Editing Utility player (section)

{{short description|Athlete who plays multiple different positions within the same sport}}

In sports, a '''utility player''' is one who can play several positions competently. Sports in which the term is often used include [[association football]], [[basketball]], [[American football]], [[baseball]], [[rugby union]], [[rugby league]], [[softball]], [[ice hockey]], and [[water polo]]. 

The term has gained prominence in all sports due to its use in [[fantasy league]]s, but in rugby union and rugby league, it is commonly used by commentators to recognize a player's versatility.

The use of this term to describe a player may in some circumstances be a [[backhanded compliment]], as it suggests the player is not good enough to be considered a specialist in one position (i.e., a [[jack of all trades]]).