Newsletter Winter 2017
1951
Completing 66 Years of Excellence While Serving New Jersey Schools
President’s Message Dear Colleagues, I have always been impressed with the dedication, professionalism and especially collegial nature of the athletic administrators in our state. It is a close bond that we all share through the nature of our work together and many professional relationships and treasured friendships are the result of this. These are just some of the many reasons that I am honored to serve as the Directors of Athletics Association of New Jersey, President for the remainder of this year and the next two years. I would like to wish our immediate past President, john DiColo of Jefferson Township all of the best on a healthy and happy retirement. His service to the student-athletes of New Jersey and to our Association are appreciated and he will be missed. This year I have the dual role of DAANJ President and State Conference Chairperson. As we all manage our many responsibilities and tasks that come with the job of serving our student-athletes, coaches, teams and schools and the long hours that come with the winter athletic season I hope you are looking forward to this year’s state conference as much as I am. This year will mark the 58th annual state conference and workshop being held from March 12th-16th again at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. In addition to the professional development opportunities provided by our state conference it also allows us to enjoy the fellowship, camaraderie and shared experiences of other athletic administrators. The theme for our state conference and workshop
will be Athletic Administrators-Providing Positive Experiences for our Student-Athletes. There will be 23 professional development sessions, 8 general sessions and 3 Leadership Training Courses offered during our conference including presentations by representatives from the NJSIAA, NFHS, NIAAA, and NJDOE. in addition we will have several professional speakers from related fields and 13 of our own New Jersey athletic administrators presenting on current topics relevant and pertinent to our daily professional lives. Our annual DAANJ awards banquet is scheduled for Thursday, March 15th and we will celebrate and honor the achievements and accomplishments of our peers. The DAANJ is your professional association and exists to serve the Athletic Directors of New Jersey that comprise its membership. Part of our mission it to support and promote all that is good in High School Athletics in our state. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to serve in the role of President as the DAANJ and welcome any questions, concerns or suggestions you might have. Please do not hesitate to contact me; denis.nelson@riverdell.org or 201-599-7272. I hope to see you at our DANNJ state conference in Atlantic City in March at the Golden Nugget. Denis Nelson, CAA DAANJ-President Athletic Director River Dell High School
Message From Retiring President John DiColo I hope everyone has had a great start to their school year. The weather has been cooperative so far and soon the winter season will be upon us. We hope all of our DAANJ Board of Trustee members who have recently retired are enjoying their retirement namely Bill Edelman and Ron San Fillipo. Lastly, we will soon be saying goodbye to one Board of Trustee member who has served you all and the organization well over the years – yours truly, John DiColo will be retiring as of January 1, 2018. I encourage you all to register for the NIAAA/NFHS national conference in December at the Sheraton Hotel in Phoenix Arizona. You can visit the NIAAA web site to register and check out the convention program. Not only are the workshops excellent but you will enjoy the conversation and camaraderie with Athletic Administrators from around the country. Our own convention in March of 2018 will be upon us shortly and I want to take the time to congratulate Denis Nelson from River Dell who is our President-elect (and by the time of the convention will be serving as your President) and has done a fantastic job on the program. We are working to get the convention expenses reimbursed like last year and will give you that news as soon as we have a decision. On a serious note, I encourage everyone to try and help those in need around the country (especially Texas and Florida) and even in Mexico who have suffered greatly due to natural disasters recently. Find a way to contribute to the athletic communities in those areas by making donations of equipment and other items lost or by raising funds to support the relief efforts in those areas. It is a great opportunity to teach our student- athletes about community service and citizenship which are important components of our overall mission to support “education-based” athletics. Lastly, I hope you all have enjoyed a successful Fall season and I wish you good luck for the Winter season on behalf of the DAANJ. Remember the value of “education-based” athletics and promote sportsmanship at every turn. In closing, if you have any suggestions, questions or need any assistance whatsoever reach out to your DAANJ area representative for help. Sincerely, John DiColo, CMAA Retiring DAANJ President Athletic Director Jefferson Twp. High School
INSIDE this Issue
DAANJ Workshop................................................................................ 3 DAANJ Spouse’s Program.................................................................. 10 NIAAA Section 1 Newsletter October ‘17............................................. 11 NIAAA Section 1 Newsletter December ‘17.......................................... 18 NJSIAA Update................................................................................. 26 NJSIAA Appoints Executive Director.................................................... 27 Virgil Sasso Scholarship Recipients.................................................... 30 In Memory of Neil Rosa..................................................................... 32 Dave Kaplan Article........................................................................... 34
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March 12-16 DAANJ Tentative Workshop Schedule AT H L E T I C A D M I N I S T R AT O R S : P R O V I D I N G P O S I T I V E E X P E R I E N C E S F O R S T U D E N T- AT H L E T E S
Monday, March 12, 2018 3:00-7:00 PM
LTI 790 Topic: Athletic Administration: Leadership Training Instructional Methods and Techniques Instructor: Bob Hopek (DAANJ, Board of Trustees)
Hatteras 1
LTI 503 Topic: Athletic Administration: Enhancing Organization Management Instructor: Sean Dowling (Madison, AD)
Hatteras 2
5:30-6:45 PM
Board of Trustees Meeting
Bayview
7:00 PM
Board of Trustees Dinner
Bayview
Tuesday, March 13, 2018 8:00-9:00 AM
Golf Registration Director: Harry Ackerman
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Vendor Registration
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Membership Registration
10:00 - 11:00 AM
Athletic Program of Excellence Meeting Committee Members Only
Hatteras 2
11:00 - 11:45 AM
CAA Test Review Presenter: Sean Dowling, NIAAA Cert. Asst. Chair
Hatteras 3
Workshop Professional Development Sessions (PDS) - BEGIN
11:00-11:50 AM
PDS #1 Topic: The ABC’s of Athletic Directing Part II Presenter: Mike Gatley (Mainland Regional, AD) Moderator: Mike Raymond (Hunterdon Central, AD)
Grand E
PDS #2 Topic: Coaching Your Coaches Presenter: Dr. Theodore D’Alessio (DAANJ) Moderator: Bob Grauso (Hackettstown, AD)
Grand F
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Blue Herron CC Galloway Township Exhibit Hall The Grand Coat Checkroom
PDS #3 Topic: The NFHS Network Presenters: Kiki Enderle – NFHS Network Moderator: Ken Mason (West Windsor Plainsboro, AD)
12:00 - 4:00 PM
LTI 633 Topic: Athletic Administration: Students with Disabilities Instructor: Bill Bruno (NJSIAA, Assistant Director)
12:00 - 12:50 PM
PDS #4 Topic: New Athletic Directors – Managing Expectations & More Presenters: Derryk Sellers (Lindenwold, AD) & P.J. Scarpello (Montclair, AD) Moderator: Tripp Becker (Hopewell Valley, AD)
12:00-6:00 PM
Exhibit Area Open – Please Visit Vendors
Showroom
Hatteras 1
Grand E
Exhibit Hall
12:00-12:50 PM PDS #5 Grand F Topic: Financial Planning–Start Planning Today for Your Financial Future Presenter: John DeLiso, AXA Financial Services Moderator: Bill Foley (Vernon, AD)
PDS #6 Topic: Google Documents/Sheets for Scheduling Presenter: Dan Uszaki (Northern Burlington, AD) Moderator: Sean Daly (JFK Iselin, AD)
1:00-1:50 PM
