Profile of a Sport Mascot Performer

A sport mascot performer is more than just a person dressed up in a costume entertaining sports fans. Mascots are created for excitement and fun with the purpose of drawing attention to the brand it represents. A sport mascot performer is representative of a sports team and their management. The importance of a sports mascot has resulted in standards and practices that maximize the effectiveness of bringing attention to a sports team.

The duties of sports mascot performers includes entertaining sports fans of all ages, performing in front of large crowds, performing at special team events, performing at half time shows, maintaining the mascot costume such as cleaning, and working with management regarding merchandising and special promotion events.

A sport mascot must be a skilled and entertaining performer, have a high quality and vibrant costume, and have a supportive administration. To be an effective sport mascot performer, one must have the following credentials:

Professional: Sport mascots must be professional in and out of the costume. They must be able to work independently and as part of a team. They should be kind, polite, adaptable, able to think quickly, have strong interpersonal skills, be responsible, and be prepared to competently deal with any situation. Sport mascots should also be able to interact positively with children and know how to deal with abusive and fearful children.

Dependable: A sport ascot must be reliable, always attend events, and be on time for every event. A mascot will not only be present at home games, but also at away games. A mascot who misses events will usually be fired.

Experience: To be a sport mascot, you should have successful past mascot performing experience. Past experience can include working as a mascot for another sports team, educational institution, small business, or corporation.

Training: There are special training programs where one can learn proper mascot performing techniques as well as the correct way to behave at an event or sports function. Special mascot boot camps include training in such areas as performance techniques, costume maintenance, marketing and merchandising, facial expressions, proper dance methods, non verbal communication, costume repair, creating a mascot personality, working with children, how to react to a sudden injury, entertaining at special events such as charity functions, and much more. Mascot boot camps give performers many ideas on performing, promotions, and merchandising.

Health: Mascots should be physically fit and be able to remain in a costume for a long period of time.

Performance: Sport mascot performers should be able to perform both creatively and professionally. They should also be confident and comfortable performing in front large crowds, energetic, enthusiastic, outgoing, and approachable

Knowledgeable: A sport mascot should know a lot about the sport and the team they are representing.

Other than adding entertainment to a game, a sport mascot can provide many other benefits. Mascots can definitely generate revenue. If a team does not win a game, a mascot can make fans feel entertained and lift their spirits so they want to come to another game. A mascot can fill in for a player who is unable to attend an event. Mascots also attract new sponsors and help with promoting their products. Management can also sell merchandise based on the mascot characters.

The purpose of a sport mascot is to boost team and community spirit while promoting the team for financial gain. A mascot adds to the sports experience by using characterization and energetic performance to excite and entertain the audience. Whether in an incredible costume making a dazzling entrance or helping the community at a special charity event, a sport mascot is a valuable asset to any sports team.