"From the Desk of the DA" is a weekly column published in the local papers of Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, by our District Attorney, Jason J. Legg. All of the columns since 2004 are available on his website, SusquehannaCounty-DA.org .
This blog provides an opportunity for you to comment on any of Mr. Legg's articles. Or, for that matter, anything you'd like to offer relating to his webside.
Read the July 7th post for Tips.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Baseball Coach
The 18 June 2010 article is about baseball and coaching and dismissal in Montrose, Pennsylvania.
48 comments:
Anonymous
said...
I find it entirely inappropriate that the chief law enforcement officer of Susquehanna county use his "From the Desk of of the DA" to propagandize about the dismissal of his brother from a baseball coaching position. With such a solemn and grave duty owed to the residents of Susquehanna county, it should never even cross the mind of a DISTRICT ATTORNEY to take time out of his obligations to address such an issue. Perhaps District Attorney Legg should concentrate on his investigations being conducted with the utmost integrity and with the attempt to get at truths in matters that involve people's lives and liberty. The mere writing of this article illustrates that District Attorney Legg lacks judgment and does not understand the duties of his office.
Unfortunately, there were no kids or coaches laughing,or finding anything humorous about ALL the incidences that happened during the season. When our kids lose the love of the game because of a coach it's very sad for all of us
In addition to the inappropriateness of the article overall, it was unethical for the DA to call out which player (the catcher) was involved in the incident that resulted in the coach being fired. It's bad enough that this young person's coach ridiculed him, but then the DA puts it in the newspaper for everyone to read? Was the DA cleverly trying to blame this kid (one incident, with one kid...THIS kid?) or did he just use very poor judgement? It sounds like the brother (though a coach and teacher) doesn't know any better -- but the DA certainly should!
First, as to the column and its content, this is something that comes up periodically whenever I write about something personal. After writing over 300 individual pieces, the column has become something very personal to me -- right or wrong - and I suspect that it will remain that way until I stop writing it.
Second, as I have said on repeated occasions, I have no control over whether the column is actually published. The newspapers have sole discretion in that regard - and I trust the judgment of the editors.
Third, the column in question was written at around 4 a.m. on a Friday morning before the deadline, and then I made some telephone calls to a school administrator and a school board member that morning between 7 and 8 a.m. It was not something that interfered in anyway with my regular duties -- nor has the column ever done so.
Fourth, it is beyond hyberbole to suggest that a single column somehow undermines my integrity and judgment. I have been a prosecutor for 11 years - and my record speaks for itself and I am proud of it. Of course, every 4-years, the voters get a chance to evaluate my performance, judgment and integrity - and that is the beauty of our system of government. The patent fallacy of this position need no further comment - and is likely the reason that the blogger did not sign it.
Fifth, I have no problem with people disagreeing with the column (or even that the column should have been written) -- I suspect that many people do and agree with the School Board -- but personal attacks are unnecessary.
Let me thank all of those who have commented for reading the column. It is nice to know that people actually take the time to sit down and read it.
The blog allows us to moderate the content - and we have the option of posting or not posting comments.
Generally, I do not like anonymous comments. If someone has something to say, I personally think they should put their name on it. In any event, I have generally always posted whatever people post (anonymous or otherwise) unless there is some compelling reason not to post. Thus, the three comments have been posted.
In terms of my brother's coaching abilities, I can only comment upon the three years that I spent with him -- and he was an outstanding coach.
This position is supported by the evaluations that the school gave him over his 9 years as head coach, none of which were ever unsatisfactory.
I have also spoken to one of his assistant coaches, a person who I believe has more baseball knowledge than nearly anyone in this county. He was a D-1 collegiate scholarship pitcher -- and knows baseball and coaching. He also indicated that my brother is a good baseball coach.
I have also spoken with several former and current players -- all of whom reaffirm this position.
That having been said, I will reiterate that my brother was not firing for poor coaching -- he was firing for an isolated incident. This was the reason that I called a school administrator and a board member prior to sending the column out to print. I wanted to have my facts straight.
In terms of making players angry, I would suggest that the best teachers and coaches push their players and will get them angry by pushing them harder and harder. Some of my best professors in college and law school were these exact type of personalities, and they were also the professors that most of the other kids avoided for that very reason.
In terms of "all" the incidents that occurred during the season, I will again reiterate that I discussed the column with an administrator and a school board member prior to submitting the column to print to make sure that there was not more to it -- and they were adamant that there was nothing more to it than this one incident. I was even told that they knew my brother was a good coach - but he made a mistake and crossed a line.
In terms of kids losing love for the game, I can only say that the kids that I have talked to about this do not feel that way.
In the end, this was a difficult issue - and I tried to make clear in the column that it was a serious issue. My problem has more to do with the manner in which it was handled -- so little notice and so little consideration for a person who has given so much to a program.
There is only one other thing that should be noted. The last two years has been exceptionally difficult for our family -- it is hard to watch a family member slowly die in front of you -- and I know that we all felt the stress and handled it in different ways. There were days that were nearly unbearable for me - and I know that each of my family members was going through a similar situation. While this does not excuse the use of inappropriate language with children, it does provide a context in which this incident occurred.
I noted clearly in the column that I was biased -- and I have been told by a number of people that the column did not go far enough in blasting the School Board, others have said it was perfect and fair, and still others have questioned whether it should have been written in the first place.
This issue involves something bigger than one person or one family - and it is an important issue for the community to discuss and debate. The column was not propoganda - it was an honest and heartfelt response to a situation that school board's encounter every single day.
It is great that we can have these discussions - and even disagree - so long as we can remain civil in the context of the debate.
Keep reading, keep posting comments and God bless!
I don't believe your brother should have been dismissed for inappropriate language. I find it quite ironic that we live in an area that is apathetic to the KILLING of innocent Muslims by American soldiers, who let's face it, are basically teenagers trained to kill. Yet, when a coach uses LANGUAGE that hurts a teenager's feelings, the sky starts falling. Guess we just need more predator drones or a real dose of reality. Sometimes the proper motivation can be embarassing for a player. The player was probably a cry baby and his mother probably had some connection to one of the inept school board members. Instead of targeting COACHES who use inappropriate LANGUAGE, I would suggest that the school board make sure its ADMINISTRATION is abiding by the Commonwealth's LAWS.
Finally, as to the comment concerning naming the player, I did not name any player in the column. The vast majority of the readers of the column could not name a single player on the baseball team. There are some who might know some of the players, but probably have little idea where they play. Further, there is more than one catcher on the team. Finally, prior to this column coming out, I know that there was widespread discussion about this situation on the social networking sites - so people were talking about it. In any event, I clearly did not name the player.
More importantly, I did not suggest that the player was at fault in any manner; rather, the column clearly stated that the conduct was inappropriate and unacceptable. I cannot understand how the reader concluded that I was blaming the child. I stated that I agreed with the School Board on this position. Thus, I cannot understand how a reader can suggest that I am blaming a player.
There were two bigger issues: (1) the amount of notice provided prior to the termination; and (2) the adoption of a zero tolerance policy.
If you have read the column in the past, you know that I am not a fan of zero tolerance policies -- I want administrators to consider all factors before making an important decision, not be forced into it. I have criticized zero tolerance policies as they relate to children in prior columns, and I took issue with a zero tolerance policy as it relates to a coach in this column.
I want to reiterate that I verified with the school that there was no other basis for the termination prior to writing the column. I did not shoot from the hip.
I remain convinced that this is an important issue in our soceity - and this column has generated more blog responses than any - so I think people are generally thinking about it.
While the blog posts have been generally negative, the comments and emails have been the opposite. So, I know that people are split on this issue.
A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden
Mr. Legg as a parent and a coach I feel the need to interject into your blog in regards to Coaching of youth and young adult players.
John Wooden should be a role model for teaching and coaching young men and ladies in all sports. Maybe if you were able to step back and look at the perspective of the parents and players of your brother you may be able to understand the affects of his behavior on these young men. Sports are a tool for teaching, they build character and teach lessons of value to these children.
There is no room for degrading of these boys or girls under any circumstance. To even hint at the idea that a coach would have any justification for telling a player " if you had two brains one would be lonely.." is ridiculus .
Hopefully the school board will in the future will hold all coaches accountable for such behavior.
I have never met your brother and hope to never have to meet any coach such as him in my children's tenure of athletics
Yes the school told you this is the reason he was fired but that does not mean there were not other incidencs during tne season. These kids were scared to death to play for this man, one little mistake and you were ridiculed, and torn down to feel like dirt, with no coaching or guidence to fix the mistake. Some coaches and the military tear down players and soldiers all so they can build them back up' these kids were never built back up by your brother, just more demeaning comments as the season continued. This is not a case of kids not getting playing time and complaining about it, this was done to starters and subs alike, even your own brother. You talk about not liking zero tolerance policies, that is exactly what your brother did this year with the team one mistake and "you will never play for me again" his exact words. Jason if this was one of your children being treated this way how would you feel! Unfortunatly, these comments are anonymous but we are not sure of what the retaliations will be from these comments for our children.
MONTROSE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT Title: Varsity Athletic Coach Date: August, 2003 Reports to: Junior/Senior High School Approved by: Supervisor Principal Athletic Director Job Summary: To instruct athletes in the fundamental skills, strategy and physical training necessary for them to realize a degree of individual and team success. At the same time, the student shall receive instruction that will lead to the formulation of moral values, pride of accomplishment, acceptable social behavior, self-discipline and selfconfidence. Primary Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Has a thorough knowledge of all athletic policies approved by the Montrose Area School District Board of Education and is responsible for their implementation by the entire staff of the sports program. 2. Understands the proper administrative chain of command and refers all requests or concerns through proper channels and is aware of all public staff/departmental meetings that require attendance. 3. Trains and informs his staff, encourages professional growth and development by encouraging clinic attendance in accordance with district policy. 4. Delegates specific duties, supervises their implementation, and at season’s end, analyzes staff effectiveness and evaluates all assistants. 5. Maintains discipline, adjusts concerns and works to increase morale and cooperation of the staff as a whole. 6. Performs other such duties which may be assigned by the athletic director and/or principal. 7. Assists in the necessary preparation to hold scheduled sport events and practices and adheres to scheduled facility times. 8. Provides documentation to fulfill state and district requirements concerning physical examinations, parental consent and eligibility. 9. Provides training rules for their athletes and any other unique regulations of the sport to each athlete who is considered a participant. 10. Gives constant attention to a student’s grades and conduct. 11. By his/her presence at all practices, games and while traveling, provides assistance, guidance and safeguards for each participant. 12. Completes reports of all disabling athletic injuries on proper forms and submits to athletic office within 24 hours. 13. Determines discipline, delineates procedures concerning due process when the enforcement of discipline is necessary and contacts parents when a student is dropped, suspended from the team or becomes ineligible. 14. Assists athletes in their college or advanced educational selection as requested. 15. Directs student managers, assistants and statisticians. 16. Participates in the budget process with the athletic director. Recommends equipment as to type, style, color or technical specifications and is responsible for operating within the approved budget appropriations. 17. Accountable for all equipment and collects the cost of any equipment lost or not returned. Arranges for issuing, storing and reconditioning of equipment and submits annual inventory and current records. 18. Monitors and assigns equipment rooms and coaches’ office. 19. Examines locker rooms before and after practices and games and checks on general cleanliness of the facility. 20. Secures all doors, lights, windows and locks before leaving building when custodians are not on duty. 21. Instills in each player a respect for equipment and school property, its care and proper use. 22. Organizes parents, coaches, players and guests for pre-season meetings. :
MONTROSE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT COACHES’ APPRAISAL FORM Coach______________________________________ Date____________ Sport/Position ________________________________________________ Years in Present Position _____________ Montrose Area School District Athletic Mission Statement: The success or failure of athletic programs has a direct bearing on how community members view the entire school system. Community and parental pressure must be balanced with the objectives of good citizenship, sportsmanship and mental health. Coaches continually face risks, such as, player injury and due process predicaments. It is imperative that these are weighed against the pressures of winning or losing. Exercising common sense and good judgment are prerequisites to final decisions. There are those who do not fit the model of a successful coach and the successful coach is not always the one who wins every game. A successful coach needs a broad spectrum of behavioral competencies and will be judged accordingly. Montrose Area School District Athletic Goal Statement: To improve the fundamental skills, team strategy and sport fitness that are needed to achieve a degree of individual and team success. These, in turn, should lead to the formulation of ethical values, pride of accomplishment, acceptable social behavior, self discipline and individual self confidence. The following instrument will be utilized to evaluate the head coach of an athletic activity. The form is to be completed by the Athletic Director who, in turn, will submit a copy to the building principal. Appeals of this evaluation by the head coach will be made to the Superintendent of Schools and, if necessary, the Montrose Area School District Board of Directors. This evaluation will be completed at the conclusion of each sport’s season.
