Just as some teachers feel their authority is usurped by unsupportive leaders and parents, coaches often feel the same way. I have frequently heard from coaches that parents wield their power like a sword, a weapon to brandish when they disagree with a coach; this happens more frequently, so I’m told, when politically powerful or wealthy parents have a complaint. Some of these coaches have also said their authority is undermined by their administrators and school boards.
As a coach I never had my authority taken away, so I consider myself lucky. My autonomy was always maintained. Continue reading
