Code of Conduct for Coaches

[DrainTheSwamp]

I've argued this point with a couple of friends, family members, and colleagues over the pasty couple of days. Let's bring the discussion to the boards.

A head coach (that will not be named) at a school (that will not be named) just recently was picked up for driving while intoxicated. The coach, after being arrested, took the necessary precautions and alerted the AD, Principal, and School District of his unfortunate mishap. The coach's team started their season two days later.....and he was on the bench. The team plays on Friday and he will be on the bench for that game as well.

So my question is this: Should coaches be held to a different standard than players? If a player would have done that, they would have had to have sat out until January at least.

The coach reported the incident to everyone he needed to, including the district. The school board for this particular district says that, as long as a teacher/coach reports an OWI, he is able to continue teaching and coaching without any repercussions. The district's policy states that if a kid had violated the same act, then they would have been suspended via Code of Conduct.

Interested to hear some of your thoughts.

 

[EastIowaHawk]

Sounds like the coach did the right things. Maybe his first offense and extenuating circumstances. He should probably have the assistant coach take over for a couple of games. If this coach has other issues which concern the parents and school board, then maybe a much, much stiffer penalty. Another DUI and he should be gone. When you say "on the bench" does that mean he coached, or just sat on the bench while the assistant coached? A good opportunity exists here for the coach to have a good talk with the players about what can happen when a person mixes drinking and driving. I mean, how many of us would have a DUI if a cop happened by at the wrong time?

 

[privateer13]

I think he should at the least face the same punishment. What message does it send other than if you do get in trouble get out in front of it and you may be let off. What would a real leader do in this instance?

 

[cidhawkeye]

Is there a level of offense? Getting pulled over and blowing a .081 vs say blowing a .322 before noon with unexplained damage to the car you where driving? I understand policy but this case is a little more than one too many.

 

[SSG T]

I think he should at the least face the same punishment. What message does it send other than if you do get in trouble get out in front of it and you may be let off. What would a real leader do in this instance?

A big reason for a stiff penalty for the players is that they would also be underage. The coach can legally drink, they can't.

That said, I have no problem with the school handing out punishment to the coach, but it's a completely different situation than a student getting caught.

 

[privateer13]

The age of drinking maybe against the law but driving while intoxicated doesn't have an age limit. But I get what your getting at. I would hope that as a leader of young men he would be teaching more than just basketball skills though and could use his own situation as a teaching tool.

 

[cidhawkeye]

Any time you can't even finish the tests because you are too intoxicated to even attempt them is a bad sign. School policy or not a self imposed penalty may be approrpiate.

 

[DrainTheSwamp]

Any time you can't even finish the tests because you are too intoxicated to even attempt them is a bad sign. School policy or not a self imposed penalty may be approrpiate.

I agree completely. However, WHO walked into the gymnasium and waited until practice was completed to speak to the coach, only to be escorted out by security. This doesn't sit well with me. If you're not going to be disciplined by the school or district, the least you could do is show some humility. Get in front of a camera, say that what you did was wrong, say you're seeking treatment (whether you are or aren't), and move on from this.

 

[cidhawkeye]

I agree completely. However, WHO walked into the gymnasium and waited until practice was completed to speak to the coach, only to be escorted out by security. This doesn't sit well with me. If you're not going to be disciplined by the school or district, the least you could do is show some humility. Get in front of a camera, say that what you did was wrong, say you're seeking treatment (whether you are or aren't), and move on from this.

What he would get from the media is far easier than what opposing fans will do

 

[Saywhat2]

Is this the former college coach who I saw on the news that got fired?

 

[atomic87]

http://whotv.com/2016/11/30/des-moines-high-school-basketball-coach-arrested-for-owi/

 

[Saywhat2]

Yep that's him. But not fired. Wow, just the type of guy you want your kids playing for. "He can't transport kids". Well, guess that settles it. Nothing to see here.

 

[DrainTheSwamp]

What he would get from the media is far easier than what opposing fans will do

CIML Student Sections aren't what they used to be. Chants of "Have-A-Nother" or "3! 3! 2!" won't be happening I don't think. School administrators do a pretty good job of monitoring things like that.