The parents of a Pine-Richland varsity soccer player have filed a complaint with the WPIAL, contending that Pine-Richland's girls varsity soccer program and coach Jodi Chmielewski have violated the athletic league's regulations.
Jack and Cindy Reynolds state in a letter of complaint that WPIAL Rules and Regulations on coaching, health and using school resources for personal gain have been violated by the coach.
Jack Reynolds said he filed the complaint Friday.
The Reynolds also detail in the letter of complaint a history of what they say happened to their daughter, Allyn, who received a concussion in an August 2011 soccer scrimmage. A video of that game is included with the letter.
The Reynolds said Allyn's head was injured when she collided with an opposing player as both jumped up for the ball. After sitting out for about 15 minutes, she returned to the game and hit her head again after colliding with another girl and falling to the ground.
The Reynolds said that Chmielewski should not have put their daughter back in the game.
"Please assure a fair, complete investigation of this matter," the Reynolds state in the letter.
Attorney David B. White, who represents Chmielewski, said he could not comment on the complaint because he has not seen it.
Chmielewski is entering her 15th season as the head coach of the PRHS girls' varsity soccer team, according to her bio on the Pine-Richland girls soccer website. During her tenure, the team has captured five section titles and six trips to the state playoffs.
White said he wanted to emphasize that Allyn did not go back into the scrimmage game in which she was injured until after a trainer—not the coach—cleared her to do so. In an email response, he also said Allyn's parents are upset with the coach over the amount of time their daughter played in games.
Two investigations—one by the school district and another by an independent investigator hired by the district—have concluded the Reynolds' allegations about his client are baseless, White said.
The school board never discussed the investigations publicly, so the nature of the investigation is not clear. Pine-Richland Patch filed a Right-to-Know Request for the reports from those investigations on Friday afternoon.
Chmielewski's attorney said in an email that the school district "hired an independent investigator to investigate the charges being asserted by the Reynolds and that this investigation unequivocally concluded that the allegations were baseless and that Ms. Chmielewski did not insist or put the Reynolds’ daughter back into a game with lingering effects from a concussion.
"The decision to clear a player to resume playing is, and in this case was, made by the training staff and NOT Ms. Chmielewski. This is exactly what the Pine-Richland administration concluded after their own internal investigation and the conclusion reached by the independent investigator hired by the school district," White wrote.
Jack Reynolds said he does not have the reports from those investigations and has filed a Right-to-Know request to obtain them.
Coach Retained
When the Pine-Richland School Board met to vote Aug. 13 on hiring coaches for the school year—an annual rite which usually is handled without comment—supporters and opponents of Chmielewski filled the school board's meeting room to voice their concerns to the school board directors.
After hearing parents and players speak in support of Chmielewski, Cindy Reynolds addressed the board.
"It's not about how much you win or play," she said. "It's about the safety of the girls."
The only school board member to comment was Laura Ohlund, who voted against retaining Chmielewski.
Ohlund said she respected what the speakers told the board, but she knew a lot about the situation and "could not sleep with her conscience" if she voted yes.
The Pine-Richland board voted without discussion or comment on the motion to hire the coach. It typically handles personnel matters that way.
Asked after the meeting about the investigations, PRSD Communications Director Rachel Hathhorn emailed this response: "The safety and well being of our students is a priority here in the Pine-Richland School District. Any concerns brought before the district are reviewed thoroughly and taken seriously. We cannot comment on cases involving personnel."
Chmielewski's attorney and some of the speakers at the school board meeting said the issue stems from playing time.
"When you peel back the falsehoods and baseless allegations being lodged by the Reynolds, (or any of the other families who may have jumped on their bandwagon) it all comes down to the parents’ dissatisfaction with their daughter’s playing time," White wrote in an email to Pine-Richland Patch.
"This seems to be a much-too-frequent avenue that parents take when their child thinks she or he is not playing as much as he or she thinks they should, or, in most cases, how much the parents think they should be playing."
The Reynolds, along with other parents of soccer players, have said their concerns are directed at the way Chmielewski treats players.
Parents Cite WPIAL Rules
In their letter to the WPIAL, the Reynolds cite PIAA rules as they allege that Chmielewski plays favorites with players; badgers and bullies select players to get them to quit the team; and disregards players' health to focus on winning.
The letter also sites a provision in the PIAA rules about using a school's resources for personal gain.
"The coach left her classroom to work on personal matters routinely, used school email for personal business, took personal days off to coach her club team, and used district facilities for indoor training of her club team," the letter states.
The coach's attorney said that after he reviews the complaint, he will be glad to respond.
Player's Injury Detailed
Allyn Reynolds was a freshman when she sustained a serious concussive injury in a scrimmage against Norwin on Aug 30, 2011, that caused her to miss more than five months of school, the Reynolds' letter states.
"Allyn was not immediately removed from play until the team captain twice approached the head coach insisting something was wrong with her," according to the Reynolds' letter.
When Allyn later returned to the game, she was knocked down from behind and slammed her head on the ground, the Reynolds write.
"After the game, neither the coach nor trainer gave us any indication that Allyn was injured and should be watched for concussion symptoms," the letter states.
A video of the game shows Allyn and a Norwin player jump up for the ball at the same time and collide. The Norwin player falls to the ground and does not get up; medical personnel ran out to tend to her.
Allyn is shown on the video walking away from the play.
"I was really confused," Allyn said in an interview. She said she felt disoriented and was moving slowly.
Allyn said her teammates on the bench told her that her eyes "looked funny ... unfocused." Allyn said she later had to go through therapy because her eyes would not focus correctly.
After sitting on the bench for about 15 minutes, Allyn said she spoke to a trainer who told her she could go back into the game.
She went back into the game and the video shows Allyn getting to the ball just before a Norwin player. Because of the angle of the camera, the viewer sees the back of the Norwin player, then Allyn falling to the ground in front of her.
Allyn said she does not remember being hit the second time.
"I didn't know what was going on," she said. By the end of the game, she said she did not remember the score.
Over time, her symptoms worsened, she said, and she finally went to a doctor.
Allyn said she tried going to school for half-days, but contending with lights, hallways, people and homework became too much for her.
Following her doctor's advice, she stayed out of school for five months and had problems with lights, sound and sleep.
Allyn went back to school for half-days at the end of March and was cleared by her doctor to play soccer at the end of April.
