John Woods explains the importance of in-season walk-throughs and observations of his coaches during practice. He emphasizes communication and being intentional about spending time with your coaches by observing them and providing specific feedback. He […]
Todd Olson discusses strategies to achieve work-life integration. He suggests adjusting your work hours, delegating tasks, saying no when necessary, and communicating effectively. Setting aside time for yourself, creating boundaries, using technology as an aid, […]
Leslie Reeves shares strategies for navigating tough conversations using the “P.E.A.C.E.” acronym. This approach is designed to help create clarity, respect, and resolution during challenging discussions. “P.E.A.C.E.” stands for: P – Plan ahead and come […]
By: Allison Kelley, Ph.D. and Tim Green, Ed.D., CMAA It has been over four decades since Title IX opened the door for girls to participate in high school and college athletics. Just six years […]
Dustin Smith discusses the importance of bringing the best out of your coaches and staff. You must bring ALL of their talent to the surface, not just a little. Tapping into their potential is your […]
Todd Gulluscio discusses bringing all the different personalities of student-athletes together by building a shared vision. Getting the coaches to focus on a common area is necessary so that no matter the team or program, […]
Jeremy Schlitz discusses setting social media boundaries for Coaches to ensure a positive experience and limit negativity. It is important that coaches have communication across all channels, and to represent their school in a professional […]
By: Jonathan Winer, CMAA - CREC Academy of Aerospace and Engineering High School (CT) The importance of the preseason coaches meeting can easily be lost or overlooked in the hectic nature of the start of a new […]
Craig Perry discusses the pros and cons of The Paradox of Sport. The pros are that administrators of high school sports are striving to create a culture that maximizes the joyous, exhilarating, and excellent experiences […]
Kim Karr discusses tips that administrators and coaches can use to help athletes unwind using their comfort zone (phones). Communication and conversations about an athlete’s phone can impact their mood and stress level. These tips […]
Michael Duffy gives advice to new Athletic Directors on the dos and don’ts of starting the school year. It is important for any AD to develop relationships and he advises being visible and taking the […]
AD Insider, in collaboration with the NIAAA and Human Kinetics, is proud to present an exclusive interview with Gary Stevens, CMAA. Gary spent almost 11 years as an Athletic Administrator at Bonny Eagle High School […]
The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) and AD Insider have partnered up to showcase specific, important topics for this upcoming school year, designed to help your athletic department excel. Join us for multiple episodes […]
John Woods explains that in his coaching career he was very comfortable leading his players. As a new Athletic Director, he realized he had no idea how to lead adults. As he grew and matured […]
Tol Gropp discusses his theme for the year is S.M.I.L.E., which stand for Serve, Mentor, Inspire, Love, and Encourage. When problems and issues occur, he encourages you to apply a smile as it will have […]
Watch as Robert Schinke discusses minimizing your athletes’ anxiety. Lack of confidence is the main cause of anxiety for athletes as an upcoming event nears. Focusing on previous negative performances instead of their positive performances […]
By: Jon Winer, CMAA – Capital Region Education Council School District (CT) The shortage of officials is an issue of which we are all aware, and the trends are moving in the wrong direction. The […]
Laura Keahey demonstrates how Google Sheets can streamline transportation management for coaches, enhancing both time savings and efficiency. By tracking variables like driver type and bus type, the cost of travel is impacted. Her Athletic […]
Michael Duffy explains that there are specific books available that deal with business, military, and educational leadership. However, athletic leadership’s focus is to develop life skills through sports and with the growth of students. A […]
Watch as Athletic Director Dustin Smith offers advice on getting a new job. He encourages coaches to focus on doing their current job to the best of their ability, not for recognition but to serve […]
By: Mark Rerick, CMAA – University of North Dakota Athletic administration roles come in all shapes and sizes: standalone jobs at the building level, standalone jobs at the district level, high school, middle school, K-12, […]
Jeff Behrens discusses 6 keys to living out your Athletic Department’s core principles: Define the core principles Incorporate the core principles into the mission/vision Communicate the core principles Infuse the core principles into the athletic […]
Ronnie Plyler discusses the four key points he believes help ensure that his school’s coaches are prepared to impact today’s student-athletes. Know your constituents: survey kids and parents. Communicate and ensure that coaches do: as […]
Watch as Colonel Craig Flowers explains that the term leadership is often clouded by clichés. He explains that in its simplest form leadership is service to a cause. Many times, Coaches fail to define leadership, […]
Don’t miss out! Enter today for your shot at the ultimate tailgate cooler — the Roadie 32 Wheeled YETI. Deadline to Enter: November 20, 2025. Courtesy of: AD Insider | Coaches Insider | Clell Wade […]
Watch as Randy Fox explains that leaders need to pursue excellence, not perfection, as perfection is not attainable or sustainable. He states that an individual can always be searching for the highest and best level […]
Albert Weeden discusses the importance of investing time in your family. Part of the culture for the AD and Coaches is they know that they must take care of home first. Albert cites examples of […]
As a District Athletic Director, Kelli Smith discusses how her team wanted to create a network for professional development for their Athletic Directors by expanding with colleagues in neighboring districts. A framework of professional development […]
By: Rob Seymour, CMAA – Athletic Director, Fishers High School (IN) High school sports bring excitement, passion, and a sense of unity to students, parents, and the community. Amidst the cheers, whistles, and the roar […]
Martin DuSold, former Athletic Director at Beaumont High School (CA) and current Area Director for the FCA, discusses culture and setting the foundation for your athletic program. He covers in detail the following points: Mission/Vision […]
