Abuse in Athletics

Over the past few months much has been written about regarding abuse from coaches in athletics - specifically college athletics.  Sadly, the practice of both physical and psychological abuse seems to becoming highlighted more so now - which means that perhaps it has been there all along but may not have been reported.  This article regarding Rutgers University discusses the University's newest selection of an individual who will lead their athletic department - Julie Hermann.  Ms. Hermann replaces Tim Pernetti.  Mr. Pernetti had hired men's baksetball coach, Mike Rice.  Mr. Rice had been videotaped during his basketball practices in which his behavior demonstrated that he physically, verbally and psychologically abused his players.  One of his coaches was very uncomfortable with this and followed up with reporting to his supervisor, Tim Pernetti.   Instead of being dismissed from his job, Mr. Pernetti along with the support of the President of the University, kept the Mr. Rice in the head coach position.  After much negative (rightly so) media attention, Mr. Rice was fired and the Athletic Director resigned.  The AD has been subsequently replaced  by Julie Hermann.

The allegations that have been suggested regarding Ms. Hermann's practices when she was a coach, if true, are yet another example of alarming behavior.  When I sit and ponder to think about what individuals would be at practice and games on a consistent basis, the individual(s) that come to my mind are athletic trainers.  We have an understanding of how a coach runs practice; what they do to motivate their players; how they support their players and how they discipline their athletes.  It is a difficult situation when our values do not connect with those of the coaching staff - what are we left to do when we see a co-worker acting in ways that are disrespectful, and in some cases breaking rules?  What do we do?  This is an ethical question that each of us may need to face in our professional lives.  For some athletic trainers, the answer is clear - speak with the coach, go to our supervisor, make  our voice heard - make something happen.  For others, this may not be so easy.  Fear may be a reason - fear of retaliation; fear of job security; fear of being viewed by others as a 'tattle tail'.

There has been legislation passed in the 1980s that is to protect individuals who want to step forward and report misconduct without fear of retaliation (Whistleblower Protection Act).  However, individuals may still not want to come forward.  While each situation is different, my suggestion is that if you find yourself in this type of challenging situation to do what the right thing is - it may not be the easy thing to do, but select the path where you will be able to look at yourself in the future with no regrets.  Know that all of us will not take the same path - decide what is the best course for you.