Todd Gulluscio, CMAA explains how valuable your time is as an Athletic Administrator. He believes that time is a gift and that you have a choice in who you want to spend this gift with. […]
4 Key Ingredients to a Successful Coach Development Program with Jennifer Doede, CMAA – Amos Alonzo Stagg High School (IL)
Jennifer Doede explains a recipe of 4 key ingredients for developing a successful coaching development program: Focus on transformational leadership instead of transactional leadership Leave your ego at the door, as it is not about […]
Ethics in Interscholastic Athletic Administration with Marc Haught, CMAA – KIAAA
Marc Haught, CMAA, Executive Director of the Kansas Athletic Directors Association (KIAAA), discusses the ethical implementation of policies and programs within interscholastic programs. Haught explains that polls indicate moral values are in decline nationwide, and […]
Helping the “New to You” Coach CLIMB to the Top [NIAAA]
By: Kevin Broene, CMAA Grand Rapids Christian High School – Grand Rapids, Michigan As a practicing AD, I’ve come to realize that one of the most difficult and overlooked parts of this job is […]
Personal Growth Monday with Eliot Smith – Lick-Wilmerding High School (CA)
Eliot Smith explains that during the first three Mondays at the beginning of each season, the first 30 minutes of practice are dedicated to meeting with all the players and coaches. The players meet in […]
Culture Is More Than Just Winning with Chuck Richardson III, CAA – Norwood High School (OH)
Chuck Richardson III, CAA explains that culture is more than winning games. Culture at Norwood focuses on three key ingredients: Relationships – shapes how athletes relate, grow, and support each other. Identity – Unique traditions […]
Chief Educational Officer (Coach of Coaches) with Dr. David Hoch, CMAA
Dr. David Hoch likes the term Chief Educational Officer, but he considered himself the “Coach of Coaches.” His job was to help his coaches get better, and this had a direct impact on the student-athletes’ […]
Coaches and Officials Remain Top Priorities for ADs [NIAAA]
By: Dr. Eric Forsyth, CMAA Dr. Scott Smith, CMAA Dr. Mark Rerick, CMAA Being an athletic administrator means living at the intersection of change and continuity. As much as our world shifts—new tech, new […]
Enhanced Livestream & Broadcasting Technology with Jeff Behrens, CMAA – Pewaukee High School (WI)
Jeff Behrens, CMAA, explains the technology behind broadcasting sports events for school livestreams. Similar to live TV, the broadcasts feature on-screen graphics, sponsors, and commercials. Behrens also shares his personal experience and details the results […]
Athletic Leadership: Developing Life Skills Through Sports with Michael Duffy, CMAA – Carroll County Public Schools (MD)
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 […]
Providing Feedback to Your Coaches with John Woods, CMAA – Libertyville High School (IL)
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 […]
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 […]
Leveling the Playing Field: Correcting Hidden Inequalities in Girls’ Sports [NIAAA]
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 […]
Attributes of Effective Head Coaches with Galen Zimmerman – Dripping Springs High School (TX)
Galen Zimmerman discusses the attributes of an effective head coach: Care about people – Has to build relationships Be someone that people want to emulate (Not liked) Self-motivated – Someone who wants to be there […]
What Types of Adversity Do Coaches Face? with Lisa Gingras, CMAA – Nashua School District (NH)
Lisa Gingras, CMAA, explores the various challenges coaches encounter, providing an in-depth discussion on key issues such as student-athletes making poor decisions, parents being either too involved or not involved enough, communities placing pressure on […]
Including Students with Disabilities into Your Athletics Program with Joe Roberts, CMAA – Princeton City Schools (OH)
Joe Roberts, CMAA, discusses best practices for including students with disabilities in athletic programs. It is important to provide equitable opportunities in athletic programs within your school. Joe Roberts highlights participation requirements and the need […]
Closing the Gap: Advancing Gender Equity in Athletics Through Advocacy, Awareness, and Allyship [NIAAA]
By: Amanda Snider, CMAA – Deputy Athletic Director, Broken Arrow High School (Broken Arrow, Oklahoma) At the 2025 NIAAA National Athletic Directors Conference, I had the incredible opportunity to co-present with Michelle York, CMAA, from […]
Starting and Maintaining a Hall of Fame at Your School with John Tibbels & Tacy Duncan
John Tibbels (Ramona High School – CA) & Tacy Duncan (Arlington High School – CA) discuss the importance of starting and maintaining an athletic hall of fame and the benefits it provides to your alumni, […]
Advice for New ADs: Dos & Don’ts with Michael Duffy, CMAA – Carroll County Public Schools (MD)
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 […]
CMAA Certification Process: Written, Oral, or QPA with Cory Aadland, CMAA – Mitchell School District (SD)
Cory Aadland explains the CMAA certification process and options (written, oral, or QPA) and which option best fits your strengths. Cory highlights the CMAA requirements for certification and explains in detail the eight elements that […]
How to Build Connections in Large Staff Situations with Michael Duffy – Carroll County Public Schools (MD)
Michael Duffy explains that with a large staff, he struggled to get to know so many people and to make sure they felt valued. The best way to build relationships with the coaches is to […]
ADs & Coaches Make a Difference with Darryl Nance, CMAA – Greenville County Schools (SC)
Darryl Nance, CMAA, explains that he tries to sell the message and make people understand the importance of relationships and the impact that ADs & Coaches have on kids. He encourages ADs & Coaches not […]
Development & Growth of Middle School Athletics with Lonnie Jones – San Diego Unified School District (CA)
Lonnie Jones, Middle School Athletics Coordinator, explains that the goal of middle school athletics is to prepare athletes for high school at a younger age. High school coaches are now allowed to instruct middle school […]
The Pygmalion Effect in Athletics: How Athletic Directors Can Raise Expectations for Coaches and Student-Athletes [NIAAA]
By: Jon Winer, CMAA – Capital Region Education Council School District (CT) In competitive sports, success is often driven by more than just talent and physical ability. It is also deeply influenced by psychological […]
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 […]
Hire People, Not Paper/Fire Paper, Not People with Chris Burtch – Frisco ISD (TX)
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 […]