Minnesota Bill Aims To Protect High School Coaches From Parents

Star Tribune

http://www.startribune.com/sports/preps/205166471.html

Louder and more frequent parent complaints about high school coaches have the Legislature considering more protection for them, a plan that apparently would be a first in the nation.

The bill, introduced by a former high school cross-country coach, arrives after the departure of dozens of Minnesota coaches, often amid pressure from increasingly vocal and demanding parents about more playing time or better roles for their high school athletes.

The measure, in the House omnibus bill, would add one line to an existing statute on coaching contract renewal: “The existence of parent complaints must not be the sole reason for a board to not renew a coaching contract.’

Supporters believe it will provide more protection for coaches who face annual contract renewal. Critics such as the Minnesota School Boards Association say it will undermine the authority of school boards tasked with such contract decisions.

It’s expected to be considered next week when a House-Senate conference committee meets. The bill’s sponsor and a national high school official say they are not aware of other states that have adopted such a provision.

“This just came out from athletics directors and coaches who thought something more needed to be done,” said Rep. Dean Urdahl, a Grove City Republican who co-authored the bill. “The problem is … parents are entering into the realm of coaching too much and … what would address that concern?”