10/16/2026
Behind every game day is a team of people making it all happen, and Section One Athletics is investing in them.
This fall, Section One launched "Game Plan: An Athletic Director Professional Learning Series," a three-session program that gives athletic directors ongoing training and support as their roles grow more complex. It builds on the preseason workshop previously offered to new athletic directors.
In the first session, Executive Director Todd Santabarbara walked through how Section One Athletics and the Center for Interscholastic Athletics work together. That covers scheduling, assigning and paying officials, upholding NYSPHSAA bylaws and eligibility standards, and running championship events.
"We've seen a growing number of newer athletic directors across the region, and many tell us they feel overwhelmed and want more guidance, especially after that first year," Santabarbara said. "That's where we, as a BOCES, can step in."
Administrative assistants are part of the effort, too. A new workshop gave them training on the section's scheduling platform and time to swap best practices with one another and with BOCES staff. A second workshop is coming in January, shaped by feedback from schools.
The effort to enhance professional learning offerings is led by Rebecca DiSisto-Leslie, who joined Section One in July as Supervisor of Athletics and Physical Education.
"We want to hear from the member schools and discuss the topics they find the most challenging to manage," she said.
Learn more about here: https://athletics.swboces.org/o/athletics/article/3197121
