explaining the need for a mod on at the time you are a mod may help chatmaster choose the next mod (maybe you) , if there is no need for a mod he wont make one. examples of not needing a mod, quiet calm chat, user numbers are low, a mod already on during your timezone, no spamming, no bots, no outside links being posted constantly. also knowing and talking to one of the other sports chat mods will help you in connecting with chatmaster.
what won't get you a mod spot: moderating another chat/social media site, hounding cm, causing general asshat-ery in chat, sending repeated pm's & creating threads. arguing and yelling at or telling the mods or cm off.