What Does it Mean to be a Professional in High School Activities?

The terms professional or professionalism are commonly and repeatedly used with respect to personnel in high school athletics, performing arts and in the educational realm in general. When discussing what is involved, there are some who simply maintain that “you’ll know it when you see it.” But there should be a better, more definitive way to accurately explain what is expected and what one needs to do in order to be considered a professional.

With teaching and administrative positions, individuals are normally expected to be certified within their discipline or to have earned their administrative credentials, and this would be a good place to start any discussion of standards or expectations for professionalism. In like fashion, therefore, coaches should earn one of the three levels of the National Federation of State High School Associations’ accredited designations. Also, athletic administrators should strive to earn their Certified Master Athletic Administrator certification with the NIAAA after completing the Registered and Certified Athletic Administrator levels. While these steps should be obvious, more is and should be involved.

There are, or should be, undeniable qualities or traits that are connected or associated with an individual described as being a professional. It would be totally expected that one should exhibit:

• Honesty. It is always critically important to tell the truth, and one should always be transparent. While an individual should use tact and discretion depending upon the situation, one should also respond in a straightforward manner as much as possible.

• Ethics. A simple definition for this quality is to do what is right, and this would also mean when no one is looking or is even aware of what may be occurring. In addition, if someone is aware of unethical behavior and does not say or do anything about it, the individual would be complicit.

• Politeness. While a professional does not always have to agree with everyone, common courtesy and respect should be a normal, everyday expectation. Another term which would fall under this heading would be civility.

• Competency. This would mean that an individual is knowledgeable and has the skills to successfully tackle the tasks and responsibilities associated with the position. In addition, this would also necessitate continual professional development in order to stay up to date with new trends and developments.

• Dependability. One’s words and actions must be consistent. There can never be any doubt as to what you have said or will do. Everyone needs to be able to count on you.

• Trust. While this trait may be closely aligned with dependability, you need to stand behind your values. In doing so, everyone knows your stance and position on issues, and that you won’t waver when pressured.

• Commitment. A professional should work hard and be totally focused on what needs to be accomplished. One cannot be deterred by challenges and occasional hurdles. The objectives must be met regardless of the time or effort required.

• Positivity. When faced with ill-tempered and contentious individuals, it may not always be easy to be positive. But professionals should be optimistic and project hope in order to inspire and encourage others.

• Support. As a leader, many individuals in your program or school community may look to you for help and advice. When a coach, athlete or anyone comes to you for your guidance and assistance, it may not always be convenient in your schedule. But a professional recognizes this responsibility and will step up and help in any way possible.

• Preparedness. It is difficult to lead a program or initiative, and direct efforts if one does not put in the time and effort to plan and organize. Haphazard, off-the-cuff and spur-of the-moment approaches rarely accomplish much and don’t represent a professional approach.

• Integrity. This means always meeting the highest standards and expectations of fairness, decency, morality and being principled.

This list of traits or qualities associated with professionalism is not presented in any particular order, and it is also not intended to be all-inclusive. But they do represent a good foundation, and something to consider.

On the other side of the coin, however, there are also some traits that should never be associated with the concept of professionalism. While it is good to be confident, for example, an over-inflated ego, self-serving behavior and vested interests simply don’t fit. A professional should always work for the benefit of students, coaches, advisors and teachers, and place the collective interest of these groups above their own.

When thinking about everything involved in professionalism, it is not so simple to concisely define it. Determining if an individual is a professional may, after all, be dependent upon recognizing the various aspects when you do see them. But everyone should agree that professionalism is required by those involved in education-based athletics and performing arts. And the greatest challenge is not trying to accurately define the concept, but actually putting it into practice.

Beyond trying to meet these standards and serve as a professional in your position, there may be one more hurdle that needs to be considered. Performing your duties and executing your responsibilities has to be done consistently within the concept, and at all times. Professionalism can’t only be apparent when it is easy and convenient, but you also have to approach difficult, challenging and unique issues and situations in the same manner with the highest standards. No one said that being professional is easy, but it is expected and necessary as leaders in education- based athletics and performing arts programs. How do you measure up and how do you define being a professional?