AD 360 - From Talk to Training: Stay Ahead of Winter Sports Season

Winter sports may feel distant, but an experienced athletic director knows the weeks fly by faster than expected. As the fall postseason approaches, the workload starts to shift. Facility schedules tighten, weather policies get tested, and communication becomes essential.  

In a previous episode of AD 360, former athletic directors Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg discussed the preparations needed for the winter season. Their advice centers on thinking two steps ahead, so finals week, off-campus practices, and early dismissals don’t catch anyone off guard. 

Weather and Communication

The weather is not surprising for athletic directors in the winter, but inconsistent communication can snowball into many unexpected challenges.  

Their Advice: Lock in the policies beforehand, circulate them through coaches, and decide how updates will reach athletes and families.  

🎓 Related PlayOn Academy Resource:  

This video covers updating postponed games, rescheduling contests in HQ, and notifying ticket holders when plans change.  

Health, Safety, and Scheduling

Beyond gym space, winter sports stretch athletic administration staff thin. Athletic trainers cover multiple venues, custodians manage constant setups, and ADs juggle overlapping games.  

Greg recommends setting trainer coverage hours in advance and posting emergency action plans at every site.

Scott’s reminder: Make cleanup expectations part of every coach’s routine.

They also acknowledged that the human side is rarely discussed, which is AD burnout.  

Key Takeaway:  

Protecting your own schedule is part of leadership. Have coverage plans that allow staff and you to recharge.  

🎓 Related PlayOn Academy Resource:  

This training video shows how to build seasons in advance to reduce manual scheduling and free up time during busy weeks.  

Technology as a Safety Net  

Streaming keeps communities connected to the action beyond the venue. Greg and Scott noted that tools like GoFan and NFHS Network create continuity in an athletic department.

Also, adding streaming links and ticketing updates to school websites ensures families stay informed even when conditions change.  

Key Takeaway:  Use digital tools to eliminate tedious manual work.

🎓 Related PlayOn Academy Video:  

Step-by-step video on creating and publishing a livestream event. 

🎓 Related PlayOn Academy Video:  

This tutorial shows how to post customizable buttons directly on your athletic site. 

Regional Differences, Universal Preparation  

The challenges of an AD from New Jersey or California may vary, but the main themes still apply. Plan early, communicate clearly, and expect change.  

Even where weather is not an issue, scheduling conflicts and finals weeks can derail a season without proactive coordination.  

Key Takeaway:  A well-prepared AD plan is needed for both the predictable and the possible.  

Next Steps

Winter sports provide a different set of challenges than fall sports. However, Greg and Scott remind us that preparation is more about removing surprises than predicting problems. 

Listen to the full AD 360 episode, "Winter Sports Playbook: Strategies for a Successful Season," to hear how peers across the country manage it all and keep their programs running smoothly.