It's refreshing to read a nice comment re local school sport teams!

Thanks!

My two grandchildren attend FCHS. My son and grandson were at McIntosh for the basketball game last night.

Are you Starrs Mill..Whitewater...Sandy Creek?

Good luck to your team.

You're not a Chief...so you must be a Panther! Right?

If you're a Panther good luck to your football team!!

I was at the FCHS and MHS game on Tuesday and I noticed that one of the assistant coaches for MHS boys is also the head coach for the Fayette Middle girl's softball. What's up with that? I know the softball program at Fayette Middle is in the tank, and now I know why. There is no loyalty. And the worse part is that it has carried all the way to the high school level (at least in softball, but some of the other athletics at FCHS are very suspect also).

Bud

You hit the nail on the head, Bud Man, regarding Fayette Middle's sports programs continuing on at FCHS. My understanding of the football program in Fayette County's middle and high schools is the feeder middle school players are supposed to be coached using the same terminology and plays that are used in the high school football program. In this case, the players have a constant that runs from 7th thru 12th grade, and that would only serve to strengthen both programs. FCHS could really benefit from this plan.

From what I was told, the Fayette Middle program does not adhere to this, so the program at FCHS basically starts 'anew' with the freshmen players each year. The football coach at FMS has children that attend another high school in the county. I guess that may explain why there is no cooperation with this. But if the coach doesn't/won't facilitate the coordination of the football programs, maybe someone who will do it, should do it.

There have been some very good comments re this. Also some good solution suggestions.

How about The Citizen doing a story...getting some answers as to why this is happening in the middle schools. Put it before the public. You have good reporters that can do this.

I didn't know some of the things about the football program at FM, until I read daisyheadmaisy comments.

How about it, Citizen?

And the same thing has been going on for years at Booth-McIntosh. This all explains since the the first graduating class of 1984, they have always had a lossing season. Seems they would look at some winning schools and ask themselves whats the problem. It's very clear. They should learn something from the Flat Rock-Sandy Creek program. Seems they are doing it the right way!

That's not entirely accurate All Smiles. McIntosh has plenty of athletic banners hanging in the beautiful new gym they have. I know the football program hasn't been much of anything the past few years, but back in the mid-late '80's the Chiefs could compete with anybody. As far as football players go, my belief is that they are being "recruited" by a couple of the other high schools in the county, with one being more prominent than the other (I think we all know which school I'm talking about). My biggest gripe is athletics and loyalty in general. I just don't see it at FMS and FCHS.

Everyone has their own opinions and being able to voice them is what makes this the greatest country on earth. But trust me, until you've experienced this first hand and have seen it with your own eyes, the big picture will remain cloudy in your eyes.

Bud

Very interesting. I believe you. FMS is the problem.

I've talked with several parents about the athletics at FMS & FCHS. I'm not the only one that feels this way. I've been told by a few parents (and even some students) that some boys don't even bother playing football for FMS, they would rather play for the Fayette County Blue Devils rec. team. To me, that says a lot. Don't get me wrong either about FCHS in general. It seems to be a fine school. I don't recall hearing bad things come from there like a lot of people might believe. Sounds to me like most of the problems are in Whitewater. I don't really want to comment on Whitewater because I only know what I read in the papers. I have not seen it in person.

Bud

You're right again!!

You are exactly right! I know someone who asked some of the coaches this same question. Some agreed, but of course the excuse was "girls stopped trying out for softball." Wonder why..
Fayette Middle softball program is a joke with this "coach" that is also "coaching" at McIntosh.

What has happened to loyalty to your school? This is unbelieveable!

Bud man and other parents, please send your comments to FCHS and Fayette Middle. If more parents speak up, maybe things will change.

The answer to your question is- College educated people, like teachers, are tired of working for what amounts to less than $1 per hour on nights and weekends to coach.

The criticism and complaints, along with the poor sportsmanship are just not worth it anymore. The average supplement is about $1,000 for the many weeks of scheduling, arranging transportation, try outs, practices, games, tournaments, booster club meetings, dealing with 'issues', etc.

The head coach is required to be a Certified Teacher and not a 'lay' coach so you pretty much have to take anyone with a college degree and a teaching certificate you can get to fill the position in many cases. Remember, these people also teach and in many cases go home to grade papers, etc. - and they have families of their own - although many coaches end up divorced.

