Last week a seemingly small story gained national notoriety
when a high school football coach suspended his entire team for failing to
behave in a way that reflected the values of the school and the team. In a world where it seems that character is
often not as important as your ability to throw, catch or run, the coach’s
actions were atypical. But to many it
was a courageous and necessary step to helping these young men become
outstanding contributors to the community and model citizens for others to emulate.
Coach Matt Labrum of Union High School in Roosevelt, Utah
made the decision to suspend his entire team after a week where players were
being disciplined for skipping classes, disrespecting teachers, and
cyberbullying fellow classmates. This
was enough for him. After a loss to
Judge Memorial High School, the coach declared that this is no longer a
team. The players and their actions were
not in line with his expectations for students given the privilege to play and
represent their high school. All 80
players were asked to turn in their jerseys and given the option to earn them
back if they wanted to be a part of the team.
Beginning the next morning at 7:00 am, players were given
the ability to earn a spot on the team by participating in a, now required,
community service work project. In place
of practice, players were to attend character development classes. They have been encouraged to monitor one
another and hold each other accountable for their actions.
This was a risky decision by the coach. It very easily could have sparked a revolt by
the players, their families, and the community.
To the coach the risk was worth the reward. The chance the coach took paid off and the
players accepted the challenge. Many
have recognized their actions and the actions of their teammates were in
desperate need of adjustment.
What do you think about the coach’s decision? Should students participating in extracurricular
activities be held to a higher standard?
How do you hold others accountable for their actions in and out of
school?
The coach made a very wise and reasonable decision. This helped the players realize that their behaviors and attitudes have been rude and mean, and that they should do something to make up for their actions. Students participating in extracurricular activities should be held to a higher standard, because they're representing where they're from, whether it's your school or your sports team. It also shows your character, and who you really are on the inside. When you're in school, you have to count on your peers and classmates to behave in class, including yourself, because your teacher could easily take away privileges that were because of your classmates talking, even though you weren't. In sports, (well, this happens with my soccer team), if someone is talking or goofing off, then the whole team gets punished. So you're relying on your teammate to focus and behave well.
ReplyDeleteI think the coach made a very good decision based on the football players actions. I think his decision helped the players realize that they need to make better decisions. I do think they should be held to a higher standard because it is a privilege to be on the football team. I hold my classmates to a high standard because if they are to loud and talk over the teacher that makes it hard to learn.
ReplyDeleteI think the couches decision was brilliant. I think that students who are involved in big sports like this should be held at a high point because they are representing your school and how the school has taught you. I hold people accountable for there actions by if they are lying that they didn't do something even though they did I would say that they are lying and need to tell the truth about what they really did.
ReplyDeleteI think the coach made a great decision to suspend the players for a week, even though it was risky. The coach realized that his team was making bad decisions and disrespecting others and he took action. When he gave that penalty to the players, the players realized that they needed to fix their mistakes because what they were doing wasn't nice and they were getting football taken away, something they love. I think that students who are participating in extracurricular activities should be held to a higher standard because they representing their school and if they don't act properly or show bad sportsmanship, their school will be reflected on that. I hold others accountable for their actions in and out of school because when I am doing a team sport, like volleyball, my team represents the team I am on. If someone is misbehaving it is reflected on the rest the team. In school if I am doing a group project, it takes everyone in the group to finish the project so if someone isn't doing their work, the whole group project will be thrown off. In my opinion, the coach made a very smart decision to suspend his players because the players learned from their mistakes.
ReplyDeleteI think the couches decision was brilliant. This helped the players realize that their behaviors and attitudes have been rude and mean, and that they should do something to make up for their actions. When he gave that penalty to the players, the players realized that they needed to fix their mistakes because what they were doing wasn't nice and they were getting football taken away, something they loveI hold people accountable for there actions by if they are lying that they didn't do something even though they did I would say that they are lying and need to tell the truth about what they really did.
ReplyDeleteI think that the coach is very smart. His players weren't. Students who cyber-bully, skip classes, and are rude to their teachers, whether they're football players or not, should be disciplined. All students should have high standards, especially if they do stuff that the football players did. They should be punished when they do that type of stuff. The teachers, though, should be more strict. If they let their students get away with skipping classes and being disrespectful, then the school needs tighter rules, or something similar. But the students should know better, anyways.
