Q&A.D. with GHSA executive director Robin Hines

Dr. Robin Hines began his tenure as Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Executive Director in June 2017. As the Executive Director, his responsibilities include the day-to-day administration of the GHSA, by-law interpretations, student eligibility, hardships, and the Coach’s Education Program.

He is only the sixth executive director in the history of the GHSA dating back to 1946.

He previously served in the Houston County School System as principal of Northside High School, Assistant Superintendent for School Operations, and Superintendent of Schools. He also served as a high school principal in Jackson and Charlton Counties. During his career in education, Dr. Hines has served as a teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent.

Dr. Hines spoke with Coach & Athletic Director about his time as GHSA Executive Director

What are you most proud of achieving in the time you’ve been at the helm of the GHSA?
First, it’s important to understand that any achievements we’ve enjoyed are the result of a team effort. Navigating the opening sports and activities during COVID-19 is something I’m proud of. It was certainly a difficult time for all but with the work of our staff, the Sports Medicine Advisory Council, and our member schools we were able to provide full schedules for all sports and activities.

We have improved our financial situation tremendously over the past seven years. All dues and the membership portion of the catastrophic insurance policy have been waived for the past four years. During this time we sent three years of dues and insurance back to the schools as a member share and we are in a position to do this again next year.

Have you added any new athletic offerings for student-athletes during your tenure?
We have greatly enhanced opportunities for participation for girls. We have added girls wrestling, competitive dance, game day cheer and girls flag football. I would note that we will have more than 280 schools participating in flag football next year with more than 6,000 girls participating.

What was the biggest challenge you faced as executive director? How did you handle it?
Without a doubt, it would be navigating through COVID. We were fortunate to have a Governor (Brian Kemp) who understood the importance of high school athletics and activities. His executive order allowed us to open up in time for a full fall season of sports and activities. I knew from canceling the previous spring season that it was important from a student mental health perspective. We needed to provide those opportunities for students. We also realize how important high school athletics can be for local communities from a financial perspective as well as a sense of community. There was a great deal of pressure from those who wanted to keep things shut down. Now that we’re on the other side of it, we feel we made the correct decisions.

What steps have you taken to help mitigate the ongoing referee shortage? While it’s certainly a national issue, has it affected you at the state level?
We have ongoing recruiting efforts and are seeing increases in numbers across the board. Officials are slowly returning after COVID but we need to continue recruiting young officials. We have people in place who make personal contact with every inquiry from these initiatives. We also have a great partnership with the Atlanta Falcons and Mercedes Benz Stadium and they recognize the shortage and want to be part of the solution. Mr. Blank and the Arthur Blank Foundation have provided a grant to help remove financial barriers from individuals getting into officiating. There is a significant cost of the necessary equipment as well as registration fees so we are grateful to Mr. Blank and his foundation for helping us in this critical initiative.

» ALSO SEE: Preparing for the athletic school year

I understand you are retiring from your position in August. What advice do you have for the next GHSA Executive Director, and more broadly, for high school athletic administrators?
Always remember the mission and vision and account for the great things that happen as a result of the association. There is no greater platform for young people to learn life skills than on the courts, fields, and stages. Students learn how to lead, follow, set goals, and plan for achieving those goals. Knowing how to be a part of a team is a skill that can bring success for a lifetime. Working in a state association can be difficult, political, and polarizing. Always go back to the mission of providing opportunities for young people and keep that as the main thing.