What kind of roles are available in a high school athletic department?

I'm considering a future working in sports, but not as a coach. What kinds of jobs can I consider within a high school athletic department? Any advice on how to get started?

A high school athletic department encompasses a lot more than just coaching positions. Here are some roles you might be interested in:

1. Athletic Director: This person oversees the entire athletic program, including hiring coaches, scheduling games, budgeting, and liaising with other schools and the local community.

2. Assistant Athletic Director: They assist the Athletic Director with all duties related to the operation of the athletic department.

3. Athletic Trainer: A medical professional focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries that high school athletes typically face.

4. Equipment Manager: Responsible for purchasing, maintaining, and distributing athletic gear for all sports teams.

5. Event Coordinator: This role is involved in scheduling, organizing, and managing athletic events and tournaments.

6. Compliance Officer: This person ensures all athletic activities follow local, state, and federal regulations.

7. Public Relations or Communications Director: Handles the publicity and press interactions for the athletic department, including social media, if applicable.

8. Sports Information Director: This individual gathers and disseminates information about the school’s sports teams to the media and the public.

Getting started in high school athletics usually involves gaining experience – you could start by volunteering at your high school’s athletic department and working closely with someone in the role you're interested in. Building a strong network with coaches, athletic directors, and other administrative staff is also crucial. It can also be beneficial to take courses related to sports management, physical education, or a similar field. Gain as much exposure as you can to different roles to help clarify which you're most drawn to. And remember, many of these roles and skills can translate to sports departments at the collegiate level, as well.