Commissioner provides insight for improving working relationship with conferences

When it comes to how some coaches and staff view athletic conferences, there's likely a disconnect between perception and reality. “The most common misconception about an athletic conference is that decisions are made whimsically and unilaterally,” noted Chris Graham, M.S., Sunshine State Conference Commissioner. “Whether within the governing committee structure or from the conference office, coaches or administrators may lack understanding about all the factors that weigh in to any particular decision and the responsibility governing authorities have to consider all perspectives. Lack of context and involvement, therefore, tends to develop misconceptions amongst member representatives when questions arise over decisions and outcomes,” he added.