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Athletic Director �Minimum Qualifications

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Minimum Qualifications

  • Hold an educator license

OR

  • Minimum of 3 years previous athletic leadership (coaching, gametime administration, etc.)

AND

  • Hold (or obtain within 3 years) the NIAAA Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) certification�

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National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAA)

  • Mission:The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) preserves, enhances, and promotes educational-based athletics through the professional development of interscholastic athletic administrators.
  • Purpose: As a recognized accredited educational institution committed to leadership programs, resources and service opportunities, the NIAAA supports the athletic administrator's effort to provide quality athletic participation opportunities for students.
  • Accredited by Cognia

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CAA Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree (or NIAA waiver)
  • LTC 501, 502, 503, 504, 506 (courses can be completed online or in person at the UIAA conference each spring).
  • 2+ years of experience
  • Employed as an athletic administrator
  • Attain 65 credits through accumulated work experience.
  • Pass the CAA exam

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LTC 501 – Foundations

  • Role and purpose of athletic administration
  • Educational-based athletics philosophy
  • Program structure and development
  • Key administrative responsibilities

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LTC 502 – Principles & Strategies

  • Management strategies for athletic programs
  • Communication and team-building
  • Event operations and logistics
  • Budgeting and resource allocation

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LTC 503 – Organizational Management

  • Organizational planning and leadership models
  • Human resources and supervision
  • Facility scheduling and management
  • Conflict resolution and problem-solving

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LTC 504 – Legal Issues

  • Title IX and gender equity
  • Liability and negligence concerns
  • Risk management principles
  • Eligibility and due process

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LTC 506 – Student-Athlete Leadership

  • Leadership development frameworks
  • Sportsmanship and character-building
  • Behavior expectations and accountability
  • Positive coaching philosophies