By focusing on these considerations, you can ensure the selection of an Athletic Director and Coaches who will not only drive athletic success but also contribute to the overall educational mission of the school. 

 Athletic Director

1. Leadership and Communication Skills:

The Athletic Director (AD) should have strong leadership abilities and excellent communication skills. They must effectively manage teams, coordinate with various stakeholders, and clearly articulate the school’s athletic vision.

2. Experience in Athletic Administration:

Prior experience in athletic administration is recommended. This includes budgeting, fundraising, scheduling, compliance with regulations, and the ability to navigate complex situations such as athlete eligibility and event management.

3. Commitment to Student-Athlete Development:

The AD should prioritize the holistic development of student-athletes, focusing not only on athletic performance but also on academics, character, and life skills.

4. Understanding of School Culture:

An AD should be familiar with and supportive of the school's culture and values. They must align the athletic program with the school’s educational mission and community standards.

5. Organizational Skills:

The role requires exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple sports, teams, and schedules while ensuring compliance with state and district regulations.

6. Conflict Resolution Abilities:

The ability to handle conflicts, whether between coaches, athletes, or parents, is essential. An effective AD should be a fair and decisive mediator.

Coaches

1. Alignment with Educational Values:

 A coach should embody the school's educational values and goals. They must focus on the overall development of students, including character building, teamwork, and respect for others.

2. Coaching Experience and Success:

While experience in coaching is important, additional emphasis should also be placed on success in fostering both athletic skills and positive character traits in students.

3. Certified Teacher Advantage:

Choosing a faculty certified teacher as a coach is often optimal because they already understand the school's educational environment and standards. They are more likely to emphasize academics, have strong relationships with students, and integrate coaching with the broader educational experience.  The concepts of teaching and coaching are very similar. Student management, performance standards, assessments, outcomes and readiness levels are routinely managed in the learning environment.

4. Commitment to Student-Athlete Academics:

Coaches should understand the importance of academics and be committed to supporting student-athletes in balancing their sports and studies.

5. Ability to Build Positive Relationships:

The coach should be able to establish trust and rapport with students, parents, and colleagues. They should be approachable, supportive, and a positive role model.

6. Long-Term Program Development:

The ideal coach has a vision for the program’s long-term success, including developing student-athletes not only competitively but also promoting high standards of academic competence, character and citizenship to ensure continuity and stability within your teams.

We wanted to share some best practices to help you select the most qualified athletic director and coaching candidates. Athletics plays a pivotal role in the lives of our students and the community, so it's essential to have individuals in these roles who can inspire and encourage our student-athletes to excel both on and off the field. We want leaders who are committed to developing well-rounded student-athletes—model students who understand the importance of prioritizing their education and embracing leadership roles within the school and community.

References

National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) Guide to Interscholastic Athletic Programs Management

National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Coaching Essentials and Coaching Principles Courses

We also seek staff who can read, interpret, and adhere to district policies, state laws, and mandates. Ensuring that our athletic directors and coaches meet these expectations along with compensation guidelines and have completed all required training is essential.

In addition, we aim for competitive teams that embody good sportsmanship, perseverance, and school pride. This enthusiasm and dedication should be evident in any candidate you consider for a coaching or athletic director position. If you have any young or less experienced ADs or coaches who would benefit from mentorship in areas such as coaching strategies, strength and conditioning, fundraising, or practice organization, please reach out to us. We are committed to becoming the premier district in producing quality student-athletes, competitive athletic programs, and will continue to strive for excellence in providing the necessary resources to support you and your programs.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Weaver or me. We are always here to support you and are dedicated to ensuring the success of our athletic programs.  (RFR)