April 2020 - 14

NAVIGATING
CHANGE IN
ATHLETIC
PROGRAMS
Innovative technology, new coaches
and rising expectations require adjustments
In the world of high school athletics, change is a constant.
While it can be good or bad, something is always changing.
Lee Iacocca, the former CEO of Chrysler, once said,
" You are either moving forward or falling behind, because
there is no such thing as standing still. " This statement
pretty much sums up your athletic department, and it is not
intended simply to focus on wins and losses.
When you consider your situation, you may face the
start of the school year with a new principal, new studentathletes
and their parents, and perhaps a few new coaches.
Your budget may have been cut and you now have to raise
additional funds. There may also be new state or district
regulations, and there is always something new with
respect to technology.
There is always change.
In the business or corporate world, change brings about
several predictable reactions. Normally, change initially
creates shock and possibly even anger by those affected.
Most individuals don't like the unknown and want to
remain in their comfort zone - the way things have always
been done. But many things are out of your control and
change is likely to happen.
After the initial reaction of shock or anger, the next
may be that of rejection. " No, I'm simply not going to
use that new technique or new technology. It's not going
to happen. " Chances are it's going to happen, because
someone with authority - your principal or superintendent
- has made the decision. And this quickly brings most
individuals to the point of acceptance.
Once many realize that a change will occur - in
expectations, requirements, compliance, technology or
14 | 2020 Tech Guide
By Dr. David Hoch, columnist
whatever is involved - the next thought usually revolves
around, " Oh my, I'm in trouble. I don't know how it works
and I need help. "
The transformation has finally gone from acceptance
to seeking assistance. And this is where you, the athletic
administrator, come into focus.
As the person in charge of the athletic program, you are
also the change agent or the person who is responsible for
managing change. In the corporate world, there may be a
department or individual who helps employees to facilitate
new technology or to provide training for new regulations
and methods of doing business. At your school, you are the
one who has to help coaches, athletes and parents with all
new changes that are involved with your program.
Here are some suggestions to help you fill this vital role.
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Get adjusted. Make sure that you confront your own
trepidation concerning any potential change, before
you attempt to guide and help your department. You want
and need to be calm, confident and a steady influence for
everyone. If you exhibit anger, skepticism or reservations,
it will be difficult to impossible to inspire and guide others.
As the leader of the program, you need to lead.
Layout the vision. Always start with those affected
by supplying the vision for your program and why
adapting to this change is important and necessary.
This step may include reassuring everyone involved that
everything eventually is going to be be fine and it will just
take a little time to learn and adjust.
Don't fight it. Communicate that once a decision has
been reached by the state or district, it is normally
beyond your control. And once something reaches this
April 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of April 2020
