1. Relevance – topics must relate to day-to-day jobs.
2. Interactive – actively engaged in the activity - not being talked to.
3. Time Considerate – 20 minutes at the end of a meeting.

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The NIAAA champions the profession of athletic administration through educational opportunities, advocating ethics, developing leaders, and fostering community. Find more information on their website here: niaaa.org.

Become a member of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) and gain access to discounted courses, invaluable resources, best practices, $2 million in excess liability coverage, and a supportive network of more than 15,000 athletic administrators nationwide - click here.

Get certified as an Athletic Administrator with the nationally accredited NIAAA Certification Program here.

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The NIAAA champions the profession of athletic administration through educational opportunities, advocating ethics, developing leaders, and fostering community. Find more information on their website here: niaaa.org.

Become a member of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) and gain access to discounted courses, invaluable resources, best practices, $2 million in excess liability coverage, and a supportive network of more than 15,000 athletic administrators nationwide - click here.

Get certified as an Athletic Administrator with the nationally accredited NIAAA Certification Program here.

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The NIAAA champions the profession of athletic administration through educational opportunities, advocating ethics, developing leaders, and fostering community. Find more information on their website here: niaaa.org.

Become a member of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) and gain access to discounted courses, invaluable resources, best practices, $2 million in excess liability coverage, and a supportive network of more than 15,000 athletic administrators nationwide - click here.

Get certified as an Athletic Administrator with the nationally accredited NIAAA Certification Program here.

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 among high school athletic directors, coaches, and parents across the country. In a recent study conducted across Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) District III, 30 athletic directors weighed in. Their collective insight: the disadvantages of sport specialization outweigh the benefits.

The Study

The ADs who were surveyed come from both public and non-public schools, gathering data through online questionnaires, one-on-one interviews, and reviews of athletic department materials such as coaching handbooks and school board policies. The goal was simple: understand how ADs perceive sport specialization and its impact on student-athletes.

Three primary questions guided the research:

1. What are the perceived advantages of sport specialization?
2. What are the perceived disadvantages?
3. Does sport specialization improve opportunities for collegiate athletics?

What the Data Revealed

The disadvantages stand out.

Over 80% of athletic directors reported that high school athletes are specializing in one sport, often at the expense of others. A striking 87% of ADs noted that student-athletes are quitting one sport to focus solely on another, usually driven by pressure rather than personal desire.

Across both surveys and interviews, ADs consistently cited:

• Overuse injuries
• Burnout
• Lost opportunities for personal growth
• Narrow athletic development

Most ADs strongly disagreed with the idea that early specialization leads to better performance or increased chances at college recruitment. In fact, many felt it hindered student-athletes in the long run by limiting skill development and enjoyment.

Who is Driving Specialization?

The biggest influencers, according to the ADs? Parents and guardians. Every single surveyed athletic director said family members exert the most pressure to specialize. Coaches came next, followed by peer influence. The perceived pathway to a scholarship - or even a professional career - continues to drive early, intense training in a single sport, despite evidence to the contrary.

Are There Any Benefits?

While most ADs acknowledged that year-round focus may help refine skills in a single sport, only a small number viewed it as significantly beneficial. None believed the benefits of specialization outweighed its risks.

Interestingly, many ADs expressed concern that club sports and travel teams are diverting students away from school-based programs. With limited time and energy, student-athletes often feel forced to choose between a club commitment and a school team and usually opt for the club, thinking it boosts their exposure.

What ADs Recommend: Action Steps for School Leaders

Despite holding strong opinions against specialization, most districts do not have formal policies or public-facing materials addressing the issue. The study revealed minimal written guidance in coaching handbooks, school board policies, or athletic department statements.

Athletic directors can lead the charge by:

1. Promoting the multi-sport philosophy
The overwhelming majority (97%) of ADs agreed that playing multiple sports enhances the high school experience. Participation builds resilience, leadership, and team chemistry across seasons and helps students avoid burnout and overuse injuries.

2. Educating Stakeholders
Coaches, parents, and even students need more clarity. Regular communication through parent meetings, school newsletters, and team handbooks should explain the physical, mental, and emotional impacts of specialization.
"We can’t just talk about education-based athletics. We have to model it," said one participating AD.

3. Aligning with National Trends
The NFHS and the NIAAA both promote education-based athletics and multi-sport participation. Athletic departments should reference these organizations and build internal messaging that reinforces these values.

4. Updating Handbooks and Policies
The study found that even in districts with ADs strongly against specialization, written policies were lacking. Creating or revising athletic department documents to reflect a balanced philosophy is a practical next step.

Looking Ahead

The culture of youth sports is unlikely to shift overnight. But high school athletic directors are in a unique position to influence local communities by shaping expectations, building collaborative relationships with coaches and parents, and making sure student-athletes understand the full picture.

The culture of youth sports is unlikely to shift overnight. But high school athletic directors are in a unique position to influence local communities by shaping expectations, building collaborative relationships with coaches and parents, and making sure student-athletes understand the full picture.