MONTROSE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT ATHLETIC COACH PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL FORM Coach _________________________________________ Date _________ Sport ________________________ Evaluator ______________________ PERFORMANCE CRITERIA WILL BE JUDGED FROM 1 TO 5 WITH 5 AS THE HIGHEST SCORE AND 1 AS THE LOWEST; NA IS NOT APPLICABLE OR OBSERVED (CIRCLE ONE) A. SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 1. Possesses knowledge of sport that he/she coaches 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ 2. Understands the fundamentals of the sport 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ 3. Demonstrates sound sport strategies for competition 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ 4. Knows the strengths and abilities of each player 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ 5. Implements an appropriate in season conditioning program to promote sport specific fitness 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ 6. Sets challenging performance standards for the team 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ 7. Encourages each player to achieve their goals 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ 8. Requires each player to work hard during practice 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ 9. Teachers positive sportsmanship and to be proud yet humble in victory 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ 10. Teaches persistence in the face of adversity 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ SUBTOTAL = _____ COMMENTS: Required for all scores of 1 and 2:
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA WILL BE JUDGED FROM 1 TO 5 WITH 5 AS THE HIGHEST SCORE AND 1 AS THE LOWEST; NA IS NOT APPLICABLE OR OBSERVED (CIRCLE ONE) B. SELF AND TEAM MANAGEMENT 1. Maintains self and team discipline 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ 2. Conducts well planned and organized practices 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ 3. Uses practice time effectively 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ 4. Develops and implements effective game plans 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ 5. Keeps team focused during practices and games 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ 6. Emphasizes the team approach 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ 7. Creates a positive learning environment for players to learn from their mistakes 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ 8. Manages conflict in a positive manner 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ 9. Enforces rules and regulations for the team 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ 10. Prepares team well for games 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ SUBTOTAL = _____ COMMENTS: Required for all scores of 1 and 2:
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA WILL BE JUDGED FROM 1 TO 5 WITH 5 AS THE HIGHEST SCORE AND 1 AS THE LOWEST; NA IS NOT APPLICABLE OR OBSERVED (CIRCLE ONE) C. ADMINISTRATION 1. Enforces school athletic policies, rules and regulations 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ 2. Submits athletic award winners for the season 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ 3. Monitors student athlete academic performance 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ 4. Counsels coaches, athletes and parents about college recruiting 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ 5. Supervises distribution, collection and inventory of all athletic supplies and equipment during season 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ 6. Submits athletic budget as requested 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ 7. Submits written game reports as requested 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ 8. Attends and participates in coaches’ meetings, clinics and professional development programs 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ 9. Attends PIAA mandatory rules interpretation meetings each year 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ 10. Attends league all-star voting meeting in order to ensure possible representation on the part of his athletes 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____ SUBTOTAL = _____ COMMENTS: Required for all scores of 1 and 2:
RECENT SCORES BaseballBoys Varsity05/17/10 Elk Lake Jr/Sr High School Montrose Jr/Sr High School 6 1 Stats 05/10/10 Susquehanna Com. Jr/Sr HS Montrose Jr/Sr High School 3 6 Stats 05/06/10 Montrose Jr/Sr High School Blue Ridge High School 11 12 Stats 05/04/10 Lackawanna Trail Jr/Sr HS Montrose Jr/Sr High School 11 5 Stats 05/01/10 Montrose Jr/Sr High School Mountain View Jr/Sr High School 8 9 Stats 04/29/10 Forest City Regional High School Montrose Jr/Sr High School 3 14 Stats 04/28/10 Montrose Jr/Sr High School Elk Lake Jr/Sr High School 23 12 Stats 04/22/10 Western Wayne High School Montrose Jr/Sr High School 9 3 Stats 04/19/10 Montrose Jr/Sr High School Susquehanna Com. Jr/Sr HS 6 1 Stats 04/15/10 Blue Ridge High School Montrose Jr/Sr High School 18 7 Stats 04/12/10 Montrose Jr/Sr High School Lackawanna Trail Jr/Sr HS 5 8 Stats 04/08/10 Mountain View Jr/Sr High School Montrose Jr/Sr High School 8 2 Stats 04/06/10 Northeast Bradford Jr/Sr HS Montrose Jr/Sr High School 2 12 Stats 04/30/09 Blue Ridge High School Montrose Jr/Sr High School 3 1 Stats 04/13/09 Susquehanna Com. Jr/Sr HS Montrose Jr/Sr High School 7 17 Stats 04/08/09 Montrose Jr/Sr High School Blue Ridge High School 2 5 Stats 04/02/09 Montrose Jr/Sr High School Mountain View Jr/Sr High School 11 8 Stats 04/24/08 Blue Ridge High School Montrose Jr/Sr High School 5 6 Stats 04/17/08 Carbondale Area HS Montrose Jr/Sr High School 13 3 Stats 04/10/08 Forest City Regional High School Montrose Jr/Sr High School 2 17 04/07/08 Montrose Jr/Sr High School Lackawanna Trail Jr/Sr HS 10 0 04/03/08 Montrose Jr/Sr High School Blue Ridge High School 5 7 04/23/07 Montrose Jr/Sr High School Lackawanna Trail Jr/Sr HS 1 11 04/11/07 Montrose Jr/Sr High School Elk Lake Jr/Sr High School 4 5 04/03/07 Forest City Regional High School Montrose Jr/Sr High School
Domain: Injuries: Prevention, Care and Management Standard 1
Prevent injuries by recognizing and insisting on safe playing conditions.
Standard 2
Ensure that protective equipment is in good condition, fits properly and is worn as prescribed by the manufacturer; ensure that equipment and facilities meet required standards [American Society for Testing Materials, (ASTM) and U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, (USCPSC)].
Standard 3
Recognize that proper conditioning and good health are vital to the prevention of athletic injuries.
Standard 4
Prevent exposure to the risk of injuries by considering the effects of environmental conditions on the circulatory and respiratory
systems when planning and scheduling practices and contests
and implementing programs for physical conditioning.
Standard 5
Be able to plan, coordinate and implement procedures for
appropriate emergency care.
Standard 6
Demonstrate skill in the prevention, recognition and evaluation of
injuries and the ability to assist athletes with the
recovery/rehabilitation from injuries that are generally associated
with participation in athletics in accordance with guidelines
provided by qualified medical personnel.
Standard 7
Facilitate a unified medical program of prevention, care and
management of injuries by coordinating the roles and actions of
the coach and a National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA)
certified athletic trainer with those of the physician.
Standard 8
Provide coaching assistants, athletes and parents guardians
with education about injury prevention, injury reporting and
sources of medical care.
Domain: Risk Management
Standard 9
Understand the scope of legal responsibilities that comes with
assuming a coaching position, i.e. proper supervision, planning
and instruction, matching participants, safety, first aid and risk
Domain 5 —Teaching and Communication Standard 24: Teach and incorporate mental skills to enhance performance and reduce sport anxiety. [ top ]
Mental skill training assists the athlete in improving athletic performance. The variety of tools available allow the athlete to manage stress and direct their focus on their performance.
Benchmarks:
Demonstrate appropriate use of intrinsic and extrinsic rewards to enhance motivation and learning. Share with athletes effective stress management coping strategies. Utilize sound mental skills to build athlete self-confidence. Help athletes to develop a mental game plan that includes pre-game preparation, a contingency plan for errors during competition, and how to avoid competitive stress. Help athletes improve concentration by learning attention control strategies.
Domain 6 — Sport Skills and Tactics Standard 29: Use scouting methods for planning practices, game preparation, and game analysis. [ top ]
Preparing the athlete and/or team appropriately for competition is the responsibility of the coach. The coach should use appropriate scouting techniques that are in line with governing organizations and sport rules. Using resources available to evaluate opponents is a competitive advantage in preparing the athlete for competition.
Benchmarks:
Analyze opponent's personnel to organize team for competition. Create game plans by observation of opponent play, athlete statistical information, and previous competitive experience. Make adjustments in strategies for practice and competition by identifying patterns and styles of play of opponents. Develop scouting tools for collecting and organizing information about opponents.
Domain 7 — Organization and Administration Standard 31: Be involved in public relation activities for the sport program. [ top ]
Public relations is the responsibility of the coach. Effective communication skills allow the coach to share the mission and values of the program and enlist support from the community. The coach must take every opportunity to be an advocate for the participants in the program.
Benchmarks:
Organize and conduct effective informational meetings before, during, and after the season. Communicate policies and ongoing program activities to athletes, staff, parents/guardians, administrators, and/or the public. Prepare athletes to be involved with public relation activities. Advocate the value of the sport program through positive communication with the media and others.
Domain 8 — Evaluation Standard 40: Utilize an objective and effective process for evaluation of self and staff. [ top ]
The coach should assess the effectiveness of personnel that directly affect athlete and team performance.The evaluation should collect direct feedback from all program athletes and identify ways to improve techniques and coaching style. Self-evaluation is a critical source of information for professional growth and development.
Benchmarks:
Collect input from athletes, parents, guardians, coaches, and other stakeholders regarding athlete satisfaction, perception of season goals, and coaching performance. Conduct periodic self-reflections on coaching effectiveness. Seek feedback from experienced coaches to evaluate practice sessions, discuss observations, and implement needed change at regular intervals. Use formal written evaluations to assist in selecting and retaining program personnel. Be diplomatic when providing feedback on personnel evaluations or hiring decisions.
Domain 4 — Growth and Development Standard 18: Provide athletes with responsibility and leadership opportunities as they mature. [ top ]
Sport provides an atmosphere for trial and error through practice and competition. Sport also allows opportunity for athletes to be challenged by additional responsibility. Through these opportunities, athletes learn how to deal with conflict, engage in problem solving, and seek positive resolutions. The coach should engage athletes in opportunities that nurture leadership and teamwork that can be learned on the field and exhibited in life.
Benchmarks:
Teach and encourage athletes to take responsibility for their actions in adhering to team rules. Design practices to allow for athlete input and self-evaluation. Communicate to athletes their responsibility in maintaining physical and mental readiness for athletic participation and preparation for competition. Encourage athletes to practice leadership skills and engage in problem solving. Provide athletes with different tools to manage conflict. Provide specific opportunities for athletes to mentor others.
Domain 5 —Teaching and Communication Standard 24: Teach and incorporate mental skills to enhance performance and reduce sport anxiety. [ top ]
Mental skill training assists the athlete in improving athletic performance. The variety of tools available allow the athlete to manage stress and direct their focus on their performance.
