By Marc and Khouri Long, North Bay.
Each year Coaches are required to re-apply for their volunteer coaching positions. For next season, our coach, Steve Smith, was the only applicant for the Atom Major AA position, that he held this season, and the West Ferris Minor Hockey Association (WHMHA) Board denied our Coach the job.
The parents have requested a meeting with the Board regarding their decision. In response to our request, a member of the Board replied ‘We cannot and will not discuss the decision.”
We, as the parents of this group of 10-year-old athletes, are in complete disbelief and shock. Letters of support for our Coach have been pouring into the Association since this decision was made last week. One parent wrote “Every game, every practice, every tournament, I am so grateful and thankful to this man for the time and effort he volunteers. Not to mention how the entire team, parents and players, have the utmost respect for him.”
The players themselves also do not understand why their Coach Smith will not be with them next year.
One player stated “He works us hard, but makes us laugh. I am a better athlete and a better person because of my Coach.” Another player stated, “If they (WFMHA) say that my Coach is not a good coach, they are lying.”
A “Head Coach”, defined by the West Ferris Minor Hockey Association, must instill good behaviour in all players. He must teach and encourage personal integrity, respect for others, fair play and good sportsmanship. He must develop youth into good citizens of our community. He must stress respect for team and game officials.
Our team was fortunate enough to have a coach who demonstrated all of these qualities, and more. As parents, we were often complimented by opposing parents and coaches, for our sons’ actions and behaviours on the ice.
At the end of every season, the parents are asked by the WFMHA to fill out a Coach Survey.
Our Coach's feedback for the 2018-2019 season clearly states that parents were 'very satisfied', the highest ranking that can be given.
The final two questions of the survey resonate.
Is your Child planning on coming back next year? Our Coach received a 100% affirmative reply.
Would you want this individual to coach your child again? The parent's response was 100% yes.
This begs our final question as parents. If the decisions made by the WFMHA must pay deference to the philosophy of 'what's best for the child' why would they decide that this individual cannot spend another year coaching, encouraging, developing our kids into strong North Bay ambassadors?
We are hopeful that the Board will reconsider their decision and reinstate Coach Smith.
Marc and Khouri Long
Editor's note: CKAT contacted the West Ferris Minor Hockey Association for a response and received a "No comment."
