The OIAAA has had a great 2012-13 school year. Our overall membership increased this year, as did the attendance at our annual conference. Due to the membership increase and our new business partnerships, the association was able to provide great additional benefits and services to our members. Our goal is to keep the momentum going during the 2013-14 school year.
We plan to continue to improve our professional development program with a fantastic state conference and additional Leadership Training Institute opportunities throughout the school year. We will continue to provide an outstanding “online newsletter” (be looking for our next issue in the next couple of weeks). Our biggest improvement this year will be in our new website. This website will house our history; provide daily updates including news features and blogs; have forums for open dates, position openings, and requests for information; along with much more. Be looking for this new website toward the end of May / beginning of June.
Membership is vital to our organization. Yes, this year’s membership showed great improvement. But, we have over 800 high schools in Ohio and almost just as many Middle Schools. Our membership numbers this year was only 443 compared to well over 1000 AD’s in Ohio. My hope is that you review the membership information that we have provided and that you strongly consider joining OIAAA this year and every year that you are in the profession.
One significant improvement to the OIAAA Member Benefits is that every member will now be provided a $1,000,000 liability insurance policy. In today’s litigious society, this benefit alone is well worth the $60 membership fee – $50 if you also join the NIAAA through our dual enrollment form that is included in this packet. With the addition of this insurance policy, we have modified the dates of our membership calendar. Membership for each year now begins on July 1 (or the day you join if after July 1) and will run through June 30. This change requires us to start our membership drive now instead of in the fall. You will be able to join the OIAAA anytime during the year, but your membership will end on June 30 of that school year.
I would also encourage all athletic administrators to join the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. We have provided a list of the NIAAA membership benefits in this packet. With our membership form, you can join the OIAAA, the NIAAA or both. I would highly encourage that you join both associations as the State Membership is discounted $10 if you join both the OIAAA and the NIAAA. Don’t forget to join your local district association each and every year.
The Annual OIAAA Fall Conference will be November 17-19, 2013. We are returning to the Hilton Easton this year. Conference information and registration materials will be sent to you in the fall. This year’s conference will feature keynote addresses from Archie Griffin and Jim Tressel. Be sure to mark your calendar as you won’t want to miss this state conference!
I hope each and every one of you have a very relaxing and safe summer with your family!