THSADA NEWSLETTER Presented by Home Team Marketing March 2016 TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION Executive Director’s Report Rusty Dowling, Executive Director ‒ THSADA I’d like to take this opportunity to AD’s. Tuesday the newly-elected members December. There was a good turnout of welcome everyone to San Marcos, of the Board of Directors went through AD’s for the games as the Association Texas and the 45th annual Home Team an orientation process to prepare them continues to make this an annual event Marketing-THSADA State Conference. for the current calendar year. for all athletic administrators. It’s a great We hope you have a great time and find time to network with not only other AD’s the Conference not only a unique social The THSADA has also been instrumental but the UIL, other coaches Associations, experience but equally as rewarding in providing training for New and Superintendents and various individuals in fulfilling your professional needs Aspiring Athletic Directors in Texas. The and companies we deal with on a daily and requirements. This will be our 4th THSADA office has been involved in basis. Plan now to attend next year. State Conference in the role of Executive advising ISD’s on athletic administrative Director with prior State Conferences protocol, procedures and processes that We had the opportunity for a visit to held in San Angelo, Houston and are essential in fluid administrative Cleveland, Ohio and specifically to the Frisco. We are very excited about the and operational concerns of athletic offices of our State Conference sponsor- quality of the Professional Development leadership. Numerous New and Aspiring Home Team Marketing. It was an opportunities that are being offered at AD’s have attended these sessions extremely interesting visit as we had the the State Conference and we look forward that are held at the THSADA office. It opportunity to see all of the action behind to your participation in all scheduled will be the decision of the Board to the scenes and meet the people that events. expand these services and develop the make HTM go. The corporate offices of requisite curriculum to further assist HTM are located in downtown Cleveland Last June the THSADA had a strong those individuals interested in athletic in a very unique building and office set turnout and support at the annual administration in the State of Texas. up. Patrick Spears acted as our host and UIL Legislative Council meeting The introduced us to most of the entire office THSADA has been actively involved The THSADA office has also added a and what their duties and functions were. with the UIL through its participation part-time position of Special Events It was also on this visit that HTM and in the Revenue Advisory Committee Manager. Handling this position will the THSADA confirmed their continued work and THSADA members sitting on be Keith Kilgore, former long-time partnership for the next several years. various UIL committee’s supporting all Director of Athletics for the Fort Bend We also had a chance to visit with of the work that our UIL does. President ISD in Houston. Specifically, Keith NACDA. NACDA stands for the National Chris Feris conducted a session at the will be handling the State Conference Association of Collegiate Directors of annual TGCA Summer Convention and Professional Development presentations. Athletics. This was significant because saw a large turnout of attendees at his Keith’s many years of successful a lot of what we do with the THSADA presentation on Leadership. The annual experience will be significant and further mirrors several of the administrative Coaching School that was held this past strengthen the different programs and functions used by NACDA, specifically summer in Houston saw a record number initiatives of the THSADA. the Tradeshow setup and operation. of attendees at our annual PBK Sports- With the upcoming 85th Texas Denise Manak acted as our host and THSADA Hall of Honor Banquet. This is Legislature, the THSADA will be in the introduced us to the entire NACDA staff a marquee night for the THSADA where loop on those bills, discussions and and what function each individual had. It we have the opportunity to recognize decisions that affect athletics in the State was extremely interesting and a visit that and honor our THSADA Award winners of Texas. All of the Texas Associations we will plan on doing on regular basis. and annual Hall of Honor inductees. do a great job of staying informed and The Monday General Session featured The THSADA membership has risen to ready to get involved when the situation over 800 members in both public and Eric Hyman-Director of Athletics-Texas necessitates a collaborative movement. A&M University, the installation and private schools. This has placed the introduction of our new THSADA Board The THSADA hosted athletic THSADA as one of the largest athletic of Directors and the recognition of our administrators at NRG Stadium over administrator associations in the country. outgoing Region Directors and retiring the UIL State Football Championships All of our Regions have noticed weekend in Houston at the end of Story continued on page 2... 2 THSADA NEWSLETTER / March 2016
