The GADA Designation Pathway has been created to support the continued professional development of athletic administrators across Georgia by providing clear, intentional pathways for growth and specialization.
Rooted in the nationally recognized and accredited NIAAA Leadership Training Courses, this initiative aims to foster a more engaged and connected membership while equipping ADs with the tools to lead with confidence and credibility.
By recognizing instructional leadership through content-area expertise through designations, the program not only promotes lifelong learning but also encourages more athletic directors to pursue and attain NIAAA certification.
Ultimately, this effort is designed to elevate the profession, strengthen our statewide network, and ensure that Georgia remains a leader in education-based athletics.
Designation: GADA Leadership Designation
A GADA Leadership Designation serves as a supplemental credential that highlights an athletic director’s active engagement in professional learning and peer leadership.
Purpose: Recognize leadership and instructional engagement within the GADA community.
Requirements:
- Leadership
- Serve as a lead facilitator for one (1) workshop session
(can be solo or part of a panel). - Must have completed LTC 501 and LTC 790 as a foundation for instructional capacity.
Recognition:
- Honored at the GADA Conference.
- Listed on the GADA website designation roll.
- Certificate of Designation noting leadership contribution and service.
Theme Alignment: Designation supplements professional credentials like CAA or CMAA by emphasizing practical contribution and peer learning leadership.
Designation: GADA Area of Specialization Designation
An Area of Specialization Designation identifies a specialized area of professional competence following the completion of targeted NIAAA coursework. It reflects deeper subject-matter understanding and supports career advancement.
Designation Tracks (each requiring 5 total LTC courses):
Each track requires:
- LTC 790 (Instructional Methods) (Required for all designations)
- Four (4) additional LTC courses specific to the track theme.
- Lead of a workshop on a topic within your designation area
- Teach a class in your designation area.
Theme Alignment: Designations are title-based recognitions that indicate subject-matter specialization, often pursued after earning a credential like RAA, RMAA, CAA, or CMAA.
- Legal & Risk Management Designation
Focus: Legal liability, compliance, risk management.
- LTC 504 – Legal Issues I: Sports Injuries & Risk Management
- LTC 506 – Legal Issues II: Title IX & Sexual Harassment
- LTC 508 – Legal Issues III: Hazing, Disabilities Law, Employment Law
- LTC 510 – Legal Issues IV: Social Media, Transgender Participation, Security
- Leadership & Culture Designation
Focus: Vision, communication, culture, people development.
- LTC 703 – Student-Centered Athletics
- LTC 719 – Leadership, Management & Decision-Making
- LTC 720 – Character-Based Athletics
- LTC 727 – Championship Culture
- Facilities & Event Operations Designation
Focus: Facility planning, event execution, game management.
- LTC 616 – Facility Planning & Development
- LTC 619 – Enhancing Event Experience
- LTC 630 – Contest Management
- LTC 631 – Emergency Management
- Professional Development & Personnel Designation
Focus: Coaching support, professional growth, mentoring.
- LTC 704 – Hiring & Retaining Coaches
- LTC 705 – Coach-to-Coach Mentoring
- LTC 723 – Professional Growth Programs – Coaches
- LTC 726 – Student Leadership Development
- Student Support & Well-Being Designation
Focus: Mental health, safety, holistic development.
- LTC 617 – Sports Medicine Administration
- LTC 626 – Healthy Decision-Making
- LTC 628 – Mental Health & Wellness
- LTC 633 – Students with Disabilities in Athletics
Recognition:
- Digital badge and printable certificate.
- Listed on GADA designation registry.
- May count toward CMAA elective credits.
