Welcome to the fall’s final installment of Coaches Confidential, a Cincinnati Enquirer series that allows high school football coaches to answer weekly questions anonymously.
This exercise aims to educate parents, athletes and fans, uplift and encourage athletes to be the best they can be, mentor young coaches, idea-share and, in some cases, just have fun. These answers represent the opinions of coaches who chose to participate. Other coaches who want to join the process can email Chase Souder at csouder@gannett.com.
This week’s question is: What do you consider bad etiquette for parents and athletes?
Read to the end for a bonus question: Which teams do you think will be the sleepers to reach the state Final Four in their division this year and why?
Cursing
”I don’t let my players use curse words. Nor do I tolerate it from parents. I even mentioned to the refs that if they hear one of my players use profanity that they come off to the sideline for a play. I know it happens and teams do it, but it’s just something that I will not stand for. I don’t like the TikTok dances, the taunting garbage either. Perhaps that’s an old-fashioned ideology, but I will not allow it.”
Living vicariously through your child
“Trying to live through their child. Let them breathe. Let them fail and figure it out. Don’t stand in their way by trying to script every part of their journey ‒ that’s not growth, and it’s not healthy.”
Talking to your kid during the game
“Trying to talk to coaches about their kids on a Friday night, and/or talking to their sons during the game.”
“Don’t ever yell at a ref or try and coach your kid from the stands. Most of the time you are wrong or have no clue what actually happened.”
Having a temper tantrum
“Parents yelling at players from other schools. Parents yelling/complaining about other players on the team their kid is playing. Parents coming out on the field. Players being disgruntled and throwing a tantrum on the sideline.”
“Don’t even think about angrily approaching a coach while he is still on the field. It will never end with a positive outcome for anyone involved, and it will embarrass your child.”
“Don’t approach me after a game.”
“Parents: Don’t confront a coach about playing time right after a game. Emotions run high and it’s never productive.”
Trying to skip a game/practice
“Parent: ‘What Friday/weekend in August would be good for me to take ______ away for his 16th birthday. I would also like to take 2 of his friends on the team as well if their parents permit them to go.’ That was 100% word-for-word a text message I received this year.”
Putting yourself above the team
“Athletes: Don’t put yourself above the team ‒ whether that’s skipping practice, showing bad body language, or making excuses. Your actions will speak louder than any words you say in the locker room.”
Bonus question: Who are the dark horses to reach the state Final Four?
“Clinton-Massie: Physical brand of football that travels well in the playoffs.”
“Fairfield and Oak Hills.”
“Taft. They have a lot of talent back that nobody realized they had.”
“Winton Woods has the horses and coach to make a deep run. Their combination of speed and toughness always makes them a tough out.”
“I think that Indian Hill is a sleeping giant that just needs that one signature win against Wyoming to claim it all! I also believe that Taft is going back and will finish the job. They have the talent and the determination!”
“Kings, (they’ve been) very consistent in recent years. Harrison and Withrow as well.”