ReplyDeleteI think the coach made the right move to suspend his players.He realized that something was wrong and took action. Extracurricular activities such as sports should be considered a privilege. If the players were not being respectful, then they don't deserve that privilege. I think that wherever somebody is misbehaving, they should be punished, anywhere or anytime.
ReplyDeleteI think the coach the right decision to suspend them. They really learned there lesson. The extra activities should be a gift and should have to be worked for. If the people don't work and except the gift they should not be able to participate in that activity. I think that they the kids misbehaving should apologize if it was directed to a certain person and should be pushed.
ReplyDeleteI think that the coach made the right decision! I mean, if you are able to be on a football team, then you should be held at higher standards. At any extracurricular activity, actually, you should be held at higher standards. Being able to do an extracurricular, as Jordan said, is a privilege! And they should of treated it like one. So, I think that it was great that the coach suspended them! They deserved it, anyway!
ReplyDeleteI think the coach made a great decision to suspend the players for a week, even though it was a risky decision. The coach realized that his team was making bad decisions and disrespecting others and he took it into control. When he gave the suspension to the players, the players realized that they needed to fix their mistakes because what they were doing wasn't good and they were getting football taken away, something they really like to do. I think that students who are participating in extracurricular activities should be held to a higher standards because they are representing their school and if they don't act properly or if they show bad sportsmanship, their school will be reflected on that. I hold others accountable for their actions in and out of school because what I am doing on a team sport, like basketball, my team represents the team I am on. If someone is misbehaving it is reflected on the rest the team. In school if I am doing a group project, it takes everyone in the group to finish the project so if someone isn't doing their work, the whole group project will be thrown off. In my opinion, the coach made a very smart decision to suspend his players because the players learned from their mistakes.
ReplyDeleteThe coach made a very smart decision in suspending his team. I think it was cool that he made them earn their spots back by doing Community Service and taking character classes. I think that anybody who is talented enough to make a team should be glad and be smart enough not to risk it doing stupid things. I know that with my soccer team and probably with all teams it isn't any one persons fault if we lose(or get suspended) because we all had a chance to score a goal (or speak up).
ReplyDeleteI also hold my class mates to a high standard because I have to trust that they are respectful and quiet so that I and my fellow classmates can learn.
I think the coach was making the right choice. With out the discipline the kids would be out of control. Students that have extracurricular activities should be held to higher standard because they are the ones who want to play so they should have to do extra to get on the team. I would hold anyone accountable for there actions. Even if they are my best friends. it would be the right thing to do.
ReplyDeleteI think it necessary but not for over a month. yes because and because they have too be able to control them selves. by there words and actions.
ReplyDeleteI think the coach made a great decision a great way to help the environment an these kids. I think these kids would defiantly be in a higher spot if they were to do extracurricular things. Such as community service and helping out after school. I'm not sure if this was happening but this a possibility, maybe drugs could mess up their school life. I would say that if they would have studied and not skipped classes they would have been better and not taken off the football team. I really like this story because it shows how one great idea can help in a big way.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with the coach’s decision. Kids should not be able to participate in extracurricular activities if they display bad behavior. Kids in extracurricular activities should be held to a higher standard. They are representing their team away from school, and who they are as a person. How they act leaves a permanent impression. I am involved in school sports. During cross-country practice at the park, and during meets in different towns, I am held accountable to represent Bishop Kelly and St. Joes. I leave a positive impression of our school when I am competing and so should everyone else. I leave a positive impression by following instructions, not cursing, and treating everyone with respect. When people see any team they should think, wow, what a nice team that is, or they have great sportsmanship. I have been to meets where I see another team’s member goofing off or being disrespectful, and I then have a negative impression of that team. I think that everyone should represent their school or team wherever they go because you are always leaving positive or negative impressions.
