Offering guidance for athletic administrators, this resource outlines the planning, budgeting, scheduling, and community engagement needed to build a thriving interscholastic sports program. It provides practical tips, real-world samples, and strategies to balance work, manage complexities, and preserve core values. The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) strives to preserve, enhance, and promote education-based athletics through the professional development of athletic administrators. NIAAA’s Guide to Interscholastic Athletic Administration, Second Edition, is the organization’s primary text to further that mission.

Designed for current and aspiring administrators, the text addresses the role and responsibilities of an administrator as well as the skills essential for managing an athletic program that provides quality sport opportunities for student-athletes. The second edition features many new contributors, all experienced professionals who share their wisdom and proven methods and bring fresh and diverse perspectives to the issues affecting today’s administrators.

The book’s introduction sets the stage by presenting results of a survey of athletic administrators regarding key issues and concerns, accompanied by insights from current and past NIAAA executive directors. The opening chapters highlight the thoughtful planning and preparational investment required to create and sustain an athletic program that remains true to its core values, nurtures and challenges student-athletes, and is bolstered by coaches and support personnel who champion athletes’ growth and success. The benefits of participating in school-based athletics and engaging in multiple sports are emphasized.

Subsequent chapters highlight the importance of fostering positive connections between administrators, coaches, and the communities who serve and support the program. Parents, medical professionals, security staff, boosters, and local businesses must be continuously engaged, informed, and appreciated for their support.

The next chapters address the daily responsibilities of the job, including budgeting and purchasing, managing facilities and equipment, scheduling contests and transportation, and hosting events. The final chapter, a notable new addition to the text, emphasizes the need to maintain a work-life balance despite athletic administrators’ heavy workload and long hours. It will help you prioritize duties, delegate tasks, streamline processes, and manage duties and meetings more efficiently to maximize your productivity and still preserve quality time for family, friends, and other interests.

Throughout this resource you will find realistic samples such as a strategic plan; annual budgets and multiyear purchasing plans; competition schedules; and athletic program policies concerning diversity, social media usage, and transportation. In addition, case studies accompany the explanation of athletic administrators’ legal duties and student safety, and all-new end-of-chapter professional development activities challenge you to apply learning outcomes in your position and program.

NIAAA’s Guide to Interscholastic Athletic Administration is packed with information, advice, examples, and tools from experienced athletic administrators. With this resource, you’ll be well equipped to excel in the complex, demanding, and rewarding role of athletic administrator.