...Story continued from page 1 between 350-400 athletic administrators a significant increase. Sponsorship attending the Conference. Sunday is THSADA Upcoming Events – 2016 levels have also risen tremendously as always a busy day at Registration as a businesses welcome the opportunity to large number of AD’s will register on-site. June 14th – June 15th: UIL Legislative Council-site: TBA partner with the THSADA and THSADA Make every effort to attend your Region members have reciprocated by giving our meetings as that is where the latest July 12th – July 14th: sponsors first opportunity to do business information for Athletic Administrators TGCA Summer Conference with Athletic Directors. Sponsorships is distributed regarding UIL news and Arlington, Texas are vital to the existence of THASDA initiatives and any state legislation that as to allow us to provide a quality State we need to stay abreast of. For those July 17th – July 20th: Conference, support Board of Directors of you who have never attend the PBK THSCA Summer Conference meetings and position the THSADA to Sports-THSADA Hall of Honor Banquet at San Antonio, Texas create other Professional Development Coaching School, you should make plans opportunities for THSADA members. to attend. It’s a very rewarding evening July 17th: PBK Sports - THSADA Hall of Honor The THSADA State Conference for our members as we have a chance Banquet-Hyatt Regency Riverwalk Tradeshow has also seen an increase in to recognize the accomplishments and those businesses wanting to support the success of athletic administrators from July 18th : THSADA by becoming an exhibitor at around the State of Texas. our annual State Conference. We are at THSADA General Session an all-time high of 130 exhibitors as of In closing the THSADA calendar looks Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center the writing of this column. Registration forward to more Region meetings, UIL legislative Council, both TGCA and July 19th: for the State Conference is also ahead of THSADA New Board of Directors schedule and we estimate that attendance THSCA Summer Conferences along with our pinnacle event, the PBK Sports- Orientation-Hyatt Regency could be Riverwalk THSADA Hall of Honor Banquet.
TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION President’s Remarks Chris Feris, President – THSADA Welcome to the 2016 Home Team administrators from all over the state with the opportunity to actively visit over Marketing-Texas High School Athletic an opportunity to network with their 130 Exhibitor Booths. The Exhibitors Directors Association State Conference peers and gain insight and motivation. have always helped our association’s in San Marcos, Texas. This is our As we return back to our home districts, growth. It is very important that we 45th annual conference, and we are we will be able to use these programs show our appreciation and visit all excited to host more than 300 athletic and knowledge to lead in our ever the booths. The latest products on the administrators and over 130 exhibitors. changing athletic environments. We market will be on display, and you will Whether you are a first time attendee or hope that you will find the enclosed have the chance to gather information have attended more than you can count, agenda activities and sessions to be a from company representatives that is I know you will receive great benefits great resource to you for the rest of the pertinent to the operations and safety from the sessions and activities that are school year and in your professional of our students and programs. planned over the next three days. growth. I would like to thank Rusty Dowling, our Our growth and elevated profile As administrators of our school’s Executive Director, and Kathy Mathis, continue to amaze me. The THSADA athletic programs, you are the key to Administrative Assistant to the Director, now has over 800 members, which is up success within each district. We look for their leadership and oversight of the from just over 300 members just four forward to helping you lead by example conference. Please take advantage of all years ago. This makes us the second and set the high expectations for your the opportunities that the conference largest high school Athletic Director coaching staffs, student-athletes, fans has to offer this year. I believe that you association in the nation. I have no doubt and parents. Your contributions to our will take home beneficial information that we will be the largest association in profession and association continue and insight that you can use as you the country within the next few years. to be remarkable, as evident, by the “Lead in the Culture of Change”. excellence of athletic programs in our The theme of this year’s conference state. THSADA President is “Leading in a Culture of Change”. This conference allows athletic The conference will again provide you THSADA NEWSLETTER / March 2016 3
JOE MARTIN Asst. Executive Director - Texas High School Coaches Association Mexico University with a B.S. degree During 2003-04 Coach Martin served in 1978 and played quarterback for the as president of the Texas High School Greyhounds from 1975-77. Coaches Association and in May 2004 Coach Martin enjoyed a 26-year coach- accepted the position of Assistant ing career in Texas public schools. He Executive Director of the Texas High served as a head coach for 18 years at School Coaches Association, a position four different high schools (Lake Dallas, he currently holds. Mabank, Garland, Allen) while com- Martin has received numerous awards piling a 150-54-4 career record. Coach during his career. He was selected Coach Martin’s teams won 9 district champion- of the Year many times, was inducted ships, had 13 playoff appearances that into his high school Hall of Fame at included two trips to the semifinals and Lewisville High School in 2009, his col- one state championship. lege Hall of Fame at Eastern New Mexico While at Garland High School, the Owls in 2007, Garland Sports Hall of Fame in won the 1999 5A Division II state cham- 2000 and the Texas High School Coaches pionship. He left Garland after the 2000 Association Hall of Honor in 2008. season as the winningest coach in GHS Joe now resides in Bulverde, Texas with history (81-22-3). his wife of 37 years, Peggy. They have In 2001 he became the head coach and two sons, Josh and Ryan. Josh is cur- assistant athletic director at Allen. rently the assistant offensive line coach Joe Martin graduated from Lewisville During his tenure the Eagles won 3 dis- at Arizona State and Ryan is beginning High School in 1974 where he played trict titles and advanced to the semifi- his first year as assistant offensive line quarterback on the 1972 state finalist nals in 2003. coach at Brenham High School. team. He graduated from Eastern New
