Whatever happened to high school athletic directors?
I know they’re out there because I see them, know them, talk to them in person and on the telephone, exchange e-mail with them, receive faxes from them and ask them how they’re doing.
Oh, them?
Apparently, athletic director can be abbreviated to AD (And Do …).
ADs have to be more than ADs. Listed in the state directory is an athletic director for 327 schools.
But what’s omitted is that dozens of ADs (athletic directors) also are APs (assistant principals). More so on lower levels, others are P’s (principals), a few SSs (school superintendents). Or they’re (fill in the capital letters).
By that logic in high schools, I must be an S (sportswriter) and E (editor).
But, hey, what’s in a title?
Just like us, ADs have a job squared.
Universally, ADs might as well be listed as A-Z (any and all things).
In a trend a few decades old – and you’re correct if you guessed it had to do with money – school administration began slowly, then roared into requiring ADs add to their résumés while on the job.
Neither side can deny blame. Officials squeeze budgets like shoppers do fruit and fail to consistently respect the athletic portion of the educational process for young people; ADs frequently treat the position as if it’s a steppingstone to loftier status or retirement, change positions like NASCAR drivers do with tires and get in over their heads.
However, last time I looked, ADs had plenty to do.
Oversee as many as 21 sports (on four or more levels) over three seasons. Handle what can be mountains of paperwork. Supervise expenses. Raise funds. Account for equipment and uniforms. Keep courts, fields, mats and pools up and running.
Be involved with and provide up-to-date scheduling, concessions and amenities. Hire good coaches and fire the bad ones.
Know if event officials will be there. Delegate authority and trust it will work. At least make a showing at games and matches. Check if competitors are eligible.
ADs also must be sure to be there before the opening bell and stay after school as if they’re on indefinite detention. They must aid in polishing programs and keeping them shiny enough so that incoming Colorado hopefuls, who have shown a willingness to move, won’t end up elsewhere.
Understand state rules and liability. Collect fees. Know when to contact the media (we’re free) and how to face it (we won’t go away). Promote sports programs throughout the community. Be in good with the maintenance crew, local police and athletic secretary. Have zero fear of booster clubs. Help generate crowds and control them. And, among others on a long to-do list, deal with parents.
Lucky them.
Obviously, AD is considered a part-time job, even at Colorado’s largest schools, but full time is more like it.
Some ADs deal with the likes of school discipline – shouldn’t that be round-the-clock, too? – but the concept of allowing men and women to dedicate themselves solely to running a school’s sports has turned as fickle as Colorado’s spring weather.
Whether the AD at your favorite school is a leader or lost soul may be moot.
Unfortunately, the phrase used to perpetuate and dismiss so many negative occurrences these days, “it is what it is,” applies.
However, additional duties could be why ADs can’t better aid sports programs. Ask your local coach – a crack AD can make all the difference.
If ADs weren’t dabbling in other school-specific areas, maybe they would get to meet or know of more student-athletes.
Messing with mentors for young people isn’t a good idea.
We are supposed to be in the years of A.D., not B.C.
Granted, school comes first, but athletics don’t necessarily need to be a side dish of lima beans.
From the can’t-miss Division I prospect to the last substitute on the freshman B team, every Colorado high- schooler who participates in athletics deserves attention from school.
As for whatever happened to athletic directors, a formerly distinctive position, I guess they’re disguised as other school personnel.
