The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing college athletics administration. Founded in 1965, NACDA provides resources, education, and networking opportunities to over 15,700 athletic directors, coaches, and administrators across the United States.
If you’re interested in a career in college athletics administration or are simply curious about this field, this article will give you an overview of NACDA and what it offers to its members.
Table of Contents
What is NACDA?
NACDA is a non-profit organization that provides resources and support to those working in college athletics administration. Its mission is to enhance the experiences of student-athletes and promote the educational values of intercollegiate athletics.
NACDA has over 1,700 member institutions, including colleges, universities, and conferences. These members represent all three NCAA divisions, as well as the NAIA and the NJCAA.
What Does NACDA Do?
NACDA offers a wide range of services and resources to its members. Some of these include:
- Professional Development: NACDA provides opportunities for members to enhance their skills and knowledge through conferences, webinars, and workshops. These events cover a variety of topics, including leadership, compliance, and diversity and inclusion.
- Advocacy: NACDA represents the interests of its members in national discussions about college athletics. The organization advocates for policies and regulations that support the educational mission of college sports.
- Networking: NACDA provides opportunities for members to connect and collaborate with colleagues from across the country. The organization hosts networking events at its conferences and provides an online community where members can share ideas and resources.
- Recognition: NACDA recognizes outstanding achievements in college athletics through its annual awards program. These awards honor athletic directors, coaches, and administrators who have made significant contributions to the field.
- Research and Data: NACDA conducts research on a variety of topics related to college athletics administration. The organization also collects and disseminates data on topics such as revenue generation and budgeting.
Who Can Join NACDA?
Membership in NACDA is open to anyone working in college athletics administration. This includes athletic directors, coaches, administrators, and other professionals who support the athletic department.
Membership is divided into three categories: active, associate, and affiliate. Active members are those who are currently employed in college athletics administration. Associate members are retired professionals who are still involved in the field, and affiliate members are those who work in related industries, such as sports marketing or media.
How Can You Get Involved with NACDA?
If you’re interested in getting involved with NACDA there are several ways to do so. One of the easiest is to attend one of the organization’s conferences or workshops. These events provide opportunities to learn from experts in the field and connect with other professionals.
You can also join one of NACDA’s special interest groups, which focus on specific areas of college athletics administration, such as compliance or marketing. These groups provide additional opportunities for networking and professional development.
Finally, you can become a member of NACDA and take advantage of all the organization’s resources and services. Membership dues vary depending on your role in college athletics administration and the size of your institution.
Conclusion
NACDA is an essential resource for anyone working in college athletics administration. Whether you’re a seasoned athletic director or just starting your career, the organization offers a wide range of resources and opportunities to help you succeed. By getting involved with NACDA, you can enhance your skills and knowledge, connect with colleagues from across the country, and contribute to the advancement of college athletics.