Benchmarks:
Demonstrate appropriate use of intrinsic and extrinsic rewards to enhance motivation and learning. Share with athletes effective stress management coping strategies. Utilize sound mental skills to build athlete self-confidence. Help athletes to develop a mental game plan that includes pre-game preparation, a contingency plan for errors during competition, and how to avoid competitive stress. Help athletes improve concentration by learning attention control strategies.
I am not sure about the cut and paste stuff - but we posted it anyway.
As to the suggestion that I thought that Bucky was justified in his comments, that was not the intent of the story. It was to demonstrate that a great coach had a bad moment. My friend was really hurt by it and angry at the time it occurred. As I said in the column, I am not sure if he has forgiven me.
The point was a little simpler: sometimes good coaches make mistakes. Inappropriate language needs to be addressed, but I think all factors need to be weighed before making a decision.
If the School Board had more reasons for the termination, they should have been given. This is an issue of fairness and honesty. No other reasons were given.
The School Board also could have tabled the matter to consider it and allow for public comment on it. If this was not a zero tolerance approach, then it would have been appropriate to consider input from the players, other coaches, and public at large. This was not done.
The suggestion that there was more to this indicates that the School Boand and the Administration were not honest in the process of making their decision. This is inappropriate as well -- if they were honest and open about the reasons, then maybe the decision would make a little more sense.
I have two children - and I would not want any coach swearing at them. On the other hand, I do not believe that a single incident would warrant a termination. I would address it with the coach, and, in the absence of reaching an amicable resolution, then address it with the administration. I would not expect a coach with extensive experience to be terminated for one sentence over the course of 13 years of coaching.
The interesting thing about doing the column is the amount of information you get when you bring something into the public light. I have had numerous people call me or pull me aside on the street to discuss this with me.
A number of people, including a former school board member, stated that the use of inappropriate language toward a student athelete has occurred before with coaches -- and the approach has always been reprimand and a warning from either the administration or the School Board. This seems like a reasonable approach.
The Administrator that I spoke with stated this had never happened before - which I found unbelievable given my own experience in high school sports (as well as what I observe over three years of coaching at Montrose).
As I said, I have done my due diligence on this issue - and I know that I have discuss this issue with more former players, coaches and current players than probably the administration and the School Board combined. None of these persons suggested the type of atmosphere one of these comments suggests - and given my 3 years of coaching, I would be surprised by it.
If it did exist, then terminate the coach for the right reasons - not a fabricated one that runs counter to past practice and procedure. I think we can all agree with this position.
Thanks again for the comments - I consider them all and I think some really good points have been made in some of the posts, and they are points that I agree with.
This blog was created for this very purposes - public interaction on columns with questions, comments or outright anger. I am hopeful that the public discourse will continue.
Please stop making your brother the "victim" here. The boys spent the entire season respectfully playing the game they loved. They tolerated disturbing treatment at the hands of a "professional educator". The school doesn't owe him anything more than any other employer gives when he/she is terminated. His actions were unacceptable and he needs to accept it. Simply ask your brother to be truthful. With your resume and his spotless prior evaluations it should be quite a converstion.
I'm glad to see that we have both Legg brothers in this blog, that anonymous quote from July 1, 2010 at 6:51 pm addressed to district attorney legg sound alot like Todd Legg. Welcome in Todd!
Jason,I do not know this bucky coach but I will take your word that he was a great coach, but please do not put your brother in the same company with great coaches there is no evidence to your brother being a great coach in the past and especially this past year.
FROM THE DESK OF ANOTHER REGISTERED VOTER When you prosecute someone for a crime it is for that one crime sometimes past incidences cannot be brought into the case, you just prosecute that crime. This is the same as the school board there WERE MANY other inappropriate incidences during the season, but the school board had enough reason with just the "Your a f...ing embarrassment" comment. There is no need to continue this in this way with you bringing it all out, you need to ask your brother if he really wants to bring the whole year out in the open. IF he tells you the truth believe me it will not be pleasant for him. The school board did not need any other reasons. If the zero tolerance policy is in place then that past school board was not doing their job and they were wrong because those coaches in the past should have been terminated. No policy was changed by this school board they were doing their job and finally the policy was followed. Believe me Jason you and your brother DO NOT want this to go to public comment These other incidences are not just suggestions these are actual acts that your brother committed during the season, incidences your brother was well aware of because the players made him aware of them. Some players would say nothing because they have younger brothers that play baseball and they were fearful of what Todd would do to their younger brothers. When it had gone to far and the players saw nothing was going to change the PARENTS(plural)made the school aware of what was going on, which is our RIGHT as parents and as tax payers. Have your brother tell you the truth. Jason you can not have it both ways. I hope to God that your children never have said to them "Your a f...ing embarrassment" because I know as a good parent you will do everything you can to get that person the maximum punishment. Jason if you have a person that has 13 years of a perfect life,no crimes, no traffic violations, nothing, if that person comes before you with a crime I know you just don't say " You've been good for 13 years so we won't prosecute you on this crime" WRONG! Your going to treat that person just like anyone else,it's your job to prosecute the crime, not the person. The information you say you keep getting, I would like to know who they are, because I know it is not from players or parents (which there are many) who were with the team this past season, Because that is where the truth lies, and once again your brother does not want that information out there. You say you've talked to former players, coaches, and current players it sounds like you have talked to all the people that have a friendship with your brother. I have also talked to many former players and everyone of them has a "Todd Legg story" that is how they all put it, not one story pleasant, and have you talked to the former COACHES(plural once again) who have quit the team the past couple of years because of the way your brother treated players, including this years JV coach who resigned. And as for current players, I seriosly doubt that your brother who is currently playing is going to tell you the truth because Todd treated him just as badly if not worst than the players.
FROM THE DESK OF ANOTHER REGISTERED VOTER When you prosecute someone for a crime it is for that one crime sometimes past incidences cannot be brought into the case, you just prosecute that crime. This is the same as the school board there WERE MANY other inappropriate incidences during the season, but the school board had enough reason with just the "Your a f...ing embarrassment" comment. There is no need to continue this in this way with you bringing it all out, you need to ask your brother if he really wants to bring the whole year out in the open. IF he tells you the truth believe me it will not be pleasant for him. The school board did not need any other reasons. If the zero tolerance policy is in place then that past school board was not doing their job and they were wrong because those coaches in the past should have been terminated. No policy was changed by this school board they were doing their job and finally the policy was followed. Believe me Jason you and your brother DO NOT want this to go to public comment These other incidences are not just suggestions these are actual acts that your brother committed during the season, incidences your brother was well aware of because the players made him aware of them. Some players would say nothing because they have younger brothers that play baseball and they were fearful of what Todd would do to their younger brothers. When it had gone to far and the players saw nothing was going to change the PARENTS(plural)made the school aware of what was going on, which is our RIGHT as parents and as tax payers. Have your brother tell you the truth. Jason you can not have it both ways. I hope to God that your children never have said to them "Your a f...ing embarrassment" because I know as a good parent you will do everything you can to get that person the maximum punishment.
Jason if you have a person that has 13 years of a perfect life,no crimes, no traffic violations, nothing, if that person comes before you with a crime I know you just don't say " You've been good for 13 years so we won't prosecute you on this crime" WRONG! Your going to treat that person just like anyone else,it's your job to prosecute the crime, not the person. The information you say you keep getting, I would like to know who they are, because I know it is not from players or parents (which there are many) who were with the team this past season, Because that is where the truth lies, and once again your brother does not want that information out there. You say you've talked to former players, coaches, and current players it sounds like you have talked to all the people that have a friendship with your brother. I have also talked to many former players and everyone of them has a "Todd Legg story" that is how they all put it, not one story pleasant, and have you talked to the former COACHES(plural once again) who have quit the team the past couple of years because of the way your brother treated players, including this years JV coach who resigned. And as for current players, I seriosly doubt that your brother who is currently playing is going to tell you the truth because Todd treated him just as badly if not worst than the players.
You mean to tell me that you think one of the administrators lied to you. No, I don't believe it. I could never see a Montrose administrator lying, especially the superintendent, a man of utmost integrity and truthfulness.
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wth is that nut casing talking about... drone common wealth laws... frances sit down !!!!!!!!!!!
It is hard to really keep track of all of the allegations and statements made in the comments. The moderator (not me) has posted them all with the exception of a single post, which he determined to be inappropriate.
Given that people have taken the time to respond, I want to make sure that you know that I considered each comment carefully.
First, I never suggested that any administrator or school board member lied. I believe them when they say that the termination was the result of this one incident. And as I told them, I understand that it was a difficult decision and I told them that I respected their decisions. This does not mean that I have to agree with those decisions.
Second, the people who are trying to make more out of it are the people who are posting the blogs - which we have allowed to be posted despite being derrogatory in nature (this is certainly ironic given the context of the column) - and plainly outside the scope of the column itself. I doubt that this transparency will satisfy any the detractors, but I do believe it is important to listen to other people's views and thoughts. I wish that the School Board had been willing to listen -- perhaps the decision would have been the same, perhaps it would have been different. This is the problem with zero tolerance policies - there is no discretion.
The column was aimed at the "zero tolerance" approach -- this was plainly the school's position by its own admission, not all of the other stuff posted here.
You can agree with the school's position -- and I can understand your agreement with zero tolerance approach. I know prosecutors who are proponents of zero tolerance as sound policy. You can disagree as well, which is all that I did in the column - and I have continued to note my reasons in this blog. I do not like zero tolerance adminsitrating.
I also noted in my column that I was biased -- and this is something that none of the bloggers are willing to concede despite the clear implication by the posts that they have some personal connection to his issue.
The bulk of what has been posted has nothing to do with the School Board's decision or zero tolerance policies. This was the point of the column itself.
The column was apparently inartfully drafted as countless responses have been aimed at personal attacks and negative comments that have nothing to do with the propriety of the zero tolerance approach. Rather, many of the comments suggest that the right decision was made but for other reasons. Implicitly, I would suggest this means that the bloggers also believe that there should have been something more than just this one incident (and, in their minds, that something existed).
I suspect that most of us could agree in the abstract that such a zero tolerance approach does not make much sense - and that was really the point of the column.
I find the zero tolerance approach laughable. If this "approach" is applied equally to all coaches as it were to Mr. Legg, everyone will see a lot of coaching positions open as they read the paper next year.
First off, this catcher that the "inappropriate" comment was made to deserved it. I dare anyone to go into high school post game speech and find a coach that DOESN'T swear at the kids. The school board's actions were just as inappropriate in terminating this employee from a PAID position without any reason (which is illegal). And for all of you that left records why aren't you trying to get the football coach fired or the field hockey coach because quite frankly those sports have been below sub-par in the past I don't know 5 years! Speaking as a student who interacts with members of the baseball team they quite frankly didn't give a hoot about what happened during the course of their baseball season. And as far as the administration NOT lying. HA. You sir/ma'am are one of the dumbest people on this planet.
