The Saratoga Springs City School District athletic program has been selected as a 2026 recipient of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) Quality Program Recognition at the Exemplary Level.
Under the leadership of John Goodson, director of health, physical education and athletics, the district’s athletic program earned this distinction following a comprehensive review of its policies, practices and procedures across 10 assessment categories. This recognition places SSCSD among a select 4% of athletic programs nationwide and makes it only the second school in New York state to receive this distinction.
The recognition celebrates excellence in the implementation and administration of high school athletic programs. The NIAAA Quality Program Assessment promotes thoughtful evaluation, strategic planning and continuous improvement, with an emphasis on professional benchmarks and best practices in areas such as program philosophy, instructional methods, operations and risk management.
The district celebrated this achievement with a banner presentation ceremony during the varsity football game on November 6. The athletic program will also be recognized during a ceremony at the 2026 NIAAA Annual Business Meeting during the National Conference in Phoenix, Arizona.