Citrus County School District’s Activity/Athletic Directors Meeting: A Collaborative Effort for Future Success

Athletic Directors Receive Presentation from FHSAA Leaders

This past Thursday, August 29, 2024, I had the privilege of participating in the Citrus School District’s Activity/Athletic Directors (ADs) Meeting. The gathering brought together all middle and high school ADs, along with key district leaders and special guests, to discuss significant topics that directly impact our student-athletes and extracurricular programs.

Among the attendees were Director of Special Academic Programs, Darrick Buettner, and District AD, Coach Robert “Bobby” Verlato, both of whom are instrumental in fostering a positive environment for our students to thrive in both academics and athletics. Their dedication to student success is evident in the way they manage and support the various programs within our schools.

We were also fortunate to have special guests from the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), the organization responsible for governing high school athletics in Florida. Executive Director Craig Damon and Coordinator of Athletics Robbie Lindeman joined us to provide invaluable insights and updates. Their participation was a testament to the strong partnership between our district and the FHSAA, highlighting our shared commitment to the well-being and development of student-athletes.

Superintendent-Elect Dr. Scott Hebert was also in attendance, showcasing his dedication to ensuring that our district remains at the forefront of educational and athletic excellence, with a commitment to sportsmanship and fair play. Dr. Hebert’s presence further emphasized the importance of aligning our district’s policies with state-level guidelines to provide the best possible environment for our students.

During the meeting, Mr. Lindeman delivered a comprehensive presentation on game ejections and sportsmanship. He stressed the importance of maintaining high standards of conduct both on and off the field. Sportsmanship is a fundamental aspect of high school athletics, and it’s crucial that both students and coaches understand the consequences of unsportsmanlike behavior. This presentation provided our ADs with the tools needed to reinforce these values within their respective schools, ensuring a culture of respect and integrity.

Executive Director Damon followed with updates on new FHSAA policies, with a significant focus on the emerging topic of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). As NIL continues to evolve within the realm of high school athletics, our district in beginning developing policies to govern its implementation. The FHSAA’s proactive approach ensures that schools, coaches, and families are well-informed about the opportunities and challenges presented by NIL.

For those interested in learning more about NIL, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) offers a free course titled “Name, Image, and Likeness,” which I highly recommend. This course is available to coaches, students, parents, administrators, and those involved in performing arts, providing a thorough understanding of NIL’s implications. The course can be accessed at NFHS Learn (https://nfhslearn.com/courses/name-image-and-likeness), and I encourage everyone involved in high school athletics and extracurricular activities to take advantage of this resource.

Reflecting on the meeting, I am deeply appreciative of the time and expertise shared by Mr. Lindeman and Executive Director Damon. Their contributions were invaluable in equipping our ADs with the knowledge and guidance needed to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of high school athletics. I’ve had the honor of serving alongside Executive Director Damon during my time with the FHSAA Sectional Appeals Committee, where I gained a deep understanding of the rules and bylaws that govern our student-athletes and teams. This experience also gave me a profound appreciation for the dedication and professionalism of ADs across the state, especially our own here in the Citrus County School District.

In the coming weeks and months, I plan to share more information on NIL to ensure our community is well-prepared to navigate this new terrain. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such dedicated professionals and look forward to the positive changes and initiatives that will arise from our discussions.

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