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Post by dc207 on Dec 13, 2008 13:50:38 GMT -6
...anyone experience anything like this or am I way off base in my concerns about the future.
(WARNING: Long post, education-related issues)
Our football staff has been at our current school six years, and have made great strides in many regards: record, kids' grades, weightroom effort/participation, upgrade of facilities, alumni support, community support, fan turnout have all improved greatly from the time we got here.
We are proud of what we have done, but still have a long way to go in certain aspects. The kids bought in a long time ago and the ball is rolling downhill, if you know what I mean - there are certain battles we do not have to fight anymore...
...but here's a new and disturbing one.
We have a new adminstrator here at the high school who started off with a bang in many regards (discipline, organization), but is now causing problems. First, our winter sports coaches are currently locked out of our gymnasium (the only practice facility we have, by the way). Not locked out in a Coach Carter sort of way, but previously all the varsity head coach had keys to the gym and weight room, along with various team rooms to use for practice, study hall or coaches meetings whenever they chose. Alarm system was also taken care of by varsity head coach and a few select assistants that worked in the facility a lot. Now, we're all being told only like five or six keys will be given out (TOTAL, for the whole SCHOOL!), and winter/spring coaches to finish the year will have to call first to get ANYTHING opened for them.
Example, basketball team plays on the road two hours away (this will happen) and is returning to the school at 11 pm, after everything has been locked down. The coach will have to call ahead and get someone to unlock the school for him/her in order for the kids to get their belongings, and for the coaches to start post-game duties (washing clothes, bruning DVD's, whatever) instead of just walking up to the door and opening it. Sounds crazy to me, since nearly 95% of our coaches are longtime high school employee's - not like we're dealing with first- and second-year coaches who work outside the school system. Also, over the holidays we've been told that we'll have to schedule our practices two weeks in advance in order to ensure someone will be there to open the gym doors.
Other issues to throw out here:
The offensive coordinator for our JV team was called into the administrator's office during the football season. The meeting was about the OC's playcalling during two very difficult, evenly played games this season. One the JV lost 41-33 to a great, great team, and the other ended up being 18-13 to a super strong, very disciplined Double Wing team that had a varsity squad win the state title. To me, those are tough games that we just didn;'t pull out, but cannot solely be blamed on the OC. Besides, if the head coach for the varsity didn't have a problem with the play calling, who the hell is this adminstrator to question the adjustments that are made? This guy has no coaching experience and he openly questioned the OC's run-heavy game plan in the first game, even though we scored 5 TD's and led with 9 minutes left. Am I off-base being very, very concerned about all this? Head coach has not made much progress dealing with this administrator, basically the admin feels he can comment on anything and get in the middle of things he knows nothing about.
Another problem:
Our football coaches (including our head coach!) are also locked out of the building on the weekends, even though we are doing off-season meetings and film review-type things right now. Well, we WERE doing those things. Kids have highlight DVD's to be made, copies of games to be made to send to colleges, as well as one football coach is a basketball coach, too, and he has been told he won't be retained next season because he isn't a school employee. This administrator is supposedly responsible for this 'firing', as well.
Really quickly, things have gone from smooth to difficult as hell, I mean we had a meeting scheduled for this afternoon (Saturday) but now no one is available (so we're told) to open the school for us. This administrator's response was, "Can't you all meet during the week right after school?" Well, two of our coaches work out of the county and are not availabe until 6 pm right now (they work that schedule off-season so they can be available at 3 pm in the fall).
I don't know what we can do, right now it feels like nothing. Our basketball coach was talkign the other day about how he can't even know if his kids will be here on the holiday break, and he's expected to tell them exactly what time he's practicing leading up to the holiday tournament we are playing in. It seems crazy, to me. Can other guys evauate this (really long) message and describe how similar/different these experiences are from other places? Feels like they're trying to push people out, but ALL athletic programs have benefited from the new programs that have been brought in by younger, more energetic coaches that have come in over the last five years.
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Post by dc207 on Dec 13, 2008 14:05:30 GMT -6
...should add that the key situation was done without any notification to the current winter coaches, and one got locked out of practice this morning because he THOUGHT he had a key but he did not. Then and only then was ANYONE informed of the decision to change the locks.
Also, there have been no serious thefts or problems with security this year, as compared to other school years. Thought I should add this info.
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Post by coachorr on Dec 13, 2008 14:46:26 GMT -6
Our new administrator is pulling the same load of chyt. You need to go to principal and inform her, I didn't read the whole post, but I am assuming it is a woman, that you will go to the superintendent if these policies aren't changed. And then when you talk to him, tell him you will go to the community and there will be a change.