PDS #7 Topic: Stay in the Game: How to Keep Our Student-Athletes Engaged Presenter: John Gallucci, JAG Physical Therapy Moderator: Ned Panfile (Mendham, AD)
Grand E
PDS #8 Topic: Re-Inventing the Multiple Sport Athlete Presenter: Ryan Miller (Scotch Plains-Fanwood, AD) Moderator: Mike Raimondi (Ridgefield Park, AD)
Grand F
PDS #9 Topic: Program of Excellence – The Good to Great Athletic Department Presenter : Joe Trentacosta (West Milford, AD) Moderator: Chris Lanzalotto (Rumson-Fair Haven, AD)
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Showroom
Showroom
2:00-2:50 PM PDS #10 Grand E Topic: Family ID–Best Practices for Registration Management & Access Presenter: Rochelle Nemrow, Family ID Moderator: Chris Ferrone (Point Pleasant Boro, AD) PDS #11 Grand F Topic: Advancing Your Mission Through Athletics Presenter: Vito Chiaravalloti (Christian Brothers Academy, AD) Moderator: Tom Gambino (Immaculata, AD)
2:00-2:50 PM PDS #12 Showroom Topic: The Future of Physical Education: What to do to Survive Presenter: Dr. Michael Hodges - Director, William Paterson University Moderator: Steve Jenkins (Bloomfield, AD) 2:50-3:25 PM Visit Vendors, Door Prize #1 Exhibit Hall 3:30-4:30 PM
General Session #1 Topic: News You Can Use – National Updates Presenters: NIAAA President – Jeff Sitz NFHS Executive Director – Robert Gardner Moderator: Bill Vacca (DAANJ)
Showroom
4:45-5:00 PM
Visit Vendors, Door Prize #
Exhibit Hall
5:00-6:00 PM
Social Hour – Sponsored by Field Turf All are invited: Vendors, Members, Spouses & Guests
Exhibit Hall
6:15-8:00 PM
General Session #2 Buffet Dinner
Grand E & F
6:30-6:45 PM
Welcome & Introductions: Denis Nelson (River Dell, AD) - DAANJ President Volunteer Awards CAA, CMAA Certifications – Sean Dowling (Madison, AD) Years of Service NIAAA – Bob Hopek (DAANJ)
6:45-7:45 PM
Keynote Speaker – Jarrod Spencer – Mind of the Athletic Director
8:00-11:00 PM
Membership Lounge
Bayview
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Wednesday, March 14, 2018 7:15-8:45 AM
Breakfast
Chairman’s Club
8:00 AM-3:00 PM Member Registration – Retirees The Grand Coat Checkroom 9:00-10:30 AM General Session #3 Topic: Public Relations Advice for Athletic Directors Grand E & F Presenter: Mike Cherenson – Success Communications Group Moderator: Dave Frazier (Rutherford, AD) 10:30-10:45 AM
Visit Exhibitors – Door Prize #3
Exhibit Hall
10:45 AM-12:55 PM 12:45-1:45 PM
General Session #4 Topic: News You Can Use – NJSIAA Report & Updates Presenters: Larry White – Executive Director Colleen Maguire – Director of Finances Steve Goodell – NJSIAA Attorney Presenters: NJSIAA Assistant Directors – Kim DeGraw-Cole, Jack DuBois, Mike Zapicchi, Bill Bruno, Al Stumpf and Tony Maselli Moderator: Joe Piro (Nutley, AD)
Showroom
Retiree Luncheon
Newport 2
1:45-2:35 PM
PDS #13 Topic: Case Studies in Sports Psychology Presenter: Greg Chertok – Performance Enhancement Group Moderator: Will Muller (Bergen Tech, AD)
Grand E
PDS #14 Topic: So, you bought AEDs – What’s Next? AED Program Compliance Presenter: Mark Peters – Cardiac Science Moderator: Tony Maselli (NJSIAA, Assistant Director)
Grand F
Showroom
PDS #15 Topic: The NJSIAA Audit – What You Need to Know Presenters: Mike Zapicchi (NJSIAA), Tim Gillen (West Milford, AD-Retired) Moderator: Mike Vicente (Clearview, AD)
2:45-4:00 PM
General Session #5 Topic: Athletic Event Safety & Emergency Planning Presenters: Dr. Thomas Gambino, Jeff Gale, Robert Sensi - NJDOE Moderator: Carl Buffalino (South River, AD)
Showroom
4:00 PM Door Prize #4
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Showroom
4:10-5:00 PM
PDS #16 Topic: rSchool Today Athletic Scheduling System Presenters: Ray Dretske – President & CEO Scott Rosenberg (Kinnelon, AD) Moderator: Mike Bouroult (Pequannock, AD)
Grand E
Grand F
PDS #17 Topic: USA Football-Promoting a Safer Game Presenters: Ed Passino (National Partnerships Manager, USA Football), Mark Robinson (Scholastic Director, USA Football) Moderator: Dave Hutchinson (North Arlington, AD)
PDS #18 Topic: The Recruiting Process for Athletic Administrators Presenter: Bill O’Neill (Jackson Memorial, Teacher & Coach) Moderator: Rick Schmid (Roselle, AD)
6:00-11:00 PM
Membership Lounge
Showroom
Bayview
Thursday, March 15, 2018 7:00-8:30 AM
Fitness Walk/Run Director: Bill Edelman (Vernon Township, AD-Retired)
7:15-9:15 AM
Breakfast
Valet Parking Desk Area Chairman’s Club
8:00 AM-1:00 PM Membership Registration - Retirees
The Grand Coat Checkroom
8:30 AM-9:20 AM
Ad-Hoc Committee on Officials Fees-Attendance by Invitation Chairman: Rob Haraka (Morris Hills, AD)
9:00-11:00 AM
CAA Test Test Moderators: Sean Dowling, CMAA Bob Hopek, CMAA
9:30-10:20 AM
PDS #19 Topic: Helping You Stay in the Game Injury Prevention Guidance for Athletic Directors Presenters: Dr. John Shumko & Diana Toto – RWJ Barnabas Health Moderator: Mike Fanizzi (Hillsborough, AD)
Grand E
PDS #20 Topic: Creating a Digital Dialogue – Part II Instructor: Lefty Banos (Haddonfield, AD) Moderator: Joanne Dzama (Morristown-Beard, AD)
Grand F
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Hatteras 2 Hatteras 3
PDS #21 Topic: Unified Sports Presenter: William DePonte – Special Olympics New Jersey Moderator: Leon Owen (Willingboro, AD)
Showroom
10:30-11:50 AM
General Session #6 Topic: Transgender Athletes Presenter: Robyn Gigl - Gluck Walrath LLP Moderator: Rich Shello (Ridge, AD)
Showroom
11:55 AM-12:00 PM 12:10-1:00 PM
Door Prize #5 PDS #22 Topic: Talking & Trading on Key Issues & Hot Topics An Athletic Directors Roundtable Presenters: Colleen Moyle (Pompton Lakes, AD), Sean Dowling (Madison, AD), Kevin McCann (South Plainfield, AD), Kevin Murphy (Washington Township, AD) Moderator: Bob Williams (Northern Highlands, AD)
1:10-2:30 PM
General Session #7 Topic: Recruiting Realities Presenter: Jack Renkens Moderator: John Fraraccio (Memorial, AD)
Showroom
3:30-5:00 PM
Banquet Photo Session Pre-Banquet Reception
The Grand Ballroom
5:15-7:30 PM
DAANJ Annual Awards Dinner Master of Ceremonies: TBA
The Grand Ballroom
8:00-11:00 PM
Membership Lounge
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Showroom Grand E & Grand F
Bayview
Friday, March 16, 2018 7:15-8:45 AM
Breakfast
Chairman’s Club
9:10-10:00 AM
PDS #23 Topic: Retirement System Update Presenter: Mort Reinhardt – President, Reinhardt Associates Moderator: Bob Grace – DAANJ
10:15-11:00 AM
General Session #8 Showroom Topic: Annual Business Meeting Presenter: Frank Baldachino – DAANJ Executive Director Moderator: Denis Nelson – DAANJ President
11:00-11:05 AM
Door Prize #6–Golden Nugget Weekend/NIAAA
Showroom
Showroom
11:05-11:30 AM Board of Trustees Meeting Showroom Moderator: Denis Nelson – DAANJ President
VISIT US ONLINE
daanj.org 9 | DAANJ WINTER 2017
DAANJ Spouse’s Program Tuesday, March 13, 2018 5:00-6:00 PM
Social Hour – Field Turf Reception
Exhibit Hall
6:15-8:00 PM
Buffet and Keynote Speakers
Grand E & F
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 7:15-8:45 AM
Breakfast
Chairman’s Club
Visit Atlantic City Outlets (on your own)
Thursday, March 15, 2018 7:00-8:30 AM Fitness Walk/Run 7:15-9:15 AM
Breakfast
Valet Parking Desk Area Chairman’s Club
1:00-3:00 PM Wine and Cheese Reception 5:15-7:30 PM DAANJ Annual Awards Dinner
Wine & WiFi Room The Grand Ballroom
Friday, March 16, 2018 7:15-8:45 AM
Breakfast
Chairman’s Club
we can’t wait to see you
1951
at the conference!
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NIAAA Section 1 Newsletter – October, 2017 Gary Stevens, CMAA – Section 1 Representative, NIAAA Board of Directors Section 1 Website Address: www.section1niaaa.org Section 1 Colleagues: The concept of transition is firmly embedded in athletics. Sports such as basketball include terminology such as the “transition game”, and teams chart statistics illustrating their success in that area. Coaches routinely speak to their teams about the importance of making the transition from offense to defense and make substitutions when fatigue or a lack of effort results in players failing to meet that imperative. The task of managing a high school athletic program is filled with transitional moments as well. The school year is generally broken into three distinct athletic seasons – fall, winter, and spring -- punctuated by transition periods of various lengths. Depending upon the success of one’s teams in a given season, the length of time of transition between seasons for student-athletes, coaches, and athletic administrators can be lengthy or relatively short. In some cases, the seasons may actually overlap. During my coaching career, I can recall preparing a runner for a state championship cross country event for a week while also conducting basketball practices.
