exercises and practical application.
"I came into this hoping for more in-depth data science techniques applied to sports... it's very superficial."
"I wish there were more hands-on exercises in RStudio. It felt like a lot of concepts were introduced, but I didn't get enough practice applying them."
"The lectures were clear, but practical application felt limited."
The course is best suited for those with some existing data science foundation.
"My only minor critique is that some of the data science explanations, like linear algebra, felt a bit rushed if you're not already familiar."
"It assumes a bit too much prior knowledge in data science. As someone new to RStudio... I struggled to keep up."
"The RStudio parts were helpful but definitely require some existing comfort with programming."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Player Evaluation, Team Performance and Roster Management with these activities:
Review an introductory statistics textbook
Review the basics of statistics to strengthen your understanding of foundational concepts that will be expanded upon in this course.
Browse courses on Linear Algebra
Show steps
  • Acquire an introductory statistics textbook
  • Review the chapters on basic statistical concepts
  • Use the provided practice exercises to test your understanding
Participate in peer discussion on best practices in sports administration
Engage in peer discussions to share knowledge, perspectives, and experiences in sports administration, expanding your understanding of industry best practices.
Show steps
  • Join or create a peer discussion group
  • Prepare discussion points or questions
  • Actively participate in discussions
Solve practice problems on contract law
Engage in repetitive problem-solving to reinforce your understanding of the legal framework governing team and player management in sports.
Browse courses on Contract Law
Show steps
  • Gather practice problems from textbooks or online resources
  • Read and understand the problem statement
  • Apply the relevant legal principles to solve the problem
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Explore online tutorials on machine learning for sports data
Seek out and follow online tutorials to enhance your understanding of machine learning techniques and their application in sports data analysis.
Browse courses on Machine Learning
Show steps
  • Select tutorials that focus on sports data analysis
  • Identify reputable online platforms offering machine learning tutorials
  • Follow the tutorials and complete the associated exercises
Attend a workshop on data analytics for sports management
Participate in a workshop designed to enhance your skills in data analytics for sports management, providing practical training and networking opportunities.
Browse courses on Data Analytics
Show steps
  • Identify and register for a relevant workshop
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in the activities
  • Network with other participants and experts
Develop a data analysis plan for a specific team management function
Create a comprehensive plan to utilize data analysis techniques for a particular aspect of team management, enabling you to apply your knowledge practically.
Browse courses on Data Analysis
Show steps
  • Identify a specific team management function
  • Define the objectives of the data analysis plan
  • Determine the relevant data sources and collection methods
  • Select appropriate data analysis techniques
  • Create a report summarizing the plan
Write a blog post on a current topic in sports administration
Create a written piece to synthesize and share your understanding of a relevant topic in sports administration, reinforcing your knowledge through writing.
Show steps
  • Choose a current topic in sports administration
  • Research the topic thoroughly
  • Organize your thoughts and outline the blog post
  • Write the blog post
  • Publish the blog post on a relevant online platform

