As the countdown to the NFHS NIAAA National Athletic Director Conference begins, excitement is building across the country. In just 30 days, Athletic Directors from all corners will come together to share ideas, connect with peers, and learn from experts in the field. Whether you’re a seasoned AD or just starting out, this year’s conference promises valuable takeaways. Here are five reasons you should consider attending:

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As an Athletic Director, you’re overwhelmed with all kinds of information. You have to keep up with everything from codes of conduct to parent communication to state tournament entry processes. The good news is that there are resources, mentors, and associations that can fasttrack your knowledge base. 

First things first, your most important resources to learning, growing, and serving your athletic department are your state Athletic Association and your state Athletic Directors Association. 

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Time: 2:00

John Madden, the late Hall of Fame NFL coach and iconic broadcaster was not only one of the most influential coaches in NFL history, he was one of the best at connecting and communicating with his players. “Communication between a coach and his players was being able to say good things, bad things, and average things. Conversely, it’s being able to listen to good, bad, and average things … I tried to talk to each player. Sometimes it was merely a quick “How ya’ doin’?” Sometimes it was a conversation. But by talking to them every day, they didn’t feel like something was up when I would stop to talk to them” (Madden).

Like Madden’s experience throughout his time coaching, navigating the complexities of coach-to-athlete communication requires more than just conveying information—it involves fostering trust, empathy, and constructive feedback. Sports psychologists unanimously agree that the coach–athlete relationship is a crucial predictor of successful coaching. As a coach, your role is pivotal in shaping this environment by prioritizing these elements. Here’s how you can effectively integrate these principles into your coaching:

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Time: 4:00

We are thrilled to announce a major enhancement to your FinalForms experience - the introduction of our new Text Communication feature!

"CampusCommand" exemplifies our commitment to continually improve and streamline your communication within FinalForms, we have developed this text-based communication tool to make communication between administrators, coaches, students, and parents more safe, seamless, and effective.

The best news is, the archive includes all emails (yes, from the past too!), texts, and (soon-to-be) push notifications. 

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Time: 1:00

We are thrilled to launch a groundbreaking addition to our suite of services to education-based athletics—the all-new NIAAA Membership Platform, an all-in-one experience for NIAAA members.

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Time: 4:00

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Time: 4:00

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Time: 3:00

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Time: 3:00

• Do you have forms in place that distribute medical information to the right hands at the right time?
  
• Do you have a time-stamped paper trail of staff signatures on key departmental documents?
  
• Do you have proof-positive compliance with state regulations?

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Time: 1:00

This year, the National Athletic Director Conference will be back in Nashville, Tennessee, December 9th-13th at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.

With 2,000 attendees, 40 workshops, 52 courses offered, and more than 300 exhibitors in attendance, the conference has something for everyone!

Before you go, we've made a list of three expert tips to help you maximize your time at the conference. 

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