Two weeks later, she sustained another concussion while playing for a club team not affiliated with the school district, she said.
"Knowing what I knew, I stopped play within a week," she said, and went back to seeing her doctor and modifying her school day.
Allyn said she had severe headaches, nausea, dizziness and vomiting.
As school is about to start for the 2012-13 year, she said she is worried because her schedule includes challenging honors and AP courses.
The Reynolds said they met with Superintendent Dr. Mary Bucci and Tony DiTommaso, director of administrative and legal affairs, on Feb. 3 and requested an investigation, which began in late May 2012.
"The first week of June we were informed that the district had hired a law firm to conduct a formal investigation," the Reynolds state in the letter.
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Parent #2
9:47 pm on Friday, August 24, 2012
Good article. Hope the Patch does a follow up on their Right to Know Request... Will be interesting to see. I am Sortof surprised Dave White is taking that angle.
Dave
10:58 pm on Thursday, September 6, 2012
Fred Freitag did your daughter play soccer for Jodi?
Dave I
10:59 pm on Thursday, September 6, 2012
Fred Freitag did your daughter play soccer for Jodi?
Fred Freitag
9:24 am on Saturday, August 25, 2012
Dave White is bought and paid for - Jodi is his client and he's under an ethical duty to zealously represent her pursuant to the Professional Rules of Conduct.
His ongoing statements are absurd, biased, and paid for (he's getting paid to represent her) - he obviously lacks personal knowledge of the historical events in this case and all the other complaints made against Jodi by his ignorant statement (that the Reynolds issue is about "playing time"). That statement of his is patently ludicrous and clearly shows his naivety about the entire facts of the matter. It makes one LOL!!!
Jeanne Dutel
9:25 am on Saturday, August 25, 2012
Thanks for the objective reporting and for the thorough responses from Attorney White.
Fred Freitag
9:33 am on Saturday, August 25, 2012
As to the independent investigation - yes, it would be interesting to see what it says. However, as to it's veracity and validity, I caution you - that the PRSD board and administration paid for such. Therefore, it's obviously "swayed" and should not be taken as "gospel" of the truth.
Yet on another note, yes, there are and have been rumors galore for many years that Jodi spends more time during her classes text messaging and working on soccer (both for PRSD and her personal soccer interests outside of PRSD) rather than her actual teaching of the students what she is actually is there to do!
Elizabeth
10:20 am on Saturday, August 25, 2012
I am one of those parents whose child was not involved in soccer. I am glad the Administration did have an investigation about the whole soccer complaint but i also think they should have an interest in her teaching style and the time she spends on soccer during the classroom. Go back Admin and school board and look at the complaints in writing and phone calls from parents who are not soccer parents who complained to the principal about her lack of teaching.
crosbycat
10:25 am on Saturday, August 25, 2012
Good point - how "independent" can an investigation be when it is paid for by the entity being investigated. And why did it take Bucci from February 3 until May to begin an investigation? Good for the parents to continue to pursue this and good for the Patch doing a great job reporting on this.
Fred Freitag
10:33 am on Saturday, August 25, 2012
Bucci just is beyond her capabilities in my opinion. She blatantly made misrepresentations to me about the procedure and forms for making complaints about a coach.
Fred Freitag
10:29 am on Saturday, August 25, 2012
I think that is what is most appalling about the Jodi situation. She is paid to be a good math teacher - which from my understanding, after talking and listening to many students and parents who have made complaints against her just on that account, is not what she is.
It's simply amazing and bewildering!!
blame elsewhere
3:31 pm on Saturday, August 25, 2012
unbelievable....if a player was "cleared" by the medical trainer...why isn't the medical trainer's name in the article whatsoever??? the coach is there to coach...there are trainers there for a reason- or, hmmm, was the trainer there or with the 'football' program .,,why is she getting all the blame? It is funny how parents will throw in rumors about her teaching ability when that is not even in question. I am sure from the students who made claims against her, there are many that would be made "for" her.
Fred Freitag
3:50 pm on Saturday, August 25, 2012
I have never heard a positive remark about her teaching abilities. As to the player being "cleared" to play by the trainer -that's what the issue was - that she wasn't cleared by the trainer, that the trainer didn't correctly observe or test the child, and that the coach played the player regardless. It was so blatant that another player who had already informed the coach that something was "wrong" with the player and shouldn't be playing and told it was none of her business. The second time, sometime later, that same player said she wouldn't continue playing if the Reynolds girl continued to play. Because this player was the captain and PR's star player the coach reluctantly agreed and pulled the Reynolds girl from the field.
I guess you are believing what Mr. White is saying sadly.
Elizabeth
5:24 pm on Saturday, August 25, 2012
Like i wrote before, when i first saw this story, my first thought was this is about her lack of teaching in the classroom and spending most of her time in the classroom dealing with her soccer team. Her teaching ability i agree is not in question, but i think how she teaches shows alot about her character, and what really is important to her instead of math and the students.
Susan M.
3:47 pm on Saturday, August 25, 2012
I don't know any of the parties involved, or much about this situation, however I agree with the above comment by "blame elsewhere". Angry parents can start ugly rumors and it's not fair. Were the parents at the game? Did they witness this going on? If my child was playing and I saw her knocked over, I would most certainly be in control of whether my daughter went back in and played or not. The head coach has other things to do, like coach a game, so I am sure she let the trainer do what he was there to do, monitor the student for risks. Sounds like there is a LOT more to this story than what we are seeing.
Fred Freitag
3:54 pm on Saturday, August 25, 2012
No, the parents weren't at the game - they were working. That's another point. Neither the coach nor the trainer contacted the player's parents about anything - didn't inform them that their daughter had any type of injury whatsoever - not even an altercation.
The trainer and coach should have contacted the parents in some fashion to inform them of the altercation.
In my opinion that's clearly negligence and a breach of their duties to the player and the parents!!
Susan M.
4:13 pm on Saturday, August 25, 2012
Well as I was reading this my thought was "how old is this girl" "did she tell ANYONE that she was feeling dizzy or disoriented at the game?" ... I am SURE that if she told the trainer that, she would not have been in that game. It totally doesn't add up for me.
Fred Freitag
4:22 pm on Saturday, August 25, 2012
That's just it again - she was injured, mentally disoriented and didn't know what was going on. Didn't realize then or even later that she was given any "tests" or checked out whatsoever.
She does what she is told.
