Paul Neidig’s Post

A LETTER FROM THE COMMISSIONER As we near the finish line of another school year, we want to celebrate our student-athletes and the profound lessons gained through high school sports. While we acknowledge and celebrate these accomplishments, it's also an opportune time to look toward the future of education-based athletics in Indiana.   As an Association, we have always aimed to approach the future by listening to our membership and the needs of their school communities. Of course, we are aware that public perception, at times, has suggested otherwise—that we operate behind closed doors.   However, that is not the case. We do not exist in an echo chamber. We are active listeners who take action—when appropriate—in response to what we hear. That is why in 2024-25 the Association will conduct a study on what the transfer process may look like in the future.   We are spearheading this effort because we empathize with families burdened by making school choice decisions before high school. Furthermore, in today's era of school choice—particularly in urban areas—we realize that families are sometimes forced to reassess the education paths for their children.   To be clear, this study is not an avenue to make athletically driven transfers possible. Instead, this study aims to explore solutions that provide families with flexibility while preserving the integrity of our education-based athletic programs.   The 2024-25 transfers study will follow the same philosophy that drives the straw polls we conduct at area principal meetings yearly. And it aligns with the same principles that govern our sectional realignment process. It is another example demonstrating how essential it is for the Association to listen to its membership, understand the needs of our school communities, and take action to protect and preserve the integrity of high school sports in Indiana.    Like we always have been, we will continue to be your IHSAA. Paul Neidig IHSAA Commissioner #ThisIsYourIHSAA https://lnkd.in/gxWZrJcf  

In higher education, we create new programming when there is student demand, and when the budget allows. The difference in athletics is that you can't just sunset a program when it becomes more of an institutional burden. Doing so completely alienates the student-athletes involved and may put the institution at greater financial risk. Creating long-term sustainable growth continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing college athletic departments.

‼️ Keeping Education at the Forefront of School-Based Sports A new challenge has appeared on the horizon with the announcement last month that the NCAA and its five power conferences have agreed to allow schools to directly pay players for the first time in the 100-plus-year history of college sports. While details are still pending, by the fall of 2025 schools could be sharing up to $20 million per year with their athletes. Opinions on the merits of paying college athletes differ, but there should be no argument at the high school level. High school sports, with almost eight million participants nationwide, are much different than college sports. High school sports are about the team – not an individual’s own personal pursuit of excellence. The primary reason that an overwhelming majority of high school students play sports is to have fun and spend significant and meaningful time with their peers. The focus is not on self but rather the team. Read the Full Release ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gv4svM-A

At Loyola, our boys are provided with ample opportunities to take part in sporting activities and clubs during both lunchtime and after school as we recognize the pivotal role team sports play in creating a sense of community and school spirit. It is a great way for our pupils to connect with peers, teachers, and the school community and understand the importance of 'collective effort' and advantages of team work. In addition, the mental benefits of team sports are equally compelling. Children who engage in sports often experience improved self-esteem and confidence as they develop skills and notice their progress over time. Being part of a team promotes a sense of belonging and camaraderie, promoting social skills and interpersonal relationships. Team sports also provide a healthy outlet for emotional expression and stress relief.   Furthermore, involvement in team sports contributes to the development of crucial cognitive skills. Players learn to strategize, make quick decisions, and adapt to changing situations – skills that are transferable to academic and everyday challenges. The discipline required to balance academics and sports helps children cultivate time-management skills, encouraging a sense of responsibility and accountability.   In conclusion, the merits of participating in team sports go beyond the physical, positively impacting a child's mental and emotional well-being. Loyola actively promotes engagement in team sports, recognizing their significant role in shaping a well-rounded and rewarding school experience. “Sports teaches you character, it teaches you to play by the rules, it teaches you to know what it feels like to win and lose – it teaches you about life.” – Billie Jean King

📢 The Impact of NIL on High School Athletes: A Game Changer in States Like Florida 🏈🏀 Exciting times are ahead for high school athletes as more states, including Florida, pass legislation allowing them to benefit from their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). 🌟 This shift is monumental, offering young talents the chance to capitalize on their hard work and marketability much earlier in their careers. But what does this mean for the athletes, their families, and the broader sports ecosystem? 🌟 Empowerment and Financial Opportunities: High school athletes can now engage in endorsement deals, social media partnerships, and other promotional activities. This not only provides a financial boost but also teaches valuable lessons in business and branding early on. 🏆 Increased Visibility and Opportunities: The ability to monetize NIL can attract more attention to high school sports, leading to better exposure and potentially more college scholarships and offers. 📚 Education and Support: It's crucial for athletes and their families to understand the legal and financial aspects of NIL. Schools and local communities can play a pivotal role by offering resources and support systems to navigate these new opportunities. ⚖️ Challenges and Considerations: With great opportunity comes great responsibility. Ensuring fair play, maintaining focus on academics, and navigating potential exploitation are key challenges that need careful attention. Approving NIL benefits for high school athletes is a significant step forward, promising to reshape the future of sports. It's an opportunity to empower young athletes, foster financial literacy, and inspire the next generation of sports stars. Let's embrace this change and support our young talents as they enter this new era. What do you think about this shift in high school sports? Please share your thoughts, and let's discuss! 💬 #NIL #HighSchoolAthletes #Florida #SportsBusiness #AthleteEmpowerment #FutureOfSports #SportsLaw

Interesting article here on the challenges of utilizing athletics for enrollment growth. Has your school relied on athletics in this area and are there some unintended consequences that you're now dealing with? https://lnkd.in/ds_VpcXZ

Like it or not, the wave is coming. High School NIL will be bigger than NCAA NIL. Are we prepare to manage the flood of challenges that come with NIL? What support has been put in place? I hear daily from HS coaches and administrators that they will not support NIL and that it does not affect them. However, we have no choice but to take responsibility to protect and educate our student-athletes against the potential pitfalls of this space. #studentathletes #NIL #collegesports #education The reason * Over 8,000,000 athletes at the HS level * Less regulatory controls * Parents will be involved * Amateur agents and advisors will be everywhere. #nil #education is so important. Learn the basics to make good decisions in supporting your athletes. order my Book: https://lnkd.in/exueMQrH https://lnkd.in/esUHz-gE

I couldn’t agree with Jacob Vigdor more. Evidence suggests that there are only a handful of universities in the country where revenue generating sports (football and basketball) are actually self-sustaining. The vast majority are subsidized by donor, tuition, and state (tax) dollars. Considering the multiple crises that universities are facing we’re going to need to reassess our priorities around college sports. I think it’s increasingly important to reinvest in the core mission of college - research and education.

This Chronicle of Higher Education article explores how athletics programs, particularly in Division III colleges, can serve as a strategic tool for attracting and retaining students, ultimately bolstering enrollment and revenue. While sports can offer valuable benefits, colleges should view athletics expansion as part of a comprehensive plan for institutional health, cautioning against over-reliance on this approach in the face of broader challenges in higher education. https://lnkd.in/gYJRtS4D #liberalarts #d3

The only constant in life is change. I love sports, but the Pac-12 Conference in college sports is dissolving--it won't exist next week. Many of my college friends are distraught, but it turns out that the Pac-12 (rather, the PCC or Pacific Coast Conference which existed from 1915 to 1959) had dissolved before! The PCC consisted of 10 teams, but instead of the Pac-12's Arizona schools, it had the University of Montana and the University of Idaho. The PCC, after disbandment, eventually became the Pac-8, and then added the Arizona schools to become the Pac-10. Then, it became the Pac-12 in 2010. Maybe like the PCC the Pac-12 will get together again (at least partially). You never know. Things change--it's the only constant in life.