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For many of us in the athletic administration profession, the very time that you are reading this newsletter is one of those transitional periods. Many high school sports teams have completed their fall seasons as of this date, and several others are now in the championship tournament phase of their campaigns. Many senior student-athletes have donned the football pads or laced up their soccer cleats for the last time as a competitive athlete in their sport. It is a time for reflection and memory that can be both exciting and bittersweet. I can relate to those emotions as I pen one of my final newsletters to you as your section representative on the NIAAA Board of Directors. In December I will cap a tenyear run in which I have represented Section 1 on the NIAAA Publications Committee (2007-2014) and the board (2014-2017). During that time, I have had the honor of serving the interests of athletic administrators in my section with both groups while also having the opportunity to participate in decision-making that impacts every one of our 10,000+ members. During my travels to various state conferences and other NIAAA events, I have spoken to many people both within and outside the section and have made numerous new friends and acquaintances. I have learned about the commonalties and differences that characterize high school athletics throughout the country and am a much better athletic director in my school as a result. I am truly blessed to have been given this leadership role and truly appreciate the support and encouragement of every one of you. I cherish the memories that I have gathered during this time and look forward to seeing you at future National Conferences for Directors of Athletics and spring section meetings. The transition process to a new Section 1 board representative is well underway. Jim Davis, athletic administrator at Belmont (Massachusetts) High School will assume my role at the conclusion of December’s National Conference for Directors of Athletics in Phoenix. Jim and I worked together at last year’s Section 1 spring meeting, and we have had a number of conversations since about making his transition a smooth one. We have planned a meeting in Belmont this fall to facilitate this process. Jim will be a great representative for Section 1, and I look forward to his leadership in the next three years. As it has with past issues, the major purpose of this newsletter is to provide you with an update on some of the current happenings within our national association and our section over the past months. In this newsletter, you will find a summary of major business that took place at the recent conference call of the NIAAA Board of Directors meeting as well as some Section 1-specific business. If I can be of any assistance to you, I encourage you to contact me by e-mail (gary.stevens@thorntonacademy.org) or telephone (207-282-3361 ext. 4406). Gary Stevens, CMAA Thornton Academy – Saco, Maine NIAAA Board of Directors – Section 1 Representative
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NIAAA Board of Directors Conference Call Meeting
The NIAAA Board of Directors had a conference call meeting on October 17, 2017. The meeting was presided over by NIAAA President Richard Barton of Utah. Highlights of that meeting are listed below: Financial Report – Mike Blackburn - Certification is up for the month, but down for the quarter by $7000.00. - The revenue from IAA Magazine is down for the month, but most of that is due to advertisement money that has yet to be collected - Leadership training revenue is also down for the month - Membership revenue is up for the month ($26,050) and for the overall quarter - Overall income for the association is up by $280,000. - Total expenses are down “considerably” ($113,191), but some expenses have yet to come, particularly as related to the National Conference - The NIAAA reserve and endowment funds continue to do well - The inclusion of new courses may result in some leadership training income –historically that results in a spike at the National Conference as those courses will sell out at that time. - LTC 726 and LTC 633 are new conferences and have been moved to another room at this time at the national conference that accommodate the large number of sign-ups - The Board of Directors reviewed the financial report of the National Executive Directors Council (NEDC) - NEDC met in Milwaukee in July/hosted by NIAAA President-Elect Jeffrey Sitz and his wife Karen - The NEDC budget was approved by the Board Committee Appointments The NIAAA Board of Directors approved the following committee appointments: - Hall of Fame - Deon Birkes, Arkansas – Section 6 - Resolutions – Jim Langkamp, Wisconsin – Section 4 - Retired – Jeff Whitney, Missouri – Section 5 Committee Leadership Appointments The NIAAA Board of Directors approved the following committee leadership appointments: - Awards Vice-Chairs – Everett Kelepolo, Utah; John Frizzell, Wisconsin - Certification Chair – Peter Shambo, New York 13 | DAANJ WINTER 2017
Board of Directors Action Items 1. NIAAA Board of Directors approved a parental leave policy – this has been vetted by our attorney a. Key Provision: 12 weeks leave – four weeks at full pay 2. Budget for outreach and grants - $58,598 (5% of three-year endowment average) a. Total asked for is $101,487 – attrition rate is usually 59% or 40% decrease b. Grant applications ($1000 each) for Nebraska, Virginia, Utah, North Dakota, and Connecticut were approved. c. Tina Tamura is in charge of the California outreach request – has been active in national conferences – focus will be on Los Angeles area. December Section Meeting The agenda for December section meetings being held in Phoenix was reviewed. Candidates for At-Large Position Vacancy on NIAAA Board of Directors Section 6 – Lisa Langston – Texas Section 7 – Mark Edgemon – California Section 8 – Ted Reynolds – Idaho State Presidents Breakfast Topics The NIAAA Board of Directors meets with state association presidents at an annual breakfast event. The board reviewed and approved the following topics for discussion at this activity. Notes from this meeting are available for the membership in general and are forwarded to the NIAAA Publications Committee for input into topics for IAA Magazine articles. Topics for Discussion 1. What legislative issues are you facing in your state? How do you approach these issues? 2. Does your state have a strategic plan? If so, how do you develop it, and is it a three-or-five year plan? 3. Are you using the NIAAA portal in your state for a platform for storage of meeting documents for your state board meetings? State Coordinators Meeting - 40 state coordinators participated in the recent meeting in Indianapolis in September, 2017 – record attendance. 14 | DAANJ WINTER 2017
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Two new courses were piloted (LTC 633 – Students with Disabilities – Ron Belinko and Mike Duffy and LTC 626 – Student Leadership – Susan Robbins and Mike McGurk). There are some new courses that are being worked on (leadership cohorts, coaching coaches, dealing with tragedy)
Webinar Schedule Spring, 2018 501 – Wednesdays – March 21 and March 28 – Fred Smith 502 – Tuesdays – April 3 and April 10 – Don Bales 504 – Mondays – March 19 and March 26 Arthur Ballard 506 – Thursdays – April 5 and April 12 – Peg Pennepacker 508 – Mondays – April 2 and April 9 – Arthur Ballard 625 – Tuesdays – March 13 and March 20 – Jeff Kurtz 701 – Wednesdays – April 4 and April 11 – Holly Farnese 799 – Thursdays – March 22 and March 29 – Mike Williams and Michael Duffy Summer, 2018 501 – Tuesdays - July 24 and July 31 – Fred Smith 502 – Mondays - July 23 and July 30 – Don Bales 503 – Wednesdays - July 25 and Aug 1 – Tim Graham 510 – Thursdays - July 26 and Aug 2 – Daniel Armstrong 611 – Tuesdays - July 10 and July 17 – Becky Moran – Marc Haught 626 – Mondays - July 9 and July 16 – Tina Woolard 630 – Wednesdays - July 11 and July 19 Jay Hammes – Mike Gulino 700 – Thursdays - July 13 and July 20 – Holly Farnese
Fall, 2018 501 –Tuesdays - October 30 and November 6 - Fred Smith 502 – Thursdays – October 18 and October 26 – Don Bales 504 – Tuesdays – October 16 and October 23 – Arthur Ballard 506 – Thursdays – November 1 and November 8 – Peg Pennepacker 511 – Wednesdays – October 17 and October 24 – John Evers 631 – Mondays - October 29 and November 5 – Jay Hammes – Mike Gulino 705 – Mondays - October 15 and October 23 – Mike Ellson-Lauren Otero 703 – Wednesdays – October 31 and November 7 – Carol Dozibrin- Sandra Mader Upcoming NIAAA Board of Directors Meetings 1. 2. 3. 4.
NIAAA Annual Meetings, Phoenix, Arizona - December 8-13, 2017 NIAAA Board Meeting - Indianapolis - February 3-6, 2018 NIAAA Board Meeting - Indianapolis - July 6-10, 2018 NIAAA Annual Meetings, San Antonio, Texas - December 14-19, 2018 15 | DAANJ WINTER 2017
Future National Conferences for Directors of Athletics 2017 Phoenix, Arizona
Sheraton/Hyatt/Conf. Center
2018 San Antonio, Texas Marriott Hotels/Con Center
December 8-12
December 14-18
2019 National Harbor, Maryland Gaylord National
December 14-17
2021 Denver, Colorado
December 10-14
2020 Tampa, Florida
Marriott Waterside/Conf. Center Hyatt Regency/Conf. Center
2022 Nashville, Tennessee Gaylord Opryland Resort
2023 Orlando, Florida
Marriott World Center
******************
December 12-16 December 9-13
December 16-19
Section 1 News
2018 Spring State Conference Dates and Locations Connecticut Maine Massachusetts/Rhode Island
New Hampshire New Jersey New York Vermont
March 21-23 Sheraton - Rocky Hill, Connecticut April 3-6 Samoset Resort – Rockport, Maine March 27-30 Hyannis Resort and Conference Center – Hyannis, Massachusetts May 24-26 Red Jacket Resort – North Conway, N.H. March 12-16 Golden Nugget - Atlantic City, New Jersey March 14-16 Saratoga Hilton – Saratoga Springs, New York April 2-4 Sheraton - South Burlington, Vermont
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NIAAA Leadership Update Congratulations to Peter Shambo of New York, who was selected by the NIAAA Board of Directors to serve as the Chair of the NIAAA Certification Committee. Peter has been an instrumental figure in the annual Section 1 Summer Institute and is currently the co-organizer of that event.
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NIAAA Section 1 Treasurer’s Report – October 29, 2017 Balance – August 5, 2017 (Last Report)
$8579.68
Deposits None
Expenditures None Current Balance – October 29, 2017 ******************
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$8579.68
NIAAA Section 1 Newsletter – December, 2017 Jim Davis, CAA – Section 1 Representative, NIAAA Board of Directors Section 1 Website Address: www.section1niaaa.org Section 1 Colleague: It was great seeing all of you who were able to attend this year’s NIAAA conference in Phoenix, AZ. and taking part in the 40th Anniversary of the NIAAA. I hope you enjoyed the warmth and sunshine as it is back to reality with snow and ice for me. I first want to extend a very special thank you to Gary Stevens, CMAA from Thornton Academy, in Saco, Maine, for all his help and support during this transition period as he closes out his term on the NIAAA Board of Directors and I begin mine.
