When I rule the world, this kind of kid would be all over the national news as a hero and people would think a Kardashian was an alien race in Star Trek.
This is why I have had the conversation with my former basketball team when I felt they were old enough to understand the basic concepts that if any coach, teacher, authority figure, adult, or anyone did anything that made them feel uncomfortable or reached out to them in an inappropriate way that they were to tell their parents immediately. That included me and any of my assistants.
I had one of my parents approach me a week or so later telling me that I was making their daughter uncomfortable because I tend to high five and hug my players a lot. I never said a word to the player about it to avoid making her more uncomfortable but I made sure to alter my behavior with her and encouraged her with words instead of contact. She ended up being one of the players that I was closest to by the end of the season, but I had to make sure that I didn't make her uncomfortable.
Parents are far too trusting of coaches and teachers unfortunately. We wouldn't dream of dropping our daughters off with strangers for a few hours at 12 years old but if they call themselves a coach we will leave them alone with them without thinking their is anything strange.
The only problem I had with coaches was one assistant coach on a 12u team my daughter was on singled out two girls for wearing tank tops to practice. I was also an assistant and was standing right there. The talk started out good 'wear appropriate clothing for practice' but he kept going and crossed the line. He said "you see those boys over there? You dont want to be running and have one of the 'sisters' pop out in front of them." I felt my blood starting to boil and finally yelled at him in front of the team " THEY GOT THE POINT, STOP!!!" He said "but I was just.." I interrupted "STOP!" That was the beggining of the end for me and my DD on that team.
Out of curiosity, would your reaction have been the same if the coach was female?
I live in GA and we practice all year. In July, it's HOT. I don't see shorts and tanks as inappropriate attire for a sports activity.
^^^ this.
I set the team up in a group. If I have the child's number it is in there. ALL PARENTS are in there. All txt go to the group. If I'm Txt ed by a player with a question 80% of the time response goes out to the player and copied to the parent. It is important for coaches and parents to protect these kids and for coaches to protect themselves.
You have my vote. This is a more sensible platform than most of politicians currently running for elected office.
Also...
In the early days of reality TV shows, when shows like Survivor and The Apprentice were brand new shows, I sometimes wondered what would happen if our presidential elections were run like reality TV shows.
Don't worry, that will NEVER happen.
The line is here. Do not cross it (as in be careful about religion and politics)
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