ReplyDeleteI think the coach made the right decision. If those buy really loved playing football the would see that they need to be a better character or they might have to stop doing what they love.Yes students should know that if they want to play an extra then their school work come first well if your out of school it doesn't really mater but in school you could ruin your life.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the coach was right to suspend the players, because they were doing everything wrong. They were hurting people. Their suspension would scare the kids into thinking that doing the wrong thing would cost them playing sports. Students who are doing the right thing should definitely be placed in a higher position than a person who is doing the wrong thing. If someone does the wrong thing that may affect their reputation to someone. So if a person does something bad I might look at them in a totally different way then I did before they did the bad thing. The person may higher their reputation by doing something right.
ReplyDeleteThe coaches decision was wise and right. The players need to realize if they're gonna be rude, mean and hurt people that there will be consequences.Their suspension will show that they need to shape up and be respectful. Students who are doing extracurricular activities should be held to a higher standard because they are representing who they are; it shows their character. When your in school, you need to act appropriate like behaving with your classmates. If you don't behave, you could get in trouble or looked down upon. Outside of school, like sports, if your teammate acts out your whole team could be punished or just them but still you and your team need to be respectful.
ReplyDeleteI believe that what the coach did was very smart even though it could have been really bad for him. players have to realize that it is a privilege to put on a football jersey and play, that comes in any sport played. so when coach did this I think it was more than kicking them off the team. He wanted to make the players better people and more humble and to know that bad actions have consequences. this also shows to act like good humans when your doing anything and if kids are acting out, tell them to shape up cause things could go downhill in a hurry. people can get caught up in their talent or ego in a hurry, so this was a good reality check for these kids. Hopefully each and every one of them learn from this and learn that people are all equal no matter the circumstances.
ReplyDeleteI think the coach's decision was the right one. The players need to work to get on the team and only the good players will pull through. However, the students that skipped class and were cyberbullying, in my opinion, were not suitable for the job. I think that this scared some kids who were not making the right decision into realizing that if they are going to display bad behavior, there will be consequences, and that kids will miss out on the good stuff if they dont whip themselves into shape. Lastly, i think that the coaches decision was right because maybe this will hope other coaches around the world think about chosing the people with the best hearts and souls, not just the best people at the sport.
ReplyDeletei think that the coach's decision was very wise. If these players want to play the sport they love they have to learn how to behave on and off the field. These players and kids who do extracurricular activities should be held to a higher standard. Because they are showing that they can juggle school and another activity with it. Others can be accountable because if you are on the same team as the players that were cyber bullying, you would probably be a little ticked off because these guys ruined the fun and the competitiveness that was once their.
ReplyDeleteI think the coaches decision was right because the players don't disserve a spot on the team if they some what take advantage of being on the team. Its the players fault and they need to fix it, they should've never acted that way so they need to make up for it. The kids that were cyber bullying and skipping their classes at some point had to think "is this the right choice?" but they did it anyway. The players need to learn from their mistakes. The coach had the right to do what he did because he wants to have a good reputation on and off the field, in and out of school. And the last thing, The coaches decision was right because he wants players that make good choices and he wants them focused. He probably wants to set a good example for coaches in neighboring schools and all over the world. He wants players that are committed and don't take advantage of being on the team.
ReplyDeleteI think the coaches decision to suspend the players was smart but risky. He saw that his players were disrespecting others and he took action. The coach held his players responsible for their actions and by doing this he helped his players realize that being disrespectful
ReplyDeleteto your teachers and peers isn't right. Personally I think students in extracurricular activities should have high standards both in and out of school. Mostly because they are representing their school and have to earn their spot on the team by being held at higher standards. I count on my teammates (in volleyball) in many ways mostly if they are acting off and misbehaving they are reflecting their actions on me. All in all what the coach did was a great learning experience for them and the story has probably effected many to all people who read this story.
I think it was good that the coach suspended the players for being direspectful to others. The players do not deserve to be on the team if they do not act in a respectful manner in and off the field. Its the players choice if they want to do an extracurricular activity so they should be held to a higher standard. These students need to learn how to do good in school but also play a sport or do music or something. In soccer if people are not paying attetion the whole team has to run even if some people werent doing it and thats what you get for being part of a team.
