Justin Dixson explains how exceptional leaders build trust and the three disciplines involved in doing so. Ethical Trust — Repeated experiences of your integrity and motives with parents, coaches, and kids Personal Trust — Repeated […]
Instagram Insights for Athletic Directors with Alex Johnson, CAA and Ryan Johnson, CAA
Athletic Directors Alex Johnson, CAA (Bayless High School – Missouri) and Ryan Johnson, CAA (Indian Rocks Christian School – FL) discuss data and analysis from their individual school’s athletic department Instagram accounts. When you start […]
ADs & Coaches Make a Difference with Darryl Nance, CMAA – Greenville County Schools (SC)
Darryl Nance 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 to […]
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. Jeff also shares his personal experience and details the results […]
New Athletic Administrators Resources with Lauren McDaniel, CAA (WA) and Michael Duffy, CMAA (MD)
Lauren McDaniel and Michael Duffy discuss new resources for athletic administrators. Lauren emphasizes the importance of using external resources instead of starting from scratch. There are enough resources available that, no matter the situation, you […]
So Now You’re A Head Coach, Now What? with Mark Soto – Judson High School (TX)
Watch as Coach Mark Soto explains in detail the 3 core principles of being a coach, especially a head coach: Never promise what you can’t deliver Don’t make decisions in an emotional state Fairness and […]
Building an Athletic Facility in a Independent/Private School [NIAAA]
By: Jeremy Eubank, CMAA, – North Cross School (VA) Athletic facilities play a pivotal role in enhancing athletic performance, supporting physical fitness, and fostering community engagement. Whether you are planning to build a small gym, […]
NIAAA Author Insights: Avoiding Legal Pitfalls in Athletics with John E. Johnson – Former AD / Law Professor / Legal Consultant
AD Insider, in collaboration with the NIAAA and Human Kinetics, is proud to present an exclusive interview with John E. Johnson, retired high school athletic director and college law professor (Webster University for 38 years), […]
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 […]
Tricks of the Trade: Supporting Your Coaches with Greg Jarvis, CMAA – North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NC)
Greg Jarvis, CMAA, discusses how to support your coaches. Some ways include defending them when necessary, recognizing their accomplishments, and leading by example. Make sure to have their back, keep fair treatment among sports, and […]
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. […]
Leadership Lessons Are All Around Us [NIAAA]
By: Kris Knowles, CAA When it comes to leadership, particularly in the athletic world, no two people accomplish it in the same way. If I’ve learned anything in the last 14 years as an athletic […]
NIAAA Workshop Series: Officials Matter – How ADs Can Obtain, Support, and Retain with Dr. David Pillar and Dana Pappas
The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) and AD Insider have partnered to showcase specific, important topics for this school year, designed to help your athletic department excel. Join us for multiple episodes of the […]
Leading Coaches Through Connection and Commitment with Dr. Chivonne Kiser – Denton ISD (TX)
Dr. Chivonne Kiser discusses leading coaches and how they are supported by the administration is just as important as how they support their athletes. Dr. Kiser explains a system, Leading in the Trenches with C. […]
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, […]
9-Dot Challenge with James Leath – Mental Performance Coach
Watch as Mental Performance Coach James Leath presents a group of athletes with the 9-Dot Challenge. The challenge has 4 rules and the athletes have 5 minutes to work by themselves, then with a partner, […]
Building a Growth Mindset for Coaches Through Evaluation [NIAAA]
By: Pete Shambo, CMAA Past Chair for NIAAA Certification Committee Co-Chair Mentor Committee NYSAAA As an athletic director, I was always disappointed in the evaluation process for coaches and the tools we used to […]
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 […]
Leveraging Digital Organization Tools for Success with Missy Townsend, CMAA – Prescott High School (AZ)
Missy Townsend explains how digital organization tools can assist in organizing an athletic department, streamlining an AD’s workflow, and helping your athletes and coaches with technology. Missy will cover in detail the following and offer […]
A Hidden Problem in Your School and How to Get Ahead of It with Karrah Ellis, CMAA – Franklin Public Schools (MA)
Karrah Ellis explains that there may be a hidden problem in your school and how you can get ahead of it. She explains that teen gambling is a risk and is on the rise. Gambling […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
Establishing Social Media Boundaries with Jeremy Schlitz, CAA – Madison Metropolitan School District (WI)
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 […]
Tips for Enhancing Your Preseason Coaches Meeting [NIAAA]
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 […]
The Pros and Cons of the Paradox of Sport with Craig Perry, CMAA – U.S. Council for Athletes’ Health (USCAH)
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 […]
Tips for Helping Your Athletes Unwind Using Their Comfort Zone (Phones) with Kim Karr – Digital4Good
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 […]





