I have never been on this blog site before,but a friend suggested that I read some of what is being put here. So, as I read them I was really bothered by them. First, I know that I am not perfect as nobody is and I have made mistakes over the years. Also, I have never stated that I am a 'great' coach but I do believe I do a good job of preparing the players for them to perform. I have had players return from college and tell me I ran better practices than their coaches. I have always analyzed each year with input from players and assistant coaches. I have never been told by an administrator that I need to change anything and have done so multiple times. Second, the comment. I told the player that "he should be f-ing embarassed by the way he was playing". I did this in frustration, which does not make using the f-word right, but this player was much better than he was playing and I don't mean in the heat of a play, I am talking about basics like throwing the ball back to the pitcher. The idea that I never say anything positive to players is absurd. The same player spoke about above was told by me when injured that he needed to be careful and take his time to heal because we needed him behind the plate and he was the guy for that position. I am not sure what the comment about coaches that have resigned, because I have numerous emails where I ask my assistants what they think about players, practices and the team in general. Never this year did I go against a suggestion from the JV coach, whose resignation letter adressed to me somehow ended up in the home of a player....Other coaches??? Junior high coaches, one went to track and one did not like my guidelines that required him to play more players and to keep the pitchers at certain pitch count levels. He wanted to win, I wanted more kids to get experience and have healthy arms. I imagine if you look at most coaches there will be players and parents that love the coach and those that hate them. To say that I didn't have relationships with them is not true, I am not saying I am friends with them, but I could tell you which kids are having sex(and with how), who are drinking(and how often) and even some that are possibly using drugs. I have in the past even confronted parents of players about that last possibility, to which I was thanked and was told that they had recently drug tested their child. I have asked the school numerous times for a more strict policy on drinking and such, not to suspend a kid but to help them, but was never taken seriously. For somebody to say that they know all that goes on at practice and in the dugout is naive. A parent only gets what their child is going to tell them, which will always put themselves in a better light. I had players who were not playing ask me this year one on one why they weren't(if they were scared to seath of me, how would they do that) and each time I told the player what they needed to work on and each coach agreed with the playing time issues. Each and every player is given the same amount of time and one on one corrections during practice time. To say that we never work on fixing things is absurd. I was told that one parent complained the team did 'hills' for each error and never worked on the fixing the errors - Nobody ever said that there was a JV game on the field that day.... And lastly - leave my little brother out of things, if anything he played less than he should have because I didn't want my desire for him to play to sway me to thinking he was a better option, even though other coaches said he should have been playing more.
“Fail to honor people,they fail to honor you; but of a good leader, who talks little, when his work is done, his aims fulfilled, they will all say, 'We did this ourselves.'”
Mr Todd Legg, your tenure as the coach of this team has been completed. Please use this experience as a learning tool as your players will thru their years into adulthood.
At the end of the day we all must be accountable for our actions. As a teacher, coach, or mentor you are held to a higher standard of Accountability than the lay person. Please look at this from the position of your players thru the years and ask yourself ..... could I of been a better Coach or role model?
Balance is what School sports are about. making room for test proms and family are as important as winning and losing. we as Coaches are meant to teach life lessons some good and some bad...
I have been following this baseball blog and I think it is about time somebody says....ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!! You have all made your point, got what you wanted, and got Coach Legg fired, now let the man be!! It is ironic that you all wanted him gone because he was "nasty to your children" but what are you doing in these articles????.....being nasty??? I understand that Coach Legg and his brother lost their mother this year..I think they have dealt with enough and would probably appreciate it if you would stop with the blog nonsense and leave the issue be!!! We are not all perfect, including yourselves.....just like you had a weak moment bashing a human in this blog, he had a weak moment (in a very difficult time in his life I would assume) and made a mistake with a child. I agree that his comment was wrong, but he did not hit them or sexually abuse them, he simply let his emotions get the best of him. If you were a decent being then you would drop this because as mentioned before.....YOU HAVE MADE YOUR STATEMENT AND GOT WHAT YOU WANTED!!!!!!!
I find it funny that cry babies get on here and post bashing remarks towards people and use the name anonymous. I have no respect for people like that. I think you are cowards and need to grow up and get a life. If you are going to saying something be a man or woman and post with your name. Other than that shut your mouth. And it's not tough to figure out who is posting the nasty comments about coach Legg. So to the parents of the catcher who I know are the ones posting under anonymous grow up and get a life.
And by the way I was a coach on the Montrose Baseball team so for the last 2 years I do know what was going on. And coach Legg was nothing like you potray him to be. So knock the crap OFF!! And stay off Jason because he did nothing wrong in writing what he did. There is a silent majority out there backing Todd. You people are the loud mouth minority. There are alot more people ticked off at the board than you will ever know.
I am the mom of "the catcher". Other than this one, I've posted only one comment to the DA (comment #4, July 1). I used Anonymous, not for my own sake, but because the whole point of my comment(both then and now) was about protecting the identity of the player, a minor -- my son. I stated how inappropriate I think it was for the DA to provide such details as to make it pretty obvious to which player the comment was made. Jason, do you see my point? According to one blogger, my son "deserved it". According to another, we "cry babies" certainly must be the ones writing every negative comment about the former coach. To you, and for that matter to every other blogger on this site, write what you want about adults, but leave any references to specific young people out of it. It crosses a line.
Jason, my son is not to blame for your brother being fired as the baseball coach. You will write back stating that never said he was. You'll likely add again all the technicalities of how you didn't name names, there's more than one catcher, most of your readers don't know the team, etc. You're absolutely right. But with the details you provided, you've given those looking for a scapegoat enough information to zero in on one.
I coached your son the last year that I was an assistant coach. He was a great kid and a good player.
In restrospect, I should have simply said "player" not "catcher." This would have insulated his identity to avoid being blamed - though I still believe that the column did not even suggest the child was to blame.
The Bucky story that I used involved a catcher - so I matched the two up -- I could have used any number of other stories from when I played high school sports involving colorful language from coaches -- or outright nastiness that far exceeded this particular incident. Perhaps I should have choosen another memory.
The point of the column again was not the child -- the point was the propriety of the zero tolerance approach. I don't want to beat that dead horse again.
At the time, I did not believe that the column identified the player - but I can see your point and agree with it.
The column was not intended to cast blame on the player - and if it was perceived that way, I apologize.
I admire your stand on your opinion of " Zero Tolerance" As a coach I feel that the school district needs to evaluate it's policy and its investigation of all coaches within the Montrose area School District. By THe Sounds of Mr Bakers post I dont feel your brothers issues/complaints may be as isolated as they appear to be to the people not directly involved. He may of just been the tip of the iceberg. Some sort of open forum should be established for coache's , players and parents. Some school districts actually have Players advocates that are there to listen to players concerns and correct them before they become so extreme.
Sports in school should be first of all fun then a learning tool. Winning isnt everything... not that they have been doing so
Mr Legg calls out one player and points the blame on him. Ironically this is what Coach Legg has done for years. Blame his failures as a coach on others. The board may have used a specific incident as an example but every player had a similar experience with coach Legg. This year AND years past. This is not about one accidental expletive slip in the heat of the moment but a constant and continual verbal and psychological assault on players for years. Back to the OP, why does Mr Legg use a blog called from the desk of the DA to spread propaganda trying to justify his brother's poor behavior?...BTW Mr Baker will notice I too am brave enough to post a name too.
I am impressed Bob. Though I have absolutely no idea who you are. Do you or did you have a son that played for coach Legg? Have you ever coached with Todd? Do you know what goes into preparing a team for playing ball? Have you ever been at a practice? I coached with Todd for 5 years through his 13 year tenure. I contacted Todd Legg and he said he has no idea who you are. I asked him if he ever coached someone with the last name Butcher and he said he was pretty sure he hadn't. I know I don't remember that name for the 5 year I was there. You did post a name but is it really who you are? I'm curous to know how you think you know so much about Coach Legg but no one know's who you are?
This world is now completely upsidedown. Kids are now calling the shots when it comes to classrooms and sports. Mr. Legg used language that is regarded is innapropriate and afterwards got fired for it. I'd like to ask everyone on this blog one question: Would you have not given this player a little straight talk after he did something you felt was not right? Is it not a coach's job to set players straight? Many are arguing that his language was innapropriate but I like to suggest that it doesn't matter which words were dropped but more so, what messege the coach was sending. I ask everyone on this page to stop with their attacks on the District Attorney Legg and his brother, Todd. Attacking them is not going to a damn thing. I understand why people are so upset with the D.A., it's because he wrote a column about his brother in a column called "From the Desk of the DA" but contrary to its title Jason was not speaking in his capacity as D.A. but as a former coach and brother. Those attacking Todd have already got what they wanted. But Jason was just expressing his opinion as person in this article and so say that what he did is wrong is using an opinion to attack an opinion. So the attacks are all unneeded and I don't think anyone appriates them, so I ask everyone to just take it easy. It's a just a column for God's sake.
I doubt anyone is reading these comments anymore and I also am sure that everyone has moved on from this topic, but I havent said my piece. I am the brother of both Todd and Jason. I have known them my entire life and I have the utmost respect for both of them. As for this whole situation, I think that the parents are being a little over protective. There was no reason for firing my brother. It wasn't a trial it was a witch-hunt. I think that the "zero-tolerance" thing is a load of crap. If anyone has played a sport, I can GUARANTEE that 95% of the players will say they have heard a coach say a swear word. If anyone thinks for one second that a kid that played on that baseball team this past year hasn't heard the f-word then you are wrong. I know for a fact more than 75% of those players have used the word during practices and games, including some kids of parents that are probably commenting on this site. The school board was very wrong for their decision. They went about the precedure wrong before hand and should have given Todd more time.
As for the statements made about me, I know exactly Todd's actions and I justify them. I was in the same predicaments that the kids in question were in. I too was placed on the bench because I had a prior engagement during practice, a french class-trip. I had started for about 3-4 games at that point. I knew the consequences and I accepted them like a man. You don't need to cry about it to your parents even though it wouldnt have been a difference in my case. You don't need to blame the coach for not starting you because you chose to do something other than play your sport. Also, I did this during a practice which proves Todd's statements in a prior comment. I also was yelled at by my brother because I made mistakes. I understand that because that was the kind of coach he was. He was very emotional and got mad because he wanted his players to perform to their highest ability. The statement he made is like statements a lot of coaches I have had over the years that I personally have heard. I can say that I have heard every coach of mine swear before. It isn't a big deal. When he would yell at me I didn't cry about it to my parents, I got back on the horse and tried again because thats what you gotta do, just put it behind you. What the player in question did was probably the most embarrassing thing a catcher could do; not make a throw back to a pitcher. I have never played catcher myself but I know that when there is a throw to make you don't half-bake it you make sure you get it there.
Some kids on the baseball team have asked me about this and I tell them exactly what I said in here. I know for a fact that kids liked my brother. People weren't afraid of him and whoever posted that is ill informed.
If I felt that my brother deserved this then I would say so but he didn't deserve it and the school board was wrong in their decision and shouldn't have fired my brother, PERIOD.
48 comments:
I find it entirely inappropriate that the chief law enforcement officer of Susquehanna county use his "From the Desk of of the DA" to propagandize about the dismissal of his brother from a baseball coaching position. With such a solemn and grave duty owed to the residents of Susquehanna county, it should never even cross the mind of a DISTRICT ATTORNEY to take time out of his obligations to address such an issue. Perhaps District Attorney Legg should concentrate on his investigations being conducted with the utmost integrity and with the attempt to get at truths in matters that involve people's lives and liberty. The mere writing of this article illustrates that District Attorney Legg lacks judgment and does not understand the duties of his office.
Hey Jason,
About the ONLY thing your brother was good at was pissing off his players. But, I do have to admit he was a good groundskeeper.
Unfortunately, there were no kids or coaches laughing,or finding anything humorous about ALL the incidences that happened during the season. When our kids lose the love of the game because of a coach it's very sad for all of us
In addition to the inappropriateness of the article overall, it was unethical for the DA to call out which player (the catcher) was involved in the incident that resulted in the coach being fired. It's bad enough that this young person's coach ridiculed him, but then the DA puts it in the newspaper for everyone to read? Was the DA cleverly trying to blame this kid (one incident, with one kid...THIS kid?) or did he just use very poor judgement? It sounds like the brother (though a coach and teacher) doesn't know any better -- but the DA certainly should!
