I knew three kids whose fathers worked for some of the largest departments in the country. One of their fathers was one of the highest-ranking officers, and the fathers of the other two were management-level. All were athletic and kept their noses clean, did all the “right” things to get the jobs, but didn’t get them because of their fathers’ positions.
I know one kid whose father was the highest-ranking officer in another, smaller department, and he was also unable to get work in that department.
That’s not to say that friends/relatives can’t get hired. However, in order to get hired, they often have to perform at the very top, and it’s understood that they should have a more humble demeanor if they do get the job. Having the boss’s cocky, unqualified kid get a job over other more-qualified applicants does NOT sit well with unions types.
FWIW, athletic ability is just ONE component necessary to get the job. Work/volunteer experience, education, intelligence, psychological health, personality (you’re living with multiple people in a tight environment for long periods of time — are you easy to get along with?). You have to have a calm personality/not prone to panic or emotional decision-making; have to be trustworthy and dependable, have integrity, etc. All of these factors play a role in whether or not someone will be hired. In many cases, athletic ability is not even at the top of the list.
