"The Letter"
This is the letter that I finally sat down and wrote......I think it's self explanatory.
Re: Coaches _________ and _________ U13/14 Boys
Dear Sir(s):
While I understand and appreciate that coaches are in short supply for our league, and that they devote personal time and effort into their teams this does not absolve them of maintaining a reasonable level of conduct as adults in a position of leadership over the boys they are coaching. While this complaint should have been made much earlier in the season, it’s better late than never.
I’d like you all to be aware that these two individuals have conducted themselves in a most unacceptable manner. The boys have been subject to the constant use of profanity, put downs and just plain rude and demeaning conduct the entire season. Incidents I have witnessed were:
At a game in New Westminster: one of our boys was injured, down and crying. _____ told the referee to “keep playing”. The boy remained holding his knee, crying. The referee would not re-start the game and said “hey, the boy is hurt”. _______ only then, with a cigarette in his mouth, walked over to the boy.
At a game in Coquitlam: the team was short staffed at 9 boys and were forced to play against a team of 13. One of the boys is on the heavier side and had to run extra hard the entire game to make up for the lack of players and keep up to the pace (as they all did). At half-time he was clearly exhausted and the coaches’ response was….”get your g--damn ass out there and play”.
At another game they were losing both coaches were voicing profanities when the other team scored, as well as at the boys. Loud profane language was consistent throughout a very painful season where every game was lost.
Finally, at the end of last weekend’s game the coach said that he was canceling the final practice with the words “what’s the point?”. Not the sort of supportive attitude one would hope would come from those in leadership, regardless what the team’s record was.
My husband and I have given permission to our son to quit the team, but out of his own commitment to his team-mates he has decided to persevere. We are appalled by the use of language, put downs, rudeness and unprofessional conduct that these two individuals have displayed and have no alternative but to recommend they not be reinstated. These boys, while only a house team, have worked hard and have been playing short-handed (in most cases) against boys a year older than most of them. I feel very sorry for these boys, most of whom tried their best.
Again, I must stress that I sincerely appreciate that coaches are graciously and unselfishly volunteering their own time. But a level of professionalism and civility must be maintained. I wish to remain anonymous but do hope that you’ll take the time to consider what I’ve written and have this matter dealt with accordingly. My son intends on playing again next season, but only on a team without either of these two individuals.
Sincerely,
“a concerned parent”
Re: Coaches _________ and _________ U13/14 Boys
Dear Sir(s):
While I understand and appreciate that coaches are in short supply for our league, and that they devote personal time and effort into their teams this does not absolve them of maintaining a reasonable level of conduct as adults in a position of leadership over the boys they are coaching. While this complaint should have been made much earlier in the season, it’s better late than never.
I’d like you all to be aware that these two individuals have conducted themselves in a most unacceptable manner. The boys have been subject to the constant use of profanity, put downs and just plain rude and demeaning conduct the entire season. Incidents I have witnessed were:
At a game in New Westminster: one of our boys was injured, down and crying. _____ told the referee to “keep playing”. The boy remained holding his knee, crying. The referee would not re-start the game and said “hey, the boy is hurt”. _______ only then, with a cigarette in his mouth, walked over to the boy.
At a game in Coquitlam: the team was short staffed at 9 boys and were forced to play against a team of 13. One of the boys is on the heavier side and had to run extra hard the entire game to make up for the lack of players and keep up to the pace (as they all did). At half-time he was clearly exhausted and the coaches’ response was….”get your g--damn ass out there and play”.
At another game they were losing both coaches were voicing profanities when the other team scored, as well as at the boys. Loud profane language was consistent throughout a very painful season where every game was lost.
Finally, at the end of last weekend’s game the coach said that he was canceling the final practice with the words “what’s the point?”. Not the sort of supportive attitude one would hope would come from those in leadership, regardless what the team’s record was.
My husband and I have given permission to our son to quit the team, but out of his own commitment to his team-mates he has decided to persevere. We are appalled by the use of language, put downs, rudeness and unprofessional conduct that these two individuals have displayed and have no alternative but to recommend they not be reinstated. These boys, while only a house team, have worked hard and have been playing short-handed (in most cases) against boys a year older than most of them. I feel very sorry for these boys, most of whom tried their best.
Again, I must stress that I sincerely appreciate that coaches are graciously and unselfishly volunteering their own time. But a level of professionalism and civility must be maintained. I wish to remain anonymous but do hope that you’ll take the time to consider what I’ve written and have this matter dealt with accordingly. My son intends on playing again next season, but only on a team without either of these two individuals.
Sincerely,
“a concerned parent”
Comments
Erica...thanks for your visit!!