If you would realize just how injured she was (how much she went through thereafter with her problems and the doctors) - you would realize that she couldn't have made that determination because she was just that injured.
It doesn't matter is she was 5 or 50 - she was clearly to injured and disoriented to know what was going on.
Fred Freitag
4:29 pm on Saturday, August 25, 2012
That's one of the problems - the girl was so injured (so mentally out of it) that she didn't know what was going on.
When a person receives a concussion of the magnitude she received - she should have been taken to the hospital immediately. Did you know that the other player whom she collided with was taken to the hospital by ambulance directly from the game?? That's correct - the other player whom she collided with was immediately taken to the hospital.
I would think that a trainer or coach would worry about their player whom collided with another so violently!!
It doesn't matter how old the girl was - 5 or 50 - she was so seriously injured that she shouldn't have been playing. It was clear enough for the captain of the team to recognize. It's more incumbent upon the coach and trainer to recognize and realize such.
Parent #2
4:51 pm on Saturday, August 25, 2012
Also- to Fred's point, someone in high school will usually go along with what their superior is telling them. If a coach or trainer tells her she is fine, at that age and being injured, she is probably going to listen to them and trust them and/or be hesitant to defy them. Also, a caliber athlete will likely want to prove herself/himself as well and go back in the game. The mental capacity of a high school kid is not like an adult's in judging what is right/wrong and safe and unsafe. We all know this---Hence why it is crucial that the individuals that we entrust are children with are of the highest ethical and moral standards, let alone decency - and that the school authorities take it upon themselves to ensure the safety of children by hiring/firing individuals who do or don't meet these standards.
I have a hard time reconciling the push for anti-bullying programs and practices in the district with this situation. I would think the district would err on the side of caution here, which is why so many people previously compared this to the Penn State tragedy.
This is an example of why there should be no sports in public schools and why it should all be club based. Sounds extreme because It is so embedded in the system..it's what many of us grew up with.... But think about it....
Fred Freitag
5:00 pm on Saturday, August 25, 2012
Yes, this tragedy and travesty was compared to the Penn State debacle/tragedy - there are certainly alot of similarities and comparables between the two in my opinion.
This is coaching once more run amok to a player's and parents' detriment!!
Concerned citizen 101
8:32 am on Monday, August 27, 2012
Fred - you are insulting victims of sexual assault on all levels comparing this to Penn State. Are you kidding me? A trainer said she was ok. I don't understand at all how this is a coach's mistake. Jodi got an ok from a medically trained profession as the proticol is called for.
Parent #2, you are the reason why kids are graduating college and think they deserve everything rather than earning something. Give all the kids a trophy and they will have no idea how to earn anything!
PR Mom 18
10:26 pm on Saturday, August 25, 2012
From reading all of the posts, if what is being said is accurate, I can not understand or support the Board or Administration's decision for keeping the coach as a coach and as a teacher, nonetheless. It does not seem that she has the students' best interest at heart and was ignorant to the safety (which should be the first priority of any coach) of this student. Thank goodness for the student who continued to report this and take a stance about it. I am sorry that any student had to go through this. Let's not shift the blame around between the coach and the trainer. Student safety is everyone's business.
PR Proud
12:35 am on Sunday, August 26, 2012
Something stinks in Mudville..... er, Pine-Richland. Am I the only person that considers it ironic that the attorney representing the controversial girls soccer coach at PR was the former school board president? Is the former board president's retainer being paid by the coach, or is it being paid by school district with money meant for our children? With the overriding stench emanating from the board room surrounding this re-hire of Coach Chmielewski, I question whether it is fair for the superintendent to conduct her own "independent" investigation with the express intent of justifying the coach's self-righteous decisions only. My gut feeling reinforces the maxim: "Where there is smoke, there is fire". The many comments, suggesting that the coach may be abdicating her professional responsibilities on both the soccer field and in the classroom, appear to have some level of truth. Unfortunately, it is much easier for PR administrators to deny/ignore these problems than to acknowledge the price that our children are continually paying for their collective lack of inaction/courage/accountability. I commend the determination and fortitude (despite frequent criticisms/ attempted intimidation endured) that the Reynolds are taking. It is scary to me as to how many parallels can be drawn between this travesty and the Sandusky "collective administrative absolution" in the name of winning athletics.
Fred Freitag
10:58 am on Sunday, August 26, 2012
Ditto!! It's a travesty that this coach was rehired! This was an outrageous event (and there are manyother events that were complained of which Altemus completely ignored) that she, the coach, should have controlled in the best interests of the student/player!!
Concerned citizen 101
8:45 am on Monday, August 27, 2012
Again, there is no comparison to Penn State. Sexual assault from a child predator is in no way any relationship to this circumstance whatsoever. No crime is being committed here. An victim of sexual assault would be able to recognize how far you are blowing this out of proportion. There is not even a cover up. All sides were publicly addressed and heard from. Please be more sensitive in your comparisons as I am sure the Penn State victims would be completely horrified by your analogy.
blame elsewhere
1:23 pm on Sunday, August 26, 2012
Unfortunately, we are talking about PR....anyone involved here should remember that PR has a stadium like no other districts....why do you think it is? Don't you realize that success in sports has been a top priority for anyone that plays sports at PR... I'm sorry, but I know the parents know this as well..I am sure they were all proud w/ the state titles or other titles the soccer program has won..I am sure that being a coach in the district is a double edged sword...you get grief if you lose, grief if everyone is not "playing", grief if you don 't have a successful season. If I were the coach I would quit and let other people who think they can do it better, do it. The pay, the hours, the time taken away from your job (funny how people are questioning it, but if your child was on the team you would appreciate that she is trying to get things in place for games, practices, tournaments, etc.) It is very unfortunate and sad that this girl was injured and I hope she recovers. As a parent, I could only imagine what she and her family are going through. I just agree with Parent #2 about the emphasis on sports now a days. If you are play ANY sports at PR, you know how competitive it is. It is ashame this happened, but it seems now that there are being steps to stop/detect these injuries. Maybe the coach has never had this situation happen before. I don't know. Now steps are taken that ensure it won't happen again.
blame elsewhere
2:02 pm on Sunday, August 26, 2012
Please know that I don't know Mr. White or anyone else and I don't know all the facts, I just was wondering where/who the trainer was in this article...were they even there or were they w/ the football team (usually what happens this time of year)? I thought they were supposed to be at all games. That is the issue I would have w/ everything. I hope and pray for Miss Reynolds' recovery. I just think it is unfair to throw in the 'teaching' stuff, as well. I know many teachers who don't volunteer OR coach AND are bad teachers...too bad they are all protected by the unions....