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Post by CoachMikeJudy on Dec 13, 2008 14:49:29 GMT -6
This is VERY different from any school/district I've been a part of, but I AM only 29 so my experience may be limited in the big scheme of things...
At least 1 master key needs to be made for the HC- maybe a limited master key, but something that can get you in and out of the building. Limiting your ability to get in the building is not allowing you to perform your job to the best of your ability and needs to be expressed to him.
The admin GREATLY crossed the line, IMO, by commenting on the gameplan/play calling, much less a JV game...there needs to be an understanding that they hired you coaches to coach/call plays/organize in the offseason/etc...and they need to do there job in a way to allow you to do yours. If they have a problem with that then fire us or we'll resign.
You need to get the other coaches on board, organize a meeting with the AD to express your concerns, and have the AD bring it up to the administrator. Put everything on the table- express concerns over the building usage issues, and see if there can be a compromise...
Explain that our athletic programs will suffer because things won't get done as needed and it makes it very difficult to do your job.
The truth is any GOOD coach wouldn't put up with it- if they have options (coaching elsewhere) then they would make the move. You CANNOT be a successful program without supportive administration- you may have a good year now and then, but sustainable success will never be achieved until coaches/teachers/administration are on the same page.
Follow your chain-of-command, have the meeting, and see what happens. In the meantime do not bad-mouth the guy/gal and keep your concerns on the low.
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Post by rip60zgo on Dec 13, 2008 15:07:23 GMT -6
Your HFC should have been all over the administrator for calling one of his assistants out without his being present and having input. If it was my JV OC, and an administrator pulled this, I would be in their office, threatening to walk. The key thing is a misconception of "security", and will eventually be resolved. Lack of loyalty in defending assistants from the head coach is bad times.
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Post by champ93 on Dec 13, 2008 15:18:47 GMT -6
Sounds like your administrator is on the fast track to be my new superintendent!
Seriously, a few years back we had a similar situation without the play calling issue. My supt. wanted to lock down the buildings to save money during the summer. My principal was sent to inform me that I couldn't use the weight room or the gym over the summer. I told my principal that it would be OK, but I was going to let him explain to the parents why the teams we played were stronger and in better shape than us. It has never been a problem since.
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Post by jgordon1 on Dec 13, 2008 16:18:01 GMT -6
Where was the AD when all this was happening?
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Post by dc207 on Dec 13, 2008 16:26:29 GMT -6
...what if I told you the admin was a vice-principal with A LOT of power, it seems ... and that the AD is one of our football assistant coaches?
How does that sound now, fellas? Got us scratching our heads and planning a drinking session - or three (jk).
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Post by waltflanagansdog on Dec 13, 2008 16:37:01 GMT -6
Ours was great when she was hired, but is now causing problems for us. Will only let one of us go to clinic. "We need teachers in the classroom, not coaches at clinics". Is making myself and another coach attend all home basketball games for "crowd control". A few other things as well. We are pretty put off by her these days. Not going to go out of our way to make her job easier, if she's not going to make ours better.
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Post by dc207 on Dec 13, 2008 16:41:40 GMT -6
...not stating that ours is male or female, but this admin is causing problems! We have a BIG meeting scheduled for Saturday with other area coaches and - guess what - we can't get in! How does that makes us look as a staff?
Not that opposing coaches' opinions really matter but it's the point of NOT being able to have the scheduled meeting. Craziness.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2008 17:45:01 GMT -6
This is honestly the weirdest thing I've ever heard of and I've heard some doozies (sp?) over the years. I have heard of school employees not having keys (I'm a teacher aide and aides don't get keys in my district) but I've never heard of so few people getting keys. And, she's making a lot of people miserable because whoever does have the keys I'm sure isn't pleased with being summoned to let you guys in.
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Post by dubber on Dec 13, 2008 21:31:07 GMT -6
How many friends do you have on the school board?
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Post by coachorr on Dec 13, 2008 23:20:23 GMT -6
Here is the most astute administrator comment of all time, "The way the football team goes (season) is the way the school goes".
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Post by drfootball99 on Dec 13, 2008 23:47:02 GMT -6
I absolutely love the women references!! It has to be a women!! Shoot might even be my wife. She's always trying to lock me out!!!!
Where do you live so I know not to go there!!
Seriously though, good luck!! I would advise keeping you witts about you. Document EVERYTHING!! Communicate without emotion. Then, when that doesn't work, you can go over heads and contend that you reached out to all channels (respectfully) and the serious problems still linger. Then, when going over heads doesn't work, your - you know what..... Hopefully the latter doesn't happen.
I am continually amazed how the wrong people get into those positions. Someone once to me you rise to your level of incompetence. To me some should have stopped rising along time ago!!! Sounds like your situation.