Social Media and the Student-Athlete
Social media continues to be a hot Kansas, where he teaches courses true threat of violence against members topic in high school athletics. When in sports law, business law and of the school community.” used properly, social media outlets like constitutional law. Green states that Athletic Directors must continue to be Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can “courts continue to struggle with the vigilant in adopting and reviewing social promote a high school team and help issue whether schools have the authority media policies. We should encourage the student-athletes successfully promote to sanction students or student-athletes proper use of social media and remind themselves and their teammates. for inappropriate, off-campus postings student-athletes of the many college In reality, too many times student- on social media websites in violation coaches, employers, and community athletes post inappropriate content that of school or athletics codes of conduct. members who are watching. Social media reflects poorly on their team, school, Since 2011, six cases have been decided should be an outlet to share information, community, or family. Freedom of on the issue by U.S. Courts of Appeal and support your teammates and friends, speech does not always mean freedom a dozen other rulings have been issued interact with those you admire, and from consequences. Although many by U.S. District Courts. In precisely one- an opportunity to reflect your true high school athletic departments have half of those cases, courts have held that personality. Social media should not be adopted social media policies, reviews such punishments violate student-free- used to express frustrations or anger. from court cases have been mixed as to speech rights, while in the others, courts how well these policies hold up in a court have upheld school action because the of law. speech in question created a substantial Green, L. (2015). disruption at school, constituted Top Ten Sports Law Issues Impacting Lee Green is an attorney and a professor bullying or harassment, or manifested a School Athletics Programs. at Baker University in Baldwin City, 4 THSADA NEWSLETTER / March 2016
Getting to Know: Joe Martin Asst. Executive Director - Texas High School Coaches Association
1. What major issues do you see currently Development lecture series and coaches to boycott them, we encourage or in the future facing students and certification at coaching school. We will coaches to not allow this type of “Athletic school districts that the THSCA will continue to advocate for our coaches as Academy” access to their campus, to have to address? we seek a seat at the stake holders table their athletes or to any video or stats if at the capital in regards to health and possible. We encourage coaches to stay We remain in constant communication safety of athletes. We will monitor and within the state of Texas to schedule with our superintendents and lobby during the legislative session for non-district competition due to the legislature in support of the athletic practical health and safety measures nature of these “Athletic Academy’s.” period and the full time teacher rule for for the athletes in Texas. Obviously We will also encourage coaches to coaches. The combination of these two the concussion protocol and return to become extremely selective when it rules separates Texas from the other play will be scrutinized again during comes to allowing an outside entity states in the United States as we have the 85th legislative session in 2017. We to host a camp, league or activity that professional teachers as coaches that will always be concerned with heat and involves their student athletes. We are have daily contact with the students will strive to stay current regarding best proud of the “Amateur Athletic” status and athletes in our schools. The athletic practices regarding heat regulations as that our UIL sports present in Texas, period is utilized by our coaches to we stay in contact with the UIL. and will continue to work to maintain create an “Education based Athletic this status. Program” as they not only teach the 3. With continued issues relating to AAU rules and technique of their sport, basketball, select baseball, volleyball, Again, as coaches, we need to prove our but also use this time to teach life and softball and national 7 on 7 teams, are worth, tell our story in an attempt to leadership skills through their character there any measures the THSCA can show parents the difference between development and leadership programs. recommend to keep these entities from accepting an “Athletic Academy” exploiting our players? scholarship with an escalated We continue to encourage coaches educational value and their child being to “Tell Their Story” as we need to As long as we maintain the UIL coached and taught by a Texas High provide proof of our worth to the school restrictions on coaches during the School coach that will lead and guide administration, parents and community. summer, it will continue to be more them through their platform to teach We encourage coaches to get their local and more difficult to control these winning attitudes, values and character media (radio, TV, newspapers, billboard groups. Our suggestion would be to do along with becoming a better athlete. advertising and social media outlets) the very best job possible of “vetting” Texas High School coaches are not involved to assist them in