Pro Bono

[tigerbait]

The Omak Chronicle had an article last week with a parent quoted asking the Okanogan High School's golf coach to coach for free. Isn't that strange?

[tigerbait]

No one thinks its strange that people are being asked to work for free? Would you work for free at your job? Didn't Okanogan High School cut the golf program? Whats going on? Could someone please give me some insight to this situation.

[Boxinone]

Okanogan has a golf team? and you think that justifys a paid position? hmmmm

[My Opinion]

I thought I would chime in and answer some questions and clarify a few things. First of all, yes Okanogan does have a golf team that is currently unfunded. They are the defending Caribou Trail and District 6 champions and sent 3 golfers to the state tournament last year. As to the Chronicle article stating that a parent had "asked" the coach to coach for free..... let's clarify that. The coach has offered to coach for free but because of a conflict with the extra curricular union he is unable to do that. The union will not allow a coach to coach for free even if it is in the best interest of the kids and the only way to continue an existing program. Someone questioned whether this was "strange" and another asked if you would do your "job" for free. First, let's clarify what this "job" is. It consists of going out and playing golf for 2 1/2 hours per day, four days a week. Approximately 4 times per season you are required to transport 4 or 5 contestants to another golf course so that you can play golf for free at another golf course. For this sacrifice of your time you are paid the same salary as every other head coach of a varsity program at Okanogan High School. Many may not know that the golf program was originally started by a parent that wanted his child to have the opportunity to play high school golf. That parent volunteered his time and coached for free for a couple of years until someone in the school district realized that they could get paid to do the job. Now a parent can't even volunteer his time and coach for free because the union will not allow it. ISN'T THAT STRANGE? Why is it that volunteerism can be stymied by greedy unions?

[3457noraa]

First of all I applaud you... for the first few sentences there were some truths to what you're saying. Sadly, the rest of your rant has a singular fault, it is absent of facts. I'm not going to go into what "you think" the job as head coach of the boys and girls golf team is at Okanogan because "you" simply don't know. Want to know? Apply. Otherwise don't pretend that because you post what "you think" the job entails makes it so. We didn't win 6 league titles, 7 district titles, 2 individual state championships and 1 team state championship by "just playing" and going to courses to play free golf.

I give all the credit to the kids over the years [and yes, there have been years with over 20 members on the team, not 4 or 5.... do some research before you pop off]. They put in the hours, they play the matches, they won the championships. They have played in college and are playing in college today thank you very much and are doing quite well. The most successful sports program in Okanogan since 1999 has been cut by the school board for financial reasons, the sport that is cheapest to operate. What can be done about that is still a good question.

One last thing... anyone that says [without posting their name] that they know what goes into someone else's job is raising their own red flag of ignorance for all to see. If you think it's just that easy, the job may soon be open, but for now I am the head coach and I will name myself. Want to know more, call me at the school... I work there too.
Aaron Nickelson

[tigerbait]

The only issue I see with volunteer head coaches is that if a district recognizes that the coaches' union will allow people to volunteer when programs are cut why wouldn't the district cry poverty all the time? In addition what kind of coaches will you attract when they have to volunteer? I bet you would see mothers and fathers who don't have the experience or knowledge that the job requires. Granted no one gets to worked up about most high school sports, but football and basketball? Hows that volunteer going to respond to the pressure of those jobs?

What about pay to play for all sports?

[Okdawg]

The golf program at Okanogan High School was started approximately in the winter of 1987. Our local PGA Golf Professional, Bill Sproule and I approached the Okanogan School Board about such a possibility. The Board was receptive, as I volunteered to coach the team for one year. Bob Spiering, Principal, and Jim Strom, Athletic Director, were the individuals I reported to. We raised funds to buy golf shirts for the team that first year, and wind breakers the second year. I school district bought 5 dozen balls (discounted by the local pro) so each player could start a match with a new ball. I drove the team to away matches in an old ragtag van supplied by the school district.

In the beginning it was a team sport only. All matches were 9-hole matches, except for District play. Your team had to win district to go to state. The first year Okanogan finished second. The second year we finished in first place. The Varsity Team (5 players) and one alternate went to Chewelah Golf Club to compete in the State Tournament. I was very proud of those kids.

Remember, I volunteered for one year, but ended up volunteering for two years. After the second year, Bob Spiering told me if the levy passed I would be a paid coach. However, when the levy passed the Golf Coaching job was posted internally and a teacher got the paid position. A teacher who knew very little about golf. At that point, I felt the school district had taken the Public out of Public School District. The program suffered until a real golfer became the Golf Coach. The most successful sport at the school remains football because it produces enough revenue to support all the other programs.

