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When a coach gets arrested for a DUI, DWI, abuse, etc., it tarnishes the profession and ultimately is a significant obstacle for a program to overcome.


My suggested punishment for of-


fenses such as these is definite sus- pension without pay for two weeks. The coach also must address the team in a professional manner, ad- mitting that mistakes are made and consequences are paid. If the of- fense is alcohol or drug related, then I also promote and expect some type of counseling to take place to pre- vent future occurrences. A second offense would result in automatic dismissal from all coaching duties. —Brian Gibson, Van Horn High School, Van Horn, Texas


Our school district suspends play- ers for the entire season if they are caught smoking or in possession of alcohol or drugs during the season. If the offense is prior to the season, the rule states that the player may prac- tice but not participate in one-quarter of the season. I would expect and fol- low through with the same rules ap- plying to my coaching staff. —Phil Magsig, Okemos High School, Okemos, Mich.


In the district where I teach, they have a very strict policy about DUIs. As the head coach, I may not even have any control over the discipline. Most likely, the coach would be dismissed from his posi- tion immediately. Getting a DUI is usually the result of poor judgment, and I do have an issue with coaches who show poor judgment. Coaches are supposed to demonstrate the way to do things by their behaviors and actions. High school athletes are extremely moldable at this age. If a coach gets a DUI and is dis- missed, then the head coach must address the team. Hopefully, the team uses it as a learning moment. Usually for our track team, no media will be


22 March/April 2013


involved, but if it is, it will be re- ferred to as a violation of district policy. Part of the problem is that coaches oftentimes have to drive the team to meets. He or she will no longer be able to do the job. —Benjamin Trombley, Kimball High School, Tracy, Calif.


Here in my county, the first step would come from the central of- fice. They would be notified and have the first recourse of action. If they chose to allow the coach to continue his or her employment, then I would have to support them in their decision and allow them to remain on staff.


Depending on how public the ar- rest was would determine my next level of action. Keeping the per- sonal confidentiality of the coach would be paramount. I cannot imagine having the coach address the team. A college team, maybe, but a high school team, probably not. Deeper conversation with my principal and athletic director would determine that.


—James Robinson, Smithfield- Selma High School, Smithfield, N.C.


Immediate suspension until guilt or innocence has been proven. However, our coaching staff knows the high expectations that we have for their personal behavior. If the coach was found guilty of this of- fense, it would result in his or her removal from our staff. We have a no-tolerance policy in regarding this type of offense. —Skip Brock, Mount Vernon High School, Mt. Vernon, Mo.


DUI is such a unique charge with such broad ranging emotions at- tached to it, it is difficult to have a prepared set of repercussions. DUI arrests often do not become convic- tions. We have to remain mindful that an arrest does not always mean someone is guilty. Even when someone is found guilty of DUI, it does not always mean they’re reck-


less and a menace to society. Many times a DUI conviction is a one- time, isolated occurrence. If the arrest becomes public, the school should be ready to support the coach and use the event as a teaching and awareness moment concerning the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. If the arrest is not public knowledge, then it should be left up to the discretion of the coach whether to use the experience as a teaching moment for the team. If a coach shows a pattern of troubling behavior, DUI charge or not, it is up to the responsible ath- letic director to address it. The A.D. should discuss the warning signs of someone with a drinking problem and try to intervene before some- thing tragic and permanent occurs. Especially as it concerns young- er coaches, it is important that they realize that there really is no private place to engage in dangerous drink- ing. As a coach, they are never re- ally hidden. If they have a problem, they should seek help or risk losing their coaching job. A responsible A.D. should not wait for something major like DUI to take action. —Ken Laake Jr., Miami Valley School, Dayton, Ohio


As a Christian school, we would look at the entire scenario, meet with the coach, get his or her side of the story and confer with our administrative staff.


The coach would be suspended indefinitely and more than likely terminated. We would continue to pray for our coach and his family and help him in any way that we could. Our school is quite clear regarding the potential dangers of drinking and driving, having lost one of our alumni. Our coaching staff must be an example to our student-athletes and school family in this matter. We will not tolerate such behavior in our coaches, who are in positions of leadership and responsibility.


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