telling their the leagues and coaches involved. We interested in financial gain from their story. Coaches need to celebrate all their will ask coaches to help direct parents athlete’s athletic performance; their victories on and off the field and make due to their vetting process and again goal is to help young men and women the public aware of these victories – remind the parents and the community that participate in their programs especially those that don’t have a score… that these leagues and coaches are become better citizens and leaders of ie… Academic All-State, recognition for not interested in “Education based our future. All-District, All Area, and All State, Athletics” or the holistic approach community service accomplishments, to coaching their kids but are more 5.Is there anything you would like the coaches’ health and safety certifications interested in the financial opportunity State AD’s to know about THSCA or and completed programs that coaches that they gain while running those is there something we can assist the obtain that are considered “Coaching leagues and coaching their kids. organization to help get done? Beyond the Game.” 4.Specifically with IMG academy We would appreciate the support of 2. With Student safety being such a hot awarding “scholarships” to students in THSADA in the following areas: topic, is the THSCA looking to add or our state, would you consider asking promote any more education for our member schools to boycott playing them? • Promotion of their coaches coaches? Any other thoughts? attendance at the THSCA Regional
We continue to promote our Professional Absolutely, not only do we encourage Story continued on page 5... THSADA NEWSLETTER / March 2016 5
...Story continued from page 4 vision for the betterment of our your team philosophies and Meeting in February and in July. Texas athletes. administrative skills like budgeting, hiring a cohesive staff and parent/ • Attendance and support of the • Coaching School dates in San teacher relations. We will also seek Leadership Summit in San Antonio Antonio – July 17-20 Registration, to address topics like Social Media on February 19 Tickets and hotel membership and housing available and its effects on a team, character accommodations available on on line at THSCA website. curriculum, and the mentoring of THSCA website as well as hotel the younger coaches on your staff. accommodations. Encourage the • Head Coaching Academy » One of our most important AD’s to bring their administration atCoaching School on Monday 7/18 responsibilities as coaches is to and any civic and legislative from 4-6:30 PM. help our young athletes to confront leaders that would benefit from » This year we will host the 2nd and comprehend the negative the summit – this is an additional annual workshop for the THSCA culture that challenges them in way to tell our story. The Summit Head Coaching Academy, built this day and time. As head coaches is the signature event of the Texas on our passion to help train the we are responsible for providing High School Coaches Education next generation of head coaches. our coaching staff with the moral Foundation and was developed This seminar is designed for guidance, proper encouragement from our passion to help coaches head coaches that want to brand and leadership to get that task “Coach Beyond the Game”. The their program and hone their accomplished. purpose of the Leadership Summit administrative skills, as well as, » This event is open to all Coaching experience is to equip coaches and younger coaches that seek the skills School attendees at no additional their staffs with tools necessary to and mentoring it takes to become charge. enhance and encourage the lives of a head coach in the future. The » Again, we welcome both current their players. The Summit exists THSCA Head Coaching Academy head coaches and aspiring head to motivate our coaches and other lecture series will feature an array coaches to attend! educational leaders across the state of topics such as interviewing with an injection of inspiration, skills, designing and building your character development and positive program, goal setting, molding
The Transformation of a High School Athletic Compliance Review System Developing and Utilizing an Effective Report for Coaches and Athletic Directors as a Tool in Verifying UIL Eligibility
Debbie Decker Athletic Department and the Katy Although this was a diligent approach Executive Director of Athletics, ISD Technology Division – Enterprise and the best system at the time, it Katy ISD Systems for the purpose of supporting was cumbersome, time-consuming high school coaches in their review and not particularly reliable. Coaches
of student/athlete compliance data. were required to seek the assistance of As a critical component of an efficient campus registrars to view transcript and effective procedure to review Prior to the development of the E-School information as well as verify birth student/athlete data for the purpose report and the recent implementation of dates, enrollment data and addresses. of ensuring initial UIL eligibility electronic filing of documents, coaches compliance at the beginning of of every sport program were required to After discussions with the Katy ISD every sport season, coaches in the collect specific documents and organize Technology Division – Enterprise Katy ISD utilize a district-developed into notebook binders to be presented Systems, it was determined that the report designed to provide pertinent at a pre-season compliance meeting. district had in place technological UIL compliance information. The All documentation was reviewed by capabilities that could potentially lead Katy ISD “E-School UIL Compliance an athletic director in an attempt to to the development of a report that could Report” was developed through the identify potential compliance issues. combined efforts of the Katy ISD Story continued on page 6... 6 THSADA NEWSLETTER / March 2016
