Supporting coaches in your community and challenging the mob mentality
Life lessons through sports.
4.24.23 | by Coach Mike Deegan
In the last month, it was announced three legendary high school basketball coaches would not be returning to their post. One was fired, one contract was not renewed and one resigned.
High school coaches make a stipend that is comical compared to their time investment. And, by all accounts, they are under attack.
Let’s take a closer look…
A closer look
Coaches used to be pillars of the community. They were truth tellers who helped in the growth and development of the youth. They were able to challenge in ways guardians oftentimes could not.
I also acknowledge that coaches are far from perfect. There are times when coaches cross a line and terminations are warranted.
As a society, however, we must take a deep look at the way we are treating coaches and their families. No matter who’s the coach, there will always be cuts and limited playing time. There will always be differences in philosophies and decisions to be questioned.
Two concerning thoughts come to mind:
#1 Are long tenured high school coaches going to become extinct?
#2 How far are we from just having the parents of the current team do the coaching?
I can see a future where a small group of parents get together and shape the high school sports experience for their children.
How bad would that be?
I don’t know these coaches (two men and one woman) personally or professionally. Like all humans, I’m sure they had flaws. However, the news still makes me sad.
As a member of this audience, I’m asking you to be a voice of reason within your community. Be the person who challenges when the mob mentality kicks in.
We can be leaders in supporting coaches in our communities.
Here’s an article I wrote in 2018, about how one parent handled his son’s displeasure with a coach: George, The Coach is Going to Play His Best Players.
Please read and share!
Have a great week,
Mike
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