"The ADvantage Point"

Volunteerism like everything else is on the decline.  Please consider becoming a volunteer.

Greg Kaszubski, former AD at Clarence HS in Western New York is now an official.  His insight into the problems and potential solutions is right on point.

We are joined by Dave Gardi from the NFL Rules Office, Rob Maichin, a parent of 2 NCAA Lax players, Matt Lauria, HS Coach, Todd Nelson from the NYSPHSAA, and our three friends, Marc Negrin, Carl Superina, and Marty Quinn, Section XI Officials to get some answers to our issue, "Where Are the Refs?"

We are losing officials at an alarming rate.  Today we speak with three veteran officials that are trying to stem the tide and change perception as well as recruit and retain new referees and umpires.  Communication and cooperation are a start.

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) is new to the athletic scene, and understanding the impact it will have on interscholastic and collegiate sports is still to be assessed, but there are things every athlete needs to know before signing on.  The Players NIL is an organization dedicated to educating athletes on specific areas that will potentially make their personal brand grow.  These are life lessons being taught and every athlete should take a look at what they have to offer.

We have some great interviews with Tony Fisher from Minnesota, Bob Stulmaker from CASDA and some solid companies including Final Forms, NFHS Network Vid-Share, Honest Game, GoFan, HomeTown Ticketing, GoGipper and USA Sports Turf.   

Caitlyn Bucco, Trainer for Half Hollow Hills East and Athletic Director Deb Ferry saved a life when a spectator went into cardiac arrest.  Kate talks about the experience and the need for certified ATs in all NY schools.

Jim gives his take on "The Handshake", sportsmanship, and how the branding of athletes may lead to the demise of HS sports.

Jim talks about some of the issues ADs deal with on an ongoing basis as numbers decline and parents take more control of their kids' lives.  DEI is also at the forefront and the need for knowledge and collaboration is necessary.

Reviving the podcast is timely considering the current lay of the land.  Just take a little time to reflect and remember why we became ADs.  Don't let the new paradigm control you.

Mike has waited 2 years to take the President role and his theme of "United for Excellence" is so relevant to the discussions going on today about diversity and equity in our profession.

Grace talks about her life as a distance runner and her mental approach to running during COVID.  

Jim defends ADs and tries to refocus parents on what the real problem is and why we should play sooner than later.

Take a listen as Jim brings us up to speed on the current state of Athletics in NY

Jim gets back on the air to talk about the lay of the land and what the future may look like going forward....or backward.

Peter talks about "The Rock" and the effect that Principal Murphy had on him and the senior class.  He also talks about losing his final season and the impact the virus has had on the community as a whole.

I decided to stay away from computers yesterday, so here's today's opinion on the CDC and NFHS guidelines for return to school and play.

Mark talks about the NFHS Network and the value it has brought to high school sports with its unique streaming service.  He brings us up to speed on how the system can generate funds for schools and offer opportunities for students and faculty in the area f broadcast television.

With budget approvals looming, Jim discusses the need for us to advocate for more aid to NY.  It's not political at all, it's common sense, but if opening schools demands unfunded mandates, where does the money come from?

Jackie is an exceptional coach that has done wonderful things with her team during the crisis and shares that with us.  She is also one of the best players in the history of NYS Softball and her accomplishments are legendary in the sport.  A great interview with a great coach and role model.

Kathy speaks about her background in athletics and discusses her position as the only current female Executive Director in New York.  Kathy also shares her feelings on what it takes to manage a diverse section and offers advice to aspiring athletic directors.  A great interview with a real professional.

Always with an opinion, Pat shares his thoughts on the current situation, NYS Football Playoffs and rules, and the good or bad within them.  A great interview from someone that is definitely not shy.

Jim talks about how the navigation of your program during cutbacks should be defended by you as an Athletic Director.  The EFA becomes your bible for justifying athletics in the face of contingency.

Phil offers a fantastic interview and speaks to us about what is going on at the National and how the country can adjust to the new paradigm.  His down-home demeanor adds to a great discussion.

Doug Killgore, CMAA speaks to us about his background, the importance of using the Educational Framework for Athletics, and its effect on today's AD.  He also shares his experiences and fills us in on upcoming professional development opportunities from the NIAAA and where the Bow Ties came from.

Jim keeps the discussion going on what's happening and what the landscape can look like, should we get the ok to come back.

Dr. Zayas talks about the decision to cancel the Spring State Tournament and the impact the shutdown has had on athletics in general.  Additionally, he discusses the need to remain calm and not react until we get proper direction from the State.

Coach Henn is one of the top Lacrosse coaches in the State and his experiences as an educator on the field and off is the reason for his success.  Coach Henn speaks about the importance of diversification n sport and playing for fun as the primary goal every athlete should strive for.

Kevin talks about the past, the present, and his future as a runner for Sacred Heart University.  He also shares his thoughts on what's important now and what advice to give to younger athletes.

Denny talks about his long and illustrious career in education and his time spent in making our professional organizations better.

Jim Speaks about unifying Atheltic Directors in dealing with what could become the new paradigm for sports in NY

Jim offers his perspectives on the recent statements made by the governor and talks about the potential look of high school sports should this continue.

Tom brings us up to speed on the decision to cancel spring sports in Section XI and the subsequent cancellation by Section VIII.  The process and the discussion that occurred in the meeting is brought to light as well as what the future could look like.

Gregg gives his perspective on how the current landscape has changed and what the future looks like.  Gregg has spent 36 years on the HS sports scene and is one of the greatest cheerleaders for kids and sports in the country.

Coaches and teachers reminisce about the life of Coach Vin Altebrando on the 2nd anniversary of his passing.

Jim offers his perspectives on the recent rash of shutdowns throughout the country and reminds us to consider the mental health of our HS athletes.

Timm shares what Section Vi is all about and how they manage the various problems that arise in the daily operation of the Section.  Timm also speaks to his role as a promoter of professional development through the NIAAA and NYSAAA.

Curt talks about the NIAAA, his work in Henry County and his future position as well as the current state of affairs with High School Sports in Georgia.

Tom brings us up to speed on the inner workings of Section XI and his relationship with the NYSPHSAA.  

This week's focus is on the reality of continuing to deal with the thought of no return to play and why.

Kal talks about life on the Island and how he won 3 Cross-Country Championships and the 1600m indoor and outdoor NYS Championships.  It's some great insight into another fine senior student-athlete.

Brett offers us insight into his current position as President for a second year and how his area is handling the current situation.

Pete talks about his career and the influences that inspired him to volunteer with the NYSAAA and NIAAA.  He also fills us in on his plans to walk the AT.

Belle talks about her essay and the experiences she had in Tanzania.  She also tells us how sports have impacted her life.  It's a great listen to an exceptional student-athlete.

It's a solo show today with comments and opinions on a myriad of current events including Regents cancelations, can we start up again, and the responsibilities we face during this time.

Mr. Murphy talks about his experiences at Walt Whitman, his love for this job, and shares the stories of his life with us.  A great listen.

Andrew fills us in on the current situation and provides us with his perspectives on how he's dealing with losing some of the season.  You'll be surprised by his take.

Todd talks about his role in the position, Unified Sports and why he jumped off a 30' platform at the State Swimming/Diving Meet

Ralph tells us what it's like to teach under these conditions and shares his experiences as a coach for Walt Whitman.