Troubled times in schools for athletic directors

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With budget cuts looming, some school districts are foolishly deciding that the athletic-director position can be eliminated. It has happened at Manhattan Beach Mira Costa, where Bob Fish, the athletic director for 19 years, said he has been told the position next year will be handled by the vice principal.

I’m all for cutting fat and getting rid of positions that don’t really make an impact, but expecting a vice principal to take over the duties of an athletic director is asking for trouble.

The vice principal is usually in charge of discipline, meets constantly with parents and already has a full day. Now, that person will have to schedule buses, make sure every student who is participating in sports is academically and athletically eligible and be available at all times, day and night, for questions and sports problems, from coaches, students and parents.

And remember, one mistake on eligibility could be devastating, resulting in forfeits and the possible loss of a playoff berth. That’s a lot of pressure. The athletic-director position is important, and competence is required.

So good luck to the schools thinking about getting rid of the athletic director. You’ll need lots of luck to get through the year without turmoil and disappointment.

-- Eric Sondheimer