Last season we had a
soccer coach (competitive/club level) who was abusive and negative with
about half of the players on the team. He constantly belittled several
children (8 & 9 yr. olds) until they had difficulty making shots on
goal, as they were afraid to shoot and miss. There was constant verbal
abuse during practices and games. There was retaliation against players
who would be benched for portions or all of games if the coach thought
they weren't giving their "all".
A few parents went
to the DOC at the club and presented our facts to him. He admitted he
had overheard several inappropriate comments, himself, and had had
complaints from other coaches as well as other parents. This was after
the season and play-offs were over.
The DOC eventually
spoke with our coach and agreed the club would be going in a different
direction next season. We were not privy to the conversation and did not
question the DOC about it.
Now the former coach
has sent an email thanking many of the players and their parents for
their support and dedication during the last season, but he singled out
the children of the parents who went to the DOC with their concerns, and
called our children, "Difficult to coach". We were informed of
this email by other parents who received it.
My question is: can
we make him print a retraction? My husband says to leave it alone
and that he is obviously having a hard time dealing with the club's
rejection of him as a coach. I understand his feelings, but don't know
who all he sent this email to and what position they might be in. I
don't want these kids "branded". They are great kids and don't
deserve this kind of character assassination by an adult. I would
appreciate any guidance you might have.
