How to Report a High School Coach for Abuse

Unfortunately for the world of athletics, game preparation and game time can bring out the worst in an individual, especially a high school coach. If you notice a coach who is engaging in abusive behavior toward his players, you should speak with him about it. He may not even be aware that his behavior is abusive, but if it continues, you should report it to the appropriate officials so that further action can be taken.

Things You'll Need

  • Written report
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Instructions

    • 1

      Create a written report of all the abusive incidents you have witnessed the coach engage in, be they verbal, psychological or physical. Examples would be if you heard the coach cursing at or belittling a member or members of the team, or if you saw him touch or grab a player in an aggressive manner. Be sure to include the dates and times the incidents happened.

    • 2

      Document whether you have spoken with the coach about his behavior. If you have, you should also indicate the outcome of those conversations.

    • 3

      Add the names of any others who have witnessed the coach's abusive behavior. You may want to speak with them first to see if they want their names to appear in the report. If someone does not want his or her name to appear, you can list him or her as an anonymous witness.

    • 4

      Include any actions you would like to see taken against the coach for his behavior: for example, anger-management counseling, suspension or termination. Be aware that your listing of those actions does not guarantee that they will be taken; it just lets the authorities know that you want something done to address the coach's behavior instead of letting him continue it without repercussions.

    • 5

      Submit copies of your written complaint to local school officials, such as the principal, athletic director and school board. It is best that you do this via certified mail. By doing so, you will have proof that your complaint against the coach was submitted to the appropriate authorities. This will be helpful in the event that a legal case develops.

    • 6

      Follow up with those officials to ensure that action is taken concerning the coach's behavior. If such action is taken and he retaliates against you for reporting him, alert the same officials in the same manner that you originally informed them of the abusive behavior.