July/August 2023 - 6

A.D.MINISTRATION
STEPS TO LEAD
TO BETTER
MENTAL
HEALTH
FOR ATHLETIC
ADMINISTRATORS
By Dr. David Hoch, retired CMAA
T
he issue of mental
health involving
student-athletes has
been at the forefront in
the past few years, and
rightfully so. Steps to
educate and help young
people are essential, and
incorporating proactive
initiatives is imperative.
In light of long stressful,
hectic days with hundreds of tasks and responsibilities,
however, it would be wise for athletic administrators to
also consider their mental health, and to take definitive,
concrete steps to enhance and protect it.
Athletic administrators often have to set and
maintain standards, solve problems, and make vital
decisions. Not everyone associated with the athletic
program - and this can include parents, teachers,
administrators, and school board members - may
understand or appreciate your efforts, and as a result,
you may face unrealistic expectations, pressure, and
stress. Understandably, these factors can lead to
the erosion of your mental health. It is important to
understand this phenomenon and to develop a game
plan to deal with it.
If you were able to use the summer to reconnect with
your family and refresh a little, this is a good place to
start your proactive efforts to maintain your mental
6 JULY/AUGUST 2023
health. But as practice sessions begin and the fall
season looms, what can you do to sustain a positive,
constructive, and sane approach to relate to individuals
and handle your responsibilities throughout the year?
You might consider and try some of the following.
* Find a way to incorporate the big three elements every
day - nutritious food, sleep, and exercise. It may take
a little creativity to accomplish these objectives, but
they are essential to operate at an optimal level and
deal with stress.
* Develop simple, easy-to-use techniques for stress
relief. These might include meditation, walking, or
simply turning off the lights in your office, and closing
your eyes for a few minutes as a calming agent. In
practical terms, you do have to check the condition of
your fields in the fall and spring. This time walking
and being outdoors can work wonders. Even if there
has been no rain, go check the fields.
* Avoid the temptation to work a little longer in the
evening or to come in early. Yes, for a one-time
emergency, you may have to do this. But doing this
consistently will further wear you down to the point
that you can't recover. Close the door to your office, go
home, find something healthy to eat, and get enough
sleep. Organize and plan your day to be as efficient as
possible, but don't over-extend.
* Take a mental health day when needed. This approach
has been around and used by teachers for at least fifty
years or more. As an athletic administrator,

July/August 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of July/August 2023

Between the Lines: Cultivating necessary soft skills
A.D.ministration: Steps to better mental health for A.D.'s
Coaching For Significance: 14 tips to define your program's athletic attitude
2023 Coaches Survey Results
Recovery, Rest, and Reset
Lacrosse: Getting the most from the 2-3-1 formation
Brand Recognition: Leveraging social media to promote athletic department
Forge Unstoppable Bonds
Pickleball: The Big Sport on Campus
Facility Focus: Brown moving forward with indoor practice facility
Water Log: Guidelines for proper hydration
Mental Edge: Building an athlete's mental approach
Product Marketplace
Ad Index
July/August 2023 - 1
July/August 2023 - 2
July/August 2023 - 3
July/August 2023 - Between the Lines: Cultivating necessary soft skills
July/August 2023 - 5
July/August 2023 - A.D.ministration: Steps to better mental health for A.D.'s
July/August 2023 - 7
July/August 2023 - 8
July/August 2023 - 9
July/August 2023 - Coaching For Significance: 14 tips to define your program's athletic attitude
July/August 2023 - 11
July/August 2023 - 12
July/August 2023 - 13
July/August 2023 - 2023 Coaches Survey Results
July/August 2023 - 15
July/August 2023 - 16
July/August 2023 - 17
July/August 2023 - 18
July/August 2023 - 19
July/August 2023 - Recovery, Rest, and Reset
July/August 2023 - 21
July/August 2023 - 22
July/August 2023 - 23
July/August 2023 - Lacrosse: Getting the most from the 2-3-1 formation
July/August 2023 - 25
July/August 2023 - 26
July/August 2023 - 27
July/August 2023 - 28
July/August 2023 - 29
July/August 2023 - Brand Recognition: Leveraging social media to promote athletic department
July/August 2023 - 31
July/August 2023 - 32
July/August 2023 - 33
July/August 2023 - Forge Unstoppable Bonds
July/August 2023 - 35
July/August 2023 - 36
July/August 2023 - 37
July/August 2023 - Pickleball: The Big Sport on Campus
July/August 2023 - 39
July/August 2023 - Facility Focus: Brown moving forward with indoor practice facility
July/August 2023 - 41
July/August 2023 - Water Log: Guidelines for proper hydration
July/August 2023 - 43
July/August 2023 - Mental Edge: Building an athlete's mental approach
July/August 2023 - 45
July/August 2023 - 46
July/August 2023 - 47
July/August 2023 - Product Marketplace
July/August 2023 - 49
July/August 2023 - Ad Index
July/August 2023 - 51
July/August 2023 - 52
July/August 2023 - 53
July/August 2023 - 54
July/August 2023 - 55
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