Becoming a Sports Diplomat: Skills, Knowledge, and Experience (Updated version)

Many thanks to all of my network friends for participating in the development of this competency framework for the sports diplomacy profession. Your feedback and insights in response to my original article have played a vitally important role in updating and fine-tuning this document.

Please note the competencies outlined for the role of a sports diplomat below are intended to serve as a flexible framework only due to the rapidly evolving nature of the sports diplomacy profession. Not every competency will always apply to every sports diplomat role, but it is highly likely that many of the competencies below would feature as a baseline for most roles.

1. Passion for and knowledge of sports: A strong foundation in sports and an understanding of how sports operate on local, national, regional, and international levels are essential. This includes knowledge of different sports, their governance, and the impact of sports on culture, economies, politics, and broader society.

?

2. Cultural intrigue and awareness: Sports diplomats need to be culturally sensitive and aware of various countries' diverse customs, traditions, and norms and the unique cultures of multiple sports. Understanding cultural nuances is crucial when using sports as a platform for diplomacy. In addition, understanding the synergies that sports diplomacy shares with broader cultural pursuits such as music, the arts, history, and heritage is pivotal.

?

3. Communication, negotiation, and advanced listening skills: Effective communication and negotiation skills are vital for sports diplomats. Building relationships, mediating conflicts, and advocating for sports-related initiatives all require strong interpersonal skills, active listening techniques, and diplomacy.

?

4. Political acumen: A solid understanding of domestic affairs and politics is essential for understanding the role politics and politicians play in international sports. Sports diplomats often work at the intersection of sports and politics, and being well-versed in this area is a significant advantage.

?

5. Experience in international relations and diplomacy: Prior experience in international relations and diplomacy, whether through academic studies or practical work experience, can provide valuable insights into the diplomatic process, international cooperation and broader people-to-people engagement in global and regional contexts.

?

6. Passion for working in a niche and new field: Being a sports diplomat isn’t easy. People in entrenched and traditional roles are often wary of new ‘things,’ especially if they cross over or infiltrate their turf. ?Individuals with high levels of emotional intelligence and an ability to build rapport, trust and understanding with colleagues and networks in interlinked and established professions are far likelier to thrive and progress.

?

7. Technology and social media savvy: Sports diplomats must utilise various digital tools and platforms, stay updated on emerging technologies, and use social media for networking, communication, and brand management, especially in targeted media for sports diplomacy campaigns, sports events, and connected policy programs. For instance, sports governing bodies, federations, or governments don't just use social media for broadcasting news and marketing during sports events; they also often release content on a wide diversity of themes such as social inclusion, human rights, and business opportunities, among many other things.

?

It is also essential to adapt to new technological advancements and understand the implications of technology on various aspects of sports diplomacy work. For example, how can technology be utilised to combine sports diplomacy with diaspora engagement or cultural diplomacy programs, or to engage with populations on the role of sports in future generations policy, or in numerous other policy areas such as soft power, nation branding, sports policy, climate and sustainability, health and well-being, and international trade (to name just a few).

?

8. Networking skills: Successful networkers are adept at cultivating and sustaining professional connections, demonstrating integrity and trustworthiness, and effectively representing their own and others' interests. They are also skilled at navigating social dynamics and power structures and are proactive in seeking and creating networking opportunities.

?

Influential sports diplomats need to work across jurisdictions, borders, cultures, languages, sectors, sports and organisations. Investing in building and actively nourishing your networking skills and networks will play a key role in enabling success in sports diplomacy.

?

9.? Measuring and evaluation skills: For sports diplomats to effectively measure and evaluate sports diplomacy initiatives, they must have a deep understanding of key performance indicators, data analysis, and impact assessment methods. Additionally, skills in creating and implementing evaluation frameworks, conducting qualitative and quantitative research, and effectively communicating findings are crucial. Proficiency in project management, engaging with stakeholders, and adapting evaluation strategies to various cultural, organisational, and geopolitical contexts are also important competencies for this purpose.

?

