Chris Burtch explains the idea of “hiring people, not paper” and “firing paper, not people.” True success isn’t dependent on the past or what you’re doing now, it’s about focusing on the future. Who you […]
Corporate Partnerships Must Be a Two-Way Street with Don Baker, CMAA – Cobb County School District (GA)
Don Baker discusses the importance of corporate sponsorship for an athletic department. Many corporate sponsors would prefer to sponsor an entire athletic department and deal with one athletic administrator rather than multiple booster clubs. However, […]
Communication: Lessons Learned with Jeremy Schlitz, CAA – Madison Metro School District (WI)
Jeremy Schlitz discusses things that he has learned over time that has made him a better communicator and administrator. A productive conversation involves being able to hear an individual and not just sharing your message. […]
Accreditation: Why It Matters with Cole Kanyer, CMAA – Ellensburg High School (WA)
Cole Kanyer, CMAA outlines the Leadership Training Institute’s accredited professional development for athletic administrators. The program offers certification pathways, starting with the Registered Athletic Administrator (RAA) for beginners and progressing to the Registered Middle School […]
Building Your Support Bench with Dr. Kiristen Robinson, CMAA – Edison High School (MN)
Dr. Kiristen Robinson, CMAA discusses the importance of having a supportive team to help Athletic Directors maintain a positive mental health environment. Athletic Directors benefit from a strong support system that includes allies, peers, coaches, […]
Winning the Digital Media Game with Brian Phelps – Indian Hill High School (OH)
Brian Phelps explains that it is important to develop a social media philosophy. Determine what audience you are trying to reach and what platforms you will use. Involve your students and empower them to create […]
I Know More About Single Sports, Now What? [NIAAA]
By: Dr. Ryan Miller, CMAA – Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School (NJ) Evidence provided by the NFHS shows that in 2018-2019, 7.9 million high school students participated in high school athletics. The COVID-19 pandemic nullified […]
3 Keys to a Successful Professional Development Program with Michael Duffy, CMAA – Carroll County Public Schools (MD)
Michael Duffy explains the 3 keys to a successful professional development program. He believes that you must take that extra step to make professional development worthwhile to the staff. Relevance – topics must relate to […]
The 7 Ps of Marketing with Dustin Kupcik, CMAA – Hernando County School District (FL)
Dustin Kupcik explains the importance of creating a marketing plan of attack for your brand. He explains in detail the 7 Ps of marketing, focusing on the following: product, price, place, promotion, process, physical evidence, […]
Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast with Rick Tune – Punahou School (HI)
Watch as Rick Tune quotes a famous author, Peter Drucker, on how culture overpowers strategy in successful ventures. Even the best-laid business strategies will fail if the people executing them do not have a strong […]
Specialization or Sampling? What High School ADs Are Saying About the Future of Student-Athletes [NIAAA]
By: Branden M. Lippy, Ed.D, CMAA Are high school athletes better off focusing on one sport year-round or diversifying their experiences through multi-sport participation? That question continues to be the center of ongoing conversations […]
Getting the Job You Want with Kevin Starnes – College Station ISD (TX)
Athletic Director Kevin Starnes explains that in his position, he does a lot of interviewing of coaches that are applying for jobs. He offers advice to his coaches so they will be prepared to get […]
Title IX Update with Peg Pennepacker, CAA – High School Title IX Consulting Services & Scott Lewis, JD – The National Group
Peg Pennepacker and Scott Lewis explain that the 2020 Title IX regulations are in effect and the impact of the emergency removal rule has on disciple and suspension. They recommend Athletic Directors take or retake […]
Helping the World See the Game Through the Eyes of the Officials with Kyle Armstrong – RefReps
Kyle Armstrong explains that RefReps’ mission is to help the world see the game through the eyes of the official. They have partnered with State High School Athletic Associations to begin using interactive RefRep kiosks […]
Maximizing Athletic Performance, the Synergy Between Athletic Directors and High School Athletic Trainers [NIAAA]
By: Katherine Williams, CAA – St. Teresa’s Academy (Kansas City) In the world of high school sports, the collaboration between athletic directors and athletic trainers plays a pivotal role in ensuring the overall well-being and […]
Leading Coaches Through Connection and Commitment with Dr. Chivonne Kiser – Princeton ISD (TX)
Dr. Chivonne Kiser, currently the Athletic Director at Princeton ISD (TX), discusses leading coaches and how they are supported by the administration is just as important as how they support their athletes. Dr. Kiser explains […]
Hiring Coaches: The Importance of Leadership & Communication Skills with Darryl Nance, CMAA – Greenville County Schools (SC)
Darryl Nance, CMAA explains that when he is interviewing a candidate for an open position, he wants to understand their belief structure, philosophy, and leadership statement. Everyone falls into a certain leadership style, and a […]
Building a Shared Vision for Your Athletic Department with Todd Gulluscio, CMAA – Shelter Island Union Free School District (NY)
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, […]
Developing Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for After School Events with Commissioner Mike Garrison and Staff – CIF Sac-Joaquin Section
Watch as Commissioner Mike Garrison, and the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section staff discuss Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for after-school events. It is important to have facility layouts and evacuation routes communicated clearly to all school staff. […]
Remembering Our Why, the Power of Purpose, Passion, and Play with Sandy Zimmerman – Speaker / Author / Coach
Watch as Sandy Zimmerman discusses the importance of caring adults in a child’s life. She reflects on her own experiences and the relationships she developed through sports that helped her overcome hardship. Supportive relationships and […]
Athletic Department Culture: Developing and Maintaining with Kevin Guzzo, CMAA – St. Joseph High School (MI)
Watch as Kevin Guzzo, CMAA, develops a culture within the athletic department. Every small act of kindness and every positive interaction with athletes is part of building a championship culture. Winning isn’t the only image […]
The Drama Stops Here with Jen Hardy – The Academy of MotivAction
Watch as Jen Hardy discusses the weight that today’s coaches carry. The mindset of a coach feeling pressure can shift quickly if they don’t practice awareness, presence, and recognize the opportunity to become who they […]
Beyond the Eyes of Sports with Victoria Jones, CMAA – Dayton Public School (OH)
Watch as Victoria Jones discusses “Beyond the Eyes of Sports,” an initiative that focuses on a holistic approach to student-athletes. The program hosts events with powerful speakers who inspire, empower, and encourage the youth of […]
The Higher We Climb [NIAAA]
By: Roger Dixon, CAARetired Athletic Director at Socastee High School & Horry County Schools SCAAA Award / Hall of Fame Director Recently, I had the opportunity to attend an adult education series conducted by […]
Are You Ready for the Next Step in Leadership? with Jennifer Frazier – McKinney ISD (TX)
Jennifer Frazier discusses leadership and asks if you are ready for the next step. The following questions can help determine if you are ready for the next step. Do you consistently make great decisions? Do […]
Culture Translates to Gameday with Scott Battas – Mascoutah High School (IL)
Scott Battas explains that if your culture is working it will translate into an elite gameday experience that is a high energy experience and that people will want to be part of. The goal is […]
The Transformative Power of Personal Vision Boards in Goal Setting [NIAAA]
By: John Woods – Libertyville High School (IL) Have you ever set a New Year’s resolution only to see that resolution slip away over the next few weeks, while you sink back into your […]
How to Maximize Talents of Your People with Dustin Smith, CMAA – Broken Arrow Public Schools (OK)
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 […]
Work-Life Integration with Todd Olson, CMAA – Fargo Public Schools (ND)
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, […]
Effective Strategies to Navigate Difficult Conversations with Leslie Reeves, CMAA – West Brunswick High School (NC)
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 […]


























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