I know there is much to learn along the way, and I know I have the tremendous support of my fellow Sections 1 AD’s to guide me on this journey. Whether it is reaching out to the network of colleagues that we have formed relationships with within our league, state, section, or the NIAAA as a whole or other building administrator, utilizing those connections can prove fruitful when having to make important decisions. I am proud to be part of the NIAAA and the Section 1 team and I am really looking forward to our time and work together. Please know how truly honored I am to serve as your Section 1 Rep.
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As always, the major purpose of this newsletter is to provide you with an update on some of the current happenings within our association and our section. If I can be of any assistance to you, I encourage you to contact me by e-mail (jdavis@belmont.k12.ma.us) or telephone (617-993-5930).
I hope that each one of you has an enjoyable holiday season and finds time to spend with your families. I look forward to seeing many of you at the Section 1 meeting at Saratoga Springs, NY in April and during my state visits this coming spring. Merry Christmas and God Bless,
Jim Davis, CAA
Director of Athletics
Belmont Public Schools, Belmont MA
NIAAA Board of Directors – Section 1 Representative
Thank You On behalf the athletic administrators of NIAAA Section 1, I want to thank and recognize the service of Gary Stevens, CMAA of Thornton Academy, in Saco, Maine, who recently completed his term of service on the NIAAA Board of Directors. Gary performed his responsibilities in his time on the Board with true professionalism and has been an accomplished leader at the national level. Under Gary's leadership our Section 1meeting has transitioned to being paperless and he has been on the forefront of this movement and the use of the NIAAA portal nationally. Thank you, Gary, for your exemplary leadership during your tenure on the NIAAA Board of Directors. NIAAA Board of Directors December 2017 Meeting Highlights The NIAAA Board of Directors met on three occasions during the National Conference for Directors of Athletics in Phoenix, Arizona. Among the highlights:
1. As the National Conference for Directors of Athletics opened on December 8, 2017, the NIAAA had an all-time high of 10,967 members.
2. The NIAAA Board of Directors reviewed the current financial report as presented by Executive Director Mike Blackburn. 19 | DAANJ WINTER 2017
a. The NIAAA as an organization continues to be in sound financial shape. The turnout at the Phoenix Conference was second only to the 2016 conference in Nashville, Tennessee, which should add additional income into the coffers of the NIAAA. b. The Endowment Fund is currently $1,389,901 (as of November) and has yielded a return rate of 15.5% for the year. Mike Mannion deserves credit for his outstanding management of this account and his shrewd and informed investment practices. The major purpose of the endowment continues to be professional outreach. $265,420 has been given to state associations for outreach since this program began. c. The Reserve Fund is up $62,000 in the month of November and is up $116,000 (9.4% increase) from July through November. d. The NIAAA estimates that in excess of $39 million worth of advertisements promoting high school athletics have been aired since the PSA program has been initiated. e. The NIAAA must always be cognizant that a change in the economy could affect these accounts.
3. Action on Committee Recommendations: a. The NIAAA Board of Directors approved extending the term of Amy Molina (Vermont) on the Publications Committee for an additional year to address recent turnover with that group. b. The NIAAA Board of Directors approved making certificates for both scholar-athletes and three-sport athletes available as a member benefit. These documents are available on the NIAAA website at www.niaaa.org.
4. The NIAAA Board of Directors approved a grant application in the amount of $1000 to the Florida athletic administrators group.
5. The Board will examine the current membership of the Sports Turf Committee. Brad Rumble has retired from a role in that group; there is a goal for having the committee have more athletic administrators involved. 6. Mike Blackburn and Phil Rison traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with government officials as a means of creating additional awareness about the NIAAA and its promotion of education-based athletics. Mike and Phil met with Senator Todd Young and personnel from the U.S. Department of Education who are highly engaged in legislation related to schools. They also participated in a conference call related to Title IX and the role of the NIAAA in interpreting this landmark legislation. 7. Staff Projects – Mike Blackburn reported on a variety of NIAAA office projects, including: building on the current inventory of technology and 20 | DAANJ WINTER 2017
related equipment, development of a new athletic director packet, promotion of the NIAAA 40th anniversary.
8. Two individuals who work with Advance Ed (Dr. Claudia, Carter, Dr. David Hurst) visited the NADC to observe the association’s professional development program in action.
9. Ohio surpassed Indiana and New York as having the most members in the NIAAA (641). Congratulations to Ohio Executive Director (and NIAAA Board member) Bruce Brown for his work in achieving this milestone. 10. Joni Pabst of the National Emergency Network reported that the group is looking to repurpose itself over the next year. It would like to spur a nationwide blood drive initiative in conjunction with the American Red Cross. The challenge is for every state to have a blood drive associated with its conference and give back to local blood banks. The group would like to present a “large check” to the American Red Cross at the San Antonio conference. The NEN is also considering a change of name to National Initiative and Assistance Network.
11. Jean Ashen of the Membership Committee reported that the group brainstormed a number of public service and membership growth initiatives, including: “I belong because . . .”, having booths and placing signage at nondual state conferences, a letter writing campaign to superintendent
12. Al Sersland of the Accreditation Committee noted that Advance Ed has changed its criteria for accreditation reporting. There are currently three criteria with thirty indicators. Traditionally, the key questions asked are “What?” and “How?”. The language of current indicators frequently asks “Why?”
13. John DiColo of the Publications Committee reported that seventy articles have been placed in IAA Magazine in the past year. John Evers has made a smooth transition to his role as Developmental Editor. The committee continues to seek new authors from throughout the country and abroad to ensure that article content is pertinent. The Blue Ribbon Panel at the Phoenix Conference was very successful.
14. Hugh McReynolds of the Sports Turf Committee reported that forty-four individuals attended the Sports Turf seminar held at Grand Canyon University. The session went well despite the fact that speakers were often competing with the noise of delivery trucks. The Sports Turf Committee made three recommendations: a. Continue the liaison position role and rewrite the job description to have someone with contacts along all aspects of the industry 21 | DAANJ WINTER 2017
b. Offer next year’s off-site seminar in San Antonio at a high school (backup University of Texas-San Antonio) c. Offer workshops on synthetic at San Antonio conference – ex. sports field safety
15. Susan Robbins, outgoing chair of the Awards Committee, reported that 43 states were in attendance at the state awards chairpersons meeting. There are six new committee members on the group, and they shadowed current committee members this year. Mike McGurk of Missouri will be the new chair of the Awards Committee; John Frizzell of Wisconsin will serve as vicechair. Susan noted that it is important that get nominations for all honors from each state.
16. Becky Moran of the Credentials Committee observed that voting numbers for the at-large election were low at the Phoenix conference. She is having conversations with Nellie Crocker to explore future options that may yield more success. There has been a recommendation for attendees to have access to profiles on the candidates in electronic format in advance of the election. 17. Ted D’Alessio of the Coaches Education Committee reported that the group has redesigned the monthly coaches education newsletter and seeks to streamline the communications process in 2018. The committee has a goal to “cast a wider net” to communicate with principals and superintendents in the upcoming year to promote the importance of coaches education. 18. Bruce Whitehead of the International Committee reported that there are currently 8300 international schools with very high athletic participation rates. LTC 904 was piloted on Saturday at the conference, and LTC 901 and LTC 902 were added to the host of offerings. LTC 903, chaired by Matt Fleming (Budapest) and Chris Bishop (Shanghai) is approximately 90% ready. Bruce offered three recommendations: a. LTC 903 (program philosophy, communications) – piloted in July b. LTC 901 and 902 offered in San Antonio c. Two-level certification program d. Develop fifth course (travel and hosting)
19. Les Wright of the Retired Committee reported that 67 people participated in the retired breakfast at the conference and that the group appreciated the retired pins. The committee has asked the Board to contribute $1000 towards the Puerto Rican Hurricane Effort. The Retired Committee sold $5400 worth of 50/50 raffle tickets. The $2725 profit was split between the NIAAA Endowment and Retired account. There was also considerable discussion among the retirees about the cost of banquet tickets and the possibility of tickets not used by other attendees being utilized by this group in the association. 22 | DAANJ WINTER 2017
20. Sheri Stice of the Certification Committee reported that the NIAAA completed its first full year of electronic testing and that there was a passing rate of 97.3%. 300 people took the CAA Exam this year; 35 completed it at the National Conference. 200 people participated in the highly successful Talkin’ and Tradin’ program and had access to discussion about six topics. Ed Lockwood has been working on the alternative CMAA route, and piloting has taken place.
21. Scott Drabczyk of the Hall of Fame Committee reported that the group has examined candidates for the 2018 class. The committee has two recommendations: a. POP Manual revision to include an extenuating circumstances clause – people who “cannot retire” b. Display or traveling Hall of Fame available at state conferences (Digital board or static board) 22. Annette Scogin of the Resolutions Committee reported that the group has been screening resolutions passed by the original committee and looking to adopt some of them in whole or in an adapted form. The group would like to conduct a survey of three questions to get information from membership about current resolution topics.
23. Todd Gilkey of the Endowment Committee reported that the golf tournament (136 participants) and the Fun Run (45 participants) were successful events. The group also made money by selling Endowment pins.
