FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2021
Washington, D.C. – Recognizing thesignificant impact athletic administrators have on students’ educational experience, today Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-Calif.) and Congressman Fred Keller (R-Pa.) announced legislation to recognize December 14, 2021 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.
“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,” Congresswoman Barragán said. “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 Congressman Keller in introducing this resolution to formally recognize the achievements and innovation of Interscholastic Athletic Administrators on December 14, 2021.”
“It has been rewarding for me over the years to watch my children and grandchildren learn and grow through participation in school athletic programs,” Congressman Keller said. “We owe so much to the athletic administrators who dedicate their careers to instilling values and lessons in student-athletes that will serve them well for the rest of their lives. I thank Congresswoman Barragán for her leadership on this resolution as we work to formally recognize athletic administrators for their important contributions to our students and communities.”
Studies have shown high school athletes are more likely to succeed in the classroom and less likely to experience behavioral issues after school. According to a study by the University of Chicago, student athletes perform better in school, have lower dropout rates, and have a better chance of receiving a college degree than non-athletes. When surveyed on these benefits, school administrators strongly agree that sports play a positive role in students’ lives. Fortune magazine found that 95 percent of the principals surveyed believed that participation in athletic activities teaches valuable lessons to students that typically cannot be learned in the classroom.
“The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and its membership appreciate the initiative that Rep. Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Rep. Fred Keller (R-PA), Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN), and Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) have provided in supporting the recognition of Athletic Administrators’ Day,” said NIAAA Executive Director Mike Blackburn, CMAA. “The leadership of athletic administrators nationwide is critical in the lives of our student athletes. Athletic participation plays an essential role in the physical and mental health of young people, and our nation’s directors of athletics are the providers of plentiful and safe experiences. The challenges of the past 20 months have accentuated how valuable education-based athletic programs are to our students, schools’ and communities. Thank you to the policymakers for recognizing the critical benefits that secondary school sports programs provide our future leaders.”
The full text of resolution is here and below:
Whereas each December, we recognize the positive contributions of interscholastic athletic administrators;
Whereas the position of school athletic administrator is recognized as a profession, which, like other academic professions, benefits greatly from continued education and certification;
Whereas school athletic programs develop young people physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally by 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 and maturation 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, integrity, commitment to equality, industriousness to long hours, 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, athletic administrators continue to be at the forefront of developing and implementing safety practices, exhibiting wisdom in preparation, adaptation, change, and collaboration; and
Whereas the athletic programs run by these administrators have impacts that extend well beyond the playing field, athletic venues, and even the school;
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives —
(1) Supports the annual recognition of Interscholastic Athletic Administrators’ Day, this year on December 14, 2021;
(2) Commends athletic administrators for their commitment and leadership provided to student athletes at the secondary school level; 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, continuous learning, compassion, and preparation within the profession.
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Nanette Diaz Barragán is proud to represent California’s 44th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Carson, Compton, Florence-Firestone, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, San Pedro, South Gate, Walnut Park, Watts, Willowbrook and Wilmington. She serves as chairwoman of the House Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Border Security.