Fred Freitag
9:34 am on Monday, August 27, 2012
Yes, that a teacher is a coach - doesn't make one good at both or bad at both - nor even good/bad at either.
The commentators making statements about her as a teacher are just their personal opinions as a "side note" to the article. I guess they are wondering why she is a "coach" given her teaching talents and endeavors during the classroom.
I'm sure they realize that a coach at PRSD doesn't have to be a teacher at PRSD - but maybe not.
Concerned citizen 101
8:41 am on Monday, August 27, 2012
My husband is a teacher and a coach and I have no doubt that there are parents and kids who love him and others that hate him. That is the nature of being human. But do any of you take into consideration that Jodi is a human being with family? That her teaching abilities are in question as a result of a child sustaining a concussion? If the trainer cleared the player, why isn't it the trainer's fault? Is it because the trainer doesn't make decisions on playing time? Should we just give every team the state championship and a pat on the back for a job well done? Because that is what the real world will do for these kids? Does anyone here realize that when your kids go off into the real world, mom and dad won't be able to sue their employer when they get fired? Sports actually prepare you in life to work with other people and work towards a common goal. Sports is so much more than winning, it develops kids into well-organized, team building adults.
Really, Mike White is paid by Jodi? This comment is helpful in what way to this child suffering from a series of concussions. Sadly, all sports have some degree of chance for injury. That is part of the risk of sports. I hope the young lady involved is able to get through her medical condition, but again, to put her back in the game, was the trainer's issue, not the coach.
Fred Freitag
9:27 am on Monday, August 27, 2012
No, her teaching abilities are not being questioned because of this child’s injuries - that’s an entirely separate issue. What was also stated by come commentators concurrently along with the issue with her questionable teaching abilities is the amount of time she spends during class time on her various soccer activities rather than teaching.
Yes, the trainer’s actions are very questionable in this event. A law firm is looking into filing a malpractice action against her most certainly.
But, if another player can easily identify a problem - then so should the coach have been able to see the problem. If they couldn’t - then clearly they shouldn’t be coaching. Especially after already being informed that she was having problems - does that have any inkling of being a concerned coach for a player??? Not to me!
As to statements made about Mr. White by commentators to the original article - it’s just plain and simple that he represents Jodi and that his statements were erroneous. Too, what was pointed out that he zealously represents his client. That his statement that the Reynolds complaints were really about “playing time” is a flagrant misrepresentation of the actual facts of the matter.
Concerned citizen 101
10:10 am on Monday, August 27, 2012
Fred, have you ever coached? Have you ever had to make decisions based on what another child is telling you while coaching a game? Have you ever had to pay attention to 11 girls on the field, refs, the kids on the bench. Do you take the word of your medically trained professional trainer or do you listen to another girl? Was the girl on the team in anyway trained to determine concussions? Have you ever heard girls complain about bumps and bruises that are the end all of their world?
How does one tell the difference when they are cleared by the trainer? The trainer is there for that very reason because coaches are not qualified to make those determinations and neither are other players. I really do feel for this girl, but this is not about a coach, but a trainer.
You have absolutely no idea whether or not Jodi cares for her players. I can't imagine that she values something more than her players. Again, you don't coach girls soccer around here for glory, you coach it because you love it. You portray her as heartless. As a coach, I see my kid fall down on the field hurt. The first words out of my mouth are - get up, your all right, run it off. Is that because I don't love my child? I don't think so. You want to teach these kids to play through adversity. So if a trainer clears you, then you are ok. Otherwise, it is the trainer who is fallable, not the coach.
Fred Freitag
10:20 am on Monday, August 27, 2012
Yes, I have coached sports. I coached hockey for a number of years. I had to be aware of players and their injuries. Yes, I had to make decisions based on another player's evaluation and opinion of another player's injury.
Clearly, a coach should know their players and their abilities. If something is amiss (especially after a severe altercation like in this situation - where the other player was taken from the field by ambulance) I would be paying special attention.
Moreover, Jodi was told that something was "wrong" with the player by another player -not once but twice!!!
Hey, that trainer doesn't know the players - the coach does OR SHOULD.
Again, Concerned citizen 101 - you simply amaze me!!!
Paul Hayward
3:04 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
FF...stop being so rude and arrogant...who do you think you are?
Talk about bullies? Everything i have read from you is ANGER. read your own posts. again. You are one angry person. It is not a way to make a point by abusing everyone who doesn't agree with you.
YOU simply amaze me...
PR Proud
11:34 am on Monday, August 27, 2012
To Concerned Citizen 101:
Parallels can indeed be drawn between the longstanding child abuse at Penn State and the ignorance of the facts now occurring in Pine-Richland. Were child(ren) hurt by/ because of the reckless decisions made by coaches? Were school administrators warned of such occurrences, and did both absolve their coaches of any wrongdoing, by subsequently ignoring the facts before them? Did the administrative leadership conduct their own "unpublicized internal investigations" that allegedly proved that administrators need not take any further action(s)? Are/Were the coaches (Sandusky & Chmielewski) reaping significant financial and personal benefits beyond their roles as seasonal coaches to the detriment of the children and their employers? Are the children who were injured by decisions made these coaches being portrayed as self-serving liars by the coaches' unrelenting/ blind-to- the-facts supporters? Will the physical and/or emotional health of our children be forever affected by the coaches' ignorance, or ineptitude? Abuse, be it sexual, verbal, or otherwise, has no place in any educational setting. I, too, have coached in some capacity for many years. As an FYI....Unless the role of the athletic trainer has changed drastically within the past two-three years, he/she was only able to make recommendations to the coach, never having the power to remove a player from the athletic competition--- that decision was totally the coach's.
Concerned citizen 101
12:07 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
This is disgusting - are you seriously comparing Jodi to to Sandusky of Penn State? Sexually abused survivors must be in shock of your utter display of ignorance. Jodi is not a pedofile and did not commit a crime. You should be ashamed of yourself. Jodi makes - what about $6000 a year to coach. Do you have any idea how much revenue girls soccer brings to pine richland. I would be shocked if the program broke even. Money to support her program is redirected from revenue brought in by football and basketball. What personal benefit does Jodi receive by coaching other than seeing her players succeed on the field and in life.
