Title IX
Last summer, the South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) discovered its schools had a problem. Its newly formed Girls Sports Study Committee, made up of athletic directors, principals, and superintendents from across the state, reported that for the past 10 years, one-third fewer girls than boys were participating in sports. In response, the SDHSAA has announced that it will sanction competitive cheerleading and dance starting next year, complete with state championships and the opportunity to count the participants in Title IX proportionality numbers.
Hiring
For the past five years the Black Coaches Association (BCA) has critiqued the way NCAA Division I institutions hire football coaches, and now it's turning that scrutiny to other athletic department positions as well. The BCA is expanding its Hiring Report Card to include Division I athletic directors and head women's basketball coaches, grading institutions on diversity in the search process.
On Campus
When Mississippi State University adopted a points system to reward donors while assigning seats for basketball season-ticket holders this year, it likely envisioned a boost for its fundraising coffers. But what it got was a lawsuit.
Follow Up
If it were a wrestling match, the line score would read State of Indiana def. Liberty Publishing, Inc., by forfeit. The company, which also does business under the name Booster Club Productions, was ordered to pay $57,620 in restitution, costs, and penalties after failing to respond to the state's lawsuit over its deceptive business practices.
Work-Life Balance
In 1999, Jennifer Petrie became Head Women's Volleyball Coach at the University of San Diego. Over the next six years, she led her team to six consecutive NCAA Division I tournament appearances and added West Coast Conference Coach of the Year honors to her resume. Then in 2006, this coach with a growing reputation for getting things done did something unusual: She handed the reins to her top assistant and took six months off.
Risk Management
If an athlete suffers a concussion but her coach encourages her to keep playing, can the coach and school be held liable for subsequent injuries? A federal court could soon examine that question.
New Media
The goal was to increase attendance at University of Toledo sporting events, but the signs plastered across campus weren't working too well, and the e-mail reminders weren't being read. So the marketing staff at Toledo decided to alert students of game times and promotions by taking the messages to their home turf: Facebook.com.
Sports Medicine
For most coaches and administrators, injuries are one of the capricious aspects of sports. Who suffers injury and who stays healthy is seemingly left to fate. But a recent study suggests there may be a convenient way to predict the answer. Recently published research has found that a simple five-minute test could identify high school basketball players who are at greater risk for common leg injuries, such as ankle sprains and ligament tears.
Temecula Valley (Calif.) High School
Risk Management
Not if you allow scoring celebrations to get out of hand. Today, athletes, coaches, fans, and staff are all at risk of suffering "celebration" injuries.
Leadership
If you want to take your staff to the next level, you need to critique their work with solution-oriented language, carefully coaching them to their potential.
Fundraising
Sometimes, all it takes to change the path of your fundraising efforts is one innovative idea. Here are six to choose from.
Cover Story
There are several formulas for becoming a successful coach. So what happens when coaches trash the tried and true and step outside the box? A lot of neat ideas.
Academic Reform
Developing a great working relationship with your Faculty Athletics Representative means making him or her an integral member of your athletic department team.
Leadership
Whether it's parent problems or a failing facility, negative forces can make the job of athletic director seem doomed. This author reveals how to keep the smiles strong.
Game Management
Serving as an NCAA championship host can be a rewarding experience, but only if the right preparation and teamwork are in place.