First, as to the column and its content, this is something that comes up periodically whenever I write about something personal. After writing over 300 individual pieces, the column has become something very personal to me -- right or wrong - and I suspect that it will remain that way until I stop writing it.
Second, as I have said on repeated occasions, I have no control over whether the column is actually published. The newspapers have sole discretion in that regard - and I trust the judgment of the editors.
Third, the column in question was written at around 4 a.m. on a Friday morning before the deadline, and then I made some telephone calls to a school administrator and a school board member that morning between 7 and 8 a.m. It was not something that interfered in anyway with my regular duties -- nor has the column ever done so.
Fourth, it is beyond hyberbole to suggest that a single column somehow undermines my integrity and judgment. I have been a prosecutor for 11 years - and my record speaks for itself and I am proud of it. Of course, every 4-years, the voters get a chance to evaluate my performance, judgment and integrity - and that is the beauty of our system of government. The patent fallacy of this position need no further comment - and is likely the reason that the blogger did not sign it.
Fifth, I have no problem with people disagreeing with the column (or even that the column should have been written) -- I suspect that many people do and agree with the School Board -- but personal attacks are unnecessary.
Let me thank all of those who have commented for reading the column. It is nice to know that people actually take the time to sit down and read it.
The blog allows us to moderate the content - and we have the option of posting or not posting comments.
Generally, I do not like anonymous comments. If someone has something to say, I personally think they should put their name on it. In any event, I have generally always posted whatever people post (anonymous or otherwise) unless there is some compelling reason not to post. Thus, the three comments have been posted.
I will try to address each of them quickly.
In terms of my brother's coaching abilities, I can only comment upon the three years that I spent with him -- and he was an outstanding coach.
This position is supported by the evaluations that the school gave him over his 9 years as head coach, none of which were ever unsatisfactory.
I have also spoken to one of his assistant coaches, a person who I believe has more baseball knowledge than nearly anyone in this county. He was a D-1 collegiate scholarship pitcher -- and knows baseball and coaching. He also indicated that my brother is a good baseball coach.
I have also spoken with several former and current players -- all of whom reaffirm this position.
That having been said, I will reiterate that my brother was not firing for poor coaching -- he was firing for an isolated incident. This was the reason that I called a school administrator and a board member prior to sending the column out to print. I wanted to have my facts straight.
In terms of making players angry, I would suggest that the best teachers and coaches push their players and will get them angry by pushing them harder and harder. Some of my best professors in college and law school were these exact type of personalities, and they were also the professors that most of the other kids avoided for that very reason.
In terms of "all" the incidents that occurred during the season, I will again reiterate that I discussed the column with an administrator and a school board member prior to submitting the column to print to make sure that there was not more to it -- and they were adamant that there was nothing more to it than this one incident. I was even told that they knew my brother was a good coach - but he made a mistake and crossed a line.
In terms of kids losing love for the game, I can only say that the kids that I have talked to about this do not feel that way.
In the end, this was a difficult issue - and I tried to make clear in the column that it was a serious issue. My problem has more to do with the manner in which it was handled -- so little notice and so little consideration for a person who has given so much to a program.
There is only one other thing that should be noted. The last two years has been exceptionally difficult for our family -- it is hard to watch a family member slowly die in front of you -- and I know that we all felt the stress and handled it in different ways. There were days that were nearly unbearable for me - and I know that each of my family members was going through a similar situation. While this does not excuse the use of inappropriate language with children, it does provide a context in which this incident occurred.
I noted clearly in the column that I was biased -- and I have been told by a number of people that the column did not go far enough in blasting the School Board, others have said it was perfect and fair, and still others have questioned whether it should have been written in the first place.
This issue involves something bigger than one person or one family - and it is an important issue for the community to discuss and debate. The column was not propoganda - it was an honest and heartfelt response to a situation that school board's encounter every single day.
It is great that we can have these discussions - and even disagree - so long as we can remain civil in the context of the debate.
Keep reading, keep posting comments and God bless!
District Attorney Legg,
I don't believe your brother should have been dismissed for inappropriate language. I find it quite ironic that we live in an area that is apathetic to the KILLING of innocent Muslims by American soldiers, who let's face it, are basically teenagers trained to kill. Yet, when a coach uses LANGUAGE that hurts a teenager's feelings, the sky starts falling. Guess we just need more predator drones or a real dose of reality. Sometimes the proper motivation can be embarassing for a player. The player was probably a cry baby and his mother probably had some connection to one of the inept school board members. Instead of targeting COACHES who use inappropriate LANGUAGE, I would suggest that the school board make sure its ADMINISTRATION is abiding by the Commonwealth's LAWS.
Finally, as to the comment concerning naming the player, I did not name any player in the column. The vast majority of the readers of the column could not name a single player on the baseball team. There are some who might know some of the players, but probably have little idea where they play. Further, there is more than one catcher on the team. Finally, prior to this column coming out, I know that there was widespread discussion about this situation on the social networking sites - so people were talking about it. In any event, I clearly did not name the player.
More importantly, I did not suggest that the player was at fault in any manner; rather, the column clearly stated that the conduct was inappropriate and unacceptable. I cannot understand how the reader concluded that I was blaming the child. I stated that I agreed with the School Board on this position. Thus, I cannot understand how a reader can suggest that I am blaming a player.
There were two bigger issues: (1) the amount of notice provided prior to the termination; and (2) the adoption of a zero tolerance policy.
If you have read the column in the past, you know that I am not a fan of zero tolerance policies -- I want administrators to consider all factors before making an important decision, not be forced into it. I have criticized zero tolerance policies as they relate to children in prior columns, and I took issue with a zero tolerance policy as it relates to a coach in this column.
I want to reiterate that I verified with the school that there was no other basis for the termination prior to writing the column. I did not shoot from the hip.
I remain convinced that this is an important issue in our soceity - and this column has generated more blog responses than any - so I think people are generally thinking about it.
While the blog posts have been generally negative, the comments and emails have been the opposite. So, I know that people are split on this issue.
A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment.
John Wooden
Mr. Legg
as a parent and a coach I feel the need to interject into your blog in regards to Coaching of youth and young adult players.
John Wooden should be a role model for teaching and coaching young men and ladies in all sports. Maybe if you were able to step back and look at the perspective of the parents and players of your brother you may be able to understand the affects of his behavior on these young men.
Sports are a tool for teaching, they build character and teach lessons of value to these children.
There is no room for degrading of these boys or girls under any circumstance. To even hint at the idea that a coach would have any justification for telling a player " if you had two brains one would be lonely.." is ridiculus .
Hopefully the school board will in the future will hold all coaches accountable for such behavior.
I have never met your brother and hope to never have to meet any coach such as him in my children's tenure of athletics
Yes the school told you this is the reason he was fired but that does not mean there were not other incidencs during tne season. These kids were scared to death to play for this man, one little mistake and you were ridiculed, and torn down to feel like dirt, with no coaching or guidence to fix the mistake. Some coaches and the military tear down players and soldiers all so they can build them back up' these kids were never built back up by your brother, just more demeaning comments as the season continued. This is not a case of kids not getting playing time and complaining about it, this was done to starters and subs alike, even your own brother. You talk about not liking zero tolerance policies, that is exactly what your brother did this year with the team one mistake and "you will never play for me again" his exact words. Jason if this was one of your children being treated this way how would you feel! Unfortunatly, these comments are anonymous but we are not sure of what the retaliations will be from these comments for our children.
MONTROSE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Title: Varsity Athletic Coach Date: August, 2003
Reports to: Junior/Senior High School Approved by: Supervisor
Principal
Athletic Director
Job Summary: To instruct athletes in the fundamental skills, strategy and physical
training necessary for them to realize a degree of individual and team success. At the
same time, the student shall receive instruction that will lead to the formulation of moral
values, pride of accomplishment, acceptable social behavior, self-discipline and selfconfidence.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Has a thorough knowledge of all athletic policies approved by the Montrose Area
School District Board of Education and is responsible for their implementation by the
entire staff of the sports program.
2. Understands the proper administrative chain of command and refers all requests or
concerns through proper channels and is aware of all public staff/departmental meetings
that require attendance.
3. Trains and informs his staff, encourages professional growth and development by
encouraging clinic attendance in accordance with district policy.
4. Delegates specific duties, supervises their implementation, and at season’s end,
analyzes staff effectiveness and evaluates all assistants.
5. Maintains discipline, adjusts concerns and works to increase morale and cooperation
of the staff as a whole.
6. Performs other such duties which may be assigned by the athletic director and/or
principal.
7. Assists in the necessary preparation to hold scheduled sport events and practices and
adheres to scheduled facility times.
8. Provides documentation to fulfill state and district requirements concerning physical
examinations, parental consent and eligibility.
9. Provides training rules for their athletes and any other unique regulations of the sport
to each athlete who is considered a participant.
10. Gives constant attention to a student’s grades and conduct.
11. By his/her presence at all practices, games and while traveling, provides assistance,
guidance and safeguards for each participant.
12. Completes reports of all disabling athletic injuries on proper forms and submits to
athletic office within 24 hours.
13. Determines discipline, delineates procedures concerning due process when the
enforcement of discipline is necessary and contacts parents when a student is dropped,
suspended from the team or becomes ineligible.
14. Assists athletes in their college or advanced educational selection as requested.
15. Directs student managers, assistants and statisticians.
16. Participates in the budget process with the athletic director. Recommends equipment
as to type, style, color or technical specifications and is responsible for operating within
the approved budget appropriations.
17. Accountable for all equipment and collects the cost of any equipment lost or not
returned. Arranges for issuing, storing and reconditioning of equipment and submits
annual inventory and current records.
18. Monitors and assigns equipment rooms and coaches’ office.
19. Examines locker rooms before and after practices and games and checks on general
cleanliness of the facility.
20. Secures all doors, lights, windows and locks before leaving building when custodians
are not on duty.
21. Instills in each player a respect for equipment and school property, its care and
proper use.
22. Organizes parents, coaches, players and guests for pre-season meetings.
:
http://www.masd.info/athletics/athmanual03.pdf
MONTROSE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
COACHES’ APPRAISAL FORM
Coach______________________________________ Date____________
Sport/Position ________________________________________________
Years in Present Position _____________
Montrose Area School District Athletic Mission Statement:
The success or failure of athletic programs has a direct bearing on how
community members view the entire school system. Community and
parental pressure must be balanced with the objectives of good citizenship,
sportsmanship and mental health. Coaches continually face risks, such as,
player injury and due process predicaments. It is imperative that these are
weighed against the pressures of winning or losing. Exercising common
sense and good judgment are prerequisites to final decisions. There are
those who do not fit the model of a successful coach and the successful
coach is not always the one who wins every game. A successful coach
needs a broad spectrum of behavioral competencies and will be judged
accordingly.
Montrose Area School District Athletic Goal Statement:
To improve the fundamental skills, team strategy and sport fitness that are
needed to achieve a degree of individual and team success. These, in turn,
should lead to the formulation of ethical values, pride of accomplishment,
acceptable social behavior, self discipline and individual self confidence.
The following instrument will be utilized to evaluate the head coach of an
athletic activity. The form is to be completed by the Athletic Director who,
in turn, will submit a copy to the building principal. Appeals of this
evaluation by the head coach will be made to the Superintendent of Schools
and, if necessary, the Montrose Area School District Board of Directors.
This evaluation will be completed at the conclusion of each sport’s season.
