Rio Hondo College logo
Rio Hondo College logo
Rio Hondo College logo
Certificate of Achievement
Sport Leadership

The Certificate of Achievement in Sport Leadership is designed for students seeking employment in athletic administration from youth through professional levels, and/or athletic administration in recreation, education, and city programs. Students study leadership, sociological, and psychological theories; motivation strategies; and the relationship between leadership and globalization, social and traditional media, moral values, ethics, Title IX, equality, gender, ethnic minorities, and the economy—including how each of these topics impacts sport and vice versa. Students learn about leadership styles and servant and transformational leadership theories, and focus on the importance of leadership within team and organizational environments. The curriculum has been designed to equip students with a theoretical and practical foundation to pursue a job in sport administration and/or to increase leadership knowledge in the coaching and fitness fields. It is possible to complete this certificate in one year.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

Apply Now!


Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
Select one: KIN 120 / KIN 199 M3.0
KIN 120 - Sports Law and Ethics (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to:UC,CSU

This course explores how various bodies of substantive law are applied in the context of the sport industry—both professional and amateur. The course examines the various types of laws that apply to the sport industry (e.g., constitutional, tort, contract, labor, and antitrust) and how these laws are interpreted to decide legal claims for employment, personal injury, intellectual property, and discriminatory practices; and the legal relationships among athletes, teams, leagues, governing bodies, sports facilities, licensees, broadcasters, and fans. The course will also address the compliance issues and ethical structures that define the sports industry.

KIN 199 - American Sports in Film (3.0 units)

Advisory: It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This kinesiology course explores sports and the lives and contributions of athletes from diverse gender, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds through how they are represented in sports-related films. Students also consider how human movement, the human body, and healthy lifestyles are represented on screen, as well as the influence of sports culture in Western and non-Western contexts.

KIN 159 - Leadership in SportM3.0
KIN 159 - Leadership in Sport (3.0 units)

Advisory: It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to:UC (*credit limit), CSU(*The UC will grant a maximum of 8 units of credit for PE Theory courses)

This course takes up leadership theories and the impact of leadership empowerment through sport. The course is designed for students interested in increasing insight into leadership within sport environments by examining philosophical, sociological, and psychological leadership dynamics in individual and team sports from youth through professional levels. The course covers topics such as leadership theories, self-awareness, informal and formal leadership, emotional intelligence theory, athlete motivation, team dynamics, the role of team captains, and communication theories.

KIN 170 - Sport and Exercise PsychologyM3.0
KIN 170 - Sport and Exercise Psychology (3.0 units)

Advisory: It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to:UC,CSU

This course is designed to improve the athletic performance of individuals and teams within the areas of sport and fitness by introducing students to psychological concepts and skills. Areas of study will include motivation theory, personality and sport, group processes, research methods, and cognitive development in sport performance. The course will examine techniques such as imagery, goal setting, cognitive restructuring, coping, and arousal regulation to help athletes and coaches achieve peak performance.

Total Semester Units:9.0 
2nd Semester
KIN 190 - Women in SportsM3.0
KIN 190 - Women in Sports (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to:CSU

This course examines the history, analysis, and interpretation of the people, events, and issues that have affected women in sport historically and in present society. Psychological, sociological, and physiological considerations of female athletes as related to sport, history, and education will be covered. Students gain an understanding of the substantial impact women have had on the sport world, and how their significance will determine the future of women in sport.

KIN 195 - Social Issues/Media in SportM3.0
KIN 195 - Social Issues/Media in Sport (3.0 units)

Advisory: It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to:UC/CSU

This course examines sport as a significant aspect of modern culture and a major institution of contemporary civilization. Students gain an understanding of the impact sport has had in history and politics, and on moral values, ethics, and sociological issues historically and in present-day society. Topics include gender, race, and ethnicity and their roles in sport; sport as an economic enterprise; social media and sport; sport at the youth, high school, collegiate, professional and international levels; the effects that social class, globalization, and media have on sport; and what future trends will influence the world of sport.

Select one: KIN 110 / KIN 188 M3.0
KIN 110 - Introduction to Fitness and Sport Management (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed to introduce the concepts of fitness and sport management, and includes information needed for students who intend to explore the growing industry of administering fitness and sport programs and overseeing small businesses. The course covers areas of facility management, membership/sales, business and finance, facility oversight, equipment, and policies and procedures. In addition, the history and evolution of sport management, organizational functions, management levels, rules and compliance oversight, event management, and leadership will be included. This course is designed for the student pursuing a career in fitness and/or sport management, exploring administration and facility operations, or interested in furthering their understanding of the business of fitness and sport.

KIN 188 - Theory of Coaching (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

The purpose of this course is to examine the philosophical, physiological, sociological, and psychological aspects of the coaching profession. Other aspects that will be studied are the principles used in the effective teaching of sports, athlete motivation, nutrition for athletes from youth through collegiate age groups, leadership, technical and tactical skill training and all components of team management.

Total Semester Units:9.0 
Total Units for Sport Leadership COA program 18.0 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
Comments? Questions?
Contact Us

searchth-largeclosearrow-circle-o-downchevron-upchevron-downbarsmap-o linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram