<p>Basically, my highschool basketball coach is an idiot and everyone hates him. He's up for tenure this year, and i decided that the admins should know how the team feels. Here is the letter i wrote and plan on mailing in (to the AD, Principal and Superintendent)....</p>
<p>In the course of the events of life we, both as basketball players and students, understand that we will be faced with, and must triumph over
various forms of adversary. Whether this adversary is in the form of difficult tests, tough opponents, or quirky personalities, we acknowledge our
responsibility in handling challenge with responsibility and maturity. However, when the point is reached where one specific roadblock lies in our path in the pursuit of success and happiness, we must call to those with the power to clear the way, and free us of our burden. </p>
<p>As a team, we have expectations for both our coach and the basketball program as a whole. Most of these are clearly outlined within the KHS Student-Athlete/Parents’ Handbook. Included in these expectations are that our coach be dedicated to the program, believe in the philosophy that “great coaching is great teaching”, always communicate positively with the team, serve as a role model for us (the players), understand that different players will require different approaches in criticism and teaching, promote the connection between sports and academics, promote ethic that will positively reflect Kinnelon, and understand the need for balance in our (the players) lives. We expect that our coach understand the purpose of the program. As outlined within the handbook, the chances of any of the players moving up to the collegiate level are dismally low and high school basketball marks the end of our athletic careers. Therefore we also expect that the program focus on fun in addition to winning. As many great athletic teams have proven in the past, both easily coexist and mutually benefit each other. To clarify what we mean by fun, we mean the opportunity to compete in a positive environment and to play the game we love. Most importantly, we expect that our coach will always do his best to uphold these expectations despite any difficulty he may encounter. Heretofore, Mr. Rivers has not fulfilled these expectations. We shall candidly provide proof of this.</p>
<p>He has refused to positively communicate to the players in times of difficulty and struggle by repetitively referring to certain players as “stupid” or “dumb”. While he tries to keep a sense of humor about him while he makes fun of players, these negative jokes have lost any humor which they may have had at one time, and have become tiring insults. Despite frustration exhibited by the antagonized, he relentlessly continues his persecution.</p>
<p>He often escalates negative feelings amongst players. On several occasions he responded to complaints or raised emotions with the response, “fight me”. While the players sense that he truly does not wish to fight, neither his tone nor body language would suggest that to be the case. </p>
<p>He has compromised the health of the players. The team has run sprints on the track in freezing temperatures without a supervised and proper warm up session. This has lead to health problems for those with a reactive airway disease and Asthma that have long lasting consequences.</p>
<p>He has jeopardized the safety of the players. At practice, players have been forced to participate in a drill where the practice taking charges. In essence, one player runs full speed into another without proper protection with the intent of creating impact. While taking charges is part of the game, it certainly is dangerous, and should not be a part of practice. Likewise, baseball players do not practice being hit by a pitch, though it too is part of the game.</p>
<p>He has refused to acknowledge that academics are a priority over basketball. He refused permission for players to be late for practice because they have needed extra help or had other academic commitments, despite the recent removal of activity days. </p>
<p>He has proven to be a poor role model to the players. While he preaches good behavior on and off the court, he often contradicts this in practice. During games he routinely whines to officials and throws temper tantrums where he either rips off his tie or smashes his clipboard to the ground. </p>
<p>He has disrespected other Kinnelon athletic programs. He puts down other coaches and their methods, specifically those in the soccer program, despite the great successes and positive attention those programs have brought to our school.</p>
<p>He has succeeded in negatively reflecting our team, our school, and our town. As aforementioned, his behavior not only is hypocritical, but also poorly reflects us. We feel that his behavior on the court disrespects everything we stand for. While we work incredibly hard to maintain our composure, he is never able to control himself.</p>
<p>He has not shown a commitment to winning. While he claims that he wants to win more than anyone, he benched a key player in a state tournament game due to his “one and done” technical foul rule. Ironically enough, the behavior exhibited by this player was not unlike that of his own.</p>
<p>He has not shown a commitment to fun. Recently, he has told players that they will be told to leave practice or be asked to quit the team if he sees them talking or laughing, unless of course they are laughing at his own jokes.
And finally, he has told the team that if anyone disagrees with any of his methods that they should just quit. He has specifically stated that he is unwilling to compromise on anything.</p>
<p>At this point it seems that we have run out of options. We have a coach who is clearly not meeting our expectations, and as he so proudly announces, there will not be any compromise or discussion. Therefore, Mr. Rivers is unfit to be the coach of our basketball team.</p>
<p>We understand that Mr. Rivers is under review for tenure this year, and we are not asking for him not to be hired back to our high school. As a team we have had only limited experience with Mr. Rivers as a teacher, and understand that our school looks for good teachers who also are willing to coach, and not the reverse. If he is rehired for next year, we completely understand if this is due to his exceptional skill in the classroom. Ultimately, we, the dedicated players of the Kinnelon basketball team have no other choice but to respectfully request that Mr. Rivers not return as the basketball coach next year.</p>
<p>Additionally, all of the players who support this letter are willing to speak with administrators with regards to our experiences with Mr. Rivers. We must request that any meetings with individual players wait until after the season, as this could become a distraction which would not be in the best interest for the players or the program.</p>
<p>Also, i know that i have a few typos and things i need to edit.</p>
<p>Any advice/suggestions/comments would be appreciated...Do you think it will be effective? If yes why? If not, what would you do instead?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>