Matt McInnes: International Athletic Director - Transitioning to a new school

Athletics For Life

We interviewed Mr Matt McInnes CIAA, CMAA. Matt has been the Director of Athletics & Activities at the International School of Panama for the past 4 years. He worked as the Head of PE and Athletics Director in Mexico City for 6 years. Before that he worked as a PE teacher in Malaysia and in the UK, USA and Australia as International Football Coach and Consultant.

We met Matt through the virtual NIAAA conference where he was very open, approachable and eager to share his best practices and to collaborate with others.

Matt has structured the Athletics department at the International School of Panama in a unique way. He established 'coordinators' for each sport and they share a lot of decision making and leadership together with Matt.

In addition, the International School of Panama was the first Latin American International School and the Second International School worldwide to receive the NFHS Level 1 Coaching Development Distinction.

Thank you Matt for being on the Athletics For Life Podcast.

'It is our duty as Athletics & Activities Director to leave the place better than when you arrived' - Matt McInnes

'Setting up the right structures, policies and systems within the Athletics department is the key to make the transition easier' - Matt McInnes

'The process is the key, teaching students the life skills, tactics, teamwork etc should be the focus. Winning is secondary'- Matt McInnes

'Our duty that everyone in the school community embraces learning and personal development' - Matt McInnes

'Depersonalization is the key to grow your program and to grow as a person and professional' - Matt McInnes

Topics Covered

His role at the International School of Panama

How does he prepare himself for his transition to China

The structure of the Athletics department at the International of Panama

The impact of COVID-19 on ISPanama athletic programs

His path to his Certified Master in Athletic Administrator Certification and how he shifted from a face-to-face to a virtual athletics program

How did he strategize the social media presence of the athletics program during the pandemic

How does the Certified Master in Athletic Administrator Certification application work

How has the NIAAA certification process benefitted him as a non-US Athletics Director

How do you celebrate your athletics program through social media in the right way

What is his philosophy as an Athletics & Activities Director

His vision on Sportsmanship

How to promote a Coaches PD budget

The importance of good communication to promote your athletics program

How does he balance his life

The lessons learned from the pandemic

Matt's tips for upcoming Athletic & Activities Directors

The world is a small place

Website International School of Panama - https://www.isp.edu.pa/​

Host(s): CD Johnson & Jeff Koops

Twitter: @AthleticsforLi2

Special Guest: Mr Matt McInnes CIAA, CMAA

Camera & editing: Scott Lillis

NFHS Level 1 Coaches Development Distinction: https://nfhslearn.com/home/coaches​

NIAAA Website: https://members.niaaa.org/default.aspx​

International Courses:

LTC 901 Athletic Administration: Introduction to International School Athletic Program Administration

LTC 902 Athletic Administration: Principles, Strategies & Methods for Athletic Programs in International Schools

LTC 903 Athletic Administration: Concepts of Program Philosophy

LTC 904 Athletic Administration: Child Protection Overview for the International School Athletic Administrator

NIAAA certification: https://members.niaaa.org/general/cus...​

OUR SPONSORS:

Collegepro website: http://www.collegepro.com.cn/​​

Contact information: [e-mail]

SOS Medical Mongolia: http://sosmedica.mn/en/​

Host(s): CD Johnson & Jeff Koops

Twitter: @AthleticsforLi2

Special Guest: Mr Matt McInnes

Camera & editing: Scott Lillis

Contact information:

[e-mail] / [e-mail]

[e-mail] / [e-mail]

[e-mail]