Just my 2 $$.
Have a good holiday season!!! Good luck with your situation.
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Post by dc207 on Dec 14, 2008 1:33:11 GMT -6
...it is amazing that certain types of people to achieve positions where they can screw up/with stuff/subordinates.
We'll see but this should be interesting. Was just thinking what about our summer workouts? We do a morning, noon and night session and the night session we are the only one's in the school - but the weightroom is sectioned off by itself. Also, certain area all-staer games are held at our place (basketball, etc.) and those teams practice at our place typically at night.
Wish I had other stuff to think of rather than this chyt! Shame of it is, football team just finished 8-2 for the second straight season, won our first playoff game in like 13 years, and then this 'person' (ahem) is pulling backwards-ass stuff like this.
Gotta wonder.
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Post by headtrip on Dec 14, 2008 1:54:14 GMT -6
hire a private investigator, dig up some dirt, and make sure it finds its way to someone who can do something about it like the news. anonymously of course.
it's really a shame that blackmail is illegal. then this person wouldn't have to lose his/her job.
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Post by talexander on Dec 14, 2008 3:59:17 GMT -6
If the administrator in question knows nothing about FB, his calling in the JV coach was probably over a parent who complained to an administrator. I hate to sound negative, but IMO you are fighting a losing battle. Went through it this year: complaints about all sorts of stuff, including "why we don't have names on jerseys" We were on the right track, but had losing season in my 2nd year. Ended up stepping down, haven't regretted it a single min
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Post by falcon661 on Dec 14, 2008 8:14:10 GMT -6
"and that the AD is one of our football assistant coaches?" In there lies alot of the problem
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Post by coachd5085 on Dec 14, 2008 8:59:43 GMT -6
Several questions
1. Where are these directives coming from? Principal? The admin in question? Outside the building?
2- WHY are these policies being put in place? ASK! There is nothing wrong with a very civil explanation of how they will affect you, and then asking why they are being put in place. This is critical.
3- What is the organizational structure of the school system? How large is your district? How many "bosses" does this Admin have?
We have to remember that educational systems across the U.S. are very different. For example, in much of Louisiana, the entire parish (county) is the school district. The particular district I work in has over 50 schools, including 7 public high schools and and 8th opening this fall. Our district is very top heavy, organized including a district wide athletic director, central office supervisors who supervise 2 or 3 schools, numerous other central office administrators, multiple asst superintendents, a superintendent, and a school board with 15 members who all manage the 50+ principals, 75-100 assistant principals, and 20-30 school level athletic directors. While this structure is a pain in the but, its size and scope does seem to prevent foolish "in building" situations like this. Unfortunately, we are at risk to get our share of foolish "out of building" foolish ideas.
Having an AD on staff is not a boost to the situation. Hard for him/her to be viewed as impartial. Of course, as I just stated above, all systems are different...and your AD might simply be an "athletic secretary" of sorts, whose job is to make sure the athletic dept runs smoothly, but has no supervisory or policy roles.
Bottom line, FIND THE REASONS, and then if they aren't valid, run those issues up the chain of command with parental help.
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Post by coachorr on Dec 14, 2008 10:15:56 GMT -6
"Where do you live so I know not to go there".
I am not sure if that was a question, but we would be thankful if you didn't come here. It is not my fault that I have worked for a principal who did exactly the same thing who happened to be a woman. PC is going to be the death of this country.
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Post by coachcb on Dec 14, 2008 10:25:41 GMT -6
I would have gone over their head when they went after one of my coaches. If an administrator is going to question an assistant, I'd want to know about it before hand and I sure-as-heck want to be there when it went down.
Also, I would make it (loudly) known that interrogating anyone on the staff about play calling is unexceptable. Playing time, treatment/mistreatment of the kids, spending of funds (etc) are all viable issues that an AD can involve themselves in. Play calling is not.
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Post by coachorr on Dec 14, 2008 10:32:56 GMT -6
I have to agree completely with CoachCb on this one. L
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Post by coachcb on Dec 14, 2008 10:52:33 GMT -6
The more I think about it, the more I think I would throw a fit with respect to the keys.
The first time I showed up after an away game and no one was there to open the building, I'd not only go above the ADs head about it, I'd write a letter to the editor on the local paper. We're not talking about a minor disagreement; not being able to get into the building when you need to is crap and should be addressed.
I would also try and deal with this ASAP because it is going to be a MASSIVE head-ache during the summer. Not being able to get the kids into the weight room when you need to is going to be a detriment to the program.
