Survey Finds Heavy Strain on Activities Directors

A South Dakota High School Activities Association survey of member schools highlights long hours, high turnover and low pay for activities directors.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Administration

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a ring of keys and lanyard hanging from an empty fence post on a wide prairie at dusk, suggesting a long workday ending. — A South Dakota High School Activities Association survey found 90% of activities directors work 50 to 80 hours a week, with annual turnover of 20% to 25%. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should your local school district increase pay for activities directors?

The South Dakota High School Activities Association released results of a state-of-the-AD survey drawn from 110 member school responses. Findings show 90% of respondents work 50 to 80 hours per week and annual turnover runs 20% to 25%.

Why it matters

Heavy workloads and frequent turnover affect continuity in managing high school athletic and activity programs across the state. The association's board has set supporting AD recruitment and retention as a yearly goal.

The survey received 110 responses, and 54% of respondents reported being paid less than $10,000 for the AD role while 18% reported $10,000 to $20,000. Only about 20% of activities directors hold the role as their sole responsibility, and 41% also serve as teachers.

The players

South Dakota High School Activities Association

The state body that governs interscholastic athletics and activities for member high schools in South Dakota.

The details

The association sent the state-of-the-AD survey to each member school and asked how many home events directors supervise, with answers ranging from six to 250. More than 60% of activities directors are in the first five years of the job, and the association is exploring recently retired directors as mentors for newcomers.

Yearly: the SDHSAA board sets a goal to support AD recruitment and retention.
November 4, 2026: the survey results and AD challenges are published.

Season Trajectory

The association's survey of activities directors extends its existing effort to document working conditions across South Dakota member schools. The findings point to a staffing pipeline under pressure, with more than 60% of directors in their first five years on the job.

For South Dakota families, the survey suggests that the person coordinating school sports and activities may be stretched thin across teaching, coaching and administrative duties. Fewer staff and higher turnover can affect how consistently events are planned and supervised.

The takeaway

Supporting activities directors with mentorship and sustainable workloads could help stabilize school activity programs across South Dakota. Schools and families may notice the effects through steadier event management over time.