Data has become the driving force behind every major decision in schools – staffing, budgeting, equity, facilities, participation, and even legislative compliance. But on the athletic side, there’s a growing problem:
ADs want data-driven decision-making, but they rarely have complete, accurate, or accessible data.
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Across conversations at the National AD Conference, ADs told us the same story:
Being told to “use data” assumes that the data exists, is accurate, and is accessible when needed. In reality, many ADs are forced to rely on estimates, outdated reports, or manually assembled spreadsheets to answer time-sensitive questions.
This creates hesitation in decision-making and erodes confidence at every level – from school administrators to parents and coaches. When answers take days to assemble or feel incomplete, trust in the athletic department quietly declines.
Data is supposed to make decisions easier – but instead, it’s making work harder.
For the first time, NFHS and NIAAA are dedicating resources to this problem. They’re beginning to outline what “good data practice” looks like and how athletic departments can modernize.
Conversations are shifting from “should we modernize?” to “how do we define and standardize quality data across schools?”
This shift signals that expectations are changing. As best practices become more data-driven at the top, pressure will increase for local athletic departments to align, whether they feel ready or not.
This shift will define the next decade of athletic administration.
The data deficit in high school athletics isn’t a temporary challenge, it’s a defining issue for the next decade of the profession. As legislative oversight, equity audits, and safety expectations increase, the ability to quickly access reliable information will become non-negotiable.
ADs who invest time in understanding and improving their data systems today will be better positioned to lead tomorrow. Those who don’t may find themselves constantly catching up in a profession that’s moving faster every year.
FinalForms collects, verifies, and organizes data in real time — giving ADs a complete, reliable foundation for decision-making.
Departments using FinalForms gain:
If your department is feeling the weight of the data gap, the solution is closer than you think.
FinalForms is a leader in K-12 education technology, specializing in registration, compliance, and communication solutions. Trusted by thousands of schools, FinalForms empowers administrators to save time, improve compliance, and enhance safety through real-time access to critical student information.
👉 Let’s talk about modernizing your data foundation.