...Story continued from page 5 campus and district personnel. The review in order to determine initial UIL compile the information necessary to E-School program also provides eligibility. In addition to basic student verify UIL initial eligibility at the grade reports that are used to review information, the report contains data beginning of every sport season and student/athlete grades for the purpose specifically related to UIL compliance minimize the potential for error. During of academic eligibility evaluation. such as address, attendance zone, birth the development phase of this report, date, date of enrollment into grade each field of data was identified and In preparation for a scheduled pre- 9, earned credits, and current and tested to ensure that the information season compliance meeting with previous year enrollment history. This obtained through a data base query was district athletic directors, head coaches report is generated by team, by level valid and reliable. Once the necessary are asked to ensure all documents (varsity, sub-varsity) and is accessible fields were identified and tested, the submitted by student/athletes are only to designated program sponsors. format and structure of the report scanned and uploaded into the Rank was devised and reviewed. The report One software program. In addition, Although no system is fool-proof, we format was then presented to the high they are to ensure that all their athletes believe that the development of the school campus athletic coordinators are entered into rosters in both the UIL E-School Compliance Report has for their input and, once final approval Rank One and E-School programs. provided our coaches an outstanding was given, the E-School UIL Compliance No later than two days prior to the tool that helps facilitate a thorough Report was placed into operation. scheduled compliance meeting, coaches and efficient process. The review of our are to submit a copy of their UIL Team athletes for initial UIL eligibility is a The Katy ISD Athletic Department or Individual Varsity Sport Eligibility crucial priority of the Katy ISD Athletic mandates that every athletic program Form to the district athletic office. Once Department. As we have transitioned to at each high school conduct a thorough all athletes are placed on Rank One, this process, our coaches have become review of compliance-related data for E-School and UIL rosters, coaches are to more diligent and conscientious in every member of its program prior to begin reviewing scanned documents on conducting this procedure and in the start of the season. As part of the Rank One and the data included on the utilizing this report for the purpose of process, each student/athlete is required E-School UIL Compliance Report. Any compliance. to submit an online Katy ISD Bona-Fide identified irregularities or indications Residence Form, a recent utility bill of compliance concerns are to be Adjustments and technological reviews and a copy of his/her birth certificate marked and researched by the head are done on a yearly basis and the report prior to the start of the season. These coach prior to the compliance meeting. is revised accordingly. The cooperation documents are stored electronically of the Katy ISD Technology Division via the Rank One Sports Management Two days prior to the compliance was instrumental in the development software program. Katy ISD utilizes meeting, district athletic directors will of this report. Specifically, Pat the E-School Plus student management first ensure that all athletes listed on Dowling, Assistant Athletic Director, software program to store student data the submitted UIL Varsity Team Sport Ms. Anna Gerdes, Senior Analyst for all students district-wide. Within Eligibility Form are also included on the and Ms. Kerry Rampelli, Director this program, coaches are required to E-School UIL Compliance Report. Once of Enterprise Systems, were key in build and maintain rosters for all levels confirmed, the data for each athlete will the development of this report and of their high school athletic programs. be reviewed through a cross-reference continue to provide valuable assistance between the uploaded documents in to our coaches and athletic department. Rank One and the UIL Compliance Accessing the data stored in the Report. Any identified irregularities E-School data base, which includes or potential concerns will be marked This report, and the entire compliance vast information on each student from by the reviewing athletic director and process, is simply an element which transcript data to enrollment dates, addressed at the scheduled compliance contributes to the total purpose of why the E-School program allows each head meeting. Any outstanding concerns we do what we do as coaches and athletic coach to generate a report that will or issues are to be resolved before directors; to provide opportunities for provide pertinent data that will assist an athlete is allowed to participate. growth and success of our student/ in determining initial UIL eligibility. athletes. Specific student information in the data base is input and maintained by The E-School UIL Compliance Report contains all data needed for coaches to THSADA NEWSLETTER / March 2016 7 Why Athletics. directly or indirectly or the student economically disadvantaged who needing to pass a class so they could participated in athletics scored much play in the game that week. Simply higher than those students who did not. put, the students who participated in As a result, students should athletics came more often. The gap participate in athletics. Athletics was much greater in economically should be encouraged and promoted disadvantaged communities, meaning at all