ADInsider Podcast

ADInsider
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High School athletics is one of the best classrooms for developing future leaders in society. The ADInsider interviews Athletic Directors and industry experts to help share experiences, advice, and perspectives on how to avoid issues, innovate the current model, and ultimately create the best possible learning environment for High School athletes. If you are passionate about High School athletics and want to hear how others in the industry are finding solutions to their challenges this podcast is for you!

  1. 12/05/2025

    NIAAA Workshop Series: Guiding Coaches Through Adversity with Don Newberry, CMAA (OH) and Lisa Gingras, CMAA (NH)

    The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) and AD Insider have partnered to showcase specific, important topics for this school year, designed to help your athletic department excel. Join us for multiple episodes of the NIAAA Workshop Series! THIS episode showcases a session from LAST Year's NADC Conference! Make sure you check out the upcoming LIVE workshops happening in Tampa at this year's 56th National Athletic Directors Conference. Check out the 2025 Workshop Schedule Here. Episode #3, presented by Concordia University Irvine: Guiding Coaches Through Adversity Challenges: Coaches face tougher student behavior, parent pressure, and rising stress.Leadership: ADs must respond with calm, clarity, and emotional intelligence.Culture: Strong expectations / support systems reduce conflict and burnout.Communication: Listen early, speak clearly, and follow through consistently.Empathy: Understanding / connection builds trust with coaches.Engagement: Sharing experiences strengthens programs and problem-solving.  Workshop Featured Experts: Don Newberry, CMAA: Currently the District Athletic Director at New Richmond Exempted Village School District (OH) -- An NIAAA-recognized CMAA, Mr. Newberry previously served as AD at Shroder High School, contributing to facility upgrades and the Quality Program Award.Lisa Gingras, CMAA: Currently the District Athletic Director at Nashua School District (NH) -- 2024 Bruce D. Whitehead Distinguished Service Award recipient and former NIAAA Board Member. Recognized for outstanding leadership and service in interscholastic athletics.--------------------------------- The NIAAA champions the profession of athletic administration through educational opportunities, advocating ethics, developing leaders, and fostering community. Find more information on their website here: niaaa.org. Support the show

    23 min

  2. 10/10/2025

    NIAAA Author Insights: Avoiding Legal Pitfalls in Athletics with John E. Johnson - Former AD / Law Professor / Legal Consultant

    AD Insider, in collaboration with the NIAAA and Human Kinetics, is proud to present an exclusive interview with John E. Johnson, retired high school athletic director and college law professor (Webster University for 38 years), former practicing attorney, and consultant for the NIAAA as well as legal counsel for the NFHS. In this special feature, John shares insights from his chapter on "Legal Duties and Safety Concerns" in the newly released NIAAA's Guide to Interscholastic Athletic Administration - 2nd Edition. Key Takeaways: ADs lead first: tasks can be delegated, but leadership cannotCoaches are your best agents and a reflection of your programSupervision matters: common sense, common law, & accountabilityHire wisely: coaches must know the game and the kidsLawsuits often stem from weak leadership and poor oversightYou can't "contract away" liability: waivers don't guarantee safetyTitle IX implications and the 14 legal duties of athletic administrators---------------------------------------------------- ...Inside the Book NIAAA's Guide to Interscholastic Athletic Administration - 2nd Edition Ebook - Click Here Paperback - Click Here The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) strives to preserve, enhance, and promote education-based athletics through the professional development of athletic administrators. The 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 bring fresh and diverse perspectives to the issues affecting today's administrators. Packed with advice, examples, and tools, this guide equips you to excel in the complex, demanding, and rewarding role of athletic administrator. Support the show

    30 min

  3. 10/01/2025

    NIAAA Workshop Series: Officials Matter - How ADs Can Obtain, Support, and Retain with Dr. David Pillar and Dana Pappas

