summarize this post for a reply comment. Professional development is important for coaches and sponsors to attend. There are many different conferences, training, clinics, and professional development opportunities all over the country. Some are online, in person, or over the phone, etc. Funds for coaches and sponsors to attend professional development opportunities come from the athletic and activities funds. Each program has their own money that can be used, as well as the overall athletic and activities booster funds. Some professional development is for head coaches only, based on sport, activity, level of play, etc. Some are open to all coaches and sponsors to go to, some are for specific people. I would encourage my head and assistant coaches and sponsors to attend professional development yearly. I currently work in Columbia Public Schools and teach and coach at 2 different schools. I currently teach Pe/ health at a middle school and coach softball and girls soccer at a high school. When I am absent for coaching reasons, that school will provide and pay for my substitute. If I am using my personal time or sick time, then the school that I teach at will provide and pay for my substitute. If a coach is asked to be present at a clinic, they should be able to go and have their duties at the school covered for the day. As the Athletic and Activities Director, I will push for my coaches and staff to continue to learn and better themselves and their skills and knowledge. By going to professional development opportunities, they will continue to learn and grow in their fields. I would help make sure that their job and duties are covered at the school for the time they may miss. I will help assign substitutes and create plans for the day as well as make sure all funds are paid for. I would place a maximum limit for professional development that is paid and approved by the Athletic and Activities Department for the school year. I would place the maximum amount at 5 different clinics. This allows for our coaches and sponsors to go to multiple professional development opportunities but also ensures that they are not taking too much time off doing professional development. Each professional development for the coaches and sponsors should be pre-approved by the Athletic and Activities Director prior to the event