The key to the success of golf at Okanogan was and remains the student-atheletes that have participated in a lifelong sport. Cutting the program is shameful and appalling.

Bill Neely, former volunteer Golf Coach

[outsider]

In response to "what kind of coaches would be attracted".........The kind of coach that is coaching for the RIGHT reasons such as the people who implemented golf at Okanogan in the first place and the current coaching staff. Coaches who coach for the love of their sport and in the BEST interest of kids. We all have coaches in our school districts who are coaching for the $$$$ only or the "notoriety" that they think comes with the job. Not for their expertise or in the best interest of the sport or kids. I applaud the coaches that do volunteer their salaries to be forfeited for the continuing support of their kids. Is is right to cut the cheapest sport and one of the most competitive? NO!! Find another way.

[mamabulldog123]

So, I read this thread when it first came out, thought about responding, but then decided not to bother. Then, I read it again tonight, and...here I go!

I am a teacher, coach and parent. Without my coaching responsibilities, I put in at least 60 hours a week for my job (that includes my teaching time, prep time, grading time, working with students after school, phone calls with parents, attending meetings, etc.). Of course, I do have my summer and other vacations (which are often spent taking college classes so I can keep my teaching certificate), which in the end averages out to be like the normal 40-hour week job with a month's earned vacation a year.

Now, if you add on just my coaching time, that's in season another 20 hours a week, but I also work throughout the summer with my athletes getting ready for camp and fundraising. I once figured out the hourly wage I make coaching, and it is just under $2 for the time I put in for my sport in one year and the stipend I receive.

I take HUGE OFFENSE to anyone who questions my devotion and dedication to kids. I OBVIOUSLY don't do it for the money when I could quite easily work a second job at a local coffee shop for far less hours and far more money, and FAR LESS RESPONSIBILITY! I coach because I love the kids and the sport!

In the end, I take my coach stipend, and I choose to get paid one lump sum at the end of the season. Do you know what I do with it? I do something special for family WHO HAVE ALL SACRIFICED so I could coach. How dare anyone say that I have not earned that money or that my family does not deserve that compensation! I would like to see ANY of you out there who would "volunteer" 20 hours a week at a minimum at your job.

If you know me, you know what I am involved in, which isn't just teaching and coaching. I am all about the kids. I volunteer in my community, as well. I personally believe that as a community we need to support our programs that we want in our schools. Our taxpayers pay the least amount of school tax in the county!

Just be careful for what you wish...

[Okdawg]

I take "HUGH OFFENSE". I don't think you teach English. No one should question your devotion to your profession, family, or the kids you coach. I certainly don't. However, the whine isn't necessary. Maybe you continue your education during the summer because you don't have tenure or a Masters Degree. I have coached 20+ hours a week, and at the same time worked 40+ hours a week with no stipend. You teach 180 days a year, I work more than 300 days a year.

Don't insult me with "Our taxpayers pay the least amount of school tax in the county". The people in our community and state who pay taxes are paying your salary and benefits, including you coaching stipend. It is what it is.

[playercoachfan]

Most teachers/coaches put in 12+ hours a day doing what they do. Many of whom have to deal with people who really don't care about what they are being taught, what they should be doing, and how they should behave...and that is just the parents. Ever hear that phrase, "what we do in moderation, our kids will do in excess?" I love working with kids but, you can always tell the kids whose parents critique the teachers, coaches, volunteers, and administration around the dinner table. Those are the kids that roll their eyes when they are told to do something, argue, and are disrespectful to the school staff.

Good for you, working 300 days or more a year. Most teachers get days off but they use them to do extra with fund raising, tutoring, coaching, and other school or kid related things. Not to mention the fact that many teachers work other jobs, outside of education, during the summer to make ends meet. All this while they continue their higher education. Your right, we do work a 180+ day contract. That is what we get paid and recognized for. Did you know that most teachers with less than 10 years experience qualify for food stamps and state medical? Probably not. You never took the time to ask. You just assumed.

Please, don't humiliate yourself talking about why teachers continue to go to school during the summer... you obviously have no clue why teachers continue to do this. It has nothing to do with tenure. On going education is a part of being a teacher. 90% of teachers pay for this expensive ongoing education out of their own pockets. Not to mention, jumping through all of the hoops that the state requires of them...including the exorbitant (check the spelling of this one, it means the same as huge) cost of those hoops.

You obviously did not listen to your English Teacher in HS. I think you should reread the post before yours and check the authors spelling. Maybe you should walk a week or two in a teachers shoes before you start mouthing off.