There is a teacher shortage - a real one - and now there is a coaching shortage. Too much bullshoot and not enough money for the two jobs. Remember, you are talking about all college graduates - you can only step on them just so much before they take the degree on the road.

The alternative is to end the program and there is a strong desire on behalf on many to do just that - particularly in Middle School - especially in Fayette County.

Believe it!!

You make very good points. I’m sure many coached out there would love to volunteer and coach at a school, I would love the opportunity. You make great points about the requirements and pay, it is awful. Many of these coaches spend their own money on these kids without thinking about it twice.

My main point is the coach's LOYALTY to his or her school!

My son graduated from McIntosh. The rival then was only FCHS! Back then it was loyalty to your school, good sportsmanship and a good handshake after the game. Win or lose.

How can a coach be loyal and coach at two local schools?

One of my sons coaches Rec ball for free because he enjoys it, works full time, and has other things on his plate also.

I agree with some of your other comments.

Go Tigers, Chiefs, Panthers!

I like you and I did not mean to ruffle any feathers. I promise you that everything I told you is true. We can say they should do it for free, we can say they should be at one school only, we can pretend there is not a problem - but that's not the case. Trust me on this one.

Go Tigers, Chiefs and Panthers - and Patriots!

Please read Bud's latest and daisyheadmaisy comments. They put it much better than I. You had good points too! All three of you most likely have more info re this than I do.

Guess I need to face the fact that the world is changing and not for the better.

I still believe in loyalty to your school team if you are the coach. I will never be convinced that you can split that loyalty between two rival schools. FMS is the feeder school for FCHS!
I do not expect the school coaches to coach for free! I know school coaches, I have teachers in my family. I was employed by a school system for years.
I could go on and on, but do you understand my point? Hope so!
Best to you and yours!
Good luck to the Tigers, Chiefs, Panthers,Patriots, Wildcats. All the Fayette students who play sports! I can't say that to some of the adults though.

Go Tigers, Chiefs and Panthers - and Patriots! ... and Wildcats.

Ditto!

Good luck Starr's Mill Panthers football!

Bud

Good luck Panthers, I hope you guys are in the Dome next week!
Sincerely, from a WHS parent!

Mr. or Ms. Riddler,

Let me say this. I've been coaching rec sports (baseball, softball, and basketball) for 10 years. I do it for the love of it. I am strictly a volunteer, I've never taken one red cent from anyone for coaching. I probably make less than most teachers so I could definitely use the extra income. The point I'm trying to make is, athletics in Fayette Middle and Fayette County High have taken a backseat to the other two schools that the BOE is so proud of (Whitewater & Starr's Mill). I could care less what the coach from Fayette Middle does with his spare time. I would just like to see more loyalty. I grew up in the Fayette County school system. Back then, there were only two high schools in the county: Fayette and McIntosh. There was nothing but loyalty then.

BELIEVE THAT!

Bud

You may want to see my reply to Tug13. I am not trying to be a smart alec- no offense but we are not talking about rec league and that limits the numbers of people that can coach. You, for example, cannot be a head coach in a public school. Limited supply - as for the income - the gas you would use and the times you bring players home and buy drinks will more than absorb the small supplement. I am not trying to be difficult - I am telling you what the problem is.

I understand all that. I really do. I have friends that have coached at the high school level and it is very, very time consuming. And the little bit of money they get for doing it isn't nearly enough. But, I still believe that a REAL coach, whether it’s rec., middle school, or high school, does it for the love of the game. Most importantly, however, for the children involved. What's best for the kids should be first and foremost. I love coaching, even if it's just rec. ball. Nothing makes me feel better than seeing a kid catch a fly ball during a game and watching the smile stretch across her face. Or someone that has never played organized basketball before make two free throws in the final minutes of a game to help his team win. That's what it's all about!

But, at the high school level things change. FMS feeds into FCHS. They should be expected to help each other out. The softball coach at FMS should spend more time trying to help develop the program, and less time with an opposing school developing theirs. I don't know if anyone noticed but there was not a single softball player from FCHS on the AJC All Area Team. Not even an honorable mention. Trust me, there are girls at that school (some on the team, some are not for a reason) that could have easily made that team. The talent is there, but is not being developed. FCHS had no JV program this year. That's pathetic. How do they expect to develop talent? Those ARE the kinds of coaches that only do it for the notoriety and money.

