When Student Athletes are not Protected

Youth from toddlers to college join in a wide variety of team sports throughout their lives. Some even go on to the pros. As parents, we trust that coaches will not only train our children to play the sport. We want the kids to develop sportsmanship, camaraderie, and pride. We rely on coaches to take care of our kids’ bodies and spirits. Unfortunately, sometimes winning becomes more important than the kids themselves. That can result in injuries to both body and soul.

Case in Point

Amelia Cunningham had played lacrosse for years when she was offered a 50 percent scholarship to play for Colgate University. She was thrilled to be able to enjoy the sport while working toward her goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. But it turns out playing for Coach Taylor wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.

Coach Taylor had myriad complaints lodged against her: players were forced to play despite injuries and were considered failures if they couldn’t or wouldn’t. The coach is accused of belittling players and even pushing some to the point of attempting suicide. In the case of Cunningham, the coach required her to play during a case of bronchitis and Epstein-Barr, and allegedly discouraged Amelia from getting surgery to repair an injured wrist during her freshman year. Cunningham waited too long, and when she eventually sought surgery, the damage could not be sufficiently repaired. Left with numbness and pain, she will never be able to become an orthopedic surgeon. Cunningham endured five operations for injuries related to lacrosse and later survived a suicide attempt. Her family believes Coach Taylor is to blame for the physical and emotional trauma haunting Amelia and filed a personal injury lawsuit against the college.

Tough Coaching Should Have Limits

Naturally, as kids get older the competition gets more serious, and nobody wants a wimpy coach. But there is a difference between bullying and showing a team tough love. Bullying can occur in many ways and doesn’t necessarily have to put a kid in the hospital to be real. How do you recognize signs of bullying by a coach?

• Athletes are feeling fear, not drive.
• Athletes feel unsafe and pushed to take risks that don’t feel right.
• There is a desire to avoid the coach or practices.
• Depression seems to be taking over.
• Poor nutrition is a problem because the coach requires the athlete’s body to be different.
• The coach is regularly disappointed or angered by performances.
• There are attacks on an athlete’s character, unflattering labels, or name calling.
• Coaches physically push or shove athletes in anger or frustration.
• Negative feedback is loud and/or public.
• Athletes are pushed to play through illness or injury.

Following a Serious Case of Bullying 

If your student athlete has suffered serious consequences as a result of a coach who was out of bounds, you may be entitled to damages to address medical expenses and more. To discuss, schedule a confidential appointment with the Kissimmee and Orlando personal injury attorneys at Salazar & Kelly Law Group today.

Source:

ryerecord.com/rhs-grad-sues-colgate-university-alleging-mistreatment-by-womens-lacrosse-coach/