Richard Thornton, RAA

Assistant AD Arlington HS, Arlington, MA. Past AD Oxbow HS, VT. Former college 🏀coach. Trinity College/Springfield College alum.

[Scott Garvis C.M.A.A. @PocketAD_]

Athletic Directors: Does every coach in your department know the expectations... or are they guessing?

Research shows organizations with structured onboarding programs see up to an 82% improvement in retention and a 50% increase in productivity. The same principle applies to athletic departments.

A comprehensive Coaches Handbook isn't just a document. It's your department's playbook for:
✅ Consistent expectations
✅ Risk management & compliance
✅ Communication standards
✅ Program culture
✅ Coach accountability

Without one, every coach is operating from their own set of assumptions.

The strongest athletic departments don't leave culture, communication, and expectations to chance. They document them.

If you don't have a Coaches Handbook or need to update yours, send me a message. I'll share an example and help you build one that fits your department.

Your coaches deserve clarity.
Your athletes deserve consistency.
Your department deserves alignment.
#AthleticDirector #EducationBasedAthletics #CoachDevelopment #AthleticLeadership #ADLife

[Richard Thornton, RAA @CoachRich68]

@PocketAD_ Interested in an example

[Jack Fitzsimmons @WCAX_Jack]

Official confirmation from UVM, Feifs leaving UVM head job for defensive coordinator/associate head coach job at Virginia.

[Richard Thornton, RAA @CoachRich68]

@CoachLync @CoachBobStarkey Post

[Richard Thornton, RAA @CoachRich68]

@CoachLync Princeton

[The Helpful AD @TheHelpfulAD]

6 Habits of Highly Effective Athletic Directors

-- via @chriscfore

https://t.co/8nOhcp8kBy

[Richard Thornton, RAA @CoachRich68]

@CoachLync FLEX

[Richard Thornton, RAA @CoachRich68]

@CoachLync CAROLINA

[Mike Jagacki @Mike_Jagacki]

What footwork do you teach on closeouts?

Chopping your feet is too slow. The hockey stop is too dangerous. The 4-step breakdown is the perfect balance. 2 steps to control, 2 steps to impact.

[Hoops Companion 🏀 Resources for Coaches @Hoops_Companion]

Vermont 5 Out stuff - hard to guard

[Jerry Carino @NJHoopsHaven]

I did a Q&A with new FDU athletics director Jason Young. He discussed opting into the House settlement, expanding sports and facilities, the Macron apparel deal, NCAA Tourney expansion, athlete retention, and FDU's future in the NEC:
https://t.co/nF29ZQo1MD via @northjersey

[Johnathan Nascimento @JohnathanNasci1]

Excited to get to work. Just when I thought the ride was over we’ve only just begun. Go Ponders! @Ponderfootball @doug_hanlon50 @AHS_SpyPonders

[Richard Thornton, RAA @CoachRich68]

@BBallImmersion Case study

[Brandon Tierney @BrandonTierney]

This is absolutely incredible. 💔

[Worcester T&G Sports @tgsports]

After 27 years and 350 wins, Tom Gibbons retires as Wachusett boys' basketball coach: @WachusettAD @JenTolandTG https://t.co/NOIhDycWFi via @telegramdotcom

[Jennifer Toland @JenTolandTG]

Tom Gibbons, who won 350 games in his 26 seasons coaching the Wachusett Regional boys' basketball team, has stepped down from his position. Gibbons will still be in the gym(s) this winter watching his daughters, Mary, Sophie and Lucy, play.@WachusettAD @tgsports

[SpringfieldAthletics @SC_Pride]

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS! No. 1 #SpringfieldCollege Men's Volleyball Sweeps Carthage To Claim Program's Sixth NCAA Title https://t.co/4zqPrbJirV

[NCAA Division III @NCAADIII]

Congratulations to Springfield, 2026 Division III Men's Volleyball National Champions! 🏆 🏐

#WhyD3 | #D3vb

[NCAA Division III @NCAADIII]

SPRINGFIELD WINS ITS SIXTH #D3VB NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!!!

#WhyD3

[NCAA Division III @NCAADIII]

coach knows ball 🫡

#WhyD3 | #D3vb