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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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. […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