Better to keep you mouth shut and remain a fool then open your mouth and be seen as one.

[Okdawg]

We have moved to a different subject regarding the original thread.......Okanogan Golf.

However, I don't mind debating any subject. I don't question you or mama's devotion to your profession or your commitment to student-athletes. What I mind is the whine.

I have two brothers and one nephew who teach in the public school system. They are coaches, too. One son is studying to get his Master's Degree, while working full time and volunteer coaching in junior league football program for 8 - 12 year old youth. NONE of them qualify for food stamps, or state medical.

Tax payers of this state pay your salaries. When you do fundraising in your community, those same tax payers contribute the funds.

Golf is a lifetime sport. If I have to choose between a cheerleader coach's stipend and a golf program, I choose the golf program.

[mamabulldog123]

To the authority on my education and career:
I do have a Master's Degree (of which I earned during my 3rd year of teaching), thank you. If you knew anything about the requirements of a teacher in WA state, you would clearly understand that I could have my doctorate, and I would still be required to earn credits to MAINTAIN and keep my teaching license. Not sure why you have a problem with "HUGE"?? I am an English teacher, and I could quite easily take the red pen (though I prefer purple) to your post Apparently, you find rudeness acceptable, as well.

I am not whining at all. I chose to be a teacher; I love my profession. I feel honored, and I appreciate the opportunity I have. You did not read about me complaining about my salary. What you read is why I feel that we should not be coaching for free, nor why you should be doing your job for free. I am a public servant, yes, indeed. And, how accurate you are in that the taxpayers pay for my job. All I am saying is that if the same taxpayers want inter-scholastic high school sports programs, they should pay for it. If you would prefer local club sports, then I nominate you to create that new opportunity here. Regarding the lowest tax rate around, you can find out that info through the assessor's office. Our rate is the lowest of all the schools in our area, and not by a slight margin, mind you.

I do have 10 girls, who are athletes in the cheer program, thank you. Those same girls are REQUIRED to pay over $500 each in order to participate, for which we do fundraise, as we are not funded through the district. We participate in community service events (Domestic Violence Awareness March and the Autumn Leaf Run). We also ran a mini-cheer camp for the youth in our community with 55 children AND their parents (paid attendees) coming to a home football game. Trust me this list goes on and on. In addition, they have to have a physical, purchase an ASB card, sign the conduct code, and pass all of their classes. They happen to cheer for an entire game with a short break during half-time, after they have performed for the crowd. If you have question as to their strength and skill, come on out...you wouldn't last for one practice. These young ladies practice every day, as well they practice during summer vacation. And, for the record...I make a JV coach stipend (which hardly would pay for another sport program) for doing what I do, and you did not read about me complaining about my pay, but that I don't feel that it is in the best interest of our students, teachers (and their families), and community to do it for free. Afterall, there is definitely truth to getting what you pay for in the long run. There is definitely a time and place for volunteers.

I don't think it's about choosing one program over another. And, actually the thread's intention was to discuss coaching pro bono, if you were to return to the original post. So, I chose to discuss the matter as related to why coaches (especially head coaches) should not be coaching for free.

It seems silly that I even took the time to respond; some people will never understand. Ahhhh...guess that's the teacher in me

P.S. There may be some errors in here, and considering I have spent enough time on this post, and I am tired from a long day of not doing enough to deserve what I am paid. I shall beg mercy upon those critical eyes who may perhaps find a typo.

[Deacon]

WOW! This has certainly generated some interesting "discussions!" Some questions - why shouldn't a varsity coach be allowed to coach for free, or, let's say a dollar, if that's THEIR choice, during a financial hardtime? By my, probably inaccurate count, with all sports funded, the boys have one more than the girls, so why not cut the last sports added (soccer - both genders), thereby keeping the sport count intact? Although, I believe that girls are technically allowed to wrestle so perhaps the sports count is equal? It does seem a shame to cut a sport that has not only been successful and is relatively inexpensive; and finally what's the deal with paying all head coaches the same regardless of the sport...is that still the case? That makes no sense. Why should a baskeball coach be paid the same as a golf or scoccer coach...
No judgments being made...just asking some questions...

[Okdawg]

When I first responded to your post, I knew you were an English teacher, Cheerleader Coach, as well as Drama Coach. Maybe I was pulling your leg a bit.

I never questioned your devotion to family, teaching, or coaching. I don't care how much you make, or don't make. My response regarding food stamps and state medical was directed at playercoachfan, not you.

I will admit this thread has gone beyond my intentions. However, I just don't care.