10. Research and analysis skills: Proficiency in research and analysis is crucial for sports diplomats to gather insightful data, assess global sports trends, and identify opportunities for leveraging sports in diplomatic initiatives and other settings. It also enables sports diplomats to conduct in-depth assessments of international sports landscapes, evaluate the impact of sports on diplomatic and cultural relations, and develop evidence-based strategies to achieve diplomatic objectives (see Competency 9. above). Effective research and analysis in sports diplomacy also involves staying informed about geopolitical developments, the global sporting landscape, cultural dynamics, and international sports developments to make informed decisions and recommendations.

?

11. Sound understanding of policy development and implementation processes: Policy development is a crucial process that determines the direction and priorities of governments and other organisations. It is important for sports diplomats to understand the importance of thorough research, engaging with stakeholders, and making decisions based on evidence when creating effective policies across various areas. This includes, but is not limited to, sports policy, foreign policy, economic development, intercultural relations, international trade, tourism, social inclusion, human rights, and other progressive policy areas such as climate sustainability and programs for future generations.

?

12. Formal representation: The practice of formal representation in sports diplomacy involves effectively representing the interests and values of nations, regions, cities, sports bodies, federations, and other organisations in international sports-related forums, negotiations, and as part of delegations. This requires strong diplomatic skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to clearly and persuasively articulate positions. It also involves understanding the political, economic, and social implications of sports-related decisions and initiatives. Effective formal representation in sports diplomacy contributes to building positive international, economic, and political relations and promoting the values of fairness, inclusion, and mutual respect through sports.

?

13. Sports law and diplomacy: Sports diplomats who specialize in the intersection of sports law and sports diplomacy should have a thorough understanding of international sports governance, legal frameworks, and regulations. They should also be very familiar with key institutions such as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Additionally, expertise in dispute resolution, contract law, sanctions, mediation, and arbitration processes, and the ability to address complex legal challenges within the realm of sports diplomacy are essential.

?

14. Recognising and mitigating the risks of sports anti-diplomacy: This requires sports diplomats to have a solid understanding of geopolitical dynamics, conflict resolution, and crisis management within the realm of sports. This includes the ability to identify potential threats to diplomatic efforts or negative flashpoints through sports and implementing proactive measures to prevent or address such challenges. Effective risk mitigation also involves staying informed about global political developments, anticipating potential points of contention, and developing strategies to maintain the positive impact of sports diplomacy in the face of adversarial forces.

15. Professional and academic writing skills: This competency includes the ability to craft clear, concise, and well-structured reports and publications that adhere to professional and/or academic standards and contribute to the body of knowledge in sports diplomacy. Proficiency in academic writing conventions, scholarly citation practices, and the synthesis of complex information is essential for producing high-quality publications that advance the understanding and practice of sports diplomacy. Additionally, the ability to tailor writing styles and formats to different audiences, such as policymakers, practitioners, and academic communities, is fundamental for maximizing the impact and reach of written work in the field of sports diplomacy.

For reference my original article on this topic is accessible here: https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/gavinprice_sportsdiplomacy-activity-7196941029617319937-19T9?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Gavin Price is Director of Europe/UK at the international consulting agency Sports Diplomacy Alliance with a prior career spanning 20+ years in international trade, intercultural relations and leadership across the Australian, UK and international public, consulting and university sectors. He is an expert on sports diplomacy in small nations and football diplomacy, an Honorary Member of the Centre for Sports Law, Policy and Diplomacy at the University of Rijeka (Croatia) and co-author of the British Council’s research report: Towards a Welsh sports diplomacy strategy.

Gavin pioneered the innovative field of sports paradiplomacy, including successful projects involving government, business, the sportscape and academe in Wales, the Basque Country and with other peak non-state sporting actors. An established writer and speaker, he has delivered publications, podcasts and lectures on topics ranging from Australian and Asian Football Diplomacy, Athlete Activism and sports diplomacy policy and practice in major nations. He is Co-Director of the 2023 Australia-UK sports diplomacy dialogue series and the world’s first World Congress on sports diplomacy (Donostia-San Sebastián, summer 2023).