Scouting Combine

Term from Professional Sports industry explained for recruiters

A Scouting Combine is a multi-day evaluation event where college athletes showcase their abilities in front of professional team scouts and coaches. It's like a large-scale job interview for athletes, where they perform physical tests, undergo medical examinations, and participate in interviews. The most famous is the NFL Combine, but similar events exist in other sports. These events help teams assess potential players before drafting them, similar to how companies conduct interviews and skills assessments before hiring employees.

Examples in Resumes

Coordinated athlete testing and evaluations at the Scouting Combine for top college prospects

Analyzed performance data from NFL Combine to identify potential draft picks

Led medical assessment team during regional Pro Combine events

Typical job title: "Scout Coordinators"

Also try searching for:

Sports Scout Talent Evaluator Player Personnel Coordinator Scouting Director Combine Coordinator Athletic Assessment Specialist Player Development Coordinator

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you organize and manage a large-scale scouting combine event?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience in event management, coordination with multiple departments (medical, coaching, analytics), and ability to handle logistics for numerous athletes and staff members.

Q: How do you evaluate and compare combine data across different years or events?

Expected Answer: Should explain methods for standardizing performance metrics, understanding context of results, and using historical data to make informed decisions about athlete potential.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What key metrics do you focus on when evaluating athletes at a combine?

Expected Answer: Should discuss standard performance tests (speed, strength, agility), position-specific drills, and how these measurements translate to on-field performance.

Q: How do you coordinate between scouts, medical staff, and coaches during a combine?

Expected Answer: Should explain communication protocols, scheduling, and information sharing between different departments to ensure smooth operation.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic components of a scouting combine?

Expected Answer: Should list main elements like physical testing, medical evaluations, interviews, and position drills, showing understanding of the basic structure.

Q: How do you record and organize combine data?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of data collection methods, basic record-keeping, and standard reporting formats used in combine events.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic data collection and recording
  • Understanding of combine drills and tests
  • Basic event coordination
  • Knowledge of sports terminology

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Advanced athlete evaluation
  • Event management
  • Data analysis and reporting
  • Staff coordination

Senior (5+ years)

  • Large-scale event planning
  • Strategic talent evaluation
  • Department leadership
  • Budget management

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No experience with sports or athletic evaluation
  • Lack of understanding of basic combine metrics
  • Poor organizational and coordination skills
  • No knowledge of standard testing protocols