Sexual relationships between coaches and athlete are something that often overlooked or simply not discussed, but it is a growing problem. 159 coaches have been fired in the past decade in Washington alone. What's worse is that although charged with cases of sexual misconduct 98 continue to coach. A coach is a person a young athlete looks up to with admiration and respect. They place a lot of trust in their coach to lead them to the next level. Many coaches even play the role as parent. This loving, trusting relationship can turn bad in an instant.
Unfortunately, some of the time school districts can become so caught up in statistics and wins, they overlook the big picture and hire someone who has been accused of sexual violations. An example of this arose in Yakima County with a girl's high school golf coach. Although accused in a nearby county of groping girls the school district decided his success record was to hard to pass by. I find this disturbing. How can the school officials allow girl's lives to be in danger for the benefit of a sports team. I do not believe high school sports are that important. Schools are meant to protect their students, not hire a coaching predator.
I feel an incoming coach needs to have his record thoroughly examined along with several letters of recommendation. I understand this will not eliminate the problem, but we can keep it from continuing. The first accusation of sexual misconduct, the coach needs to be thoroughly examined. If found true the coach needs to be fired immediately. No second chances should exist. I feel the response the school uses now is ineffective. Typically the agency closes a case without conducting an examination, if they do they take years to investigate a case. Also, even when serious wrong doing is found the resulting discipline is meek. This type of environment is unacceptable for the young athlete. One should feel safe under the supervision of their coach, not vandalized.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Athletics Role in College
Many people condemn the large role sports play in universities. They feel it undermines the educational values the college is there to provide. I strongly disagree with this notion. If anything I would argue the athletics programs enhances the school's purpose. What creates greater school pride than the whole student body coming together to cheer on the football team against their greatest rivals. When choosing schools many people look for schools with a strong student body relationship. Collegiate athletics is becoming as popular as professional ones. Alumni are able to cheer on their old teams and continue their school spirit after graduation. Big sports like basketball, baseball, and football draw in a large crowd. This large fan base brings in revenue. Many people question where this money goes. According to an article by Peter J. Schwartz there are four places money ends up:
1. The university itself, for "academic purposes"
2. The university athletic department.
3. The university's athletic conference.
4. Local communities with a vested interest in the team.
If money is going to the university and the community I would say it is definitely working towards welfare greater than the athletic department itself. The same however cannot be said for other student organizations such as band, choir, or theater.
Secondly, athletic events allow students much needed time to draw away from their studies to an otherwise healthy environment. Drugs and alcohol are forbidden at these events. Let's be honest, most other times college students spend away from studying involves alcohol. Therefore, sporting events provide a safe place for students to mingle. Some question the attitude the young athletes take on. They say it goes to their head and they feel as if they rule campus. As a kinesiology major, I am around many of these young great athletes and I have not heard one of them make an arrogant remark in class. I feel other's concerns with athletics large role in the university is silly. Athletics helps the university, creates stronger bonds among students, and brings in large amounts of revenue to be used among the university.
1. The university itself, for "academic purposes"
2. The university athletic department.
3. The university's athletic conference.
4. Local communities with a vested interest in the team.
If money is going to the university and the community I would say it is definitely working towards welfare greater than the athletic department itself. The same however cannot be said for other student organizations such as band, choir, or theater.
Secondly, athletic events allow students much needed time to draw away from their studies to an otherwise healthy environment. Drugs and alcohol are forbidden at these events. Let's be honest, most other times college students spend away from studying involves alcohol. Therefore, sporting events provide a safe place for students to mingle. Some question the attitude the young athletes take on. They say it goes to their head and they feel as if they rule campus. As a kinesiology major, I am around many of these young great athletes and I have not heard one of them make an arrogant remark in class. I feel other's concerns with athletics large role in the university is silly. Athletics helps the university, creates stronger bonds among students, and brings in large amounts of revenue to be used among the university.
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