Jodi is not abusing anyone. She is helping to mold strong, independent young women. Your choice to throw around abuse is insulting to every victim out there. I'm sorry, but not every child is cut out to play sports. Go coddle your child at community sports and they will not ever have to learn about losing or working towards something.
Yes, the role of athletic trainer has drastically changed over the years. Concussion syndrome is the hot topic on eveyone's list right now in light of recent developments in the NHL and NFL. There is not a trainer out there that would allow a kid to go in to a game with a concussion. There is no recommendations when it comes to concussions. The kids aren't allowed to play until they are able to pass the concussion test that each player takes before each season.
Concerned citizen 101
11:48 am on Monday, August 27, 2012
I'm sorry, but the coach isn't trained to clear concussions, the trainers are. A trainer should know a concussion when they see one regardless if they know the child or not. The school pays these trainers quite a sum of money to work for their districts. This is the trainers full time job. The trainer is there specifically for the athletes of each school district it is hired to represent. It is the trainers responsibilty to know all symptons for concussions. It is the trainers responsibilty to clear a player.
Again, Jodi is not some cold-calculated soccer coach drone willing to sacrifice each player for the next win. You feel as though you know her and say that she couldn't possibly know her players - I'm sure there are at least approximately 24 on a team, but yet your child has one coach, and you clearly don't know her at all. Do you honestly believe that if Jodi knew the athlete had a concussion that she would have further subjected her to injury, in a scrimmage game. Think about what you are accusing her of. Or do you think she possibly took the word of a certified trainer who is an adult professional who has been trained to recognize concussions.
Or here is just a thought, maybe her biggest mistake was relying on a trainer. Again, coaches are told to listen to the trainer and follow their advisement when it comes to injuries. I believe if you spoke to the athletic director and school board Jodi did what she was supposed to do.
Fred Freitag
12:07 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
Then clearly, given the facts of the subject student here, pursuant to your opinion Concerned citizen 101, - the trainer was clearly at fault.
In addition, in this situation, it's my opinion that the coach was at fault too.
I didn't say, "that she couldn't possibly know her players" - you stated that. I did say that she should know her players - that's part of her job as a coach.
Yes, I personally know Jodi - so again you're wrong.
As to the Athletic Director - again, there were so many complaints that he "circulared", never followed up on, and even denied having been made - the man has no credibility with/to me.
As to the board - they definitely disappointed me.
As to Jodi placing at risk players for a "scrimmage" - absolutely! I personally observed her play Stacy Weisman (one of our best players) against Butler when we were winning (something like 9 to 3), the game meant nothing, we were already into the play-offs, that she was one of the best players (if not the best player on our team) where Stacey got hurt (twisted her ankle very badly). Jodi could and should have played substitute players but didn't. That injury affected Stacey for the remainder of the season and all Spring too - causing her problems on the track field.
What coach plays their first string players in meaningless games to run up a score when the play-offs are just ahead???
So Concerned citizen 101 - again you really don't know what you're talking about nor saying!!
PR Proud
12:10 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
The role of the athletic trainer is that of a consultant who makes recommendations to the coach. It is real easy to blame the trainer, or even the assistant coach, for not making sure that the head coach does not place winning above all else. The bottom line is that the head coach can ignore the trainer's recommendation (or observations of her assistants, the injured player, and other players). That is exactly what the coach did, and now she (and her supporters) are seeking a patsy. Sorry, Coach Chmielewski needs to accountable for her irresponsible decision-making.
Fred Freitag
12:15 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
Concerned citizen 101 - did you know that the player in question "passed" the online concussion test. However, when seen by a medical doctor - it was confirmed that she had an extremely bad concussion.
You simply amaze me with your lack of knowledge and irritating and troublesome statements!!
It's people like you that allow something like the Penn State travesty to exist!!
Fred Freitag
12:17 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
Ditto PR Proud!!
Concerned citizen 101
12:56 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
I do actually really truly know what I am talking about. I see a few parents who want their kids coddled and loved by their coach. I also "know" that I have played through injuries from the now not caring what the further consquences it may bring. That's what some athletes do and some don't even tell their coaches because they don't want them to know.
I hope Jodi does realize that there are people who appreciate having their kids pushed to excel over adversity and pushed to their limits to see what they can truly accomplish for themselves. Sure, along the way they may trip and fall, but in the end, they will be strong individuals. This is what sports can mean to someone.
I really should be more understanding to realize that there are other things others want out of sports, such as to meet friends and be social and to be liked. And for that sports also exist.
If the young lady in question passed her baseline test, then there is something clearly wrong with the entire school districts concussion program that far exceeds one coach staffed. I would be looking to overhaul the entire concussion program and possibly see what UPMC is doing to prevent such further occurrence as I do "know" that many districts are aligned with them or Allegheny General.
Lastly, I would be proud to have PR's athletic director on staff in my school district. Kudos to him for sticking by his coaching staff rather than there to satiate a few parents.
Fred Freitag
1:51 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
It wasn't a few who complained to the past (he has since left PRSD as their AD) AD about Jodi - there were many. He didn't keep a file about such. For parents who asked to see their complaint about Jodi - the school didn't have a record of them. He clearly didn't do his job!!
I'm sure that Jodi realizes that there are parents who appreciate having their kids "pushed". The questions are - and the coach is personally responsible - when does "pushing" become irresponsible to the point of placing the child's health at risk? When does "pushing" become bullying? Why is she not liable as other students and pursuant to PRSD's anti-bullying rules for bullying?? When is she responsible to know a child is hurt?
This is all just rhetoric at this point - she's been retained once more to coach the PRSD's girls varsity soccer program. I think to it's detriment!!
You are absolutely correct - playing sports can be, and should be, far more than just learning about the sport. Team comradery, sportsmanship, compassion, sacrifice, teamwork, winning with humility, losing with pride, taking proper care of ourselves (body and mind), preparation, discipline, playing by the rules, respect for authority - are just a few of the things playing sports teaches a player.
Concerned citizen 101
2:23 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
Fred - I appreciate a good discussion. I realize how this is something that will not be agreed upon nor will any decision either way make everyone happy.
I do think there are coaches out there who do cross that line from coaching to bullying. I also think it happens to the best and the worst of them. Not sure how you cure that since a good bit of it is based on ego. I also see it in real life from adults in business. Not sure how you can avoid it other than to teach how to deal with it.
