Washington, D.C. – Recognizing the significant impact athletic administrators have on students’ educational experience, today Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) and Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA) introduced a bill to designate December 15, 2020 as Interscholastic Athletic Administrators’ Day. This resolution recognizes the contributions of athletic administrators in promoting high standards for integrity and success both on and off the field.
The resolution also commends the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association as the leading organization that prepares those who lead secondary school athletics. On average, interscholastic athletic programs only make up one percent to three percent of school budgets, reflecting a high return on investment.
Congressman Fred Keller made the following statement upon the bill’s introduction:
“I’m proud to recognize the wonderful work that high school athletic administrators do in promoting excellence in our student-athletes both on and off the field. Athletic administrators serve a crucial role in our schools, motivating students to push themselves in the classroom and on the field while also teaching them valuable lessons about the values of sportsmanship, cooperation and fair play—the benefits of which last a lifetime.”
Additionally, Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán made the following statement:
“Growing up playing baseball and then softball in high school, sports were more than just a hobby to me and so many others; they are a way to stay active, connect, learn, and build trust. Athletic administrators play a critical role in the lives of so many of our young people, helping them achieve both their athletic and academic goals. In this year where the nature of both sports and education have been altered enormously to ensure safety and wellbeing, I’m proud to join Rep. Keller in introducing this resolution to formally recognize the achievements and innovation of Interscholastic Athletic Administrators on December 15, 2020.”
Finally, National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Executive Director Mike Blackburn made the following statement:
“On behalf of the NIAA and the nearly 13,000 athletic administrators we serve, we give our sincere thanks to Rep. Barragán and Rep. Keller for their leadership in recognizing the first ever Athletic Administrators’ Day. The role athletic administrators play in the lives of our student athletes is critical. Now, more than ever, during these challenging times it is so essential for schools and our policymakers to recognize the importance of secondary school athletic programs and how sports provide students with critical benefits off and on the playing field. It is an honor to have a day designed for our school athletic heroes by our policymakers.”
The full text of resolution is below:
Recognizing Interscholastic Athletic Administrators’ Day on December 15, 2020.
Whereas school athletic programs develop young people physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally through the life lessons learned through participation and competition;
Whereas interscholastic athletic participation is an integral part of a student’s educational experience and enhances the learning process;
Whereas athletic administrators are committed to developing and maintaining comprehensive education-based athletic programs which seek the highest development of all student athletes;
Whereas athletic administrators fulfill professional responsibilities with honesty, integrity, commitment to equity, and fairness;
Whereas athletic administrators preserve, enhance, and promote the educational values of athletics in our schools through professional growth in the areas of education, leadership, and service;
Whereas athletic administrators embody high standards of ethics, sportsmanship, and personal conduct. and encourage coaching staffs, student-athletes, and community members to commit to these high standards as well;
Whereas during the COVID–19 pandemic, now more than ever, we need school leaders, including athletic administrators, who prepare, plan, and endeavor to secure student safety and wellbeing;
Whereas during COVID–19, athletic administrators have been at the forefront of overseeing their secondary school educational programs as re-opening requires wisdom in preparation, adaptation, change, and relearning to be shared with other school officials; and
Whereas the COVID–19 pandemic has shown the importance of athletic administrators and interscholastic athletics during a critical moment in our Nation’s history:
Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
(1) supports the recognition of Interscholastic Athletic Administrators’ Day;
(2) commends athletic administrators for their commitment and leadership provided to student-athletes at the secondary school level, especially during the COVID–19 pandemic; and
(3) commends the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association as the leading organization that prepares those who lead secondary school athletics throughout the country, providing education, compassion, and preparation within the profession.
