Advice

[flames_fan13]

With all the knowledge people have about hockey here I thought i'd try to find some advice on how to become a scout in the NHL. I am really serious about entering the industry and have researched it on the internet and finding this course http://www.sportsmanagementworldwide.com/coursedescription_hockeygm.asp I was wondering if anyone here has heard about it and has any information about it. Also I was thinking of sending an email to the Flames to ask them about it and was wondering if anyone had the contact information I could send it to

I know it's a long shot and difficult to become an NHL scout but I want to atleast try so i'll never have to look back and think that i didn't try everything to get a job like that.

[Julio]

I don't think that that would be the way for you to go to become a scout at any level for any pro sport. instead, scouts tend to come from two different areas:
-Ex-players who have a real feel for the game and for finding talent
-People who have been around the game for years and years, have done a bunch of coaching, usually at the high minors (say bantam and midget), and want to branch out...they scout for, say, junior clubs and then move up. Part of this is also knowing a ton of people in the sport, as you are often given leads by coaches etc.
For example, a guy I know has been an MLB scout. He played baseball at college level, then has coached for years (still does) and has watched more baseball in more places than most people outside of Vin Scully. That,s how you get to be a scout, not by taking a course.

[Red Mile Style]

My uncle is a scout, and I think you probably have to start lower, get some experience under your belt, and then maybe try for the big leagues. That's just what I think though... He started off in the WHL, and was there for a number of years, before making the jump.

I don't think you necessarily have to be either an ex-player or be really involved in the sport to be a scout. You do have to know a lot about the game (obviously) and be able to spot talent admist team politics etc. It is a pretty awesome job in my opinion, I mean, watching hockey games for a living can't be that bad, right?

I say take the course, it can't hurt and will probably better your chances, plus of corse train you.

[Deelow]

Originally Posted by Red Mile Style

I mean, watching hockey games for a living can't be that bad, right?

Like trips to Estevan and Flin Flon in January to watch midget players? I imagine it takes a long ass time just to get hired to scout for an NHL team. Scouting pro leagues is another step up. Most scouts spend 10 months a year on the road away from family staying in dingy hotel rooms, eating at Denny's and watching Junior A hockey for a below average salary. Unless you are at the top there is not much glamour involved. I know that lifestyle would wear on me.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by Red Mile Style

I mean, watching hockey games for a living can't be that bad, right?

Well, eating cold sandwiches and sleeping in your car isn't exactly a fantastic thing either.

Scouting isn't exactly something that you put in a resume for a start there.

[AaronSJ]

There are a few posters here that work in professional hockey and should have great insight on your question... From my experience, it's a long hard road to the NHL whether you're a player or a non-playing professional. Courses and education are fine, but professional hockey management is a small, tightly-knit community where connections and networking mean everything. There's no substitute for experience and if you're serious about this career, you've got to get as much and as broad of experience as possible... and that often means for little or no compensation starting out. Unpaid internships are a common starting point for young people in professional sports... so that might be an idea after (or while) you take the course.

[Maritime Q-Scout]

hockey as a profession like AaronSJ said is *really* tough to get into. In fact it seems to be the opposite of most professions, where you need to get in and then get education. If you get your education first it's really hard as pay at the lower levels is horrible, and you need that experiance to get the upper levels.

I know I've been ruled out of a competition for a job with a hockey organization for being overqualified, and I'm only 24. It's tricky, and weird.

Best of luck to you though, don't let any words of "it's really hard" discourage you.