An Analysis of the Qualifications and Perceived Effectiveness of Athletic Directors in the Maryland Public Secondary School Athletic Association

Abstract

The study identified through questionnaire format, the personal characteristics and professional qualifications of athletic directors in the member schools of the Maryland Public Secondary School Athletic Association. Also determined was the essentiality of the listed qualifications for the position of athletic director. The following was found about the responding athletic directors: 72.5 percent were between 30 and 49 years of age, 7.4 percent were female, and less than 6 percent were Negro. Additional findings were: 26 of the 47 qualifications were rated as essential, the rank-order of qualifications differed according to the size of the school, athletic directors and principals agreed on the essential qualifications, "related" education courses was the most important category, and intercollegiate and interscholastic athletic directors agreed on the order of essential qualifications for the position of athletic director. The athletic directors in the Maryland Public Secondary School Athletic Association were found to be well qualified in terms of general education, coaching experience, sports participation, and professional involvement, but not as well qualified in terms of administrative experience and "related" education courses.