Athletic management: Athletic Director interview

Extract

[...] Within the organizational chart of town government, the Parks and Recreation Director position can be broken down as “Department Head, Serves as support staff for the Recreation Community, Works with the Conservation Community on parks & recreation issues, Is supported in duties by Clerk/Secretary (http://www.stgeorgemaine.com/files/Mgmt% 20Levels.pdf)”. A typical day for an administrative figure working with athletics can often have many different tasks, especially if that person works within a school or community where they are seen as a public figure. [...]

[...] He also expressed the fact that scheduling is hardly ever completed on the first try, and it typically takes three to four drafts (Little League baseball games have taken up to ten tries) to get right. The schedules are first proposed, then sent to other Athletic Directors to then review and amend as needed. Not only does the job of an Athletic Director require being capable of creating schedules, but it requires many other skills as well. When asked what were the most essential, Mr. [...]

[...] All of these abilities are tested on a daily basis as an Athletic Director, as some are more important than others. Focusing on the open minded to change, but taking into account local cultures aspect is extremely important for this position. Athletic Directors must be not only open minded to change, but at the front the front of the line in terms of who's in charge of dealing with the possible modifications. At the same time, one needs to continually keep in mind the local traditions and ways of doing things. [...]

[...] The busiest month for the department would be basketball season, mostly due to the fact that there is only one gym suitable for games within the town, which is located at the St. George Elementary School. Squeezing both boys and girls youth teams from third grade to sixth grade, as well as making time for K-2 clinics in one gym is a difficult and often frustrating task. During the summer months, youth sports camps are offered free to town citizens, but due to the recent popularity, many summer and out of town residents are attending, which enables the department to charge a fee in order to help pay for new uniforms, facilities, as well as the coaches who conduct the camps. [...]

[...] Being an athletic director is not necessarily a 24 hours a day, seven days a week job, however, one must make an effort to be available at any time. Touching on the significance of dedication to the programs and facilities, an Athletic Director must be enthused about his or her athletic program and must take pride in how successful it is. If a program is unsuccessful for a lengthy period, changes need to be made and the Athletic Director responsible must have the desire to see these changes take place over an extended amount of time. [...]