Athletic Director Essay

1. What is the role of an athletic administrator in educational athletics?

An athletic director leads their program by putting the best interest of the student athletes first. They lead the program by creating a vision of success and then empowering others to reach this goal, while maintaining high standards of integrity and character (“National Interscholastic…LTC 501”, 2011, p. 7). Athletic directors function in both the vision casting and the management roles as he or she “organizes, directs, or promotes” their athletic program (“National Interscholastic…LTC 501”, 2011, p. 7). This includes budgeting, scheduling, and many other tasks. They communicate with students, teachers, coaches, faculty, and the surrounding community, to ensure that

the athletes receive the best experience possible on and off the playing field. They work with others to provide outstanding athletic opportunities for all students and focus on the development of the each individual person instead of just wins and losses.
2. Why is it important to develop an athletic department philosophy?
It is important to create a clear department philosophy in order to assist all individuals involved to work for the same goal. It provides clear direction for the department and helps prevent the department from straying from their main goal of serving the student athletes. Maxwell (2013) states, “When people share a common goal, they have the mindset of completing each instead of competing against one another.” The department philosophy provides a check point for all decisions to be based on, and helps move the department towards their goal. In an age of ethical and moral failure, department philosophy is important to the success of organization. However, it is even more critical that the organization actually functions and operates within this philosophy.

3. How do I establish clear expectations for my coaches?
Communication is critical to the success of an athletic director. As an athletic director, it is important to clearly establish expectations for a coach and their program. I believe it is important to provide the coach with written expectations when you hire them and discuss any concerns they may have at that time. Written documents protect both parties involved because there is paper trail should problems arise in the future. I also think it is important to have regular formal and informal meetings with coaches during the year to check in on the program and see if they need assistance. Spears (2010) includes listening as on the ten characteristic of a servant leader. Athletic directors need to listen to the concerns of the coaches and seek to help them resolve these difficulties. Most importantly, athletic directors must set an example with their conduct.

4. What is your athletic department mission statement?
Our athletic department is dedicated to serving the student athletes and providing them first-class educational and athletic opportunities. We strive to reach the heart of the athletes and develop the whole person: physical, emotional, and spiritual. In all that we do, we strive to serve and honor Christ.
*I plan on being an Athletic Director in a Christian School

1.

Why do you want to become an athletic director?

First, I want to be an athletic director because I love kids. There are so many students who come from broken families who need a steady role model in their life. This is why I went into teaching and coaching, and now am pursuing this degree. I am committed to the growth of the student athletes.

Second, I love sports. Sports have been a part of my life since I could walk. I have developed so many relationships and skills through sports. I want to provide a positive sports environment for young people where they can develop relationships, personal skills, and have

fun.
Third, I have a deep concern for the state of youth and high sports.

There has been a major shift away from “play” in sports and a focus on “winning at all costs”. I want to create a program where we are competitive, but where the student athletes enjoy their experience and learn valuable life lessons so they are prepared for life after high school. I believe by creating an environment where students strive for success while doing things the right way and enjoying the game, the wins and losses will take care of themselves.

2. In the LTC 501 manual (p. 73), you are asked to define “educational athletics.” Drawing on this week’s readings, provide a definition.

Educational athletics means that sports are an extension of the learning process for students beyond the walls of the classroom. Sports, “enhance the learning process” (“National Interscholastic…LTC 501”, 2011, p. 7) while teaching kids life lessons and sportsmanship. Sports are an opportunity for students to grow in maturity.

3. The LTC 502 manual (p. 21) details game management. Put together a document for visiting teams in either a gym or a stadium contest that details what they need to know before, during, and after a contest.

*Baseball Field

Welcome to Our Field

1. Game time is

4:30
2. We will take I/O at 4:00
3. You will have the field at 4:10
4. Bathrooms are located behind the press box
5. Concessions are also available behind the press box
6. Official scorer and pitch counter will be in the press box
7. Our trainer’s name is Steve, He will have ice for your players after the game
8. Let our coach or myself know if you need anything

4. LTC 502 manual (p. 35) describes a pre-season parent meeting. Put together a document/presentation that details what you will cover in this meeting.

Welcome/ Introduction

Program Philosophy

Introduce Head Coaches for Each Sport

Eligibility and Grades

Expectations on and off the Field

Opportunities for parents (Booster’s / Volunteering)

Physicals/ Paper work

Introduce Training Staff (Have them discuss communication and Concussions)

Thank you

Break off into Sport Specific Groups to meet head coach for more information

References
National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. (2011). LTC 501 Athletic Administration: Philosophy, Leadership Organizations and Professional Development. Indianapolis, IN: NIAAA.
Maxwell, J. (2013, June 26). John Maxwell on Leadership. Retrieved July 25, 2017, from http://www.johnmaxwell.com/blog/building-a-unified-team
Parent Meeting Presentation Download. (n.d.). Retrieved July 25, 2017, from https://www.nfhs.org/articles/parent-meeting-presentation-download/
Spears, L. (2010). Character and Servant Leadership: Ten Characteristics of Effective, Caring Leaders. The Journal of Virtues & Leadership, 1(1), 25-30. Retrieved from http://www.regent.edu/acad/global/publications/jvl/vol1_iss1/Spears_Final.pdf