24. Jim Watkins of the Professional Development group reported that 1512 people sat for Leadership Training Courses at the National Conference. 48 classes were offered by a total of 125 instructors. 75 people assisted as facilitators. Jim reported that the A/V staff at the Phoenix Convention Center were exemplary. He also noted that instructors need to have access to a number of tools (remote clickers, dry erase markers, post-it notes, extra batteries) to assist them in their teaching. Jim also offered an update of the following Professional Development activities: a. Potential of three new courses in development b. Tentative course review plans have been discussed. i. February: 608, 625, 790 ii. July: 624, 709, 724 c. A request to have Holly Farnese and Amy Molina return to Indianapolis to complete work on 700 and 701 d. Looking at having courses written by athletic administrators – looking for Mike and Phil to reach out to Brad Rumble on this issue and have group come in to work on it
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25. The NIAAA Board of Directors approved the following committee recommendations: a. $1000 donation to the Puerto Rican Hurricane Relief Effort b. Permitting Holly Farnese and Amy Molina to return to the NIAAA office to continue work on middle school course
26. The new slate of officers for 2018 took office at the conclusion of the meeting. They are: a. President – Jeffrey Sitz (Wisconsin) b. Past President – Richard Barton (Utah) c. President-Elect – Todd Olson (North Dakota) 27. Four new members (James Davis of Massachusetts, Lisa Langston of Texas, Gregory VanCantfort of Hawaii, Matt Hensley of Illinois) began their terms on the NIAAA Board of Directors.
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Future National Conference for Directors of Athletics o December 14-18, 2018 – San Antonio, Texas o December 13-17, 2019 – National Harbor, Maryland o December 11-15, 2020 – Tampa, Florida o December 10-14, 2021 – Denver, Colorado o December 9-13, 2022 – Nashville, Tennessee o December 15-19, 2023 ******************
Section 1 Leaders Receive National Honors Section 1 was well represented at the annual NIAAA banquet ceremonies held at the National Conference for Directors of Athletics in December. Colin Roy CAA from Farmingdale, Maine was the recipient of the NFHS Citation Award for his contributions to interscholastic athletics at the local, state and national level. Colin has more than forty years’ experience leading students in Maine as a teacher, coach and athletic administrator. Presenting Colin his award was NFHS President Jerome Singleton and NFHS Executive Director Bob Gardner. Two other Section 1 leaders received NIAAA Distinguished Service Awards at the conference banquet. Trish Witkin, CMAA (Connecticut) along with Steve Young CMAA (New York). Trish was a section representative on the NIAAA Board of Directors from 2102-2016 as well as the NIAAA President in 2015. Steve is currently the co-director of the Section 1 Summer Institute and has served on the NIAAA 24 | DAANJ WINTER 2017
Strategic Planning committee as well as being a current member of the NIAAA Accreditation Committee
Congratulations to all of these deserving individuals from all of us here in Section 1! *****************
Section 1 Annual Meeting Alan Mallanda, the Executive Director of the NYSAAA, has announced that this spring’s Section 1 meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Saratoga Springs, NY. The Embassy Suites is a fairly new hotel, just off Broadway in Saratoga. The meeting will be scheduled from 1pm to 5pm. A complimentary hospitality reception in the hotel lounge takes place from 5:30-7:30pm each evening. Allen has arranged for this to be part of our social/ hospitality gathering, followed by dinner somewhere between 6:30 to 7 pm. In making arrangements for the event the NYSAAA will provide one complimentary room for one night (Tuesday). The hotel also provides a full buffet, cooked to order breakfast in the morning. Checkout is at 11:00 am. Allen will be sending out information to Section 1 NIAAA Liaisons after the first of the year with more specifics about this meeting.
As was announced at the Section meeting at the National Conference, this spring’s meeting again will be conducted using the NIAAA Portal. All documents related to this meeting will be stored on the portal and can be accessed by credentialed individuals. Jim Davis will provide more information about this process prior to the meeting. *****************
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NJSIAA Update The NJSIAA was originally founded in September 1918 by 50 representatives from 21 public and private schools throughout the state of NJ. Soon after, additional schools joined the conversation and in November 1918, a formal constitution was adopted by 32 member schools surrounding the sport of football. This voluntary organization was to be known as the New Jersey Football Association. In March 1919, the name was changed to the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA). Over the past century, the membership has grown from 32 member schools to approximately 435 member schools. While football was the first championship sport in the fall of 1918, many sports followed in 1919… basketball, baseball, cross country and spring track and field. As of today, the NJSIAA conducts State Championships in 31 sports…girls have 15 and boys have 16 state championships. The NJSIAA currently ranks 9th in the nation for total number of participants, with approximately 285,000 student-athletes participating in its 31 sanctioned sports. Basketball is the most popular sport for both boys and girls on a school participation basis (approximately 430 of the 435 member schools offer either and/or both boys and girls basketball). On an individual participant basis, football is the most popular with the boys and spring track the most popular with the girls. On January 1, 2018, Larry L. White became the 8th Executive Director of the NJSIAA. Assisting Mr. White are 5 Assistant Directors (Jack DuBois, Kim DeGraw-Cole, Bill Bruno, Al Stumpf, and Tony Maselli), a Director of Finance & Administration (Colleen Maguire), an outside general counsel (Steve Goodell) and 9 administrative staff members. In addition to overseeing sports championships, the Directors also have numerous other roles and responsibilities such as the NJSCA, Officials’ Associations, Eligibility and Transfers, Co-Operative Sports Programs, and representation on NFHS sport committees. Mr. White also oversees the NJSIAA’s Medical Advisory Committee, which is chaired by Dr. Jack Kripsak, and has been a leader in concussion protocol, hydration testing and steroid testing. The NJSIAA was recently ranked #5 on the National Health & Safety State Report Card. A few of the ongoing initiatives are mental health of the student-athletes, opioid awareness and wet globe bulb temperature monitoring to assist in identifying safe practicing conditions. In conjunction with its legal counsel, Mr. White and his staff have recently developed a transgender policy and drone policy that were enacted by the NJSIAA Executive Committee…both policies have received national attention for their progressive positions. The NJSIAA always has been, and continues to be, a member-driven organization committed to the philosophy of education-based athletic programs. Member schools are the ones that initiate new rules and changes to existing rules…Mr. White and his staff are tasked with interpreting and enforcing the rules as written by the member schools.
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NJSIAA Appoints Larry White as its 8th Executive Director West Deptford resident has served as assistant director of association since 2005 ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (September 13, 2017) – West Deptford resident Larry White has been appointed as the eighth director of the NJSIAA, the official governing body of high school sports in New Jersey. White will formally assume the executive directorship on January 1, 2018. White joined the NJSIAA in 2005, becoming its first AfricanAmerican assistant director. He now is also its first AfricanAmerican executive director. In his 12 years with NJSIAA, White has overseen compliance for all eligibility and transfer rules, managed all Controversies Committee cases, and supervised the officials associations. In addition, he has been the assistant director in charge of basketball, baseball, volleyball, bowling, and gymnastics. His professional experience also includes serving as a vice principal in the Pine Hill School District, and as a teacher in the Monroe Township School District (Gloucester County), the Woodstown-Pilesgrove School District, at St. James Regional High School (which was located in Carney’s Point, NJ), and in the West Deptford School District. White – who from 1989 to 1994 was a minor league baseball umpire – has coached baseball, basketball, golf, and boys and girls tennis, and served as an official for high school basketball as well as for high school- and college-level baseball. White was nominated by a six-member search committee, which was comprised of past, present, and future Executive Committee presidents. He was a unanimous selection by the search committee, and final approval of the committee’s nomination was provided today by the Executive Committee. “Our search committee was charged with identifying the individual who could most effectively build upon the NJSIAA’s ongoing success in overseeing scholastic athletics throughout New Jersey,” says Chuck Klaus, the search committee chair. “As the process moved forward, it quickly became clear Larry had a unique understanding of the most challenging issues, their genesis, and a vision to address each. Larry is an ideal fit for this organization, and we were able to recommend him unequivocally.” As director, White succeeds Steve Timko, who has been with the NJSIAA since 2001, and who has been its director since 2006. Like Timko before him, White’s role will focus on communication with member schools, managing financial affairs, supervising tournaments, attending meetings of both the NJSIAA and the National Federation of State High School Associations, and – subject to Executive Committee endorsement – ruling on interpretations of the association’s constitution, bylaws, rules, and regulations.
