Athletics’ virtue has been obliterated by one scandal after another played out publicly in various media. If one thing can come from all of the recent media coverage of alleged coach “abuse” of student-athletes, it should be that we all need to pay more attention to what it happening within athletics programs… even if there is nothing bad going on.
Without fail, any campus or athletics administrator will say that the experience student-athletes receive is the most important aspect of sponsoring an athletics program. Most can articulate the positive virtues of competition and the benefits students realize from participation. Many also are quick to share anecdotes of highly successful student-athletes who attribute their success to athletics.
Yet why are investigations turning up such negative behaviors and allegations of coaches (who are charged with developing young men and women) conducting themselves in ways that directly contradict what people preach as the virtue of athletics?
Hear No Evil 
Part of the issue is that no one wants to find out if there are any problems. Remaining ignorant (and oblivious) somehow feels more comfortable. However, ignorance is not an excuse. Attempting to avoid any potential problems inevitably leads to even greater public embarrassment and condemnation.
Old School is Too Old
Some argue that today’s student-athlete is too soft. Their parents have protected them, given them everything and kids have never had to work hard for anything in their lives. This may be true, but the reality is that the old school, yeller-screamer, in-your-face coach is rarely successful today. Student-athletes want respect, too. Their parents certainly do. And with the power of social and traditional media, a small incident quickly becomes national news and people start losing jobs.
The Case for Student-Athlete Engagement
Like it or not, the world has changed and media scrutiny is more ravenous and ruthless than ever. Situations like Rutgers’ or Wisconsin, Green Bay’s men’s basketball program demonstrate the delicate balance between engaging student-athletes or (over) empowering them. A student-athlete who feels cared about and valued is far less likely to tweet about a coach’s tirade or berating of a teammate.
Many feel asking student-athletes about their experience opens a pandora’s box. Thus, the “hear no evil” approach. But establishing a regular practice of engaging student-athletes provides stable and credible communication. Educating student-athletes (and coaches, by the way) about what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior will build trust and relationships. A student-athlete who feels cared about and valued is far less likely to tweet about a coach’s tirade or berating of a teammate.
Implement Your Action Plan: Three Benefits
By regularly (e.g. at least annually) conducting an assessment of your student-athlete experience, the athletics department will:
- Demonstrate a commitment to students.
- Show student-athletes their opinions are valued.
- Build a culture of communication and strong relationship with student-athletes.
- Demonstrate evidence of actively inquiring about potential issues.
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