I do hope the young lady involved is able to achieve good health again and hope all of the ladies are able to move on in their season free of further distractions.
Fred Freitag
2:30 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
You have to "cut out the cancer" - you have to discharge or fire the offending person. It's just that simple!
That if others realize what the ramifications are, what the boundaries are, they will be less likely to make the same offense.
This is sad commentary that Jodi kept her position in my opinion - that the PRSD board retained her once more to coach the PRSD's girls varsity soccer program - a true debacle.
I only hope that, as in the past, the program can be successful in spite of her.
Local Citizen
2:48 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
Fred, do you have personal experience with Jodi coaching and/or teaching your child? I read the terms of agreement in this blog and it states to avoid defaming character. Everyone's opinion is welcome, but it doesn't appear acceptable to mention Sandusky. I can't believe the analogy was used.
Concerned citizen 101
8:17 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
Makes you wonder why anyone would want to put themselves out there for a very insignificant amount of money to be subject to such abuse. And yes, I think this is verbal abuse. I would be appalled if my husband was compared to Jerry Sandusky as I was appalled that it is people like me that let molestation occur at Penn State as mentioned above. And for the record, I am not a public figure so tread lightly Fred.
Fred Freitag
3:04 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
I am not defaming but stating my opinion. Do you know what defamation is? Do you also realize that Jodi is a "public figure"?
The "Sandusky" analogy was not used to imply Jodi sexually molested anyone - or that sex was involved. If you re-read the commentaries the "Penn State-Sandusky" debacle was used as an analogy as to other things.
Specifically, I stated when replying to another commentator, "Moreover, the Penn State atrocity was more than just sexual abuse if you didn't get it - that it was about college sports run amok too. That it was about the power of the coaching staff and the administration succumbing to such. It was about the pecuniary gain and money involved in college sports. It was about how things can be "overlooked" to the detriment of people so that a sports program can continue to be glorified. It was about that a school, a sports program, it's administration, and coaching staff didn't care about the children who were injured."
That's why the analogy was used - not as to infer sexual abuse was going on at PRSD.
Fred Freitag
3:16 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
I would also give you a link to the law on defamation:
http://www.citmedialaw.org/legal-guide/pennsylvania-defamation-law
Clearly, as to the law on defamation - Jodi is a "public figure".
Fred Freitag
8:42 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
Concerned citizen 101 - again, re-read what was posted. I did NOT say anything about you letting molestation occur at Penn State whatsoever. It's hard to have communication with you when your so continuously wrong in your statements and analysis as to what was said. Sorry that you just don't have the comprehension to read what was stated.
Concerned citizen 101
9:28 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
huh?
Concerned citizen 101
9:41 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
Oh, my bad.... So what I am wrong about again? I'm pretty sure that your feeling about Jodi are based on your own opinion. So because I disagree with everything you say I must be the wrong person then? Trainers aren't supposed to be competent? I know you are able to look up PA law, are you able to look up the standard procedures for concussions at Pine Richland? I know other schools have it right on their athletic page of their school district's website. I am sure Pine Richland's is similar/ It has never been a coach's decision to over rule a trainer based on concussions and it never will be. Another interesting tidbit for you that it is also the referees/umpires responsibility to recognize concussion symptoms. And yes it is, so don't say it isn't.
Fred Freitag
9:01 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
Concerned citizen 101 - additionally, if you read the law on defamation you would also realize that an "unnamed" blog commentator can't be defamed either.
Again, it's hard (if not impossible) to have a meaningful dialog and discussions with you when you routinely misinterpret (in fact totally don't understand nor comprehend) what is being stated.
Concerned citizen 101
9:15 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
Sorry, I am a recent graduate of Pine Richland. I am limited in many ways.
Concerned citizen 101
9:16 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
In addition, my reading teacher was a football coach, so I can't really be held accountable for anything I do.
Concerned citizen 101
9:18 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
Try, just try stepping outside the cal-de-sac for a minute and consider what life may be like for those who don't have fantastic programs available like Pine-Richland. The grass is greener.
PR Mom of 4
8:19 am on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
You Go ...... No one deserves the disection that this teacher is put under! Go to it PR Grad.
The blow hards that beleive that their way is correct ---at all cost. And I do mean all cost---$$$ can not buy the school board at PR , thankfully.
Fred Freitag
8:28 am on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
The teacher placed herself under the microscope by her numerous and many actions - coaches and teachers are "public figures" to which opinion can be made. They shouldn't take the job if they don't want criticism or their decisions challenged.
I have no idea what PR Mom of 4 is talking about - that $$$ was used to buy the PRSD board was never stated by anyone. I guess, they too, need to re-read the posts to see what was stated.
Yes, some, including me, were disappointed that the PRSD board rehired Jodi. But nothing was said about them being paid off or anything even hinting at such.
Concerned citizen 101
9:27 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
Fred, You are making me feel bad. Is this how you bully? Pot introducing kettle. Thank goodness you are here to set us all straight.
Fred Freitag
9:27 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
I have no idea what point you are trying to make - absolutely none. What does anything you just said have to do with the original matter being discussed??
Concerned citizen 101
9:41 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
Exactly. I am blogging like you now!!!
Fred Freitag
9:36 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
I'm not bullying. However, when having dialogue with you - I'm am now seriously concerned about the recent graduates of Pine-Richland. I'm not bullying but try to make a point which is impossible given your misunderstanding of what's been said, total lack of comprehension, and complete mis-characterization of what I have stated.
Sorry for being blunt - but that's the reality of the communications between us and your analysis of what's been said.
Fred Freitag
9:45 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
Concerned citizen 101 I'm just done having a dialogue with you because it's a complete waste of time and energy. It's clear you don't get it nor comprehend the issues involved - like many of Jodi devotees don't get it nor comprehend what the problems are.
Concerned citizen 101
10:02 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
Yeah!!! your done!!!
PR Proud
10:19 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
Thank you for being a rational voice for an issue summarily being swept under the carpet. As he saying goes, there is none so blind as those who cannot see, is most apropos when considering that facts are so readily disregarded by those who place little value upon the child(ren). Hopefully, the PIAA (and/or the courts) will react in the appropriate manner.
Fred Freitag
10:05 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
Yes, I'm done having a battle of wits with someone who doesn't have any ammo!!
Susan M.