As one AD said, "High school sports should be an extension of the classroom, not a pipeline to the pros."

For those in leadership positions, the priority remains clear: help student-athletes become well-rounded individuals; not just winners on the scoreboard.

Quick Takeaways for ADs:

• 97% of ADs say multi-sport participation is ideal
• 87% report that student-athletes are quitting one sport to focus on another
• 0% believe specialization offers more benefits than disadvantages
• Parents/guardians are the top source of pressure to specialize
• Most districts lack formal guidance on the issue and it's time to fill the gap

About the Author:

Branden M. Lippy is a veteran high school athletic director in Pennsylvania, PIAA District III Vice President, and serves on the PIAA Board of Directors. Additionally, she is a faculty member with the NIAAA and an adjunct professor in the Wellness and Sports Sciences Department at Millersville University of PA.

  ]]> https://coachesinsider.com/athletic-director/specialization-or-sampling-what-high-school-ads-are-saying-about-the-future-of-student-athletes-niaaa/feed/ 0 126766 https://coachesinsider.com/athletic-director/getting-the-job-you-want-with-kevin-starnes-college-station-isd-tx/ https://coachesinsider.com/athletic-director/getting-the-job-you-want-with-kevin-starnes-college-station-isd-tx/#respond Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:00:37 +0000 https://coachesinsider.com/?p=126392 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 the job they want by being prepared for the interview. Kevin will cover in detail the following recommendations:

1. Before an interview make sure you do some research on the school, community and possible connections to the decision makers
2. Six tips on how to present yourself and answer questions during the interview
3. Five tips on other considerations when interviewing

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The NIAAA champions the profession of athletic administration through educational opportunities, advocating ethics, developing leaders, and fostering community. Find more information on their website here: niaaa.org.

Become a member of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) and gain access to discounted courses, invaluable resources, best practices, $2 million in excess liability coverage, and a supportive network of more than 15,000 athletic administrators nationwide - click here.

Get certified as an Athletic Administrator with the nationally accredited NIAAA Certification Program here.

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The NIAAA champions the profession of athletic administration through educational opportunities, advocating ethics, developing leaders, and fostering community. Find more information on their website here: niaaa.org.

Become a member of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) and gain access to discounted courses, invaluable resources, best practices, $2 million in excess liability coverage, and a supportive network of more than 15,000 athletic administrators nationwide - click here.

Get certified as an Athletic Administrator with the nationally accredited NIAAA Certification Program here.

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 performance of student-athletes. This partnership goes beyond the traditional boundaries, creating a collaborative approach that maximizes the potential of both roles. At our school, where I serve as the athletics director, we have a longstanding partnership with Children's Mercy Hospital that has been in place for over a decade. This partnership significantly enhances our ability to provide top-tier medical care and support, contributing to the safety and success of our student-athletes.

Comprehensive Health and Wellness Programs

Athletic directors can work hand-in-hand with athletic trainers to develop comprehensive health and wellness programs. By leveraging the expertise of trainers, athletic directors can implement injury prevention strategies, nutrition plans, and mental health support to enhance the well-being of student-athletes.

Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation

Athletic trainers bring specialized knowledge in injury prevention and rehabilitation. Joining forces with athletic directors, they can design tailored training regimens and recovery protocols, reducing the risk of injuries and ensuring a swift and effective rehabilitation process for athletes who experience setbacks.

Efficient Communication Channels

Establishing clear communication channels between athletic directors and trainers is crucial. Regular meetings and open dialogue foster a collaborative environment, enabling both parties to share insights, address concerns, and align on the overarching goals for the athletic department. Health communication systems like Healthy Roster or Sportware proved to be successful in our athletic department .

Resource Allocation

Athletic directors can work with trainers to ensure that the athletic training facilities are well-equipped and staffed. This collaboration allows for strategic planning, making the most of available resources to benefit the entire athletic community.

Professional Development Opportunities

Encouraging continuous learning and professional development for both directors of athletics and trainers is key. Staying abreast of the latest advancements in sports science and administration will always be helpful.

Student-Athlete Education

Athletic administrators and trainers can join forces to provide workshops on topics such as nutrition, injury prevention, and time management, empowering athletes with the knowledge they need to excel both on and off the field. At our school the students have to make an appointment with the trainer via Calendly to see when the athletic trainer is available. Student athletes should not schedule treatment during their practice time.

Sports Safety

Athletic directors and trainers can advocate together for sports safety measures within the school and the broader community. This includes raising awareness about the importance of proper equipment, safe training practices, and prompt injury assessment.

The partnership between athletic administrators and athletic trainers is a powerful force that upgrades the entire athletic program. By embracing collaboration, these professionals can create an environment where student-athletes thrive, not only in their athletic pursuits but also in their overall health and well-being.

Dr. Chivonne Kiser was previously the Assistant Athletic Director at Denton ISD (TX).

This clip comes from our AD Insider | Thursday 30 episode #125. Click here to view full episode.