Subject: Concerns About Hosting Athletic Recruits
I wanted to share a situation that my roommate, who is part of the track and field team at a Division 1 university, is currently facing. The team planned to host some high school recruits, and my roommate volunteered to host two, under the impression that they would be provided with hotel accommodations covered by the athletic department. Her responsibility was simply to show them around and help them feel welcomed.
However, just yesterday morning, the coach informed the team that all local hotels were fully booked and that the recruits would need to stay with their hosts. Most of these athletes live in student housing with at least one roommate. It later came to light that the coach was aware all along that the recruits would be staying with them and had misled the team about the hotel situation, using a Sunday morning—when the university was closed—as a cover for this decision.
My roommate mentioned she signed a contract and completed a safety training course for working with minors. However, the rest of us in the apartment did not sign anything and were taken by surprise at the prospect of having two underage guests, whom we have never met, staying overnight in our home. One teammate even had to host a 17-year-old boy.
We’re wondering if there’s any valid grounds for lodging a complaint with the athletic department or another relevant office. It seems clear to me that this poses a safety concern for both the high school recruits and us.
To clarify, we’re not looking to get the recruits in trouble—they were not informed of the full details and had no alternative accommodations. Our main concern is with the coach and the appropriateness of this decision. Any advice would be appreciated!
It sounds like you and your roommate are in a really tricky situation, and it’s understandable to feel uncomfortable about having underage recruits staying in your apartment without your consent. Here are a few points you might consider when thinking about how to address this issue:
Review the Agreement: Your roommate signed a contract and completed a safety course, but it’s important to clarify what exactly that entails. It might be worth discussing with her the specific terms to see if there are any clauses about hosting minors or the conditions of hosting.
Safety and Consent: Your concerns about safety and consent are valid. You and your other roommates should have been consulted and agreed before anyone stayed in your shared living space. This could be a breach of trust and respect for your living situation.
Talk to the Athletic Department: If you feel comfortable doing so, you can speak to someone in the athletic department or student affairs about the situation. Present your concerns clearly: the lack of communication, the unintended consequences for both the athletes and the recruits, and any safety issues that arise from hosting minors without consent.
Consider Student Advocacy: Many universities have student advocacy or ombudsman offices that can provide guidance on how to handle this situation. They can also assist in escalating the issue if necessary.
Document Everything: Keep a record of all communications with your roommate, the coach, and any relevant parties. This documentation can be helpful if you choose to file a complaint or need to refer back to specifics later.
Prioritize the Recruits’ Well-Being: It’s important that the high school recruits feel safe, too. You mentioned not wanting to get them in trouble, so framing the discussion as one about safety and appropriateness can help keep it constructive.
Ultimately, it’s crucial to advocate for yourself and your living space, ensuring that your comfort and safety are respected. Good luck, and I hope the situation resolves in a fair way for everyone involved.