levels. The alternative for so that athletics was even more important many kids can be drugs, alcohol, etc. when it came to a child attending class Without athletics, there is just more in an economically disadvantaged time for these adverse activities. Bowen community. and Green (2014) found that sports Implications of this that go participation included cognitively and Participation in athletics provide beyond the child are school finances. organizationally demanding activities positive academic outcomes for the Attendance has a great impact on school that developed student self-discipline students who are involved. Academic funding. In short, the more a child is and leadership skills and was especially success (evidenced by grades, time on in attendance, the more money that is helpful for students from disadvantaged homework, and educational aspirations) provided by the Federal government in backgrounds. The next time you go to was related to both physical activity and terms of school funding. a sporting event you truly are seeing participation on sports teams (Fox, the cream of the crop. Every student Barr-Anderson, Neumark-Sztainer, and Discipline was also examined in this participating has attended their classes, Wall, 2010). study. It was found that discipline rates were lower across the board for the stayed out of trouble, and passed their A recent study about athletics was students who participated in athletics classes. Isn’t this is exactly what we ask conducted in Central Texas. In that than those who did not participate. all student to do? If there was 100% study, students who participated in As was the case with attendance, the participation in athletics from every athletics were compared to students gap was much lower in economically student, every student would benefit. who did not participate in athletics. disadvantaged students than non- Every school would benefit and every Breakdown of the athletes were done economically disadvantaged students. community would benefit. So, Why by economically disadvantaged, not So when students participate on a Athletics? (question mark) I like to think economically disadvantaged, and sports team, they actually behaved of it as Why Athletics.(period) If the by all students grouped together. better in class. aforementioned criteria doesn’t answer Several outcomes were analyzed such that question thoroughly enough, then as Attendance, Discipline, and State A coach often has a lot of influence simply put, it is what is best for kids. of Texas Assessments of Academic in a kids life. They spend so much time Readiness (STAAR) testing in core with a kid during practice, on the bus subject areas such as Reading and Math. to and from games, etc. These are all References: opportunities that coaches have to The study found that attendance Bowen, D. and Green, J. (2014). Does develop relationships and to mentor was significantly impacted. Students athletic success come at the expense of these young individuals. In so many who participated in Athletics came academic success? cases, a coach spends much more time to school at higher rate than those of with a student than a regular teacher Fox, C., Barr-Anderson, D., Neumark- their peers who did not participate in does. Sztainer, D. and Wall, M. (2010) Physical Athletics. This was true of all cases, activity and sports team participation: it did not matter whether you were Without a surprise when STAAR Associations with academic outcomes economically disadvantaged or not. test scores were examined, students in middle and high school students. If you participated in Athletics, you who participated in athletics had higher Journal of School Health, Volume 80, came to school more. It may have been test scores in reading and math than Issue 1, pages 31 – 37. the coach influencing the student those who did not participate. Again, 8 THSADA NEWSLETTER / March 2016
Getting to Know: Susan Elza UIL Athletic Director
my master’s degree and mid- medical and practical knowledge. management certification from Texas 4. What are your long term goals for the A&M –Commerce. I received my UIL? superintendent certification from UT- Tyler. And, finally, I received my My goals for the UIL is to continue Doctorate of Educational Leadership to build relationships with schools, from Lamar University. and work to make sure we have solid relationships with our member schools. 2. How has the Sunset Review affected the UIL, in regards to daily operations 5. With the continued issues related and long term operations? How will to AAU basketball, select baseball/ this benefit the Athletic Directors of softball, select football 7 on 7 teams, Texas? and club volleyball, what steps or measures is the UIL discussing to keep I was not a part of the Sunset Review, these entities from exploiting our but it benefitted the entire University athletes? Interscholastic League which in turns benefits school because it pushed us We have a constant watch on the outside 1. Please tell us about your path to be- to look at our processes, and evaluate influences that affect our schools. A coming the UIL Athletic Director. what needed to be changed. The constant dialogue also remains with benefits to athletic directors are the schools and coaching organizations so I grew up in Waco, Texas and attended same benefits that are afforded to that we can stay in tune to the future of Midway High School. I was fortunate the UIL; cleaner processes, re-defined athletics as we know it. Where I cannot enough to receive a softball scholarship rules, and removal of rules that are no define what measures will be taken, I to Southwest Texas State University. longer valid. can say the schools will a working part The year I graduated from college was of the solutions that are created. the year that UIL added high school 3. Student-Safety, Is the UIL softball (1993). I was hired by Homer Athletics Department looking to 6. Anything you would like the Johnson to start up the program add to the clearance of athletes? An Athletic Directors of Texas to know at Garland Lakeview Centennial. I example: Adding ECG’s in order to be about you/philosophy? (I am glad to coached at Lakeview for 3 years, and cleared to play/practice. Helmet safety/ know you but there are many AD’s who then was hired by Todd Graham and concussions etc. don’t. Your chance to get on the soap Steve Williams as the head softball box.) coach in 1996. I was promoted to Our Medical Advisory committee assistant athletic director in 2000, that consists of doctor’s, trainers, I absolutely love and respect and retired from coaching in 2004 to and association leaders (Sam Tipton, what we do as coaches and athletic assume a full time role as an athletic Rusty Dowling, and DW Rutledge), administrators. I truly believe that administrator. I was hired in 2008 as is responsible for reviewing the we have one of the best jobs of any the Executive Director of Athletics for needed safety standards for our profession. There is so much value Northwest ISD. In July 2015, I was programs. They base their decisions on in what our programs offer to kids, hired as the Director of Athletics for recommendations and utilize research and we have opportunities to make the University Interscholastic League. to make decisions. The committee, a difference and help kids get better in turn, makes recommendations to each and every day. We have tough jobs Not sure if you need educational the legislative council to be voted on that are constantly scrutinized, and information, but I received a degree during our October or June meetings. on many occasions we receive more in Exercise and Sports Science from They do an outstanding job of keeping criticism than applause. I believe, Southwest Texas State. I received kids safe, and have a plethora of both Story continued on page 9... THSADA NEWSLETTER / March 2016 9
...Story continued from page 8 It’s a powerful combination and has some of the best athletes, coaches, and whole heartedly, that head coaches a fantastic trickledown effect if done athletic leaders in the nation. Every day and athletic administrators have to with great intention and purpose. we go to work at the UIL, I know that coach their coaches as much as they there are 800,000 student-athletes have to coach their kids. Leadership is 7. Anything you would like to add? counting on us to give them our best, influence, and influence is so valuable, and our schools have our commitment and needs to be utilized in the right What I would add - I am honored to be to do just that; each and every day. way. Our goals each and every day in this role as UIL Athletic Director, should be to get better as leaders, and am humbled to serve our schools, and help those around us get better. coaches, and administrators. Texas has Try Something New Speak Your Fan’s Digital Language
Tendai Charasika, CEO the last newspaper they read to get messages), that provide short, to the SuperFanU, Inc. their information, but more about point pieces of information, delivered the last “app” they downloaded that right into the palm of your fan’s hands. A few short years ago, the best means provided them engagement and an of communication and connection abundance of information in nearly If you want to engage your fans, then to fans was word-of-mouth, local real-time. Communication today engage their minds! Try something news, radio advertising, billboards is consumed instantaneously and new on Monday morning - try and print media promotion to build goes beyond local boundaries. This speaking your fan’s digital language! awareness and excitement around the has created a greater awareness We’ll show you how! day’s events for schools and teams. As among today’s fans, allowing them If you’re attending the 2016 an athletic director, if you wanted to to participate in deeper and more THSADA Conference April 3-6 garner your fan’s valuable attention, meaningful ways. stop by SuperFanHigh Inc’s (www. you spoke to them in their language superfanhigh.com) Session #9 and ensured that a connection was If you truly want to connect and “Today’s Technology for Athletic made to the most exciting athletic engage with today’s fan, as athletic Directors: Moving Past Email and events of the day. directors, you must speak their Websites to Connect and Engage your language. You must have programs Students, Staff, Fans and Sponsors!” While times have changed, established that break into your fan’s on Monday, April 4, 2016 at 2pm in communicating to your fans in a “air waves” and capture their attention the Spring Lake Ballroom to learn meaningful way that they comprehend regularly and creatively. New means new and simple ways of connecting to has not. In the past, awareness and of communication tools are at your today’s modern fan. excitement for events was constrained disposal that include customized, only by how fast the news spread. school specific applications or “apps” Today, it’s a national connection for your fan’s smart-phones, school through mobile devices, social media and even sport-specific social media and instant communication that channels. Less and less is there a makes building awareness leading reliance on email or snail mail to deliver to increased attendance not only your message, and more and more the faster but more inclusive of ALL your opportunity for instant and real-time athletic events. Modern-day fans are communication. There are a variety constantly connected to their mobile of communication vehicles that offer phones 24/7 and aren’t talking about push notifications (similar to text 10 THSADA NEWSLETTER / March 2016 A Response to Concussion A year ago I published an article on both in large part due to my ignorance