Bud

You have done a great job of talking about the problem - None of you have proposed a solution.

Bud said "But, I still believe that a REAL coach, whether it’s rec., middle school, or high school, does it for the love of the game." We all beleive that - but they are all coaching already - there is a shortage - plain and simple. You also say: "But, at the high school level things change. FMS feeds into FCHS. They should be expected to help each other out. The softball coach at FMS should spend more time
trying to help develop the program, and less time with an opposing school developing theirs."

Let me tell you a little secret - Most "Real coaches" that "love the game" are all trying to get High School jobs so that they can coach at the highest level possible and teach the players they coach.

If that means picking up a sport at another high school to get a foot in the door until they can get hired there as a teacher (they do have to pay bills) they will.

You can talk 'pie in the sky' all you want - here again is the problem:

Too many hours,
too little pay,
too few qualified TEACHERS/Coaches (again- you MUST have a valid teaching certificate in Georgia to be a head coach - not just anyone, like you, who "loves the game" can do it),
too many parent problems (especially here),
too high risk,
too many liabilities,
too much time away from their own families.

Here is the solution:

Lose the requirement for the head coach to be a Certified Teacher,

Make parents sign a civility policy,

Pay Middle school coaches the same as high school coaches or end middle school programs and make it rec league.,

Have COUNTY FUNDING of athletics (NO, they don't)

Have the County maintain athletic facilities (The coaches do now)

Give incentives for coaches that 1) coach more than one sport and 2) for length of time in coaching

Give comp time for coaches or retirement incentives

Increase pay.

Now, you may not agree and that's fine - but there it is - solution and all.

myword_mark wrote:

“Here is the solution:
Lose the requirement for the head coach to be a Certified Teacher,
Make parents sign a civility policy,
Pay Middle school coaches the same as high school coaches or end middle school programs and make it rec league.,
Have COUNTY FUNDING of athletics (NO, they don't)
Have the County maintain athletic facilities (The coaches do now)
Give incentives for coaches that 1) coach more than one sport and 2) for length of time in coaching
Give comp time for coaches or retirement incentives
Increase pay.”

This is good stuff, I agree with you 100%. I don’t quite understand the lack of athletic funding; is it because the BOE around the sate know that the parents and boosters will do whatever it takes to ensure that the specific sport has what they need?
I believe the idea of turning middle schools sports into a rec league is novel, let the county sanction the teams. Middle school programs do not have much support financially; I experienced this with both of my kids.

You know, I agree with just about everything you say.

I already know about the coach's pay,how they maintain the facilities,no funding from the county etc. etc. Your comment re the parents signing a civility policy...that's one of your best ones!

I wish I had the authority to put your "solution" in place.
I'm just a grandparent who wants the best for her grandchildren.

Sounds to me like Bud Man, and the daisy person, would like that solution too! It's apparent that some of us have had first hand experience with FMS sports.

I stand by my comment... loyalty to your school.

Good luck to you and your school!

I agree with just about everything you've said. That's what these forums are for, right? Putting heads together and coming up with suggestions for making things better.

I DO know that the county has no funding for athletics and that the coaches and parent volunteers maintain the facilities. I've done my share of that also. I would hate to see the programs end in the middle schools, however. I believe it should be taken a little more seriously by some of the coaches involved. Let me give one example of that: Last year, at FMS the head softball coach had practices scheduled every day after school. At one of these practices, which happened to be on the same day as a home football game, he was a no show. Practice was left with his "assistant" who knows absolutely nothing about softball. I give her credit for being there, don't get me wrong. At lease she stepped up to the plate (no pun intended!). I found out that during this scheduled practice, he (the coach) was at the football game running the scoreboard! Now, to me that's not taking your job seriously.

Bud

Sounds like you are well informed, and have had some experience with FMS also!!
Best of luck

Bud, Well said! You are right again! I agree with your comments re the kids. That is how a coach should be! Love the game, teach sportsmanship, be proud of your team and let them know. I bet you get respect from your team! Have fun.

I'll bet that Enigma will agree with you too, plus a lot of others.

The best to you...

Loyalty is the word FMS school coaches!