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PAGE 2 OF 2 - NJSIAA “I’ve worked with Larry since he joined NJSIAA a dozen years ago, and I’m extremely proud that a person of his caliber is following me as the association’s executive director,” says Timko. “Larry has a lifetime of professional experience in many facets of scholastic sports, and he’s deeply committed to ensuring that the student-athletes represented by the NJSIAA enjoy fair and safe competition. There’s simply no one else who’s more qualified for this role.” Established in 1918, the NJSIAA currently is comprised of 435 accredited public, private, and parochial high schools. A non-profit association, it conducts tournaments and crowns champions in 32 different sports. “I’m eager to continue Steve Timko’s outstanding leadership in continually improving the high school sports environment both for student-athletes and the association’s member schools,” says White, who holds a bachelor’s degree from LaSalle University and a master’s from Rowan University. “It’s tremendously important that we consistently emphasize that all our high school sports venues are no more or less than extensions of the classroom. Scholastic athletics exist to be a vehicle for teaching young people key life lessons.” White is a member of both the Salem County Sports Hall of Fame and the Penns Grove High School Athletic Hall of Fame. The NJSIAA has initiated a search to fill the vacancy created by White’s new role. More information can be found at www.njsiaa.org. NOTE: A digital portrait of White is available here. About the NJSIAA Established in 1918, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) is a voluntary, non-profit organization comprised of 435 accredited public, private, and parochial high schools. A member of the National Federation of State High School Associations, the NJSIAA conducts tournaments and crowns champions in 32 sports. Championship competition for girls is sponsored in basketball, bowling, cross country, fencing, field hockey, golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, outdoor track, winter track, and volleyball. Boys’ championships are determined in baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, fencing, football, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, outdoor track, winter track, volleyball, and wrestling.
Core Course Requirement Update Beginning on January 1, 2019, candidates for RAA, RMSAA and CAA designations will require Leadership Training Course LTC 503 to the requisite requirements of established criteria. In addition, Leadership Training Course LTC 510 will be required for CMAA designations. To be eligible for certification under the current criteria, all course requirements for any designation must be completed prior to January 1, 2019. Thanking you in advance for your continued support of the NIAAA Leadership Training and Certification Programs.
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NJSIAA Fills Coveted Assistant Director Spot Tony Maselli, a long-time athletic director at Montgomery High School in Somerset County, has been appointed as an assistant director by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. Maselli’s addition fills out the staff at the organization, which has undergone a series of changes after Executive Director Steve Timko announced his retirement effective January 1, 2018. Timko will be replaced by former NJSIAA assistant director Larry White, which created the opening now filled by Maselli. He “will have various responsibilities,” although the specifics have yet to be determined, according to a press release issued Wednesday by the NJSIAA. RELATED: These 50 public high schools are the best for sports in New Jersey “Tony is an exceptional leader, with a strong commitment to fostering a positive, competitive environment for all the student-athletes in his charge,” Timko said in the release. “I’m confident that his enthusiasm and professional expertise will make him an invaluable addition to NJSIAA.” Before working in Montgomery, Maselli, a Milltown native, spent two years as an athletic director and supervisor of health and physical education in Metuchen. He graduated from Valparaiso University, earned a master’s degree from Wagner College and a supervisor certification from Kean University. Matthew Stanmyre may be reached at mstanmyre@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattStanmyre. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Remembering Dick Luttrell Died on November 23, 2017 at the age of 88 Was an Outstanding Football Coach Athletic Director at John F. Kennedy High School and Willingboro High School from 1971-1989 (18 years) 1983 Director of Athletics of the Year 1984-85 President of the DAANJ 2010 Inducted into the DAANJ Hall of Fame Dick was a member of DAANJ for 45 years, unfortunately he did not join last year and therefore is not entitled to the insurance.
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Virgil Sasso Scholarship Recipients Samantha Rivera South Brunswick HS • Class of 2017 Samantha was an exceptional student athlete. Although small in stature, she had the speed of a gazelle and the heart of a lion. Samantha was a captain on our girls’ soccer team and led them to a county championship in 2015 after a 14 year drought. In her senior year, Sam led the team back to the county finals through hard work, dedication and sacrifice. Alongside her success in athletics, Samantha was equally as successfully off the field in the areas of academics and community service within the South Brunswick Community. If there ever was a young woman to represent South Brunswick in every way, Samantha would be her. It was an honor to be selected by Ms. McGrath to receive the “Virgil Sasso” Scholarship Award It will be put towards Samantha’s tuition at Marywood University.
Tyler Kohutanycz South Brunswick HS • Class of 2017 I would like to extend congratulations to Mrs. McGrath for being selected the 2016-17 DAANJ Athletic Director of the Year. I thank her and members of the DAANJ for selecting me as one of the recipients of the Virgil Sasso Scholarship Award, which I will be applying towards tuition at The College of New Jersey. I believe a main component of receiving this gracious gift was my participation in the athletic program and the various extracurricular clubs offered at South Brunswick High School. My athletic accomplishments included earning four varsity letters as a member of the Bowling Team, team captain, two time champion of Central Jersey Group 4, runner-up in the GMC tournament, runner up in Group 4 of state finals and 9th place overall in the GMC’s my senior year. I was a member of the Future Educators Association at South Brunswick and served on the executive board my senior year. My involvement in the activities at South Brunswick High School and PEER Leadership program have instilled and developed key leadership skills that I will be able to use for the rest of my life. I am pursuing a degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in history, at The College of New Jersey. Even though the workload is expected to be extensive, I believe the skills learned and values instilled while participating on the bowling team, FEA and PEER Program have prepared me for the challenges ahead.
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In Memory of Neil Rosa Neil was born in Jersey City and was proud to be a member of the St. Paul’s of Greenville “courtyard crew” and was named USA Mr. Biddy Basketball in 1967. Neil is an alumnus of Marist High School of Bayonne, Bentley College of Waltham, MA, and UMass/Amherst. He was the first 1000-point scorer and went on to be elected to the Marist H.S. Hall of Fame. His basketball accomplishments led him to 14 years of college coaching at Massachusetts, Colgate and Rider Universities and Ramapo College of NJ. He transitioned to Athletic Administration and was appointed Athletic Director at Clayton High School followed by Kingsway Regional to his current position at Moorestown High School. His peers acknowledged him when he was named the NJSIAA Athletic Director of the Year in 2014. He served as a member of the Executive Board of the Directors of Athletics Association of New Jersey. Neil was blessed with a number of loves of his life: the first is his wife of 25 years, Debby; son Travis; daughters Michelle (Telly Kostidakis) and Melinda (Colin Fallon); and grandchildren Richie, Luke and Logan Bianchi, Kaz Kostidakis and Kayla and Carson Fallon. His love of family extended to his 14 Butler-Rosa brothers and sisters, and many nieces and nephews. Our family has been forever changed by the loss of this incredible man. His values have helped to shaped us in so many ways, one important way is striving to make each day count as God would want us to. It is our families desire to continue his legacy by helping others be able to pursue their academic dreams. 32 | DAANJ WINTER 2017
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High School Athletic Directors Always Have Their Heads in the Games By: Dave Kaplan
Steve Jenkins is the proud face of Bloomfield High School athletics. Whether he’s overseeing the school’s hall of fame or scraping gum off the gym floor, nobody embodies Bengal pride more than Jenkins, who has been a BHS teacher, coach and, since 2005, enthusiastic athletic director. The affable Jenkins, a Bloomfield native and the father of two young daughters, enjoys his “destination job.” Yet he’s deeply concerned about what he sees around him. The job of athletic director—or AD—was, until recently, noted for stability. Now, at 56 and just 12 years into the job, Jenkins is second in seniority among the Super Essex Conference’s 38 ADs. Turnover and fatigue are the new realities for Jenkins’s peers. Last year, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) posted 41 vacancies. This year, the volume of openings was similar; all the positions were filled. “Clearly, the demands on an AD are changing and all-consuming,” says Jenkins. “The job description is ‘all day and after dark.’” Neil Rosa, AD at Moorestown High School and a trustee of the Directors of Athletics Association of New Jersey (DAANJ), has witnessed an increase in turnover since 2007, when the economy nose-dived and Trenton drastically cut the state’s education budget. Suddenly ADs, already accustomed to working more than 60 hours a week, were saddled with new duties. Some ADs now pull double duty as assistant principals, often overseeing student activities, discipline and an academic department—in addition to all the sports programs. Many districts have altogether eliminated the traditional athletic-director title. “Things got turned upside down in the state with those cuts,” says Rosa, who is starting his 17th year in Moorestown. “With a lot of newer ADs today, the magnitude of time away from the family, the heightened awareness of events, the extra responsibilities and external pressures—many think it’s not worth it.” For years, New Jersey high school ADs were part of an old-boys’ club; to a degree, that’s still true. There are approximately 20 women ADs among the state’s 433 member schools in the NJSIAA. The job requires many hats and long days. Forget the common perception that ADs show up at 3 pm to watch their teams play. In fact, most days start before 8 am and often extend into the evening and to many Saturdays. Coping with difficult parents is an obligatory part of the job. Functional responsibilities include coordinating program schedules; preparing and implementing budgets; making sure every team that needs a field or gym for practice has one; facilitating transportation; supervising game management and crowd control; keeping tabs on student eligibility—academic and otherwise; hiring and evaluating coaches; and overseeing intramurals. ADs are also charged with promoting a positive atmosphere within their school, with other schools and within their town.