Career center

Learners who complete Player Evaluation, Team Performance and Roster Management will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Sports Agent
Sports agents are responsible for representing athletes in contract negotiations, marketing, and other business endeavors. They must have a deep understanding of the sports industry, as well as the legal and financial aspects of player contracts. The Player Evaluation, Team Performance and Roster Management course would be a valuable asset to aspiring sports agents, as it would provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this competitive field. The course's focus on data analysis and CBA/SPC provisions would be particularly relevant to sports agents, as they need to be able to evaluate player performance and negotiate contracts that are both fair to their clients and beneficial to the teams they represent.
General Manager
General managers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of a sports team's operations, including player personnel, coaching staff, and financial management. They must have a strong understanding of the game, as well as the business side of sports. The Player Evaluation, Team Performance and Roster Management course would be beneficial for aspiring general managers, as it would provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to make sound decisions about player acquisition, retention, and team management.
Player Personnel Director
Player personnel directors are responsible for evaluating and acquiring players for their teams. They must have a keen eye for talent and the ability to identify players who can contribute to the team's success. The Player Evaluation, Team Performance and Roster Management course would be helpful for aspiring player personnel directors, as it would provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate player performance and make informed decisions about player acquisition.
Assistant General Manager
Assistant general managers assist the general manager in all aspects of team operations. They may have specific responsibilities, such as player personnel or financial management. The Player Evaluation, Team Performance and Roster Management course would be beneficial for aspiring assistant general managers, as it would provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to support the general manager and make sound decisions about player acquisition, retention, and team management.
Player Development Coach
Player development coaches are responsible for helping players improve their skills and performance. They may work with players individually or in small groups. The Player Evaluation, Team Performance and Roster Management course would be helpful for aspiring player development coaches, as it would provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate player performance and develop individualized training programs.
Scouting Director
Scouting directors are responsible for evaluating players for their teams. They may travel to games and practices to observe players firsthand. The Player Evaluation, Team Performance and Roster Management course would be helpful for aspiring scouting directors, as it would provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate player performance and identify players who can contribute to the team's success.
College Basketball Coach
College basketball coaches are responsible for leading college basketball teams. They must have a strong understanding of the game, as well as the ability to motivate and develop players. The Player Evaluation, Team Performance and Roster Management course may be helpful for aspiring college basketball coaches, as it would provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate player performance and make sound decisions about player recruitment and team management.
High School Basketball Coach
High school basketball coaches are responsible for leading high school basketball teams. They must have a strong understanding of the game, as well as the ability to motivate and develop players. The Player Evaluation, Team Performance and Roster Management course may be helpful for aspiring high school basketball coaches, as it would provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate player performance and make sound decisions about player recruitment and team management.
Basketball Analyst
Basketball analysts are responsible for providing analysis and commentary on basketball games and players. They may work for television networks, sports websites, or newspapers. The Player Evaluation, Team Performance and Roster Management course may be helpful for aspiring basketball analysts, as it would provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate player performance and provide insightful commentary on the game.
Sports Writer
Sports writers are responsible for writing articles and columns about sports. They may work for newspapers, magazines, or websites. The Player Evaluation, Team Performance and Roster Management course may be helpful for aspiring sports writers, as it would provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate player performance and write insightful articles about the game.
Data Analyst
Data analysts are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. They may work in a variety of industries, including sports. The Player Evaluation, Team Performance and Roster Management course would be beneficial for aspiring data analysts interested in working in the sports industry, as it would provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze sports data and draw meaningful conclusions.
Statistician
Statisticians are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. They may work in a variety of industries, including sports. The Player Evaluation, Team Performance and Roster Management course would be beneficial for aspiring statisticians interested in working in the sports industry, as it would provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze sports data and draw meaningful conclusions.
Sports Marketing Manager
Sports marketing managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing campaigns for sports teams and organizations. They may work for teams, leagues, or sports apparel companies. The Player Evaluation, Team Performance and Roster Management course may be helpful for aspiring sports marketing managers, as it would provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the sports industry and develop effective marketing campaigns.
Sports Information Director
Sports information directors are responsible for managing media relations for sports teams and organizations. They may also be responsible for writing press releases, game notes, and other media materials. The Player Evaluation, Team Performance and Roster Management course may be helpful for aspiring sports information directors, as it would provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the sports industry and manage media relations effectively.
Admissions Counselor
Admissions counselors are responsible for recruiting and admitting students to colleges and universities. They may work for a variety of institutions, including those with strong athletic programs. The Player Evaluation, Team Performance and Roster Management course may be helpful for aspiring admissions counselors interested in working with student-athletes, as it would provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate athletic performance and make informed decisions about student-athlete recruitment.

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Player Evaluation, Team Performance and Roster Management.
Classic in the field of basketball analytics. It provides a detailed explanation of the metrics that are used to evaluate players and teams, and it shows how these metrics can be used to make better decisions.
An annual publication that provides in-depth analysis of baseball teams, players, and statistics. Includes projections and rankings based on advanced metrics and data analysis.
Provides a detailed overview of the genetic factors that contribute to athletic performance, including how to identify athletes with the potential to excel in sport. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in the science of athletic performance.
A detailed statistical analysis of pitchers who faced each other in Major League Baseball history. Provides insights on matchups, pitch selection, and batter-pitcher interactions.
Provides a detailed overview of the mental side of sports, including how to overcome mental obstacles and perform at your best. It valuable resource for athletes of all levels who want to learn more about the mental side of sports.
Provides a detailed overview of the science of habits, including how to create good habits and break bad habits. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the science of habits.
Provides a detailed overview of the science of intuition, including how to make better decisions more quickly. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the science of intuition.
Provides a detailed overview of the science of risk and uncertainty, including how to make better decisions in the face of uncertainty. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the science of risk and uncertainty.

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