ReplyDeleteI think that the coach made the right decision to suspend the team. It's not acceptable to be able to misbehave and still have the privilege of doing sports and extracurricular activities. People who attend these activities should not be held to a higher standard. They are equal to any other person but then they do represent their school and should be given credit for that. But still, anyone could attend these extracurricular activities and everyone is equal. I hold people accountable by calling them out when they are not living up to their potential.
ReplyDeleteI think that he made the right decision because were supposed to be nice to each other. They should be held in a higher standard because they represent their school. I shun them when they are mean because I represent my school that we have education.
ReplyDeleteI think that the coach made the right decision and suspended his players. I think he made the right decision because sometimes kids, but mostly teens, need to get their head out of their bottom and start thinking correctly. I think that kids who are doing extracurricular activities should be held to a higher standard because they are representing their character and that is who they are. When I am at cheer if one of us talks or goofs of or just is not paying attention we all get the punishment and have to run or have to have a big long talk about how we behave.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think that what he did was very responsible. He made a wise choice in doing this because because if did not it could have effected the team and more importantly the school. I do think that kinds participating in extracurricular activities should be held at a higher standard. I think this because it shows that these students feel bad for what they have done and want to make up for their bad actions. I love my friends so when they are disruptive in class I know that they are making it harder for people to learn. This makes it my responsibility to tell them what they did wrong and also help them to become less disruptive in class. When I am out of class I know that people are more free to do what they want. I also know that there is still a level of responsibility that a student has representing their school and there sport teams if they have any. So if my friend is doing something irresponsible it is again my responsibility to tell them what they did wrong and helping them to not do it any more.
ReplyDeleteThe coach made an excellent choice for suspending the team. Just because you are in an extracurricular activity doesn't mean you get the easy way out of things. I'm glad that the coach was brave enough to suspend his team because he believed that what they were doing was wrong. I do think the people who participate in extracurricular activities should held to higher standards because they are making the choice to belong to something to put their work into. The team needed to realize being in an "extra"curricular means you put it second to school. They should have known being disrespectful isn't right. Their behaviors are representing their school and the others around them. They shouldn't allow popularity from a sport get to their head. They shouldn't have skipped classes and cyber-bullied. They are suppost to be role-models. I think it is embarrasing when a team mate shows bad behavior. It represents the whole team.
ReplyDeleteI think that what the coach did was correct and it needed to happen. The young athletes needed to realize that being disrespectful and cyberbullying is not how someone should behave. Yes, I think that kids in extracurricular activities should be held to a higher standard. They are representing their school or team, and should be respectful to others and their peers. Taking part in an extracurricular activity shows that you are a leader, and willing to try new things. Many kids look up to athletes, and when athletes misbehave, kids think it is "ok" to be rude because an athlete is. I hold people accountable for their actions when they are lying or talking when an adult is or when a teacher is teaching. I think its really rude, and it bothers me a lot. It makes me embarrassed when someone else is being rude. I think anyone that is being disrespectful should be punished for their actions.
ReplyDeleteI think the coach did the right thing and took care of the problem at hand. The team was no longer functioning like a team should, and they were doing horrible things to each other and teachers. Making them work for their spot on the team opened their eyes and finally they realized what they had been doing and how it was wrong. Not everything requires no work, and having them do community service shows them that. Confronting the people who are doing bad things and punishing them in a way where they are benefited from it is a great way. Most kids think it is "cool" and helps them "fit into the crowd" if they disrespect teachers, other students, and skip classes. Telling them to stop wouldn't be enough, and giving them detention shows them nothing. You need to teach kids who disrespect school and people a lesson that shows them when to stop.
ReplyDeleteThe coach Made the right decision, the team was out of control and could not control themselves or their actions. Students that behave poorly need these extracurricular activity to make them see more clear of what they expect of the student. The school shouldn't handle things out of school because they are role models indeed but they are not police men.
ReplyDeletethe coach made the right desision even though he took a big risk. knowing that he could be fired or given a lot of criticism he did it any way. because the team imbraced the callenge it helped. if they participate in one or two activiteies it will help them meet new people and see more diversity. to hold people accountable you have to make them responsible.
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