Some parents are saying that the coaches might not only be going overboard with the practice sessions, they are reportedly punishing the kids for underperformance and simple errors. The coaches are also reportedly intimidating the kids during practices and games, loud enough that it can be heard by the spectators and parents in the stands.
According to a parent, one coach allegedly placed an underperforming player against a fence during practice and hit hard groundballs toward him from 40 feet away while yelling “are you afraid of the ball?” In another instance, while at an away game, the coach reportedly grabbed the pitcher by the shirt collar and pushed him up against a wall because the player “talked back” after criticism.
Maybe the school administrators don’t know what’s going on. Some parents are afraid to complain because they think there may be repercussions against their sons. Maybe the situation isn’t as bad as the rumors make it out to be, but someone in authority needs to investigate and find out for sure. If the accusations are true, then the school needs to take steps to fix the problem. The students and their parents deserve no less.
Since it’s a charter school, the Miami- Dade County Public School Board doesn’t have as much control over it as it would a public school. The Doral City Commission doesn’t normally get involved in such things, but someone needs to investigate the complaints. If what some parents are reporting is true, then action needs to be taken to correct the problem, and soon.
While it’s true that becoming good at sports requires hard work and determination, good coaches know how to help student athletes improve by encouraging them, by finding the reasons behind players’ weak areas and working to help those players overcome them and reach their full potential. Good coaches don’t humiliate their players or subject them to verbal and physical abuse.
Good coaches don’t have to.
Good coaches teach!
EDITOR’S NOTE:
We received this response from the school to our inquiry:
Doral Academy Charter High School is a member of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). As a public school, Doral also adheres to the interscholastic athletic policies of Miami-Dade County (MDC) public schools. Both agencies hold participating schools to the highest ethical standards.
Doral Academy Charter High School’s sports programs remain committed to these standards as part of our mission to help students achieve their academic potential.
Doral Academy takes great pride in the integrity of our school, its programs and our faculty. Of utmost importance to us is the safety and well-being of our students. In reference to the issue Mr. Miller is inquiring about, Doral Academy High School has not received any formal complaint from parents. Despite this fact, our administrators have looked into the anonymous allegations presented by Mr. Miller, and we have been unable to substantiate them.
Douglas Rodriguez
Principal
Doral Academy Charter High School
According to our records, a parent did meet with them as late as last Wednesday, and the other parents and players are worried about retaliations if they complain.
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