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No doubt the job holds considerable sway. A school’s athletic program is a window into its reputation, as well as its community. Yet Jenkins, known for presenting a positive image in Bloomfield, laments that too often, “people just look at wins, trophies, championships.” He believes athletics should be an extension of the classroom. He harps on themes like punctuality and respect. “It’s an awesome profession, one of the greatest ways to build influence in your community by the tone you set, the coaches you hire,” says consultant Kevin Bryant, a district athletic director in Oregon and author of a 2014 book, The Athletic Director Survival Guide (published by his own Thrive Athletic Consulting). “But it’s a very lonely job. No one in the building understands what you do. It’s like wallpaper, nobody notices you until something goes wrong.” And much can go awry. “When something happens in the classroom, you deal with it,” says Kim DeGraw-Cole, an NJSIAA assistant director and former AD at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin. “Something happens on the athletic field, it becomes a headline.” Not the least problem is fan behavior, which invariably puts ADs in the crosshairs. In 2016, a HowellManasquan hockey game was marred by a parent’s physical altercation with a pair of referees. Earlier this year, at a Jefferson Township-Dover High basketball game, some Jefferson students chanted “build the wall” at Dover’s Latino players and “ashy knees” at the team’s African-American members. The incident played out for days in the media. The NJSIAA directed the schools to work the problem out themselves. Such high-profile incidents are hardly the norm, but seething parents are increasingly problematic. “I’ve talked to quite a few people, and they agree it’s gotten worse since the economic downturn [in 2007],” says former Verona High AD Gary Farishian. “People are angrier, more frustrated,” he continues. “Nine out of 10 instances when a parent complains to an AD, it’s about their kid’s playing time.” Beyond the parental complaints, there are longstanding and polarizing issues to deal with. New Jersey high schools have been grappling with a transfer epidemic in which student athletes hopscotch from school to school in search of athletic advantage. Earlier this year, the commissioner of education rejected an NJSIAA rule intended to discourage student transfers, saying it unfairly punished students who transfer for legitimate reasons. The private-vs.-public-school issue is an ongoing national debate. Yet tensions in New Jersey have been particularly raw over the inherent advantages of certain private schools that ramp up recruiting to ensure their success. The issue recently got the better of Mike Wolfthal, longtime AD at Bishop Ahr High School in Edison. Frustrated over a December 2015 NJSIAA vote separating public and private schools in football and wrestling in his conference, Wolfthal blasted a profane e-mail to his peers. He later apologized, but the fury behind this controversy still inflames many. Stress is no stranger in a high school sports culture where winning often takes priority over fun and life lessons. Indeed, there’s much on the line, with so many student athletes hoping to earn college scholarships. Bryant, the consultant, says it takes up to five years for a new AD to fully “get their head around the position.” Meanwhile, they have to deal with the fear factor. Former Hunterdon Central athletic director Bob Rossi says he has seen younger ADs live in constant worry about buses showing up late, or heading in the wrong direction after leaving for their destinations.
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Fortunately, at Hunterdon Central—a 3,000-student regional school serving five municipalities—that was not the case with Rossi’s successor, Michael Raymond, who completed his first year as AD last spring after 16 years as the school’s baseball coach. Rossi worked closely with his protégé in his final months at Hunterdon Central, going over every detail of the job. “There’s so much to learn,” says Raymond, citing the school’s 33 different programs, each its own world. “Track,” he says, “is so different than softball in terms of its culture, everything.” Overly involved parents and old-school coaches are often recipes for conflict. Typically, the athletic director gets the brunt. “The attribute of any good AD is: Be a good listener,” says Rossi, who retired in 2016 after 24 years at Hunterdon Central. “As a parent myself, you relate to the pain and anguish of parents, if it’s their kid’s playing time or whatever, and you need to communicate that to the coaches.” These days, shrinking budgets and declining participation are forcing ADs to make tough decisions about eliminating some varsity sports or freshman and middle-school programs. To survive, a growing number of high school hockey programs have entered co-ops with neighboring schools. Yet decisions concerning smaller, albeit less expensive, programs often put ADs on the public hot seat. This past June, when A.L. Johnson High students in Clark pleaded at an emotional Board of Education meeting for continuation of their sports—cross country, tennis and swimming—they were told the decision rested with Gus Kalikas, the school’s AD. Kalikas says all of the programs were restored, and that tennis was never in jeopardy. If high school athletics come down to the bottom line, state legislation related to high school sports has gone over the top, according to Rosa. In 2016-17, more than 50 bills required NJSIAA action on new rules and procedures, many medical related. The association passes the changes to the state’s ADs to implement. “I’m blown away by the amount of state legislation we deal with now,” says Rosa. “Assemblymen worrying about how much money is charged for state tournaments? Aren’t there more important things to worry about?” All of these factors take a toll on educators like Sebastian Powell, a track coach and teacher, who served as Belvidere High’s AD for only one year before leaving for an assistant principal job in Bloomfield. “My wife forbids me from even thinking of applying for another [AD] job,” says Powell. Dave Kaplan is the former director of the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center. He lives in Montclair.
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VISIT US ONLINE TODAY
daanj.org 36 | DAANJ WINTER 2017
Benefits Provided NIAAA Members Benefits Provided NIAAA Members The national professional organization dedicated solely to services, assistance and development for the providers of secondary school “Education Based Athletics” programs.
The national professional organization dedicated solely to services, assistance and development for the providers of secondary school “Education Based Athletics” programs. Professional The national professional organization dedicated solely to services, assistance and development for the providers of secondary school “Education Based Athletics” programs.
North Central Accreditation NIAAA is the first association accredited by North Central Association Commission Accreditation and School Improvement. North Centralon Accreditation North Central Accreditation NIAAA is the first association accredited by North Central Association Leadership Instituteaccredited by North Central Association NIAAA is theTraining firstAccreditation association Commission on and School Improvement. Educational curriculum of 38 courses taught at national and state Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. conferences, institutes and NIAAA webinars. Students can earn CEUs, Leadership Training Institute through a master’s through select universities. Leadership Trainingdegree Institute Educational curriculum of 38 courses taught at national and state Educational curriculum of 38 courses taught Students at nationalcan andearn state conferences, institutes and NIAAA webinars. CEUs, Certification Program conferences, institutes andthrough NIAAA webinars. Students can earn CEUs, through a master’s degree select universities. Four levels of professional certification including Registered, Middle School, through a master’s degree through select universities. Certified and Certified Certification ProgramMaster Athletic Administrator. Certification Four levels ofProgram professional National Athletic Directorscertification Conferenceincluding Registered, Middle School, Four levels ofCertified professional certification including Registered, Middle School, Certified and Master Athletic Administrator. Annual Conference hosted in cooperation with the NFHS offering educational, Certified and Certified Master Athletic Administrator. services, Athletic informational leadership and networking opportunities. National Directors Conference National Athletic Directors Annual Conference hosted inConference cooperation with the NFHS offering educational, Hall of Fame Annual Conference hosted in cooperation with the opportunities. NFHS offering educational, services, informational leadership and networking Induction and recognition of individuals that have strongly impacted the services, informational leadership and networking opportunities. profession of athletic administration. Hall of Fame Hall of Fame Induction and recognition of individuals that have strongly impacted the Code of Ethicsrecognition and Professional Standards Induction of individuals that have strongly impacted the professionand of athletic administration. Clarifies our principles. profession ofmission athletic and administration. Code of Ethics and Professional Standards Code of Ethics and Professional Standards Clarifies our mission and principles. Clarifies our mission and principles.
Professional Professional
Interscholastic Athletic Administration Magazine Professional journal providing high school and middle school leadership practical assistance fromAdministration athletic administrators in the field, research based Interscholastic Athletic Magazine study, NIAAAjournal member information, and best practices. Interscholastic Athletic Administration Magazine Professional providing high important school andcolumns middle school leadership Professional journal from providing high school and middle leadership practical assistance athletic administrators in the school field, research based Awards Program practical assistance from athletic administrators in the field, research based study, NIAAA member information, important columns and best practices. Recognition levels for athletic administrators at both state and national levels. study, NIAAA member information, important columns and best practices. Awards Program Media Materials Awards Program Recognition levels for athletic administrators at both state and national levels. Electronic and printfor materials to assist the professional. Recognition levels athletic available administrators at both state and national levels. Media Materials Professional Program Media Materials Electronic andOutreach print materials available to assist the professional. Conductedand in cooperation withavailable state athletic administrator associations as Electronic print materials to assist the professional. outreach to targeted demographic Professional Outreach Program areas through the NIAAA Endowment. Offering of LTI (501-502), RAA state Certification, one year NIAAA membership, Professional Program Conducted in Outreach cooperation with athletic administrator associations as with 10 percent of participants registration lodging scholarship Conducted cooperation with receiving state athletic administrator associations as outreach tointargeted demographic areas through the and NIAAA Endowment. to the national conference. outreach toLTI targeted demographic areas through the NIAAA Offering of (501-502), RAA Certification, one year NIAAAEndowment. membership, Offering of LTI (501-502), RAA receiving Certification, one yearand NIAAA membership, with 10 percent of participants registration lodging scholarship Public Service Announcements with percentconference. of participants receiving registration and lodging scholarship to the10national Promoting the conference. benefits of education based athletic programs to students to the national and society. Public Service Announcements Public Service Announcements Promoting the benefits of education based athletic programs to students Promoting and society.the benefits of education based athletic programs to students and society.
