Published: October 23, 2008 06:52 pm      

Coach’s bullying is not sporty

Got a problem you'd like to share with Sidney? Write to her at: The Meridian Star, P.O. Box 1591, Meridian, MS 39301 or e-mail her at sidneycovington@comcast.net. All submissions are confidential and go directly to Sidney.



Dear Sidney:



I have really been wanting to write this letter for many months. What do you think of a teacher or coach that bullies children?

I have a child who loves playing football and on a regular basis, he is bullied, cursed at and called perverted names by his coach. Is this not a form of verbal abuse and can this man be held responsible for his actions?

This child's family stays upset about this all the time. We are at the point that we are thinking maybe we need to go and sit with him on a daily basis during his practices. I am sure the other coaches know what is going on. How do we put a stop to this? Is the school not responsible for this child to have a safe place to be when he is at school? I cannot tell you everything that has went on with this child in this writing. I would love to be able to tell you everything that has went on. Please help!



Worried in small town



Dear Worried ...



NEVER is it acceptable for an adult to bully, curse or call children names .... Actually, never is it acceptable for anyone to do that! However, a coach is particularly to be held accountable for his behavior on so many levels. If this is at a school, you should immediately ask to speak to the principal or headmaster. If it's intramural, there's bound to be a governing body over him. Regardless, do NOT sit back and allow him to abuse your child – or anyone else's for that matter!



Love, Sidney



• Sidney Covington has a master's degree in counseling. She is a patient advocate and public relations

representative for Riley Hospital.