NIAAA QPA: A Strategic Blueprint for Education Based Athletics with Patrick Irving

In an era where high school athletics are increasingly viewed as a foundational component of education, Dr. Patrick Irving, Certified Master Athletic Administrator and Athletic Director at Pittsford Schools, stands as a leading voice in transforming athletic programs to meet rigorous national standards. Through his commitment to strategic planning and the NIAAA Quality Program Assessment (QPA), Dr. Irving has not only raised the bar for his own school district but has also helped craft a replicable framework for athletic excellence across the country.

In a recent Bound for Greatness podcast, hosted by Scott Garvis, Dr. Irving unpacked the transformative power of the QPA process in reshaping his district's athletic department. Irving’s journey began about three years ago when he first encountered the QPA rubric and recognized it as a comprehensive tool for assessing and refining all facets of an athletic program. "The structure is so detailed and powerful," he shared, noting that while Pittsford Schools boasts a rich legacy, there was room for growth. The QPA provided a strategic audit to objectively evaluate the district's current status, paving the way for a targeted vision of future success.

The QPA's structured framework has also facilitated regular discussions among athletic directors. Dr. Irving highlighted that while athletic programs nationwide often share similar goals and responsibilities, how they operate can vary widely, largely due to differing resources, traditions, and administrative structures. For example, Pittsford’s program, funded through the district’s tax base rather than gate receipts, differs fundamentally from many programs nationwide that rely heavily on ticket sales. This funding model has allowed Pittsford to make sports accessible without admission fees, a decision that reflects Irving’s commitment to inclusivity while ensuring financial stability.

One of the standout aspects of Pittsford’s approach has been its emphasis on mentorship—a priority Irving identified through his involvement with the QPA. Recognizing that much of his veteran coaching staff is nearing retirement, Irving sees mentorship as essential to ensuring continuity and instilling district values in new coaches. Through the QPA process, Irving has gleaned best practices from other athletic directors, tailoring them to meet Pittsford’s unique needs. This focus on mentorship underscores his belief that a thriving athletic department doesn’t just replace coaches but equips them to carry forward a legacy of excellence.

Integral to Pittsford’s strategic development has been Dr. Irving’s collaboration with a team of stakeholders, including office staff and coaches. Initially, he believed he could handle much of the QPA process independently. However, he soon realized that to capture the full breadth of Pittsford’s athletic program, collaboration was essential. This community-driven approach has enriched the QPA process, fostering buy-in from coaches and staff and strengthening the department’s internal communication. Dr. Irving expressed how invaluable it has been to draw upon diverse perspectives, which not only bolstered the QPA submission but also brought to light previously unrecognized strengths within Pittsford’s program.

Garvis and Irving delved into the broader impact of the QPA on the Pittsford community. Garvis shared his experience with the QPA in his district, recalling how receiving the QPA recognition and banner validated his department’s work and garnered appreciation from district administrators. Irving echoed this sentiment, underscoring that while many athletic directors often work behind the scenes, the QPA recognition sheds light on their invaluable contributions. Additionally, it amplifies the public’s understanding of the athletic department’s commitment to student-athlete welfare, organizational excellence, and community building.

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Looking ahead, Dr. Irving envisions using the QPA framework as a foundation for Pittsford’s long-term strategic planning. By aligning identified areas for improvement with a cohesive five-year plan, he aims to create a roadmap that addresses gaps and fosters continual growth. Involving a wide array of stakeholders, from students to coaches to community members, Irving plans to transform Pittsford’s athletic department into a sustainable model of excellence that future generations can build upon.

Through his work with the QPA, Dr. Patrick Irving has crafted a powerful narrative for athletic administration—one that emphasizes transparency, inclusivity, and a relentless pursuit of improvement. As Pittsford moves forward, Irving’s vision serves as a beacon for athletic departments nationwide, demonstrating that with strategic planning and community engagement, high school sports can transcend competition to foster lifelong values and meaningful community connections.

For anyone in the world of high school athletics, Dr. Irving’s insights reveal the boundless potential of the QPA process, illustrating that true excellence is not a destination but a journey of perpetual growth.

Bound for Greatness Podcast

Bound for Greatness is a podcast that addresses current issues facing athletic professionals and also offers leadership strategies for coaches and athletic administrators. Coach and athletic administrative veteran, Scott Garvis, tackles the issues facing education based activities from a unique perspective; sometimes irreverent, sometimes cynical, and sometimes serious. Scott covers current topics while also providing leadership lessons from his career as coach and administrator.

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