Direct Benefits to Members
Opportunities
Benefits at www.niaaa.org
• $2,000,000 liability insurance. • IAA is a quarterly magazine provided to members both hardliability copy and electronic flip page form. • in $2,000,000 insurance. •• $2,000,000 liability insurance. $2,500 Insurance. IAA is aLife quarterly magazine provided to members • in IAA is ahard quarterly magazine provided to members Membership kit for first-time registrants. both copy and electronic flip page form. both hard copy and electronic flip page form. •• in A Profile of Athletic Administration – 32 page booklet $2,500 Life Insurance. $2,500 Insurance. availableLife at no providing registrants. purpose of position and •• Membership kitcost, for first-time Membership forAD first-time description ofkit how positionregistrants. should structured •• A Profile of Athletic Administration – 32bepage booklet • A Profile of Athletic – 32ofpage booklet and supported. available at no cost, Administration providing purpose position and available at no cost,AD providing of position and • description National Emergency Network Assistance available of how position–purpose should be structured description of how ADemergences. position should be structured in of traveling andcases supported. supported. •• and Continued cutting edge development through National Emergency Network – Assistance available • in National Emergency Network – Assistance available 4thcases NIAAA Strategic of traveling Plan. emergences. cases– of traveling emergences. •• in eNews Electronic newsletter offeredthrough 10 times Continued cutting edge development • Continued development through annually atcutting no cost.edge 4th NIAAA Strategic Plan. 4th NIAAA Strategic Plan. Numerous educational print materials digital. •• eNews – Electronic newsletter offered and 10 times • eNews Electronic offered 10 times Research onnotimely topics. annually– at cost. newsletter at educational no cost. to Direct communication members through social •• annually Numerous print materials and digital. Numerous educational print materials and digital. media. on •• Research timely topics. •• Research on timely topics. Direct communication to members through social •Cost Direct communication to members through social Reductions media. • media. Lower registration cost for National Conference and LTI. Cost Reductions Reductions • Lower Reduced premiumscost on AFLAC cancerConference and •Cost registration for National • Lower accident insurance.cost for National Conference and LTI.registration LTI. cost •• and Reduced for certification Reduced premiums on AFLACapplications. cancer and • accident Reduced premiums on AFLAC cancer Discounted rates offered on Mutual ofand Omaha Long insurance. insurance. Term Health Added inclusion in Tuition Rewards • accident Reduced costCare. for certification applications. •• Reduced for offered certification applications. and Care cost Options Assistance. Discounted rates on Mutual of Omaha Long • Term Discounted MutualinofTuition OmahaRewards Long Healthrates Care.offered Added on inclusion Term Health Care.Assistance. Added inclusion in Tuition Rewards and Care Options and Care Options Assistance.
• NIAAA Committee Membership – 13 committees in addition to Periodic Ad Hoc committees. •• Field – Members may apply in for NIAAARenovation CommitteeProgram Membership – 13 committees • NIAAA Committee Membership – field 13 committees in consideration to have outdoor renovated by addition to Periodic AdanHoc committees. addition toofPeriodic Ad Hoc members the Sports Turf– committees. Committee. • Field Renovation Program Members may apply for • Field Program – Members may apply by for IAA –Renovation Opportunity to submit articles forrenovated publication. consideration to have an outdoor field consideration to Sports have anTurf outdoor field– renovated • members Student Scholarship/Essay Program Open to by of the Committee. members the Sports Turfthe Committee. students inofschools Athletic is an • IAA – Opportunity towhere submit articles forDirector publication. •• IAA – Opportunity to submit articles for publication. NIAAA member. Female andProgram male recipients at Student Scholarship/Essay – Open to State, • students Student Scholarship/Essay Program Open to is an Section ($1,500) andwhere National levels –($2,000). in schools the Athletic Director in schools Athletic Director is an • students NIAAA –where Opportunity to contribute. NIAAA Endowment member. Female andthe male recipients at State, NIAAA and male recipients at State, Portion of funds Female utilized for professional growth Sectionmember. ($1,500) and National levels ($2,000). Section ($1,500) and National levels ($2,000). outreach initiatives and state grants. • NIAAA Endowment – Opportunity to contribute. • NIAAA ––Opportunity to contribute. In-Service Program Offering selected LTI courses PortionEndowment of funds utilized for professional growth Portion funds utilized professional growth adapted ininitiatives 90 minute orstate 4forhour presentations. outreachof and grants. outreach and state grants. Available initiatives toProgram school or staff. Topics • In-Service – district Offering selected LTIinclude courses • In-Service Offering LTI courses 14 legal duties, time–management and interpersonal adapted in Program 90 minute or 4 hourselected presentations. adapted minute 4 hour presentations. relationships. Availableinto90 school or or district staff. Topics include Available to school ormanagement district staff. Topics include • 14 Quality Award – Option after having taken legalProgram duties, time and interpersonal 14 legal time management interpersonal LTC 799 duties, to participate in a processand of athletic program relationships. relationships. assessment offering Exemplary recognition. • Quality Program Award – OptionProgram after having taken • LTC Quality Program Award after havingtotaken Invited Program – Opportunity have 799Assessment to participate in–aOption process of athletic program LTC 799 to participate in a process offacet athletic team of professionals evaluate each of a program school assessment offering Exemplary Program recognition. assessment offering Exemplary Program recognition. or district athletic program. • Invited Assessment Program – Opportunity to have • Invited Program Opportunity have team ofAssessment professionals evaluate– each facet of to a school team of professionals evaluate each facet of a school or district athletic program. or district athletic program.
Benefits at towww.niaaa.org offerings. Links key educational, affiliates. Benefits at www.niaaa.org •• Member Services – Online opportunity through NIAAA Dedicated to NIAAA information and program
Direct Benefits to Members Direct Benefits to Members
Opportunities Opportunities
• Dedicated to NIAAA information and program
• Dedicated toview NIAAA information andaffiliates. program database to update personal account, find offerings. Links toand key educational, Links educational, affiliates. members,Services orderto materials or initiate/renew NIAAA • offerings. Member –key Online opportunity through NIAAA • Member – Online opportunity through NIAAA membership. Opportunity to post a resume, open databaseServices to view and update personal account, find database viewmaterials and update account, find dates, jobtoopenings. members, order or personal initiate/renew NIAAA members, order materials or post initiate/renew NIAAA • membership. Registration and information regarding the annual Opportunity to a resume, open membership. Opportunity to post a resume, open National dates, jobConference. openings. dates, openings. NIAAA job apparel through the online logo shop. •• Registration and information regarding the annual • Registration and information regarding the annual Preferred Vendors – Online site for preferred product National Conference. Conference. and services with company links. logo shop. • National NIAAA apparel through the online NIAAA apparel the shop. Role of thethrough Principal in online Interscholastic Athletics •• The Preferred Vendors – Online site forlogo preferred product– • Free Preferred Vendors – Online site foron preferred product 12 minute video through link the NIAAA Web and services with company links. and Role services with company links. site. Produced inPrincipal cooperation with the NASSP and – of the in Interscholastic Athletics • The Role of the video Principal in Interscholastic Athletics • The NFHS. Free 12 minute through link on the NIAAA Web– 12 minute video through link on the NIAAAand Web • Free Calendar of scheduled professional development site. Produced in cooperation with the NASSP site. Produced cooperation withathletic the NASSP and events for bothinstate and national NFHS. NFHS. administrator associations. • Calendar of scheduled professional development • Calendar scheduled professional development State Directory – Listing of key contact eventsLeadership forofboth state and national athletic events for both state and national athletic individuals within states. administrator associations. administrator associations. Archived IAA magazine for research reference. •• State Leadership Directory – Listing and of key contact • State Leadership of key NIAAA forms andDirectory applications in fillable PDFcontact format. individuals within states. – Listing individuals within states. Digital publications and for survey information. •• Archived IAA magazine research and reference. •• Archived IAA magazine for research and PDF reference. NIAAA forms and applications in fillable format. •• NIAAA forms and applications fillable PDF format. Digital publications and surveyininformation. • Digital publications and survey information.
National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association 9100 Keystone Crossing, Suite 650, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240; Phone: 317-587-1450; www.niaaa.org NIAAA 4-2014 National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association 9100 Keystone Crossing, Athletic Suite 650, Indianapolis, Association Indiana 46240; Phone: 317-587-1450; www.niaaa.org National Interscholastic Administrators
9100 Keystone Crossing, Suite 650, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240; Phone: 317-587-1450; www.niaaa.org
NIAAA 4-2014 NIAAA 4-2014
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Professional Development Program LEADERSHIP
SERVICE
EDUCATION
LEADERSHIP TRAINING COURSE The DAANJ Executive Committee encourages our members to participate in the Leadership Training Programs. They are excellent reference materials. We also encourage our membership to work towards their athletic administration national certification. Courses will be be offered at the annual workshop as as the sites and dates throughout the year as requested. Should you have a particular need please contact Bob Hopek at minnesotahopek1@yahoo.com for assistance. Thank you for your participation in these most important educational experiences.
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John Deutsch, Director of Athletics at North Hunterdon High School with Don Bales from NIAAA Chair of Quality Education Award at the National Workshop in Arizona in December
John Deutsch, Director of Athletics at North Hunterdon High School with Bob Hopek
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Please forward articles or ideas for our newsletters to:
Bob Hopek, Editor 1913 Maple Ave. • Easton, PA 18040 Office: 610-438-0325 • Cell: 908-319-0307 Fax: 610-438-2988 minnesotahopek1@yahoo.com 40 | DAANJ WINTER 2017