As a coach, I take my position as a role model for my athletes very seriously. I am not here to teach them to be party animals or make them believe the only way to have fun is by partying. We need to step up to the plate and set an example for all of the kids we come into contact with. We are the adults, let's make a differnce!
I think Concerned is giving coaches a wakeup call, and asking them all to step up to the plate and be role models (not just coaches) for the kids. I just hope the ones who actually NEED this advice are the ones reading this thread.
Many times the problem is the parents. I have been at competitions where the parents hang at the bar while the kids run around the hotel because they have not supervision. Nationals should be a family trip, focused on the kids not a party for the parents. Having a designated room for booz or an rv full of partying parents while their kids hang outside is ridiculous.
I agree with that 100%. Many times the parents treat going to out of area competitions as mini vacations for them and do NOT act responsibly. I hope those who fall into this category are reading these posts and can see how it can impact their kids, and the gym they are part of. It's unfortunate that a gym can get a bad reputation based on parents.
exactly wrote: I agree with that 100%. Many times the parents treat going to out of area competitions as mini vacations for them and do NOT act responsibly. I hope those who fall into this category are reading these posts and can see how it can impact their kids, and the gym they are part of. It's unfortunate that a gym can get a bad reputation based on parents.
Exactly, then when their poor behavior gets them into trouble/drama, they blame it all on the Gym, rather take responsibility themselves. Makes you never want to travel on big trips because of the few parents who consistently make bad choices on these trips. :(
While this is a serious subject and I agree with what has been said, I also notice how quickly ANY topic involving responsibility of coaches (or gym owners) changes into a parents bashing topic! As I said, I agree with what has been said, and parents are surely to blame for THEIR behavior, but so too are the coaches. I have seen things go so far as gym owners blaming parents for getting coaches drunk! Sounds like a lack of responsibility to me. I want my kids to learn to take responsibility for their own choices. Not shift blame on someone else. Remember the whole just say no?" LOL Maybe..if we are to entrust our kids to the coaches as they say they expect us to do, we should also be allowed to expect that the coaches be setting good examples and taking responsibilty for thier own choices! Obviously parents too, but f you read this thread start to now, you will see the drastic change of direction. Interesting!
Yea, sometimes you feel like it's a gamble, and it shouldn't be that way. You hope that the parents that come act responsibly, but nobody is under any particular obligation to do so (it's not like they sign anything). We have had problems in the past. I have seen problems with parents from other gyms as well (even the ones you wouldn't expect it from), so what I have learned is do NOT judge a gym by the actions of parents, and don't assume a parent is a coach. Our gym, like others, have a few bad seeds, but 90% of the parents are wonderful and supportive. Unfortunately it's always the ones who misbehave that stand out; it's the bad behaviour people remember, not the good.
Our parents sign an extensive agreement covering ALL of that. They initial each and every rule. It is also covered in the parent meeting and reenforced all year. We have had two girls in the years expelled from the program for not obeying the rules with the parents consent. If you take a ZERO tolerance attitude towards your policies in your gym, you really do have the respect of the parents, kids and staff. You would be amazed what you can accomplish is you just put your foot down.
I think that's the way it has to be with all gyms, and like you said, you gain the respect of parents kids and staff, which means in the long run for any parents or kids you may lose who break the rules, you'll gain more who decide your organization is indeed one they want to join. Gyms who aren't doing this, please consider this for the good of our sport overall!
I did not appreciate Las Vegas. I feel there is a time and place for adult time. Las Vegas is an adult venue. They served wine and beer at the event. I don't feel we should support this at any compititions. Just cause it is served doesn't mean we purchase it. The entertainment music between team was also not age approprate for the smaller children. We are role models all the time. Drink is somthing most of us enjoy. Lets keep it responsible and at approprate times. Our children will learn from us even when we make mistakes in judgement.
I remember having crushes on teachers and coaches when I was a teenager. Thank god none of them tried to take advantage of that. and no, I wasn't an ugly step child either..LOL!! Anyway, we need to remember that it could be anyone in a position of trust who violates a child. It could be a minister, preacher, teacher, coach, police officer, congressman or a relative. We really need to educate our children of what's ok and what's not OK......I had a wonderful mother who taught me from a young age what was appropriate behavior from any adult......so I was well prepared. I was fortuanate to have some wonderful mentors that helped mold me into what I am today.
I agree with the above poster, I am a mother who also had a crush on my gym teacher. I remember jumping on his back so he could give me a piggy back ride to the softball field. He was always professional and thank god he did not cross the line.....My 14 year old has also had a crush on a young handsome teacher...this will happen little girls will get crushes on role models (coaches, teachers) it is up to adults to behave in an adult manner and stay away from even flirting with kids.
