Athletics are competitive. In a competitive environment, the most important attributes are the ability to listen, to be disciplined, and to be a team player. Coaches instill this idea into their players from the first practice to the first wind sprint. It’s all a method of building a smart, disciplined team. Sometimes, that plan crosses the line.
In just two short months, two south Georgia coaches have been under fire for accusations of abuse to their players. In December, Lanier County Middle School girls basketball head coach Will Watson was under fire for targeting the African-American players on his team and was known to yell at, belittle, and name call these players. It was also reported that he told these middle schoolers that they would get pregnant or drop out of school.
On Feb. 13, a report came out about Thomas County Central head softball coach Robyn Trammell. Reports from one parent say that Trammell is a bully who creates a toxic environment at Thomas County Central.
This, of course, is less than a year after an independent investigation said that former Georgia Tech women’s basketball coach MaChelle Joseph was abusive and created a toxic environment at Georgia Tech. She was fired based on the investigation’s findings.
The line between discipline and abuse can waver depending on the player, but it is a fine line. 99% of coaches genuinely want to help student-athletes become better players, better people, and better students. A disciplined coach understands this line and walks it knowing that the difference he or she makes matters.
The small number of coaches who abuse that power is what crosses the line. The position of coach is a powerful one, particularly at the high school level. You’re viewed as an authoritative figure and even as a parent to some players when they aren’t at home. How you manage that relationship matters, and there are lines that cannot be crossed.
While these investigations are ongoing, there is a lesson to be learned about where the line between discipline and abuse lies. Should coaches be allowed to curse at players? Call them names or belittle them? The relationship between a coach and player is is difficult enough; should schools be proactive in setting clear guidelines of what is and is not allowed on a high school campus?
What do you think, Georgia sports fans? Comment about where you think the line is and how schools can do better to prevent situations like this from happening in the future.
Written by: Kyle Grondin
