Who should we report this to?
I have a sister and a friend who attend college together. Recently, my sister, her friend, and several members of their athletic team have raised serious concerns about their coach’s behavior. They shared that the coach frequently takes small groups of senior athletes out for nights of bar hopping after practice. Additionally, when the team travels, one athlete has a room to herself, yet the coach often stays in that room late into the night or even stays overnight. It’s worth noting that the coach is female. Others who have been informed about this situation, including myself, are deeply worried. We would like to know the appropriate steps to report this to the school and who specifically we should reach out to.
It’s important to take concerns about inappropriate behavior, especially in a college athletic context, seriously. Here are steps you can take to report this situation to ensure it’s appropriately addressed:
Document Everything: Encourage your sister and her friends to write down their experiences, including dates, times, locations, and descriptions of incidents. This documentation can be very helpful when reporting.
Consult College Resources: Most colleges have resources for reporting misconduct, such as:
Athletic Department: There may be a specific person or office within the athletic department that handles complaints about coaches or staff.
Confidential Resources: Check if there are confidential resources available, such as a campus counselor or a hotline, where they can discuss their concerns without immediately triggering an official investigation.
File a Formal Complaint: Once they feel ready, they can file a formal complaint through the appropriate channels. This might involve submitting their documentation to the Title IX office or the athletic department. It’s essential that they follow the specific procedures outlined by the school.
Speak with a Trusted Faculty Member: If they feel comfortable, speaking with a trusted faculty member who may have some influence can help guide them through the process.
Follow Up: After reporting, it’s important to follow up to ensure that their concerns are being addressed.
It’s essential for them to prioritize their safety and well-being throughout this process, and to seek support from trusted friends or family.