What does the job of a high school athletic director typically involve? I'm curious about the responsibilities and tasks they handle. Is it mostly administrative, or do they get to work directly with students and sports teams?
The role of a high school Athletic Director (AD) can be diverse and multifaceted. However, they're typically focused on the coordination and management of the athletic programs within their school. They take a leadership role in setting the direction and policies of these programs.
Their job does involve a lot of administration. This may include tasks such as scheduling games and competitions, hiring and supervising coaches, coordinating transportation for away games, and managing the athletics department budget. They often need to ensure compliance with rules and regulations from their school district and any athletic associations their school is a part of.
However, they typically also work directly with students and sports teams. They may help resolve issues between team members or between athletes and their coaches. They also often attend games and practices, not necessarily to lead the team, but to show support and get a feel for how things are going.
An AD's role can also extend into community relations. They might meet with parents to discuss concerns or updates about athletic programs, and they often represent the athletic department in meetings with school administration.
Finally, they play a significant role in promoting good sportsmanship and student-athlete development. For example, they could organize workshops or seminars on topics like leadership, teamwork or academic success.
This is just a broad overview, and the actual tasks within these areas can vary significantly depending on the size of the school, the number of sports programs, and the AD's particular style of leadership. The best way to get a more detailed understanding of this position would be to speak with someone serving as an AD or shadow them as part of a career exploration exercise.
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