    The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) and AD Insider have partnered to showcase specific, important topics for this school year, designed to help your athletic department excel. Join us for multiple episodes of the NIAAA Workshop Series! Episode #2, presented by Eventlink: How ADs Can Obtain, Support, and Retain Officials Aging & Retention - Officials are leaving within three years, highlighting the need for retraining and stronger support.Safe Haven - ADs can directly impact officials' experiences through parking, bathroom and locker room access, & more!Respect & Treatment - While pay is usually fixed, HOW an AD treats officials is completely in their control.Changing Perceptions - Addressing the stigma of officials being seen as "the bad guys" and reducing parent/coach hostility.Recruiting the Next Generation - Filling the gap between young and veteran officials by actively promoting the career path.Education & Resources - Leveraging NFHS Learn and RefReps to humanize officiating, train stakeholders, and strengthen teams.  Workshop Host and Featured Experts: Host: Becky Moran, CMAA: Associate Executive Director -- National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA)Dr. David Pillar: Director of Education Integration and Advancement with RefReps -- Also a past coach, AD, & administrator for 23 years, and an Official in Indiana for 27 years (Basketball, Softball, Volleyball)Dana Pappas: Director of Officiating Services for the NFHS (5th year) -- Previously, worked with the New Mexico Activities Association 24 yearsThe NIAAA champions the profession of athletic administration through educational opportunities, advocating ethics, developing leaders, and fostering community. Find more information on their website here:  niaaa.org. Support the show

    41 min

  4. 09/18/2025

    NIAAA Workshop Series: When Seconds Count - EAPs in School Sports with Kristen L. Kucera, PhD and Dr. Neha Raukar

    The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) and AD Insider have partnered up to showcase specific, important topics for this upcoming school year, designed to help your athletic department excel. Join us for multiple episodes of the NIAAA Workshop Series! Episode #1, presented by Concordia University Irvine: When Seconds Count: EAPs in School Sports AED Awareness & Access - Why they're critical, how to keep them accessible, and key use basics.Distribution Programs - Opportunities schools can leverage to improve emergency preparedness.Albuterol Availability - The importance of having quick access for asthma emergencies and current practices in schools.Catastrophic Injury Data - Statistics by sport and position, plus an overview of state-specific laws.Legal Responsibilities - Understanding the obligations and liabilities athletic departments must be aware of.  Workshop Host and Featured Experts: Host: Becky Moran, CMAA: Associate Executive Director - National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA)Kristen L. Kucera, PhD, MSPH, ATC, LAT - Professor - Exercise and Sport Science, Director - National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research -- University of North Carolina Chapel HillDr. Neha Raukar, MD, MS, FACEP, CAQSM - Physician & Vice Chair at Mayo Clinic, Emergency & Sports Medicine Specialist, 20+ Years Elite Athlete Care The NIAAA champions the profession of athletic administration through educational opportunities, advocating ethics, developing leaders, and fostering community. Find more information on their website here: niaaa.org. Support the show

    27 min

  5. 08/25/2025

    NIAAA Author Insights: Mastering Event Management in Athletics with Gary Stevens, CMAA - (Retired) Thornton Academy (ME)

    AD Insider, in collaboration with the NIAAA and Human Kinetics, is proud to present an exclusive interview with Gary Stevens, CMAA. Gary spent almost 11 years as an Athletic Administrator at Bonny Eagle High School (Standish, ME), then 17 years as Athletic Administrator at Thornton Academy (Saco, ME), and then as Interim Athletic Director for a year at Saint Joseph's College (Standish, ME). In this special feature, Todd shares insights from his chapter on "Event Management" in the newly released NIAAA's Guide to Interscholastic Athletic Administration - 2nd Edition. Key Takeaways: Effective event management requires planning, collaboration, and safety focus.First impressions at facilities set the tone for athlete/fan experiences.Crowd management strategies improve overall event success.Technology tools (like electronic ticketing/drones) play a vital role.Continuous learning and reflection help ADs adapt.---------------------------------------------------- ...Inside the Book NIAAA's Guide to Interscholastic Athletic Administration - 2nd Edition Ebook - Click Here Paperback - Click Here The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) strives to preserve, enhance, and promote education-based athletics through the professional development of athletic administrators. The 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 bring fresh and diverse perspectives to the issues affecting today's administrators. Packed with advice, examples, and tools, this guide equips you to excel in the complex, demanding, and rewarding role of athletic administrator. Support the show