MONTROSE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
ATHLETIC COACH PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL FORM
Coach _________________________________________ Date _________
Sport ________________________ Evaluator ______________________
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA WILL BE JUDGED FROM 1 TO 5 WITH 5
AS THE HIGHEST SCORE AND 1 AS THE LOWEST; NA IS NOT
APPLICABLE OR OBSERVED (CIRCLE ONE)
A. SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
1. Possesses knowledge of sport that he/she coaches 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
2. Understands the fundamentals of the sport 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
3. Demonstrates sound sport strategies for competition 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
4. Knows the strengths and abilities of each player 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
5. Implements an appropriate in season conditioning
program to promote sport specific fitness 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
6. Sets challenging performance standards for the team 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
7. Encourages each player to achieve their goals 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
8. Requires each player to work hard during
practice 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
9. Teachers positive sportsmanship and to be proud
yet humble in victory 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
10. Teaches persistence in the face of adversity 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
SUBTOTAL = _____
COMMENTS: Required for all scores of 1 and 2:
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA WILL BE JUDGED FROM 1 TO 5 WITH 5
AS THE HIGHEST SCORE AND 1 AS THE LOWEST; NA IS NOT
APPLICABLE OR OBSERVED (CIRCLE ONE)
B. SELF AND TEAM MANAGEMENT
1. Maintains self and team discipline 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
2. Conducts well planned and organized practices 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
3. Uses practice time effectively 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
4. Develops and implements effective game plans 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
5. Keeps team focused during practices and games 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
6. Emphasizes the team approach 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
7. Creates a positive learning environment for
players to learn from their mistakes 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
8. Manages conflict in a positive manner 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
9. Enforces rules and regulations for the team 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
10. Prepares team well for games 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
SUBTOTAL = _____
COMMENTS: Required for all scores of 1 and 2:
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA WILL BE JUDGED FROM 1 TO 5 WITH 5
AS THE HIGHEST SCORE AND 1 AS THE LOWEST; NA IS NOT
APPLICABLE OR OBSERVED (CIRCLE ONE)
C. ADMINISTRATION
1. Enforces school athletic policies, rules and regulations 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
2. Submits athletic award winners for the season 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
3. Monitors student athlete academic performance 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
4. Counsels coaches, athletes and parents about college
recruiting 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
5. Supervises distribution, collection and inventory of
all athletic supplies and equipment during season 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
6. Submits athletic budget as requested 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
7. Submits written game reports as requested 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
8. Attends and participates in coaches’ meetings, clinics
and professional development programs 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
9. Attends PIAA mandatory rules interpretation
meetings each year 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
10. Attends league all-star voting meeting in order to
ensure possible representation on the part of his
athletes 5 4 3 2 1 NA = _____
SUBTOTAL = _____
COMMENTS: Required for all scores of 1 and 2:
RECENT SCORES
BaseballBoys Varsity05/17/10 Elk Lake Jr/Sr High School
Montrose Jr/Sr High School 6
1 Stats
05/10/10 Susquehanna Com. Jr/Sr HS
Montrose Jr/Sr High School 3
6 Stats
05/06/10 Montrose Jr/Sr High School
Blue Ridge High School 11
12 Stats
05/04/10 Lackawanna Trail Jr/Sr HS
Montrose Jr/Sr High School 11
5 Stats
05/01/10 Montrose Jr/Sr High School
Mountain View Jr/Sr High School 8
9 Stats
04/29/10 Forest City Regional High School
Montrose Jr/Sr High School 3
14 Stats
04/28/10 Montrose Jr/Sr High School
Elk Lake Jr/Sr High School 23
12 Stats
04/22/10 Western Wayne High School
Montrose Jr/Sr High School 9
3 Stats
04/19/10 Montrose Jr/Sr High School
Susquehanna Com. Jr/Sr HS 6
1 Stats
04/15/10 Blue Ridge High School
Montrose Jr/Sr High School 18
7 Stats
04/12/10 Montrose Jr/Sr High School
Lackawanna Trail Jr/Sr HS 5
8 Stats
04/08/10 Mountain View Jr/Sr High School
Montrose Jr/Sr High School 8
2 Stats
04/06/10 Northeast Bradford Jr/Sr HS
Montrose Jr/Sr High School 2
12 Stats
04/30/09 Blue Ridge High School
Montrose Jr/Sr High School 3
1 Stats
04/13/09 Susquehanna Com. Jr/Sr HS
Montrose Jr/Sr High School 7
17 Stats
04/08/09 Montrose Jr/Sr High School
Blue Ridge High School 2
5 Stats
04/02/09 Montrose Jr/Sr High School
Mountain View Jr/Sr High School 11
8 Stats
04/24/08 Blue Ridge High School
Montrose Jr/Sr High School 5
6 Stats
04/17/08 Carbondale Area HS
Montrose Jr/Sr High School 13
3 Stats
04/10/08 Forest City Regional High School
Montrose Jr/Sr High School 2
17
04/07/08 Montrose Jr/Sr High School
Lackawanna Trail Jr/Sr HS 10
0
04/03/08 Montrose Jr/Sr High School
Blue Ridge High School 5
7
04/23/07 Montrose Jr/Sr High School
Lackawanna Trail Jr/Sr HS 1
11
04/11/07 Montrose Jr/Sr High School
Elk Lake Jr/Sr High School 4
5
04/03/07 Forest City Regional High School
Montrose Jr/Sr High School
Domain: Social/Psychological Aspects of Coaching
Standard 22
Subscribe to a philosophy that acknowledges the role of
athletics in developing the complete person.
Standard 23
Identify and interpret to co-coaches, athletes, concerned others
and the general public the values that are to be developed from
participation in sports programs.
Standard 24
Identify and apply ethical conduct in sport by maintaining
emotional control and demonstrating respect for athletes,
officials and other coaches.
Standard 25
Demonstrate effective motivational skills and provide positive,
appropriate feedback.
Standard 26
Conduct practices and competitions to enhance the physical,
social and emotional growth of athletes.
Standard 27
Be sufficiently familiar with the basic principles of goal setting to
motivate athletes toward immediate and long range goals.
Standard 28
Treat each athlete as an individual while recognizing the dynamic
relationship of personality and socio-cultural variables such as
gender, race and socio-economic differences.
Standard 29
Identify desirable behaviors (self discipline, support of
teammates, following directions, etc.) and structure experiences
to develop such behaviors in each athlete.
NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR ATHLETIC COACHES
SUMMARY OF STANDARDS
Domain: Injuries: Prevention, Care and Management
Standard 1
Prevent injuries by recognizing and insisting on safe playing conditions.
Standard 2
Ensure that protective equipment is in good condition, fits properly and is worn as prescribed by the manufacturer; ensure that equipment and facilities meet required standards [American Society for Testing Materials, (ASTM) and U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, (USCPSC)].
Standard 3
Recognize that proper conditioning and good health are vital to the prevention of athletic injuries.
Standard 4
Prevent exposure to the risk of injuries by considering the effects of environmental conditions on the circulatory and respiratory
systems when planning and scheduling practices and contests
and implementing programs for physical conditioning.
Standard 5
Be able to plan, coordinate and implement procedures for
appropriate emergency care.
Standard 6
Demonstrate skill in the prevention, recognition and evaluation of
injuries and the ability to assist athletes with the
recovery/rehabilitation from injuries that are generally associated
with participation in athletics in accordance with guidelines
provided by qualified medical personnel.
Standard 7
Facilitate a unified medical program of prevention, care and
management of injuries by coordinating the roles and actions of
the coach and a National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA)
certified athletic trainer with those of the physician.
Standard 8
Provide coaching assistants, athletes and parents guardians
with education about injury prevention, injury reporting and
sources of medical care.
Domain: Risk Management
Standard 9
Understand the scope of legal responsibilities that comes with
assuming a coaching position, i.e. proper supervision, planning
and instruction, matching participants, safety, first aid and risk
management.
Domain 5 —Teaching and Communication
Standard 24: Teach and incorporate mental skills to enhance performance and reduce sport anxiety. [ top ]
Mental skill training assists the athlete in improving athletic performance. The variety of tools available allow the athlete to manage stress and direct their focus on their performance.
Benchmarks:
Demonstrate appropriate use of intrinsic and extrinsic rewards to enhance motivation and learning.
Share with athletes effective stress management coping strategies.
Utilize sound mental skills to build athlete self-confidence.
Help athletes to develop a mental game plan that includes pre-game preparation, a contingency plan for errors during competition, and how to avoid competitive stress.
Help athletes improve concentration by learning attention control strategies.
Domain 6 — Sport Skills and Tactics
Standard 29: Use scouting methods for planning practices, game preparation, and game analysis. [ top ]
Preparing the athlete and/or team appropriately for competition is the responsibility of the coach. The coach should use appropriate scouting techniques that are in line with governing organizations and sport rules. Using resources available to evaluate opponents is a competitive advantage in preparing the athlete for competition.
Benchmarks:
Analyze opponent's personnel to organize team for competition.
Create game plans by observation of opponent play, athlete statistical information, and previous competitive experience.
Make adjustments in strategies for practice and competition by identifying patterns and styles of play of opponents.
Develop scouting tools for collecting and organizing information about opponents.
Domain 7 — Organization and Administration
Standard 31: Be involved in public relation activities for the sport program. [ top ]
Public relations is the responsibility of the coach. Effective communication skills allow the coach to share the mission and values of the program and enlist support from the community. The coach must take every opportunity to be an advocate for the participants in the program.
Benchmarks:
Organize and conduct effective informational meetings before, during, and after the season.
Communicate policies and ongoing program activities to athletes, staff, parents/guardians, administrators, and/or the public.
Prepare athletes to be involved with public relation activities.
Advocate the value of the sport program through positive communication with the media and others.
Domain 8 — Evaluation
Standard 40: Utilize an objective and effective process for evaluation of self and staff. [ top ]
The coach should assess the effectiveness of personnel that directly affect athlete and team performance.The evaluation should collect direct feedback from all program athletes and identify ways to improve techniques and coaching style. Self-evaluation is a critical source of information for professional growth and development.
Benchmarks:
Collect input from athletes, parents, guardians, coaches, and other stakeholders regarding athlete satisfaction, perception of season goals, and coaching performance.
Conduct periodic self-reflections on coaching effectiveness.
Seek feedback from experienced coaches to evaluate practice sessions, discuss observations, and implement needed change at regular intervals.
Use formal written evaluations to assist in selecting and retaining program personnel.
Be diplomatic when providing feedback on personnel evaluations or hiring decisions.
Domain 4 — Growth and Development
Standard 18: Provide athletes with responsibility and leadership opportunities as they mature. [ top ]
Sport provides an atmosphere for trial and error through practice and competition. Sport also allows opportunity for athletes to be challenged by additional responsibility. Through these opportunities, athletes learn how to deal with conflict, engage in problem solving, and seek positive resolutions. The coach should engage athletes in opportunities that nurture leadership and teamwork that can be learned on the field and exhibited in life.
Benchmarks:
Teach and encourage athletes to take responsibility for their actions in adhering to team rules.
Design practices to allow for athlete input and self-evaluation.
Communicate to athletes their responsibility in maintaining physical and mental readiness for athletic participation and preparation for competition.
Encourage athletes to practice leadership skills and engage in problem solving.
Provide athletes with different tools to manage conflict.
Provide specific opportunities for athletes to mentor others.
Domain 5 —Teaching and Communication
Standard 24: Teach and incorporate mental skills to enhance performance and reduce sport anxiety. [ top ]
Mental skill training assists the athlete in improving athletic performance. The variety of tools available allow the athlete to manage stress and direct their focus on their performance.
Benchmarks:
Demonstrate appropriate use of intrinsic and extrinsic rewards to enhance motivation and learning.
Share with athletes effective stress management coping strategies.
Utilize sound mental skills to build athlete self-confidence.
Help athletes to develop a mental game plan that includes pre-game preparation, a contingency plan for errors during competition, and how to avoid competitive stress.
