IBSC Ideas Lab
Professional Conversations for Athletic Directors of Boys’ Schools in North America
Watch for dates of this IBSC Ideas Lab coming in the next school year. Please contact Bruce Collins at collins@theibsc.org with any questions or to add your name to the waitlist.
IBSC Ideas Lab invites athletic directors of member schools North America to connect virtually using Zoom. Limited to 14 participants plus the facilitator, this IBSC Ideas Lab includes three one-hour sessions for participants to discuss relevant topics.
Designed as an interactive exchange among colleagues, IBSC Ideas Lab engages dedicated educators who learn and grow together. Before each session, participants engage with relevant resources to provide a foundation for discussions. Together we surface fresh ideas and build mutual support structures and enduring professional friendships.
Available exclusively to IBSC member schools, first-time participants who can commit to joining all three sessions get preference in registration to support the success of each small group. No more than two participants from one school may register for an Ideas Lab.
In the spirit of open dialogue and collaboration, IBSC Ideas Labs are not recorded, allowing participants the freedom to express themselves openly and share their experiences candidly.
Who Should Attend?
Athletic directors of IBSC member schools in North America
Format
IBSC Ideas Lab attendees participate in three scheduled one-hour calls using Zoom. Ren O’Ferrall, athletic director, St. Christopher’s School (United States), facilitates each session.
Conversation Topics
Conversation 1
Evolving the Athlete: Balancing Development and Opportunity
Thursday, March 27, 2:00 PM EDT
60 minutes
How can athletic directors navigate the rapidly changing landscape of student-athlete development, ensuring both athletic excellence and holistic well-being? Delve into the complexities of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, the debate between sport specialization and multisport participation, and the impact of AAU/travel teams. Equip yourself with strategies to foster a balanced approach, promoting long-term athletic success while prioritizing the physical and mental health of your athletes. Explore methods to create a supportive environment where boys thrive—both on and off the field—and gain insights into building programs that prepare them for success in an evolving athletic world.
Conversation 2
Building a Winning Program: Strategies for Success and Sustainability
Thursday, April 3, 2:00 PM EDT
60 minutes
What are the critical factors in building and maintaining a robust athletic program in a boys’ school in North America? Address the challenges of finding and retaining qualified coaches, optimizing participation numbers, and managing athletic budgets effectively. Engage in a collaborative discussion on the merits of the teacher-coach model versus dedicated coaching hires, exploring strategies to attract top talent and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Examine innovative approaches to budget management, fundraising, and resource allocation. Gain valuable insights into creating sustainable programs that maximize resources and provide exceptional athletic experiences for boys.
Conversation 3
Cultivating Positive Relationships and Ethical Leadership in Athletics
Wednesday, April 9, 2:00 PM EDT
60 minutes
How can athletic directors effectively manage relationships with athletes, parents, and the wider school community, while upholding ethical standards in an increasingly complex environment? Explore the impact of social media on athletes, the ethical considerations of athlete recruiting, and strategies for navigating the often-challenging dynamics of parent involvement. Equip yourself with tools to foster positive communication, promote responsible social media use, and address potential conflicts proactively. Discuss best practices for creating a culture of integrity and sportsmanship, ensuring that your athletic program reflects the values of your school and prepares boys for responsible leadership.
Registration
IBSC member rate: US $170
Refund Policy
BSC will refund 90% of registration fees if a written request is received by March 13, 2025. No refunds will be made for cancellations received after this time. Schools seeking to register an alternate to replace a participant unable to attend should contact IBSC@theibsc.org.
Please note: Watch your email for login information for this IBSC Ideas Lab by March 19, 2025. If you registered later than this date, watch for login information within 24 hours.
Participation certificates: Participants present for all three conversations will receive a certificate of participation within two weeks of the final session.
Facilitator
Ren O'Ferrall
After graduating from St. Christopher’s School (United States) in 1985, Ren O'Ferrall attended Virginia Military Institute, where he earned an undergraduate degree in economics. He later earned a graduate degree in sport leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University. O'Ferrall returned to St. Christopher’s in 1994 as a member of the Lower School Physical Education Department. He has served in numerous capacities during his tenure, including being a three-sport coach for more than 20 years, the director of summer programs, and assistant athletic director. A recipient of the Petey Jacobs Award for Coaching Excellence, O'Ferrall was named director of athletics in 2015.