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Post by coachorr on Dec 14, 2008 12:19:25 GMT -6
Let's be honest. One of the perks to coaching is having access to the facilities. I personally like going to my room and watching game film on a big screen where I have all of my stuff right there, I love going to the school on Saturday nights or Sunday afternoons sometimes. If I need to make extra scout team cards on the printer, no problem, if I want to print out my game plan sheet and laminate it, I can. If I want to take a break and do a couple of reps in the weight room, awesome.
Coaches are just old gym rats and successful coaches are ones who never fail to plan and that takes working on the weekends to do it.
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Post by touchdowng on Dec 14, 2008 12:25:24 GMT -6
You may have to "take one for the team."
What I mean by this is your actions to make the situation better for yourself and your program (and other programs) could put you in the hotseat with this principal. Sometimes we have to take on unethical behavior and do it without regard to ourselves. I've been here before with an administrative team who was dishonest and control freaks.
I exposed them because it was the right thing to do. I was released from my coaching contract (a unilateral decision made by the principal) but due to the fact that I had a great deal of support from everyone else, the principal and the district AD were relieved of their duties during the quiet summer months. The day after the principal released me from my coaching position the entire school staff (without me) held an emergency meeting and made a vote of no confidence on her. My firing was the final straw in all of her dishonest and cloak and dagger actions over the past 5 years.
My original goal was to outlast them but enough was enough and it was time to address all of their bull$h*t. I saw their dishonesty getting worst and infecting other programs and people. It was getting more and more hard to take because we had such a great school and community.
Prior to my dismissal I told one of our other program's HC's that I could get fired after all of this (the fact the I was going to expose them) but they'll go down too because the district will have to look into it. I told him that I could live with that because somebody had to do something. Shortely thereafter the district did get to send in their people and many of us were questioned about the practices that were happening around our school. I did not volunteer to be interviewed but was invited to do so because the district knew that I knew a lot and our union felt it would be in the best interest of our teaching and coaching staffs. I spent almost two hours with the HR director and some assistants. Every piece of information I shared with them could be backed up by records, facts, other witnesses, etc. I was very careful in maintaining documention in all situations once I knew that this admin group was not honest.
This was quite sometime ago and to this day whenever I reflect back I would not do anything differently (in terms of taking a stand) other than I would have acted quicker.
The above scenario (my dismissal process) took place over a 3 month period as the Admin were "investigating" me and my coaching practices. I appealed it (the dismissal) only because I knew that much would end up being exposed. If I would have acted quicker their issues would have been dealt with in the early going. My fear was that all of them would be retained and they would make my life hell. During this time I never lost one minute of sleep or one day of work. When you are in the right, it just feels right.
As far as my appeal was concerned, these things drag on. By the time my union rep said that I had an excellent chance to be reinstated (in May), I had moved onto another coaching job and I've never looked back with any regret.
Good luck with your situation and always stand up for what you believe in especially against those who have an agenda. Keep good notes, don't be passive but always be professional.
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Post by dc207 on Dec 14, 2008 12:31:09 GMT -6
...all of these responses are exactly what we're all thinking. I really, really like the idea of intentionally forgetting things to be a pest. I know it's devious, but damn it is smart.
Wish we didn't have to deal with this, but it is preventing us from getting certain things done. End of season film organization in our software program is simply not getting done right now.
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Post by ajreaper on Dec 14, 2008 13:07:39 GMT -6
Here is the most astute administrator comment of all time, "The way the football team goes (season) is the way the school goes". I have a principle and an asst, Sup. who say the same- and they say this not to apply preasure or as a threat of "do well or else" but rather in that the football program has an importance beyond just being another interscholastic athletic team- it can truly make an impact on the atmosphere and attitude of the entire school. |
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Post by coachd5085 on Dec 14, 2008 13:23:09 GMT -6
...all of these responses are exactly what we're all thinking. I really, really like the idea of intentionally forgetting things to be a pest. I know it's devious, but {censored} it is smart. . I would argue that it it isn't really that "smart" as you put it, as should this thing escalate, each time you "forgot" something could be evidence towards an "incompetence" claim against the coaches. Just something to consider. Again, the first step (in my opinion) is to find out the "why's" of the new policy, and then address your concerns point for point. |
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Post by coachorr on Dec 14, 2008 14:32:29 GMT -6
I agree with Coach 5085, see which way the wind is blowing before you begin urinating.
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Post by bleefb on Dec 16, 2008 0:51:56 GMT -6
This sounds like a censored situation and sadly if you stay in it long enough you'll eventually get an Administrator like this. I would just add this in regards to the gender-bashing. I've had 3 female and 5 males principals in my time. Some were slimy, and in two cases outright evil, and a few were great, but gender didn't matter for the good or bad ones.
My 2 cents
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