Help athletes improve concentration by learning attention control strategies.
I am not sure about the cut and paste stuff - but we posted it anyway.
As to the suggestion that I thought that Bucky was justified in his comments, that was not the intent of the story. It was to demonstrate that a great coach had a bad moment. My friend was really hurt by it and angry at the time it occurred. As I said in the column, I am not sure if he has forgiven me.
The point was a little simpler: sometimes good coaches make mistakes. Inappropriate language needs to be addressed, but I think all factors need to be weighed before making a decision.
If the School Board had more reasons for the termination, they should have been given. This is an issue of fairness and honesty. No other reasons were given.
The School Board also could have tabled the matter to consider it and allow for public comment on it. If this was not a zero tolerance approach, then it would have been appropriate to consider input from the players, other coaches, and public at large. This was not done.
The suggestion that there was more to this indicates that the School Boand and the Administration were not honest in the process of making their decision. This is inappropriate as well -- if they were honest and open about the reasons, then maybe the decision would make a little more sense.
I have two children - and I would not want any coach swearing at them. On the other hand, I do not believe that a single incident would warrant a termination. I would address it with the coach, and, in the absence of reaching an amicable resolution, then address it with the administration. I would not expect a coach with extensive experience to be terminated for one sentence over the course of 13 years of coaching.
The interesting thing about doing the column is the amount of information you get when you bring something into the public light. I have had numerous people call me or pull me aside on the street to discuss this with me.
A number of people, including a former school board member, stated that the use of inappropriate language toward a student athelete has occurred before with coaches -- and the approach has always been reprimand and a warning from either the administration or the School Board. This seems like a reasonable approach.
The Administrator that I spoke with stated this had never happened before - which I found unbelievable given my own experience in high school sports (as well as what I observe over three years of coaching at Montrose).
As I said, I have done my due diligence on this issue - and I know that I have discuss this issue with more former players, coaches and current players than probably the administration and the School Board combined. None of these persons suggested the type of atmosphere one of these comments suggests - and given my 3 years of coaching, I would be surprised by it.
If it did exist, then terminate the coach for the right reasons - not a fabricated one that runs counter to past practice and procedure. I think we can all agree with this position.
Thanks again for the comments - I consider them all and I think some really good points have been made in some of the posts, and they are points that I agree with.
This blog was created for this very purposes - public interaction on columns with questions, comments or outright anger. I am hopeful that the public discourse will continue.
FROM THE DESK OF A REGISTERED VOTER
Please stop making your brother the "victim" here. The boys spent the entire season respectfully playing the game they loved. They tolerated disturbing treatment at the hands of a "professional educator". The school doesn't owe him anything more than any other employer gives when he/she is terminated. His actions were unacceptable and he needs to accept it. Simply ask your brother to be truthful. With your resume and his spotless prior evaluations it should be quite a converstion.
I'm glad to see that we have both Legg brothers in this blog, that anonymous quote from July 1, 2010 at 6:51 pm addressed to district attorney legg sound alot like Todd Legg. Welcome in Todd!
Jason,I do not know this bucky coach but I will take your word that he was a great coach, but please do not put your brother in the same company with great coaches there is no evidence to your brother being a great coach in the past and especially this past year.
FROM THE DESK OF ANOTHER REGISTERED VOTER
When you prosecute someone for a crime it is for that one crime sometimes past incidences cannot be brought into the case, you just prosecute that crime. This is the same as the school board there WERE MANY other inappropriate incidences during the season, but the school board had enough reason with just the "Your a f...ing embarrassment" comment. There is no need to continue this in this way with you bringing it all out, you need to ask your brother if he really wants to bring the whole year out in the open. IF he tells you the truth believe me it will not be pleasant for him.
The school board did not need any other reasons. If the zero tolerance policy is in place then that past school board was not doing their job and they were wrong because those coaches in the past should have been terminated. No policy was changed by this school board they were doing their job and finally the policy was followed.
Believe me Jason you and your brother DO NOT want this to go to public comment
These other incidences are not just suggestions these are actual acts that your brother committed during the season, incidences your brother was well aware of because the players made him aware of them. Some players would say nothing because they have younger brothers that play baseball and they were fearful of what Todd would do to their younger brothers. When it had gone to far and the players saw nothing was going to change the PARENTS(plural)made the school aware of what was going on, which is our RIGHT as parents and as tax payers. Have your brother tell you the truth.
Jason you can not have it both ways. I hope to God that your children never have said to them
"Your a f...ing embarrassment" because I know as a good parent you will do everything you can to get that person the maximum punishment.
Jason if you have a person that has 13 years of a perfect life,no crimes, no traffic violations, nothing, if that person comes before you with a crime I know you just don't say " You've been good for 13 years so we won't prosecute you on this crime" WRONG! Your going to treat that person just like anyone else,it's your job to prosecute the crime, not the person.
The information you say you keep getting, I would like to know who they are, because I know it is not from players or parents (which there are many) who were with the team this past season, Because that is where the truth lies, and once again your brother does not want that information out there.
You say you've talked to former players, coaches, and current players it sounds like you have talked to all the people that have a friendship with your brother. I have also talked to many former players and everyone of them has a "Todd Legg story" that is how they all put it, not one story pleasant, and have you talked to the former COACHES(plural once again) who have quit the team the past couple of years because of the way your brother treated players, including this years JV coach who resigned. And as for current players, I seriosly doubt that your brother who is currently playing is going to tell you the truth because Todd treated him just as badly if not worst than the players.
FROM THE DESK OF ANOTHER REGISTERED VOTER
When you prosecute someone for a crime it is for that one crime sometimes past incidences cannot be brought into the case, you just prosecute that crime. This is the same as the school board there WERE MANY other inappropriate incidences during the season, but the school board had enough reason with just the "Your a f...ing embarrassment" comment. There is no need to continue this in this way with you bringing it all out, you need to ask your brother if he really wants to bring the whole year out in the open. IF he tells you the truth believe me it will not be pleasant for him.
The school board did not need any other reasons. If the zero tolerance policy is in place then that past school board was not doing their job and they were wrong because those coaches in the past should have been terminated. No policy was changed by this school board they were doing their job and finally the policy was followed.
Believe me Jason you and your brother DO NOT want this to go to public comment
These other incidences are not just suggestions these are actual acts that your brother committed during the season, incidences your brother was well aware of because the players made him aware of them. Some players would say nothing because they have younger brothers that play baseball and they were fearful of what Todd would do to their younger brothers. When it had gone to far and the players saw nothing was going to change the PARENTS(plural)made the school aware of what was going on, which is our RIGHT as parents and as tax payers. Have your brother tell you the truth.
Jason you can not have it both ways. I hope to God that your children never have said to them
"Your a f...ing embarrassment" because I know as a good parent you will do everything you can to get that person the maximum punishment.
Jason if you have a person that has 13 years of a perfect life,no crimes, no traffic violations, nothing, if that person comes before you with a crime I know you just don't say " You've been good for 13 years so we won't prosecute you on this crime" WRONG! Your going to treat that person just like anyone else,it's your job to prosecute the crime, not the person.
The information you say you keep getting, I would like to know who they are, because I know it is not from players or parents (which there are many) who were with the team this past season, Because that is where the truth lies, and once again your brother does not want that information out there.
You say you've talked to former players, coaches, and current players it sounds like you have talked to all the people that have a friendship with your brother. I have also talked to many former players and everyone of them has a "Todd Legg story" that is how they all put it, not one story pleasant, and have you talked to the former COACHES(plural once again) who have quit the team the past couple of years because of the way your brother treated players, including this years JV coach who resigned. And as for current players, I seriosly doubt that your brother who is currently playing is going to tell you the truth because Todd treated him just as badly if not worst than the players.
Jason,
You mean to tell me that you think one of the administrators lied to you. No, I don't believe it. I could never see a Montrose administrator lying, especially the superintendent, a man of utmost integrity and truthfulness.
Massachusetts General Laws, also known as the General Laws of Massachusetts, is a codification of many of the statutes of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Commonwealth's laws are promulgated by an elected bicameral legislative body, the Massachusetts General Court. The General Court amends the General Laws by enacting session laws, which are published chronologically as the Acts and Resolves. Session law may effect modifications and additions in the General Laws. Not all session laws, which apply equally to codified law, are entered into the General Laws.
In legal citations, Massachusetts General Laws are abbreviated as M.G.L. or G.L. Provisions in the General Laws are identified by chapter and section, e.g., G.L. c. 93A, § 9. Chapters are grouped topically by part and title. The parts of the General Laws are as follows: I. Administration of Government; II. Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations; III. Courts, Judicial Officers, and Proceedings in Civil Cases; IV. Crimes, Punishments, and Proceedings in Criminal Cases; V. The General Laws and Express Repeal of Certain Acts and Resolves. The unannotated official version of the General Laws is published every two years. Two widely-used annotated collections are Massachusetts General Laws Annotated (M.G.L.A.) from West Publishing, and Annotated Laws of Massachusetts (A.L.M.) published by LexisNexis. Both are available as bound collections and by subscription online.
The General Laws replaced the General Statutes, which are abbreviated as G.S. when cited in lists of local-option statutes accepted by cities and towns.
The Massachusetts Constitution expressly grants to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court the power to review and interpret these laws.
[edit] Laws
wth is that nut casing talking about... drone common wealth laws... frances sit down !!!!!!!!!!!
It is hard to really keep track of all of the allegations and statements made in the comments. The moderator (not me) has posted them all with the exception of a single post, which he determined to be inappropriate.
Given that people have taken the time to respond, I want to make sure that you know that I considered each comment carefully.
First, I never suggested that any administrator or school board member lied. I believe them when they say that the termination was the result of this one incident. And as I told them, I understand that it was a difficult decision and I told them that I respected their decisions. This does not mean that I have to agree with those decisions.
Second, the people who are trying to make more out of it are the people who are posting the blogs - which we have allowed to be posted despite being derrogatory in nature (this is certainly ironic given the context of the column) - and plainly outside the scope of the column itself. I doubt that this transparency will satisfy any the detractors, but I do believe it is important to listen to other people's views and thoughts. I wish that the School Board had been willing to listen -- perhaps the decision would have been the same, perhaps it would have been different. This is the problem with zero tolerance policies - there is no discretion.
The column was aimed at the "zero tolerance" approach -- this was plainly the school's position by its own admission, not all of the other stuff posted here.
You can agree with the school's position -- and I can understand your agreement with zero tolerance approach. I know prosecutors who are proponents of zero tolerance as sound policy. You can disagree as well, which is all that I did in the column - and I have continued to note my reasons in this blog. I do not like zero tolerance adminsitrating.
I also noted in my column that I was biased -- and this is something that none of the bloggers are willing to concede despite the clear implication by the posts that they have some personal connection to his issue.
The bulk of what has been posted has nothing to do with the School Board's decision or zero tolerance policies. This was the point of the column itself.
The column was apparently inartfully drafted as countless responses have been aimed at personal attacks and negative comments that have nothing to do with the propriety of the zero tolerance approach. Rather, many of the comments suggest that the right decision was made but for other reasons. Implicitly, I would suggest this means that the bloggers also believe that there should have been something more than just this one incident (and, in their minds, that something existed).
I suspect that most of us could agree in the abstract that such a zero tolerance approach does not make much sense - and that was really the point of the column.
I find the zero tolerance approach laughable. If this "approach" is applied equally to all coaches as it were to Mr. Legg, everyone will see a lot of coaching positions open as they read the paper next year.
