The Critical Construct of Management in Athletic Program Success -- Part 3 of 5

The Critical Construct of Management in Athletic Program Success -- Part 3

The second type of program management, technical management, links the first (theoretical) with the third (actual) management type. Technical management in athletic programs is obvious to the public and well discussed. Examples of technical management include teaching methods, coaching methods, scheme selection, technique selection, strength and conditioning methods, and recruiting strategies. Remember the early premise that success is linked to quality management? Technical program management, with the tenets listed above, justifies the premise beyond normal skepticism.

Technical management is the link to player development. A common discussion among observers is what program is superior at developing players? Player development is a direct result of technical development by the staff. Individual coaches are frequently evaluated for retention based on technical program management skills. Every program searches for the very best, regarding technical management

What can get an entire staff fired is the third type of program management, actual management. Theoretical and technical management only exists to implement this final product. All the theory and technical preparation must take available resources and materials and produce actual results. Every program can hire the very best and brightest for theoretical and technical management, but actual management needs resources and materials to maximize results. Resources and materials are not equal among competing academic institutions for both financial and philosophical reasons.

So, actual management accounts for the greatest amount of variance between competitors. Recruits are looking at history, resources, and documented success that links to their future expectations. So every few years, the same universities announce a new coach to replace a previous coach, hopes and expectations are high, but results are frequently the same and the institution recycles through the same process, hoping to find an athletic alchemist that can take a sow’s ear and make a silk purse. There have been some successful alchemists, but most of the time the well intended efforts fail. Why so? The answer is frequently less materials and resources than the premiere institutions. So, the best theory and the best technical management usually cannot overcome a lack of materials and resources. Although it may seem condescending, players are resources.

Thanks for stopping by http://gobluemichiganwolverine.blogspot.com/
If you have any questions please e-mail erocwolverine@gmail.com

Written by Doc4blue