National Athletic Directors Month – March 2025

Mar 1, 2025 | Athletics

Athletic director working with student-athletes.

What is National Athletic Directors Month?

March is National Athletic Directors Month. It is a time to recognize and appreciate the hard work of high school athletic directors across the country. Athletic directors are key in shaping student-athlete experiences. They manage athletic programs, schedule events, and ensure rules are followed. They also help build school spirit and do much more.

This month is proudly sponsored by Eventlink®, the best-in-class software that provides a ‘One Spot’ solution for schedules, e-contracts, digital tickets, athletic websites, and more. 

When is National Athletic Directors Month 2025?

National Athletic Directors Month is celebrated throughout March 2025. This month is dedicated to acknowledging athletic directors’ leadership, commitment, and impact in schools and communities nationwide.

 

History of National Athletic Directors Month

The Role of Athletic Directors Through the Years

Athletic directors have long been the backbone of high school and collegiate sports programs. They ensure that student-athletes have access to safe, well-organized, and competitive athletic experiences. Over the years, their role has evolved from basic scheduling to comprehensive program management, safety oversight, and student development.

Participation in high school sports grew by over 1.1 million student-athletes from 2002 to 2019. As a result, athletic directors now have more responsibilities. These include legal compliance, technology use, and student-athlete mental health issues.

Why National Athletic Directors Month Was Created

Eventlink® created National Athletic Directors Month to honor the hard work of athletic directors. This month highlights their effort, leadership, and positive impact on school communities. Athletic directors often work behind the scenes, ensuring everything runs smoothly. This month is their time to be celebrated!

 

National Athletic Directors Key Events Timeline 1920s-1950s – The Rise of Athletic Directors High school sports grow, leading to the emergence of athletic directors to oversee programs. 1969 – A National Association is Created The National Council of Secondary School Athletic Directors (NCSSAD) is created at an AAHPER convention. 1971 – First National Athletic Directors Conference (NADC) The NFHS holds the first national conference for high school athletic directors in St. Louis, Missouri, with 355 attendees. 1976-1977 – Formation of the NIAAA 1976 – The NFHS approves the creation of a National Athletic Administrators Association. 1977 – The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) is founded, and the first Annual Meeting is held. 1988-1989 – Certification Program Introduced 1988 – The first Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) exams are offered. 1989 – Frank Kovaleski becomes the NIAAA’s national director. 2000-2005 – Major Organizational Changes 2000 – NIAAA headquarters move to Indianapolis, Indiana. 2005 – Bruce Whitehead, CMAA, becomes Executive Director, and the NIAAA reaches a $1 million budget. 2011 – NIAAA Becomes Cognia-Accredited The first athletic administrators association in the world to be accredited. 2016-2019 – Record Growth & Global Expansion 2016 – Membership hits 10,000, and Dr. Mike Blackburn, CMAA, becomes Executive Director. 2018 – The largest NADC attendance to date. 2020 – The Pandemic Disrupts High School Athletics First cancellation of the NADC since its founding. Athletic directors take on new responsibilities for COVID-19 safety. 2021 – The Return of the In-Person NADC Nearly 2,000 athletic directors gather in Denver, Colorado. 2022-2023 – Continued Expansion 2023 – Membership surpasses 14,000, and 43 states are recognized for their commitment to the profession.

 

 

National Athletic Directors Month Traditions

School & Community Celebrations

Many schools and organizations can host events, pep rallies, and social media campaigns to show appreciation for their athletic directors.

Athletic Director Spotlights

Schools and districts highlight athletic directors on social media, websites, and newsletters to share stories of their hard work.

Eventlink® Appreciation Initiatives

As the official sponsor, Eventlink® partners with schools and organizations to provide unique resources to athletic directors.

 

Statistics about athletic directors for National Athletic Directors Month 19,000+ – The number of high school athletic directors in the U.S. 60+ – The average weekly hours worked by an athletic director. 80% – The percentage of athletic directors who also serve as coaches, administrators, or teachers. 95% – The percentage of high school sports events coordinated by athletic directors. 100% – The dedication and effort athletic directors put into student success!

 

 

National Athletic Directors Month FAQs

What does an athletic director do?

Athletic directors oversee middle school, high school, and collegiate sports programs, handling schedules, budgets, compliance, event coordination, and more.

Why is National Athletic Directors Month important?

It’s a time to recognize and celebrate the hard work of athletic directors who ensure student-athletes have safe, organized, and successful sports experiences.

What qualifications do athletic directors need?

Research shows that high school principals like athletic directors who have experience as head coaches. They also prefer those who have taken courses in sports law, ethics, and budgeting.

How can schools participate in National Athletic Directors Month?

Schools can show appreciation by hosting events, sharing success stories, and using Eventlink®’s tools for their athletic programs.

 

 

Ways to Celebrate National Athletic Directors Month

Give a Social Media Shoutout

Use platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to post about your school’s athletic director. Use #NationalAthleticDirectorsMonth and tag @Eventlink to show appreciation!

Surprise Your AD with a Thank-You Gift

Consider giving a personalized plaque, handwritten notes from students, or a school-branded gift to show gratitude.

Make Their Job Easier with Eventlink®

Help your athletic director by choosing Eventlink® for best-in-class software for schools and athletic departments. Trusted by schools nationwide, Eventlink® is the go-to tool for athletic directors, coaches, administrators, parents, and students to manage day-to-day activities for each season. Eventlink® streamlines game and practice schedules, e-contracts, facility management, digital tickets, athletic websites, and more. It simplifies the workload for schools and athletic departments while providing a user-friendly, ‘One Spot’ platform for connecting with their parents, students, and community.

 

 

5 Facts About Athletic Directors That Will Surprise You

 

5 Facts About Athletic Directors That Will Surprise You
They Work More Than Just Game Days Athletic directors manage everything from budget planning to facility maintenance — far beyond game-day responsibilities.
They Handle Hundreds of Events Per Year An average high school athletic director coordinates over 200 sporting events annually.
They’re Experts in Conflict Resolution ADs mediate between coaches, athletes, parents, and administrators to keep programs running smoothly.
They’re Tech-Savvy Modern athletic directors rely on software like Eventlink® to streamline operations and reduce stress for the entire corporation, staff, coaches, parents, and students.
They Shape Future Leaders Athletic directors instill discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship in thousands of student-athletes each year.

 

 

Why We Love National Athletic Directors Month

Athletic Directors Keep School Sports Thriving

Without them, high school sports wouldn’t be the same. They ensure games happen, officials are scheduled, and students have access to quality athletics.

They Create Lifelong Memories for Student-Athletes

Athletic directors help shape unforgettable moments, championships, and friendships for student-athletes.

They Manage More Than Just Sports

Athletic directors are multitasking pros, from handling budgets to hiring coaches and managing facilities!

Eventlink® Supports Their Hard Work

With Eventlink®’s tools, athletic directors can easily manage schedules, tickets and passes, and concessions, making their job more efficient.

 

 

Final Thoughts on National Athletic Directors Month

March is the perfect time to recognize and celebrate the unsung heroes of high school sports — our athletic directors! From managing schedules to supporting student-athletes, they make high school sports possible and unforgettable.

Let’s give them the appreciation they deserve!

 

Want to make your athletic director’s job easier?Schedule a demo with Eventlink® today to experience one-spot features in the game and beyond!

 

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