Have you thought about becoming a sports data journalist? You are curious about the job, but not exactly sure about the exact responsibilities of a sports data journalist? Read along and you will find out.

Working as a sports data journalist is a fun, rewarding, but also intense and responsible job. As a sports data journalist, you will have the opportunity to attend live sporting events and collect statistical data on various sports such as soccer, American football, basketball, ice-hockey, volleyball, baseball, handball, and more. Sports data journalists are responsible for transmitting live data via mobile devices or computers to the servers in real time. It is all about speed and accuracy and also requires you to fully commit and pay attention to the game at all times.

Sports data journalists are responsible for transmitting live data from the sports venue through the special iOS and Android mobile apps or through the laptop interface, depending on the type of coverage. The games sports data journalists usually cover are usually close to where they live or within a radius of about 100 km (or more).

What does a sports data journalist do on the day of the match?

As a sports data journalist, the day of the match is a crucial day for you. It's your opportunity to attend a live sporting event and collect the data that will later be analyzed and distributed to clients and sports enthusiasts. The sports data journalist has to make sure he is well-rested and knows the time and place of the match.

Before the match, you'll need to prepare by researching the teams and familiarizing yourself with the rules of the game. You'll also need to arrange your travel and ticket (if accreditation is not provided) for the event.

First, you need to make sure that you get to the stadium at least 1 hour before the game begins. Then you have to find your seat, connect to the stadium WiFi (which is not always easy) and ensure that there are correct lineups entered in the system (if requested). You'll begin collecting data by tracking the movements of the players, their statistics, and the performance of the teams. You may also be responsible for recording information such as injuries, substitutions, and penalties.

After the kickoff, he needs to keep an eye on everything that happens on the pitch. Where is the ball? What is the referee signaling? Are there any line breaks, scoring opportunities, or penalty advantages? What about player substitutions, injuries, or changes?

Throughout the match, you'll need to remain focused and attentive to ensure that you collect accurate and detailed data. You'll need to communicate with a support team to report any issues or concerns that may arise, such as connectivity issues or other technical problems.

Overall, the job of a sports data journalist requires dedication, attention to detail, and a passion for sports. It's a challenging and rewarding career that offers flexibility and the opportunity to attend live sporting events while also contributing to the sports community.

What do they do after the game?

After the game, the data journalist has to ensure that he uploads an official link with match statistics within 24 hours. He also has to make sure he has registered his travel and other expenses in the system so that he can get a reimbursement as well.

To sum up, on the day of the match the sports data journalist has to:

• Know the time and place of the match
• Get to the venue at least 1 hour prior to the game
• Connect to the stadium WiFi
• Ensure that lineups in the system are correct
• Cover the match
• Uploads an official link with match statistics within 24 hours

Watch a video about what it means to be a sports data journalist. Also, check what the real sports data journalists say about their jobs:

• Andrew Goldie 🇺🇸
• William Turkington 🇺🇸
• John Freeman 🇬🇧
• Sebastien Nuzzo 🇫🇷
• Alexandrus Jelev 🇩🇰

How much you can earn as a sports data journalist?

The ideal candidate for this job is someone who is fluent in English, over 18 years old and knows the rules and teams of several sports. You should also be an active and motivated individual who is curious, outgoing and likes to solve problems. Any previous experience with sports analysis is an advantage, but not required.

As a sports data journalist, you will have the opportunity to work as a freelancer, which means you can work as much as you want. The company pays a fee per match, plus expenses for your travel and ticket. You will also be provided with experienced supervisors who will help you integrate faster into the team.

Some of the examples of earnings per match:

• USA - payment per match varies from 82 - 182 euros per match plus expenses. For some of the leagues sports data journalists will receive accreditations (WNBA, NHL, USL, NVA)
• Europe - payment per match varies from 52 - 122 euros per match plus expenses. For some of the leagues sports data journalists will receive accreditations (UEFA, EHF, ECB, RFL, ICC, FIH, etc.)
• Australia - payment per match varies from 77 - 122 euros per match plus expenses. For some of the leagues, sports data journalists will receive accreditations (ICC, CPL, AFC, etc.)

Why become a sports data journalist?

In conclusion, sports data journalism is a critical aspect of the sports industry, and it plays an essential role in providing accurate and detailed information to sports enthusiasts and clients. A sports data journalist's role involves attending live sporting events, collecting and analyzing data, and distributing it to clients and sports enthusiasts.

To be successful in this field, you'll need to have a strong interest in sports, knowledge of various sports and their rules, and the ability to work independently and under pressure. You'll also need excellent communication skills and experience in data collection and analysis.

If you're passionate about sports and data journalism and enjoy attending live sporting events, then becoming a sports data journalist might be the perfect career for you. Consider contacting companies like DoScouting to learn more about opportunities available to you and take the first step towards a rewarding and exciting career in sports data journalism.

Do you think you have what it takes to become a great sports data journalist? Then go ahead and apply by clicking the link here.