of Dr. I think our parenting position is a fair the legitimacy and hysteria around Omalu’s work. After seeing Concussion, one. concussions in sports. Injuries, including I shared with many people that it was Two, the argument of comparing football concussions, are a reality in sports that a movie worth seeing, and, apart from to smoking and drinking is weak. Little, no parent, coach, league or student- the final scene of the movie offering if any, evidence exists that smoking athlete should ignore. Like most things evidence of why most were frustrated and drinking are good for a developing in life, there are risks associated with any to see it in the first place, thought it was mind and body. We know the down-sides decision, and like most things of value, very educational. to those actions. Unlike smoking and there is a cost. Dr. Omalu’s opinions on football are well drinking, competitive sports (including To briefly recap my article that was known - we shouldn't let kids play the football) offer tremendous upside. A published in Texas Coach magazine in game. He believes that developing brains high percentage of our nation’s current February 2015: can't handle the trauma that comes from and former political, business, military 1). Concussions happen in virtually the tackles and blocks that are inherent and medical leaders played competitive, every sport, and in many common, daily to the game — even if concussions are contact sports (including football) activities such as bicycling, skateboarding, avoided. His argument is simple: we through high school and/or college, and tree climbing, skiing, etc. restrict certain behaviors like smoking the lessons they learned on the field and drinking that we know are harmful and court helped shaped them into the 2). Our athletic department takes to young people's vulnerable, developing leaders they became. concussions very seriously. Our coaches bodies and brains. "We have given up Where I completely support Dr. Omalu is across all sports and our athletic trainers old practices in the name of safety and care greatly for the health of our kids. in the math of those who go on to play progress," he writes — "except when it completive, contact sports for many years Concussions require wisdom, honesty comes to sports." and partnership between players, in college and beyond. At those levels, it parents, trainers, coaches, teachers and I am an Athletic Director and Head becomes simple math and science. If I administrators. Football Coach. I will not pretend to know were to put on a helmet every day as a even a fraction of what Dr. Omalu knows profession, knock heads with other guys 3. Kids playing competitive sports (even about the brain, brain development and in the same profession who are 6’2” 260 contact sports… which, I’d argue most CTE. However, I am also a husband and lbs, can run like thoroughbreds and hit sports are contact sports… some use father, and it is from this vantage point like wrecking balls, I would understand pads) is important to their development. that I will argue a few of Dr. Omalu’s how the risks are far greater for long- You’re not being an irresponsible parent opinions. term effects from multiple concussions. for letting, even encouraging, your kid to play competitive sports. To forego, and in One, in the movie Dr. Omalu makes In my first couple of years of coaching, I my opinion, rob kids of the opportunities a statement, “God did not intend for was challenged by a parent who stated, to develop into men and women for fear humans to play football.” I do not know “Until you have kids of your own, you of concussions is disheartening. the full context of his thought that won’t understand.” He was right. And led to this comment (if, indeed, Will while the context of that discussion had 4. 95% (conservatively) of all high school Smith portrayed Dr. Omalu accurately nothing to do with concussions, CTE student-athletes will not play competitive in that comment), but there is no truth or even injuries, it is applicable to my sports after high school. to support that claim. There are many opinions on this subject. Now that I have The movie, Concussion, is about Dr. things God intended and did not intend three children, my perspective on life Bennet Omalu’s discovery of a brain for us, but to make this claim towards a has changed. And it’s in that perspective disorder in former NFL player Mike sport that provides many, many lifelong that I hope we don’t throw the baby out Webster’s brain that he coined CTE benefits to thousands of people who both with the bathwater. Football, like other (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), played the sport and did/do not have CTE competitive, contact sports is important. and Dr. Omalu’s fight to get the NFL is a clear overstatement. Having children Like life, those sports are hard and to acknowledge that CTE was real and who play football (unlike Dr. Omalu), my carry risk. We need to be smart about wasn’t doing enough about it. Dr. Omalu wife and I both support the inherent mitigating some of that risk while still was the first to publish an article on this positive values that the game teaches our allowing our children to develop and disorder and has done incredible work sons. We train our children about risks grow into men and women that will lead to continue to advance the public’s and and reward and we teach them that much and serve our communities well. medical community’s awareness of CTE. of life development comes through doing hard things. Partner this with the truth Beck Brydon, Director of Athletics, The movie received mix reviews and I that life itself cannot be void of pain, and Regents School of Austin was somewhat hesitant to see it myself, February 15, 2016 Proud THSADA State Conference Title Sponsor
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