This study sought: (1) to determine and analyze the competencies needed by professional levels of recreational sports personnel in selected institutional settings; (2) to compare the competencies and differentiate among the professional levels and settings; and (3) to evaluate the employment market of the subpopulation and project these needs for a 3-year time period. A survey instrument was developed to determine the importance of competencies at three different professional levels (entry, supervisor, director), the employment market, and general information. A questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 300 recreational sport administrators in three institutional settings: military, municipal, and educational. A total of 152 usable questionnaires were returned. The first section of the questionnaire asked for general background information. In the second section, respondents were asked to list present and future employment opportunities based on the entry, middle, and top management descriptions within their institutions. The third section consisted of the "Competency Analysis," in which respondents were asked to rate the importance of 112 randomly presented competency statements in the three professional levels. The final section consisted of four questions concerning whether the respondent favored undergraduate and graduate preparation, continuing education, and inservice training in recreational sports. Responses are presented in tables. Some suggestions are made for planning curriculum for recreational personnel. (JD)