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Introduction /// Work Assignments /// Benefits /// Conclusion

An Introduction to S.M.O.

The Student Managers Organization at the University of Notre Dame is one of the most respected and productive organizations on campus. Its purpose is to assist the varsity athletic teams in the many different aspects associated with each varsity sport. The Organization strives to take care of all the problems that might arise so that the players can concentrate on playing and the coaches can concentrate on coaching. The Student Managers Organization consists of a close knit work force structured by class. Freshmen will usually work one or two afternoons per week as their class schedule allows. They will be asked to recommit themselves to the organization via letter over the summer for the upcoming fall. As Sophomore Managers, students will usually work two or three afternoons per week. Upon completion of spring football practice, only 21 Sophomore Managers will be asked to continue as managers in their Junior year. The selection of these 21 Sophomores is made by the Sophomores personal evaluations of their own work and the work of their peers. These evaluations are gathered and reviewed by the three Senior Football Managers.

In his/her Junior year, a manager is involved solely with the Football Team, as opposed to Freshman and Sophomores who staff all sports as needed. There is one Senior Manager for each varsity sport with the exception of Football (3), Men's Basketball (2), and Women's Basketball (2). After the last regular season Football game, the 21 Juniors evaluate each other once again. Based upon these peer evaluation rankings, the Juniors then choose the varsity sport they wish to be in charge of during their Senior year. The primary reason for the immense success of this organization can be attributed to the leadership qualities of its members. The three Senior Football Managers have the tremendous responsibility of coordinating the entire work force of the Student Managers Organization.

At Notre Dame, most of the work load centers on the Football program. The Senior Equipment Manager works with the University Equipment Manager to supervise the Football team's equipment. The Football Personnel Manager works closely with the Athletic Business Office in making preparations for both home and away Football games. The Administrative Football Manager works as a liaison between the Head Coach, assistant coaches, players, administration and managers. In general, the Football Managers provide an important link between the athletes, staff, and managers.

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Work Assignments

As a Freshman Manager, the student is usually required to work one or two afternoons per week on one of the following assignments:

A breakdown of the football assignments is a good example of the work entailed in other jobs. Some of the duties during football assignments for Freshman are as follows:
  1. Readying the field for practice
  2. Separating and caring for equipment
  3. Assisting coaches in various drills
  4. Helping players with equipment
  5. Assisting in pre and post practice drills
In general, the work in all sports includes caring for equipment and assisting coaches. Assignments are changed for each Freshman Manager weekly, enabling everyone to become familiar with the different sports and responsibilities. Freshmen Managers obviously play an important role in the continuing success of the Student Managers Organization.

When the Sophomore Managers Return in the Fall, they spend their time working with the football team, and are given added responsibilities in practice. Also, the Sophomores play an integral part in home football games and game preparations. Game preps, which are conducted one or two nights before games, include: readying the players' equipment, painting the helmets, and setting up the locker room. When Basketball season begins, the Sophomores play an important part in the daily practice schedule, and are given the opportunity to work at home games. Upon the conclusion of their Sophomore year, only 21 managers are selected to continue in the Organization as Junior Managers.

The 21 Junior Managers are asked to return in early August to work Fall Football Camp. In return, they receive a partial tuition credit. Junior managers take on tremendous responsibilities, including taking charge of all Football practices, the locker room, and game preps. They work solely with the Football Team until the end of the season. After the last regular season football game, the Juniors are ranked, and choose their Senior managing position. They work exclusively with this sport until the season ends during their senior year.

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Benefits

Sophomores

Each Sophomore works on the sidelines for at least one or two home football games, in addition to receiving free football and basketball tickets. The Sophomore Manager receives a Notre Dame collared shirt and shoes. Sophomores are also entitled to a gift certificate at the bookstore.

Juniors

At the beginning of the Football Season, each manager receives a polo and tennis shoes. Each Junior also receives approximately a $900 tuition credit for working Fall Camp. In addition to working every home game, each Junior makes at least one away trip with the football team plus the possibility of a bowl game. Juniors also receive free basketball tickets and partial book assistance both semesters. For their work on the field, Juniors receive multiple Notre Dame Football Jackets, football shirts, sweat pants and sweatshirts, shorts, shoes, and baseball caps.

Seniors

Every Senior receives a scholarship ranging from sixty-five to one-hundred percent tuition. Every Senior automatically becomes a member of the Monogram Club and receives a monogram jacket. The Senior Manager also receives free football and basketball tickets in addition to complete book assistance both semesters. The following are the present tuition rates for Senior managers:

Positions

The following are the 21 Head Manager positions filled by senior managers:

Scholarships

Scholarship amounts vary depending on ranking:

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Conclusion

There is at least one Senior Manager for each major Varsity Sport. The process through which each manager must pass is the basis for the selection of Senior Managers. This process is designed to single out capable and dedicated managers.

Freshmen managers work under the direction of the upperclassmen. Freshmen who have proven their ability to work within the organization, by commiting themselves to keep practice assignments and attend mandatory meetings, will continue as members of the organization during their Sophomore year. Any Freshman accumulating more than one unexcused absence for any combination of the obligations listed above will not be invited back to the organization for their Sophomore year.

The rewards of the Student Managers Organization are priceless. The Student Managers know the players and coaches personally and have a unique opportunity to become an intricate part of Notre Dame Athletics. Their work is respected and appreciated by the Administration, Athletic Department, and especially, the coaches and athletes. Many past managers feel that their days in the S.M.O. did more to build their character than any other activity in which they had ever participated. A student who takes part in this organization discovers that college life is much more than academics; the Student Manager finds that life becomes richer through friendship, more lasting through memories and tradition, and more worthwhile through teamwork. GO IRISH!!!

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