    32 min

  6. 08/14/2025

    NIAAA Author Insights: Time & Life Management with Todd Olson, CMAA - Fargo Public School District (ND)

    AD Insider, in collaboration with the NIAAA and Human Kinetics, is proud to present an exclusive interview with Todd Olson, CMAA, Director of Student Activities for the Fargo Public School District (ND). Todd spent 14 years as a teacher and basketball coach and also served as the NIAAA President in 2019. In this special feature, Todd shares insights from his chapter on "Time and Life Management" in the newly released NIAAA's Guide to Interscholastic Athletic Administration - 2nd Edition. Key Takeaways: How to categorize your tasks: "important," "urgent," and "not urgent"Using a time log to discover hidden patterns and productivity leaksThe power of saying "no" and protecting your personal timeStrategies for scheduling time with your familyWhy self-care is NOT a luxury, but a necessity---------------------------------------------------- ...Inside the Book NIAAA's Guide to Interscholastic Athletic Administration - 2nd Edition Ebook - Click Here Paperback - Click Here The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) strives to preserve, enhance, and promote education-based athletics through the professional development of athletic administrators. The 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 bring fresh and diverse perspectives to the issues affecting today's administrators. Packed with advice, examples, and tools, this guide equips you to excel in the complex, demanding, and rewarding role of athletic administrator. Support the show Support the show

    19 min

  7. 07/01/2025

    NIAAA Author Insights: Guidelines to Communicating with Parents and Athletes with Jeremy Schlitz, CAA - Madison Metropolitan School District (WI)

    AD Insider, in collaboration with the NIAAA and Human Kinetics, is proud to present an exclusive interview with Jeremy Schlitz, CAA, Athletic Director for the Madison Metropolitan School District (WI). In this special feature, Schlitz shares insights from his chapter on "Communication" in the newly released NIAAA's Guide to Interscholastic Athletic Administration - 2nd Edition. ---------------------------------------------------- ...Inside the Book NIAAA's Guide to Interscholastic Athletic Administration - 2nd Edition Ebook - Click Here Paperback - Click Here The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) strives to preserve, enhance, and promote education-based athletics through the professional development of athletic administrators. The 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 bring fresh and diverse perspectives to the issues affecting today's administrators. Packed with advice, examples, and tools, this guide equips you to excel in the complex, demanding, and rewarding role of athletic administrator. Support the show

    11 min

  8. 06/26/2024

    How to Maximize a School Sports Budget with Ben Tensay, CMAA - Bloomfield Schools (NM)

    In this AD Insider | Thursday 30 episode, presented by HomeTown Ticketing, we sat down with Ben Tensay, CMAA, the District Director of Athletics at Bloomfield Schools in Bloomfield, New Mexico. Topics covered in this episode include: Creating an effective budget tracking worksheet, how to communicate budgets to all stakeholders, and managing personnel to maximize value Download the Athletic Budget Template Excel File Here. Support the show

    31 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

High School athletics is one of the best classrooms for developing future leaders in society. The ADInsider interviews Athletic Directors and industry experts to help share experiences, advice, and perspectives on how to avoid issues, innovate the current model, and ultimately create the best possible learning environment for High School athletes. If you are passionate about High School athletics and want to hear how others in the industry are finding solutions to their challenges this podcast is for you!

Information

  • Creator
    ADInsider
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    141
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 ADInsider Podcast
  • Show Website
    ADInsider Podcast

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