1:34 pm on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Sadly, you ARE being a bully....
Parent #2
1:52 pm on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Fred- thank you for all of your info. This is a very interesting situation with the school and we will be watching how it turns out. If its any consolation, your posts are very clear and understandable. I don't believe you are being a bully.
Fred Freitag
2:19 pm on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Ms. Martinez - I'm not a bully. But in my opinion Jodi clearly has been. She has bullied many, many students for which complaints have been filed about such. PRSD has a no bullying policy - however, it would appear that it doesn't apply to coaches and teachers.
As to specific instances of her bullying (I won't give the student's names but can do such if subpoenaed for them):
As to specifics:
She called one player a “social retard” in front of the soccer team. This is just an intolerable statement from anyone yet someone who is a coach AND teacher.
She stated another player that, “All those boys on the hill are laughing at you - why don’t you just quit?” Jodi did get her wish - the student quit that day and her father even made a formal complaint to both the PR school board and the athletic director, however, nothing ever became of that.
She stated to another player that, “she was one of the worst players on the team and she’s lucky she’s even playing”. The fact there is that this player was one of the best players ever to play for PRSD.
She stated to yet another player that she was “faking” her injury and being a “baby”.
She has on numerous occasions berated the best player to graduate from PRSD when she is clearly one of the best soccer players in the world.
She was demeaning to yet another player for being injured.
I'm not a bully - Jodi is a bully in my opinion.
Fred Freitag
2:40 pm on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Thank you Parent #2. It's about time the community learned something about this coach/teacher.
pr parent
10:23 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
after reading all the comments i am sickened by the comments made by people who have no direct contact with events and occurances associated with jodi. i had a personnal experience involving the coach when my daughter was significantly ill. I told my daughter to tell jodi she needed to leave after the jv game. when I saw nothing was happening i approached the coach who was talking with parents in the stadium. jodi told me she does not talk to parents and it is not acceptable to ask to leave before a game has ended and this was unacceptable. i explained in no uncertain terms that she is to leave now and as a parent i will make those decisions not her. my daughter subsequently required medical treatment. so to listen to people spout off about how jodi cares about players it makes me sick.
Fred Freitag
10:29 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
Sadly, yours is just one of the many stories concerning Jodi. You have my sympathy as to her apathetic attitude and behavior towards your daughter and you.
To bad Mr. Smart either didn't listen or disregarded so many complaints verifiable complaints. Clearly, Mr. Smart must have had another agenda OR the PRSD failed to read his report OR something else is seriously remiss with this situation.
pr parent
10:39 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
the other person who i blame is the athletic director who informed me that this was the first such complaint he received and he would look into it. i come to find out numerous people had similar complaints which went unheard and unaddressed. after a second inquiry he stated he would address the matter which never took place. i saw where this was going and decided to drop the issue which sadly what most other people have done.
Fred Freitag
8:12 am on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
I know what you are saying to be true. In fact, there were numerous people who filed formal complaints which were never addressed by the past AD. This was pointed out to the Super. Bucci, that the past or leaving AD did not do their job whatsoever, who stated this was not a time to "chastise" him!! Unbelievable.
Bucci didn't do her job. The AD didn't do his job. Now we, the parents and students, are left having to deal with their ineptitude!!
Fred Bloggs
10:33 pm on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Fred Freitag must be a pseudonym for REYNOLDS!!
Fred Freitag
7:12 am on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Fred Bloggs - what is so bad to advocate for someone abused?
Then I guess you believe that the victims of the Penn State tragedy should have been locked up and not allowed a voice. Nor the predator's actions be stopped or the criminal prosecuted.
It's people like you that are the problem!!
Susan M.
7:27 am on Friday, September 7, 2012
I'm not sure why you want to constantly compare this issue with Penn State. Please stop, they are not the same thing. The only similarity is that people in power take advantage of others. Happens everyday, so stop dragging Penn State into the convo. It irritates me.
Dave I
11:21 pm on Thursday, September 6, 2012
Fred, Fred, Fred.....come on. I went to Westminster with Jodi and she played soccer and softball. Why do you spew such nonsense? Did she not play your daughter?
It's better to allow people to believe that you're an ass than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
Shame on you, Fred!
Fred Freitag
6:30 am on Friday, September 7, 2012
Yes, Jodi played soccer at Westminster - for their "club" team - NOT their varsity team as she implies (she doesn't limit her statement to such). The "club" team wasn't much more than an intramural team. Clearly I question whether you went to Westminster after your statements.
It takes one to know one Dave!! Yes, you obviously are an idiot after your statements - you have removed ALL doubt!!
Fred Freitag
7:23 am on Friday, September 7, 2012
Dave, since it's questionable that you did go to Westminster, or while there in a "dazed and confused" state of mind and didn't know what was going on, contact the Westminster administration or athletic department for a clear and concise statement that Jodi did NOT play for their varsity soccer team - they have no record whatsoever of her playing soccer. Moreover, Westminster did NOT have a varsity team till 1998 - AFTER Jodi graduated!!
So Dave, it's very clear - YOU ARE AN IDIOT! You have removed ALL DOUBT!! You clearly don't know what your talking about!!
Fred Freitag
7:41 am on Friday, September 7, 2012
Susan Martinez - there are alot of similarities between this issue and the Penn State debacle. Please re-read what was stated before.
Your statement, "The only similarity is that people in power take advantage of others. Happens everyday, so stop dragging Penn State into the convo."
Wow, if that's all that you got out of all the comments here - I feel sad for you. It's clear you just don't have an understanding nor the ability to comprehend all the issues and problems.
Susan M.
8:00 am on Friday, September 7, 2012
Please save your sympathy, Fred. I am not the one on here all day, every day, calling people names and disparaging them for having different opinions.
Dave I
8:04 am on Friday, September 7, 2012
Fred....did your daughter play soccer for Jodi? You still didn't answer that question? Yes, Jodi played on the only girl's soccer team that the school had at the time. There's no denying that.
Also, I realize that you're an internet tough guy but you need to be careful.
Fred Freitag
8:09 am on Friday, September 7, 2012
What do I need to be careful about Dave? Truth hurts that you're an idiot!! That it's clear you don't know what you're talking about!
Unlike you, I didn't use profanity to describe you nor your comments. Clearly, if that's the only way you can articulate yourself then you have limited intellect and one has to wonder if you did graduate from Westminster??
