To work as a professional athlete, you must:

Be talented;

Stay in good physical condition; and

Put in years of practice.

There are no formal education or training requirements for professional athletes. However, a high school diploma or GED is recommended.

Excellent performance in the sport is usually the most significant requirement.

Travel a great deal. Athletes often travel each week during the playing season. Some travel year-round

Work, practice, or travel on evenings, weekends, and holidays.

May be part-time or full-time athletes. May work another job in addition to being an athlete.

PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES will:

Compete in teams or as solo athletes

Spend most of their time training

Often have other jobs related to their sport

Are in top physical condition

Travel a great deal

About 25 percent are self-employed

PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES frequently:

Use hands to handle and control sports equipment.

Bend or twist the body.

Repeat the same movements.

Keep or regain balance.

Stand, walk, or run.

It is important that PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES be able to:

Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.

Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.

Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

See details of objects whether they are nearby or far away.

Understand the speech of another person.

Use one or two hands to grasp or move objects.

Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.

Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.

Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.

Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.

Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.

Use muscles to jump, sprint, or throw objects.

Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.

Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.