First off, this catcher that the "inappropriate" comment was made to deserved it. I dare anyone to go into high school post game speech and find a coach that DOESN'T swear at the kids. The school board's actions were just as inappropriate in terminating this employee from a PAID position without any reason (which is illegal). And for all of you that left records why aren't you trying to get the football coach fired or the field hockey coach because quite frankly those sports have been below sub-par in the past I don't know 5 years! Speaking as a student who interacts with members of the baseball team they quite frankly didn't give a hoot about what happened during the course of their baseball season. And as far as the administration NOT lying. HA. You sir/ma'am are one of the dumbest people on this planet.
I have never been on this blog site before,but a friend suggested that I read some of what is being put here. So, as I read them I was really bothered by them. First, I know that I am not perfect as nobody is and I have made mistakes over the years. Also, I have never stated that I am a 'great' coach but I do believe I do a good job of preparing the players for them to perform. I have had players return from college and tell me I ran better practices than their coaches. I have always analyzed each year with input from players and assistant coaches. I have never been told by an administrator that I need to change anything and have done so multiple times.
Second, the comment. I told the player that "he should be f-ing embarassed by the way he was playing". I did this in frustration, which does not make using the f-word right, but this player was much better than he was playing and I don't mean in the heat of a play, I am talking about basics like throwing the ball back to the pitcher. The idea that I never say anything positive to players is absurd. The same player spoke about above was told by me when injured that he needed to be careful and take his time to heal because we needed him behind the plate and he was the guy for that position.
I am not sure what the comment about coaches that have resigned, because I have numerous emails where I ask my assistants what they think about players, practices and the team in general. Never this year did I go against a suggestion from the JV coach, whose resignation letter adressed to me somehow ended up in the home of a player....Other coaches??? Junior high coaches, one went to track and one did not like my guidelines that required him to play more players and to keep the pitchers at certain pitch count levels. He wanted to win, I wanted more kids to get experience and have healthy arms.
I imagine if you look at most coaches there will be players and parents that love the coach and those that hate them. To say that I didn't have relationships with them is not true, I am not saying I am friends with them, but I could tell you which kids are having sex(and with how), who are drinking(and how often) and even some that are possibly using drugs. I have in the past even confronted parents of players about that last possibility, to which I was thanked and was told that they had recently drug tested their child. I have asked the school numerous times for a more strict policy on drinking and such, not to suspend a kid but to help them, but was never taken seriously.
For somebody to say that they know all that goes on at practice and in the dugout is naive. A parent only gets what their child is going to tell them, which will always put themselves in a better light. I had players who were not playing ask me this year one on one why they weren't(if they were scared to seath of me, how would they do that) and each time I told the player what they needed to work on and each coach agreed with the playing time issues. Each and every player is given the same amount of time and one on one corrections during practice time. To say that we never work on fixing things is absurd. I was told that one parent complained the team did 'hills' for each error and never worked on the fixing the errors - Nobody ever said that there was a JV game on the field that day....
And lastly - leave my little brother out of things, if anything he played less than he should have because I didn't want my desire for him to play to sway me to thinking he was a better option, even though other coaches said he should have been playing more.
“Fail to honor people,they fail to honor you; but of a good leader, who talks little, when his work is done, his aims fulfilled, they will all say, 'We did this ourselves.'”
Mr Todd Legg,
your tenure as the coach of this team has been completed. Please use this experience as a learning tool as your players will thru their years into adulthood.
At the end of the day we all must be accountable for our actions. As a teacher, coach, or mentor you are held to a higher standard of Accountability than the lay person. Please look at this from the position of your players thru the years and ask yourself ..... could I of been a better Coach or role model?
Balance is what School sports are about. making room for test proms and family are as important as winning and losing. we as Coaches are meant to teach life lessons some good and some bad...
Enjoy your summer
I have been following this baseball blog and I think it is about time somebody says....ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!! You have all made your point, got what you wanted, and got Coach Legg fired, now let the man be!! It is ironic that you all wanted him gone because he was "nasty to your children" but what are you doing in these articles????.....being nasty??? I understand that Coach Legg and his brother lost their mother this year..I think they have dealt with enough and would probably appreciate it if you would stop with the blog nonsense and leave the issue be!!! We are not all perfect, including yourselves.....just like you had a weak moment bashing a human in this blog, he had a weak moment (in a very difficult time in his life I would assume) and made a mistake with a child. I agree that his comment was wrong, but he did not hit them or sexually abuse them, he simply let his emotions get the best of him. If you were a decent being then you would drop this because as mentioned before.....YOU HAVE MADE YOUR STATEMENT AND GOT WHAT YOU WANTED!!!!!!!
I find it funny that cry babies get on here and post bashing remarks towards people and use the name anonymous. I have no respect for people like that. I think you are cowards and need to grow up and get a life. If you are going to saying something be a man or woman and post with your name. Other than that shut your mouth. And it's not tough to figure out who is posting the nasty comments about coach Legg. So to the parents of the catcher who I know are the ones posting under anonymous grow up and get a life.
And by the way I was a coach on the Montrose Baseball team so for the last 2 years I do know what was going on. And coach Legg was nothing like you potray him to be. So knock the crap OFF!! And stay off Jason because he did nothing wrong in writing what he did. There is a silent majority out there backing Todd. You people are the loud mouth minority. There are alot more people ticked off at the board than you will ever know.
I am the mom of "the catcher". Other than this one, I've posted only one comment to the DA (comment #4, July 1). I used Anonymous, not for my own sake, but because the whole point of my comment(both then and now) was about protecting the identity of the player, a minor -- my son. I stated how inappropriate I think it was for the DA to provide such details as to make it pretty obvious to which player the comment was made. Jason, do you see my point? According to one blogger, my son "deserved it". According to another, we "cry babies" certainly must be the ones writing every negative comment about the former coach. To you, and for that matter to every other blogger on this site, write what you want about adults, but leave any references to specific young people out of it. It crosses a line.
Jason, my son is not to blame for your brother being fired as the baseball coach. You will write back stating that never said he was. You'll likely add again all the technicalities of how you didn't name names, there's more than one catcher, most of your readers don't know the team, etc. You're absolutely right. But with the details you provided, you've given those looking for a scapegoat enough information to zero in on one.
I coached your son the last year that I was an assistant coach. He was a great kid and a good player.
In restrospect, I should have simply said "player" not "catcher." This would have insulated his identity to avoid being blamed - though I still believe that the column did not even suggest the child was to blame.
The Bucky story that I used involved a catcher - so I matched the two up -- I could have used any number of other stories from when I played high school sports involving colorful language from coaches -- or outright nastiness that far exceeded this particular incident. Perhaps I should have choosen another memory.
The point of the column again was not the child -- the point was the propriety of the zero tolerance approach. I don't want to beat that dead horse again.
At the time, I did not believe that the column identified the player - but I can see your point and agree with it.
The column was not intended to cast blame on the player - and if it was perceived that way, I apologize.
Mr Legg,
I admire your stand on your opinion of " Zero Tolerance" As a coach I feel that the school district needs to evaluate it's policy and its investigation of all coaches within the Montrose area School District. By THe Sounds of Mr Bakers post I dont feel your brothers issues/complaints may be as isolated as they appear to be to the people not directly involved. He may of just been the tip of the iceberg.
Some sort of open forum should be established for coache's , players and parents. Some school districts actually have Players advocates that are there to listen to players concerns and correct them before they become so extreme.
Sports in school should be first of all fun then a learning tool. Winning isnt everything... not that they have been doing so
Mr Legg calls out one player and points the blame on him. Ironically this is what Coach Legg has done for years. Blame his failures as a coach on others. The board may have used a specific incident as an example but every player had a similar experience with coach Legg. This year AND years past. This is not about one accidental expletive slip in the heat of the moment but a constant and continual verbal and psychological assault on players for years. Back to the OP, why does Mr Legg use a blog called from the desk of the DA to spread propaganda trying to justify his brother's poor behavior?...BTW Mr Baker will notice I too am brave enough to post a name too.
I am impressed Bob. Though I have absolutely no idea who you are. Do you or did you have a son that played for coach Legg? Have you ever coached with Todd? Do you know what goes into preparing a team for playing ball? Have you ever been at a practice? I coached with Todd for 5 years through his 13 year tenure. I contacted Todd Legg and he said he has no idea who you are. I asked him if he ever coached someone with the last name Butcher and he said he was pretty sure he hadn't. I know I don't remember that name for the 5 year I was there. You did post a name but is it really who you are? I'm curous to know how you think you know so much about Coach Legg but no one know's who you are?
This world is now completely upsidedown. Kids are now calling the shots when it comes to classrooms and sports. Mr. Legg used language that is regarded is innapropriate and afterwards got fired for it. I'd like to ask everyone on this blog one question: Would you have not given this player a little straight talk after he did something you felt was not right? Is it not a coach's job to set players straight? Many are arguing that his language was innapropriate but I like to suggest that it doesn't matter which words were dropped but more so, what messege the coach was sending. I ask everyone on this page to stop with their attacks on the District Attorney Legg and his brother, Todd. Attacking them is not going to a damn thing. I understand why people are so upset with the D.A., it's because he wrote a column about his brother in a column called "From the Desk of the DA" but contrary to its title Jason was not speaking in his capacity as D.A. but as a former coach and brother. Those attacking Todd have already got what they wanted. But Jason was just expressing his opinion as person in this article and so say that what he did is wrong is using an opinion to attack an opinion. So the attacks are all unneeded and I don't think anyone appriates them, so I ask everyone to just take it easy. It's a just a column for God's sake.
I guess you have stopped posting reader's comments. I know there have been other responses that should have been posted and aren't on this page.
I doubt anyone is reading these comments anymore and I also am sure that everyone has moved on from this topic, but I havent said my piece. I am the brother of both Todd and Jason. I have known them my entire life and I have the utmost respect for both of them. As for this whole situation, I think that the parents are being a little over protective. There was no reason for firing my brother. It wasn't a trial it was a witch-hunt. I think that the "zero-tolerance" thing is a load of crap. If anyone has played a sport, I can GUARANTEE that 95% of the players will say they have heard a coach say a swear word. If anyone thinks for one second that a kid that played on that baseball team this past year hasn't heard the f-word then you are wrong. I know for a fact more than 75% of those players have used the word during practices and games, including some kids of parents that are probably commenting on this site. The school board was very wrong for their decision. They went about the precedure wrong before hand and should have given Todd more time.
As for the statements made about me, I know exactly Todd's actions and I justify them. I was in the same predicaments that the kids in question were in. I too was placed on the bench because I had a prior engagement during practice, a french class-trip. I had started for about 3-4 games at that point. I knew the consequences and I accepted them like a man. You don't need to cry about it to your parents even though it wouldnt have been a difference in my case. You don't need to blame the coach for not starting you because you chose to do something other than play your sport. Also, I did this during a practice which proves Todd's statements in a prior comment. I also was yelled at by my brother because I made mistakes. I understand that because that was the kind of coach he was. He was very emotional and got mad because he wanted his players to perform to their highest ability. The statement he made is like statements a lot of coaches I have had over the years that I personally have heard. I can say that I have heard every coach of mine swear before. It isn't a big deal. When he would yell at me I didn't cry about it to my parents, I got back on the horse and tried again because thats what you gotta do, just put it behind you. What the player in question did was probably the most embarrassing thing a catcher could do; not make a throw back to a pitcher. I have never played catcher myself but I know that when there is a throw to make you don't half-bake it you make sure you get it there.
Some kids on the baseball team have asked me about this and I tell them exactly what I said in here. I know for a fact that kids liked my brother. People weren't afraid of him and whoever posted that is ill informed.
If I felt that my brother deserved this then I would say so but he didn't deserve it and the school board was wrong in their decision and shouldn't have fired my brother, PERIOD.
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