GADA July Newsletter

VOLUME 19 | NUMBER 12 | JULY 2026

KEVIN GROOMS, CMAA

PRESIDENT OF THE GADA

A CALL TO ACTION FOR OUR PROFESSION

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

As we begin another exciting school year, I want to welcome back all of our Georgia athletic administrators. I hope you had an opportunity this summer to rest, recharge, and prepare for the incredible work ahead.

The start of a new year brings renewed opportunities to lead with purpose, inspire excellence, and positively impact the lives of our student-athletes, coaches, and school communities. As leaders of education-based athletics, we set the tone for the culture of our programs through our actions, our integrity, and our commitment to serving others.

Our theme for the 2026–2027 year is ALL IN—Accountability, Love, Leadership, Integrity, and Nobility. This theme challenges each of us to fully invest in our schools, our student-athletes, our coaches, and one another. Being ALL IN means embracing every opportunity to make a difference, building meaningful relationships, and leading with unwavering character and purpose.

As the seasons begin, let us continue to champion sportsmanship, prioritize student success, and support one another as colleagues across our great state. Together, we will strengthen education-based athletics in Georgia and leave a lasting impact on the young people we serve.

Thank you for your dedication to our profession and for everything you do each day. I wish you a successful, safe, and rewarding school year. Let's be ALL IN!

GADA TODAY

THE TRUTH ABOUT SURVIVING YOUR FIRST YEAR AS AN ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

with

Caitlin Schmidt

Athletic Director | Apalachee High School

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ATHLETIC BUSINESS

WISCONSIN'S CHAD MCGEHEE COACHES STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING

FOR THE MIND

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NFHS COURSE SPOTLIGHT

HEAT

ILLNESS

PREVENTION

Exertional Heat Stroke is the leading cause of preventable death in high school athletics. To help you minimize the risk of heat illness at your school, this course has designed to provide the fundamentals of a strong heat acclimatization plan and guidelines for limiting activities to account for changing environmental conditions and other contributing risk factors. It highlights the importance of an appropriate hydration plan and establishing an Emergency Action Plan in case of a suspected exertional heat stroke.

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NIAAA COURSE SPOTLIGHT

LTC 601: ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT HANDBOOKS

This course is designed to assist the athletic administrator as part of the administrative team in the school district, in the development of comprehensive handbooks for students, staff, boosters and families. In this course, athletic administrators, principals, and those aspiring to enter school administration will benefit from the development, discussion and review of the handbook, constitution, bylaws and legal issues related to this process.

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GADA INCLUSION SPOTLIGHT

Disability Pride Month

July is Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate the identities, achievements, and contributions of people with disabilities while recognizing disability as a natural part of human diversity. For athletic directors, this observance is an opportunity to champion inclusive programs, ensure equitable access to athletic opportunities, and foster a culture where every student-athlete feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

French-American Heritage Month

French-American Heritage Month recognizes the rich history, culture, and lasting influence of French Americans on our nation. In education-based athletics, it serves as a reminder that the diverse backgrounds and traditions represented within our school communities strengthen our teams and enrich the experiences of student-athletes.

BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month

BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month brings attention to the unique mental health experiences and challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Athletic directors play an important role in supporting the well-being of all student-athletes by promoting awareness, reducing stigma, and ensuring access to supportive resources that help every athlete thrive both on and off the field.

July 26 – National Disability Independence Day

National Disability Independence Day commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, landmark legislation that expanded civil rights and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. This observance reminds athletic leaders of the importance of creating inclusive facilities, programs, and opportunities where every student-athlete has the chance to participate, compete, and belong.

JULY'S BOOK

RECOMMENDATION

BELIEVE TO ACHIEVE

Newly updated and expanded, this inspirational memoir by Nike executive Howard “H” White reveals the ultimate secrets for achieving professional and personal success and how to help others succeed.

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

AD INSIDER

CULTURE IS MORE THAN JUST WINNING

with Chuck Richardson III, CAA –

Norwood High School (OH)

Culture is more than winning games. Culture at Norwood focuses on three key ingredients:

Relationships - shapes how athletes relate, grow, and support each other.
Identity - Unique traditions and rituals that identify the school and its heritage.
Representation - Athletes represent their school with honor and pride.

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NIAAA DIRECTOR ROUNDTABLE

AD ROUNDTABLE RETURNS IN AUGUST!

The AD Roundtable has partnered with the NIAAA! This is great news and will expand the reach of the Roundtable to the inboxes of over 16,000 athletic leaders across the country! Additionally, it will broaden the scope of great guests and resources we will be able to give back to you, the AD! Be on the lookout for the next episode of AD Roundtable when we return in August!

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