How to Report a High School Coach Who Is Abusive

Sports provide a strong foundation for teaching leadership, respect and teamwork. High school coaches who develop a win at any cost attitude and resort to abusive language or actions can affect more than the players' skill level. A coach can have a major impact on a young athletes' confidence and self-esteem, which can have a negative impact on a child's development. Parents have a responsibility to their children to make sure any signs of abuse by the coach are dealt with appropriately.

Instructions

    • 1

      Report abuse to the school's athletic director. Provide the complaint in writing and make sure to cite the dates and times of the alleged abuse. The athletic director is charged with ensuring student athletes are afforded a safe and rewarding environment in which to participate. Depending on the severity of the complaint, the athletic director can make recommendations concerning punishment. This may include participation in state sponsored coaching seminars, reduction in involvement and even termination, in extreme cases.

    • 2

      Contact the school board. File a complaint directly with the school board and request an investigation into the matter. This complaint should be sent via certified mail to ensure it is delivered and received and should document the alleged abuse and also include a copy of the complaint filed with the athletic director. This will help ensure the athletic director and coach are taking the complaint of abuse seriously and are working to resolve any future issues.

    • 3

      Contact the state's High School Athletic Association if the complaint isn't resolved in a satisfactory manner. Each state's association is responsible for the oversight of professional and appropriate conduct by the coaches and schools within the state. Reports of abuse of any kind that are either swept under the rug or continue to be a problem need to be reported to the association via certified mail. Include copies of the previous complaints that were filed with the high school and the school board.

    • 4

      Contact the police. Police should be notified immediately of any signs of physical or sexual abuse, and a police report should be filed. The police will be able to handle the incident directly with the appropriate school officials. Provide the police with any written communications you have had with the school or representatives of the school.