Fred Freitag
8:13 am on Friday, September 7, 2012
Susan Martinez. One just has to look at reference your name and see all your comments on various issues. I have only been involved in two.
Susan M.
8:25 am on Friday, September 7, 2012
And that means....???? Your 500 disparaging and attacking comments on 2 issues VS. my 200 non-disparaging comments on 50 issues?
Fred Freitag
8:40 am on Friday, September 7, 2012
Just responding to your statement, " I am not the one on here all day, every day, calling people names and disparaging them for having different opinions."
Clearly, I'm NOT on here ALL day (unlike you), only voicing my opinion about 1 issue, and not disparaging people for having different opinions. To the contrary, I'm trying to explain to people like you where the similarities lay as between the Penn State debacle and Jodi continuing to coach at PRSD. I, along with others, have stated many examples of why she shouldn't be a coach of anything yet alone at PRSD.
Dave I
8:36 am on Friday, September 7, 2012
Fred....I too live/work in Gibsonia. I've had interactions with you in public and several years ago profesionally. Again, did your daughter play soccer for Jodi???
Fred Freitag
8:42 am on Friday, September 7, 2012
Yes, and your point? What is your full name so that I can remember the "interactions" with you? I haven't hidden behind a blog name.
Susan M.
8:51 am on Friday, September 7, 2012
Fred Freitag--false statement above. Obviously you can see my comment history and so can everyone else. Mark the times and dates that I am here....if it's all day every day then please, let me know. You have responded consistently, I believe everyday....and I am just pointing out that you are not a nice person, you are a bully, and you resort to name-calling. PLUS you can't even answer a simple question of whether your daughter played soccer for Jodi. Seems a little odd to me....I am now leaving this conversation, please feel free to sit behind your computer and call me names all day long :).
Fred Freitag
8:57 am on Friday, September 7, 2012
The reason I reply to comments being made on these two issues is - that the Patch sends me a notice when comments are made on these issues. Until today, I hadn't made a comment since August 28th I believe - so that's NOT everyday.
I'm not a bully except I guess when trying to make a point or explain something to someone like you who just doesn't understand nor comprehend. So, if that's being a "bully" - then I'm guilty.
But your various statements make it clear you just don't understand nor comprehend the issues sadly.
Dave I
9:02 am on Friday, September 7, 2012
Fred your attack on Jodi is only because your daughter didn't get the playing time that you believe she deserved. I just wanted everyone on this site to know what your true ax with Jodi really is about. It's not about her coaching, or a trainer approving a girl to go back into a game or sadly about her teaching....it's because you're upset that your daughter didn't get to play as much as you wanted, plain and simple.
I will not be responding again, it seems like you're not capable of having a debate with anyone who disagrees with your opinion.
Fred Freitag
9:24 am on Friday, September 7, 2012
Dave, you obviously are a coward and need to remain anonymous and hide behind your pseudonym or "fake" name.
I never brought up her teaching abilities - many other parents stated those concerns and their history with Jodi and their child.
I have consistently maintained a position that Jodi is "bully" and abusive and doesn't have the children's best interest as a concern.
Yes, "Dave" - it's not possible to have a debate with someone who's a coward, doesn't know their facts or misrepresents the facts, and doesn't realize the issues involved here.
Dave I
10:40 am on Friday, September 7, 2012
Fred...another name? Here's you bringing up her teaching abilities.
Fred Freitag
10:29 am on Saturday, August 25, 2012
I think that is what is most appalling about the Jodi situation. She is paid to be a good math teacher - which from my understanding, after talking and listening to many students and parents who have made complaints against her just on that account, is not what she is.
It's simply amazing and bewildering!!
Elizabeth
5:49 pm on Friday, September 7, 2012
dave
fyi
i think fred was commenting on my comment about Chmielewski's teaching habits. If you scroll up and read the past comments, you would have noticed that. My comment was from my child's experience with her many years ago in the classroom, grading their own papers, reading the lessons on their own, etc.
Fred Freitag
10:48 am on Friday, September 7, 2012
Dave you are simply and completely a coward - you have to hide. That statement I made after others had already made such comments - I didn't initiate such.
Paul Hayward
3:12 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Who is the Fred Freitag guy? I read this article as i use to live up north and enjoy the WPIAL soccer news and updates...and found this article.
This FF guy is a real BULLY...arrogant...narsicistic sounding...and ad mouths anyone who doesn't agree with him...can you imagine living under his roof? His rules? His insight on right and wrong? People like this FF character need serious emotional counselling as there is a deeper anger of rage that comes out if anyone doesn't see his point of view. Read his comments - all angry and abusive. I feel sorry for him as he "doesn't get it".
Fred Freitag
3:57 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
Who are you Paul? You obviously don't have a clue what you're talking about.
You really have no idea what a "bully" is.
You clearly need to be more knowledgeable - your ignorance is obvious given your pathetic statements.
You patently don't get it!!
Paul Hayward
3:19 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
After playing this beautiful game for over 35 years as a youth in Toronto to a professional and then coaching nine seasons in the NCAA and still running soccer academy courses all over the country...i will leave you with two major points in of soccer coaching today:
1. 60% of coaching is your relationship with your players. Ask any NCAA coach that.
2. Nearly all complaints come from parents who child is not getting playing time.
Fred Freitag
4:16 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
Again Paul, your ignorance is patently obvious. You clearly don't even understand the problem which is obvious from the statements you've made.
To make statements about someone's child not getting playing time when the issues have been presented that are far more grevious and serious than that.
I am certainly one that is glad you haven't coached my daughter and aren't in this area. We don't need someone like you who clearly doesn't have a clue coaching our children.
Please re-read the article - although you may have played and coached as you stated - you fail to realize the underlying problem that I and other parents voiced a concern about. Maybe you played and coached to much soccer and need to get a little more education and read AND understand before you speak!
It's people like you that allow situations like this to continue. Once more, I am glad you don't live and coach in this area (anymore?).
Fred Freitag
4:36 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
Let me try to enlighted you Paul. To put it bluntly, the concern and origination which prompted the complaints were not about "playing time" (again, re-read the various comments) but a legitimate concern for the health, welfare, and safety of the players/students. If you didn't read that or understand that - then you just don't get it!!!!
If you didn't read how seriously injured the player was and the events of the situation that precipitated the complaints - then I'm very concerned about your abilities as a coach. Maybe one to many "headers" during the course of your playing experience????