The SCACA Auxiliary Meeting was held October 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Clinton, SC, at Laurens 56. Scott Earley emphasized the value of meeting face-to-face with auxiliary leaders who handle the daily work of their associations.
- 2027 Coaches Academy: The event will follow a Thursday–Saturday format in Greenville. The transition from “Clinic” to “Academy” reflects discussion about its format, purpose, and operation. The current 2½-day event serves approximately 2,200 coaches and costs more than $216,000. Charleston costs are expected to increase beginning in 2028.
- Speakers and leadership development: Potential programming included Jon Gordon, Jade Gordon, a USC coach and spouse, and Willie Spears. Speaker costs discussed ranged from $100 for regular presenters to $5,000 for Spears and $50,000–$80,000 for Jon Gordon. Jay Urich’s Banner Player Development program was also mentioned, with a December 12, 2026, date.
- Sportsmanship initiative: Leaders discussed adapting the “Texas Way” concept into a South Carolina initiative called It Starts With Us, emphasizing sportsmanship and behavior. A revised format would be presented to the Board and tailored to SCACA’s operations.
- Constitution and bylaws: Auxiliaries need clearly documented selection procedures for all-star players and coaches, Coach of the Year awards, and All-State teams. SCACA is also considering a future policy tying players’ all-star eligibility to their coaches’ SCACA membership; this was discussed as a potential change.
- Academy planning: Speakers are needed by January 31, 2027. The July 24, 2027, schedule discussed included the SCACA Business Meeting at 8:30 a.m., a Rules Meeting at 9:00 a.m., and a noon breakout session, with discussion of using that slot for a rules meeting instead.
- Attendance and finances: Earley stressed that attendance is essential to the Academy’s survival. Rules meetings attract participation, while some speaker sessions draw only about 40 coaches. Separate sport clinics were identified as competing with Academy attendance. Expenses have doubled over three years, including $7,000 for Greenville parking arrangements and $15,000 annually for social media.
- Hall of Fame event: SCACA will explore separating the Hall of Fame ceremony from the Academy and hosting a standalone event in Columbia or Charleston. Ideas included Seawell’s, the SCBCA model, brief honoree remarks, produced videos, a featured speaker, and a program lasting no more than two hours.
- We roughly have 42% of our coaches as SCACA members. We need to aim for 75%!
