Strength & Speed Starts at the Top: Communicating with Administrators
#15 - Strength & Speed Coaching – Pursuing Your Best ⚡
Administrators control budgets, schedules, and resources. They are the leaders of the school that determine what is important and what is not. If they don’t see the value of Strength & Speed training, it will always be an uphill battle to get the support your program needs.
But here’s the good news: The best Strength & Speed programs don’t just thrive because of the weight room—they thrive because they have buy-in from leadership.
So how do you communicate with administrators in a way that earns trust, secures resources, and builds long-term support?
Let’s dive into five key strategies.
1. Build Relationships, Not Just Proposals
Why It Matters:
Decisions aren’t just made on logic—they’re made on relationships and trust. If administrators trust you and believe in your leadership, they’re more likely to support your vision.
How to Apply It:
Show up beyond Strength & Speed: Attend school events, support other departments, and be visible as a team player.
Ask for their perspective: A simple “What are some of your biggest goals for student development this year?” can open the door to deeper collaboration.
Recognize their support: A handwritten thank you note or public appreciation goes a long way.
Bottom Line:
The strongest programs are built on strong relationships. Invest in them, and support will follow. Going the way together is always better.
2. Speak Their Language - Connect Strength & Speed to School-Wide Goals
Why It Matters:
Administrators think in terms of academics, safety, student development, and school reputation—not just sets and reps. If you can’t frame your program’s benefits in those terms, it won’t be a priority.
How to Apply It:
Student Success First: Show how Strength & Speed training improves focus, discipline, attendance, and overall academic performance.
Student Well-Being & Longevity: A well-structured Strength & Speed program enhances durability, reduces time lost to injuries, and promotes lifelong fitness habits that benefit students beyond their high school years.
Positive School Culture: A strong Strength & Speed program builds confidence, leadership, and school spirit—something administrators care about.
Bottom Line:
If you can show how your program supports the school’s mission, you’ll have a much stronger case for resources and support.
3. Be Proactive, Not Just Reactive
Why It Matters:
Administrators are busy. If they only hear from you when you need money or are frustrated with something, they’re less likely to engage. Instead, be the coach who provides solutions—not just problems.
How to Apply It:
Schedule regular check-ins instead of only meeting when you need something. A simple, quarterly update goes a long way.
Share success stories—a quick email about improved athlete performance or reduced injuries keeps Strength & Speed on their radar in a positive way.
Anticipate concerns and address them early. “I know scheduling can be tight in the spring—here’s how we plan to adjust Strength & Speed to keep things efficient.”
Bottom Line:
The best way to secure long-term buy-in is to consistently show your program’s value—before issues arise.
4. Make Budget Requests with a Clear ROI
Why It Matters:
Every dollar spent has to be justified. If you want funding for new equipment, software, or professional development, you need to show why it’s worth it.
How to Apply It:
Tie investments to outcomes: Instead of “We need $5,000 for weight room upgrades,” say, “This equipment will improve training efficiency, reduce injury risks, and allow more students to participate safely.”
Leverage comparisons: Show how your program stacks up to other schools with strong Strength & Speed programs—administrators don’t want to fall behind.
Offer phased solutions: If a big request isn’t possible now, suggest a multi-year plan with smaller investments over time.
Bottom Line:
Administrators don’t just approve spending—they approve spending that improves the student experience. Make the connection clear.
5. Use Data to Strengthen Your Case
Why It Matters:
Decisions at the administrative level are often driven by metrics, not just opinions. If you can present solid data, your program will be taken more seriously.
How to Apply It:
Track participation growth: Show how Strength & Speed is attracting more students and benefiting multiple sports.
Connect Training to Student Development: Administrators care about the bigger picture. Show how Strength & Speed training builds discipline, resilience, and confidence—qualities that impact students beyond sports.
Highlight performance improvements: If students are getting faster, stronger, and more durable, make sure leadership knows it.
Bottom Line:
Anecdotes help, but hard numbers make your program impossible to ignore.
Final Thoughts: Take One Step This Week
If you want better administrative support, don’t wait until you need something. Start now:
Send a short update on how Strength & Speed is benefiting students.
Schedule a five-minute conversation to check in on how your program aligns with school priorities.
Prepare one data point to highlight the impact of your training.
Great Strength & Speed programs don’t just build strong athletes—they build strong relationships with leadership.
What’s Next in the Series?
Next up: Effective Communication with the Community
How to engage parents and the public in supporting your Strength & Speed program
Strategies for handling parent concerns and pushback
The best ways to showcase your program and get more buy-in from the school community
If you found this newsletter helpful, forward it to another coach or PE teacher who could benefit. The more we improve communication, the stronger our programs become.
Until next time—keep pursuing excellence!
– Preston ⚡️
P.S. Need Help Strengthening Your Program?
If you’re looking for practical ways to get more administrative buy-in, grow your Strength & Speed program, or navigate school dynamics more effectively, I offer consulting for PE teachers and coaches. Whether it’s structuring training to fit within school schedules, securing funding, or improving communication, I can help you build a more impactful program.
Interested? Hit reply and let’s talk about how I can support your goals.