What Does an Athletic Director Do at a High School?

I'm curious about what an athletic director does at a high school. I'm thinking about a career in sports management and wondering how this role supports high school athletics. What are their main responsibilities and daily tasks?

The role of a high school Athletic Director (AD) is quite diverse and forms a crucial part of a school's athletic program. They oversee and manage all the aspects of a school's athletic department, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

As an Athletic Director, the main responsibilities include the following:

1. Management of Athletic Programs: ADs are responsible for planning, developing, and managing the school's sports programs. They decide on the sports the school will offer, schedule matches and tournaments, and liaise with other schools for interscholastic games.

2. Staff Supervision: They also hire, supervise, and evaluate coaches and athletic department staff members. They could also offer guidance and support to the coaches.

3. Budget Administration: Administering and managing the athletic department's budget is another essential task. This involves purchasing uniforms and equipment, maintaining facilities, paying staff, and funding travel expenses for away games.

4. Ensuring Compliance: The AD ensures that the school's athletic programs comply with all relevant state, local, and school district rules and regulations. This includes making sure the academic eligibility of student-athletes is maintained, verifying necessary medical clearances are in order, etc.

5. Addressing Student Athletes’ Needs: They may hold meetings with student-athletes’ parents, addressing concerns or providing information about the school's athletic policies and expectations. Ensuring the wellbeing of student-athletes is crucial.

On a typical day, an AD might juggle multiple tasks, from attending meetings with school administrators, resolving issues with players or coaches, scheduling games, dealing with facility maintenance, to ensuring the athletic department adheres to compliance regulations. They also play a key role in promoting their athletic programs, meeting with parents, and attending games.

Working as an Athletic Director can be a rewarding career choice for those passionate about sports and education. It requires strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills. The role could be a great stepping stone into sports management, offering invaluable hands-on experience.