Should Football coach be charged. . . . . .

cars · Post by **cars** » Wed Sep 02, 2009 4:54 am

in the death of a 15 year old he was coaching?

A Kentucky high school football coach was charged Thursday with reckless homicide in the death of a player who collapsed during a practice in sweltering heat. After "2" hours of practice, the coach then made the players run wind sprints!!

In his first year as head coach, he was directing practice on Aug. 20 when the heat index reached 94 degrees, and a 15-year-old sophomore he was coaching collapsed and had trouble breathing.

The player had a temperature of 107 degrees when he arrived at the hospital, and died three days later from complications from heat stroke.

SO WHAT DO YOU THINK, ARE THE AUTHORITIES RIGHT TO CHARGE THE COACH?

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Wed Sep 02, 2009 6:58 am

This is a tough one Cars. I wonder what body shape he was. 94 degree heat index isn't much around here but I'm sure in some areas that would be considered high. I would also ask if the kid had complained or asked for a break. If he had asked for a break and not gotten one and he was a high body fat type, I could see the coach having some responsibility. Here in Kansas there are rules that the football coaches have to adhere too. Something about drinks and rests every so often depending on the heat index.

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Wed Sep 02, 2009 7:31 am

Having coached Soccer for years I would say the coach does have a responsibility here. Kids will blindly do what they are asked to please the coach. A good coach will rest all kids every 15 minutes drink tons of fluid in hot or cold weather. A good coach will take a good look at each kid and ask them how they are felling and if the coaches see's something in the kid pale, flushed whatever it is his/her obligation to make the child rest or stop totally. My rule was if its is too hot, or cold (which doesn't happen here much) we go indoors and do a chalk session or watch film. These are kids, we are the adults it is our job to keep them safe.

ZAP · Post by **ZAP** » Wed Sep 02, 2009 8:37 am

CARLA;1236855 wrote: Having coached Soccer for years I would say the coach does have a responsibility here. Kids will blindly do what they are asked to please the coach. A good coach will rest all kids every 15 minutes drink tons of fluid in hot or cold weather. A good coach will take a good look at each kid and ask them how they are felling and if the coaches see's something in the kid pale, flushed whatever it is his/her obligation to make the child rest or stop totally. My rule was if its is too hot, or cold (which doesn't happen here much) we go indoors and do a chalk session or watch film. These are kids, we are the adults it is our job to keep them safe.

Well said!

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Wed Sep 02, 2009 9:41 am

CARLA;1236855 wrote: Having coached Soccer for years I would say the coach does have a responsibility here. Kids will blindly do what they are asked to please the coach. A good coach will rest all kids every 15 minutes drink tons of fluid in hot or cold weather. A good coach will take a good look at each kid and ask them how they are felling and if the coaches see's something in the kid pale, flushed whatever it is his/her obligation to make the child rest or stop totally. My rule was if its is too hot, or cold (which doesn't happen here much) we go indoors and do a chalk session or watch film. These are kids, we are the adults it is our job to keep them safe.
I pretty much agree but some of these programs have over a hundred kids in them and its hard to "take a look" at each of them every 15 minutes. We need more details.

cars · Post by **cars** » Wed Sep 02, 2009 9:51 am

CARLA;1236855 wrote: Having coached Soccer for years I would say the coach does have a responsibility here. Kids will blindly do what they are asked to please the coach. A good coach will rest all kids every 15 minutes drink tons of fluid in hot or cold weather. A good coach will take a good look at each kid and ask them how they are felling and if the coaches see's something in the kid pale, flushed whatever it is his/her obligation to make the child rest or stop totally. My rule was if its is too hot, or cold (which doesn't happen here much) we go indoors and do a chalk session or watch film. These are kids, we are the adults it is our job to keep them safe.
Agree whole heartedly!!! Guess the authorities did also!

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Wed Sep 02, 2009 10:00 am

No way

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Wed Sep 02, 2009 10:19 am

That is why you have assistant coaches and sideline help along the practice field doesn't matter what game it is Soccer, baseball, field hockey. It is what coaching is about prepare and plan ahead for the well being your kids. These kids are in our hands that simple. For me it was them first the game second. 2 hours of practice then wind sprints excessive, excessive. These are kids they burn through their engergy fast and need food and water during a practice that long. The kids aren't getting paid the coach is he/she should know better.

[QUOTE]I pretty much agree but some of these programs have over a hundred kids in them and its hard to "take a look" at each of them every 15 minutes. We need more details.[/QUOTE]

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Wed Sep 02, 2009 1:15 pm

CARLA;1236918 wrote: That is why you have assistant coaches and sideline help along the practice field doesn't matter what game it is Soccer, baseball, field hockey. It is what coaching is about prepare and plan ahead for the well being your kids. These kids are in our hands that simple. For me it was them first the game second. 2 hours of practice then wind sprints excessive, excessive. These are kids they burn through their engergy fast and need food and water during a practice that long. The kids aren't getting paid the coach is he/she should know better.
When I was in wrestling in highschool and college we would practice in a 100 degree room with plastic sweats on for 2 1/2 -3 hrs. Then run for 30 minutes then go into the sweat box for a 1/2 hour. We all survived. I'm not saying that is the way to do it but people/kids do survive vigourous workouts. Some kids nowdays are so out of shape and haven't excercised enough to do this. But i don't think we can immediately blame the coach. He is being paid to get these kids in shape. If the kid had complained and needed a break and the coach wouldn't give him one then maybe you have a case (we don't know this yet). Reckless homicide sounds a little extreme to me in any case.

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Wed Sep 02, 2009 1:55 pm

You may be right but still the coach should know who is in shape and who isn't and adjust their workout accordingly. Once again he is the adult in this situation and should be making correct decisions.

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Wed Sep 02, 2009 2:19 pm

oscar;1236909 wrote: No way

No way what Oscar?

Are you saying we should let all the kids die?

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Wed Sep 02, 2009 3:28 pm

Nomad;1237032 wrote: No way what Oscar?

Are you saying we should let all the kids die? Me ?