Athletics Director

On Being a Successful Athletics Director : It 's No Walk in the Park

The interviewing experience has been key to meaningful insights about issues surrounding the arena of professional athletics . Through my interview with an Athletics Director , I have realized that the road to success in this profession - or in any profession at that - is far from being a walk in the park . In this , I will relate his responses on the most relevant issues that confront the industry and in conclusion map out my own strategic plan which will allow me to

reach or even surpass what he has attained

The Athletic Director : Twists and Turns of the Profession

According to Jensen and Overman (2003 , an Athletic Director is a job that is offered in several secondary and tertiary learning institutions in the United States . Primarily , they are tasked to manage the activities of coaches and even the latter 's subordinates in relation to sports programs and activities between or among colleges . There are instances where the incumbent of the position is required to hold some academic position , but this has gradually become rarer in current practice . In majority of institutions , this is offered as a full-time position

There also is some caution on those who aspire to occupy the position particularly in the more prestigious colleges . He is virtually spearheading the coaches , and yet the former may have less compensation and even less popularity . According to the Athletics Director whom I have interviewed , this `loophole ' may be a magnet for controversy jealousy and even sabotage . Coaches may have media networks where they are invited to host broadcast programs . With this kind of set-up Athletics Directors may find themselves having a difficult time trying to curb coach misbehavior , especially those who take pride in having an impeccable record . In cases where the misbehavior is serious and has been proven beyond doubt , both the Athletic Director and the coach are terminated with cause (Jensen Overman , 2003

Previously , there were learning institutions where the head football coach simultaneously held the position of Athletic Director . For the most part , this has only accorded the coach an additional title , and perhaps greater popularity . In reality , it is his associate that carries out the administrative functions of the Athletic Director on the coach 's behalf . This is the same set-up for other learning institutions where basketball is a more important priority . However , because of the increasing complexity of the role , it is not feasible to have these positions performed part-time . Moreover , the role of the coach has evolved , making them have access to other sources of income which may even include endorsements . Thus , in the long-term , concurrent performance of the position of Athletic Director became dispensable (Jensen Overman , 2003

The following sections of the will provide you some insights on sundry s which the Athletics Director and I have discussed . These include his views on several issues , including the need to secure a good education for athletes , good behavior , and some advice...