Lee Schools to establish athletics code of conduct
In the aftermath of two incidents involving student athletes and the adults who coach them, the School District of Lee County is going to put its foot down regarding their behavior on and off the field.
The district held a news conference Tuesday to unveil plans to establish an athletics and activities code of conduct to make sure unethical or unsavory incidents do not happen in the future.
Lee County Superintendent of Schools Denise Carlin said the code of conduct applies to all students and coaches.
“Playing athletics is a privilege and not a right, and that privilege comes with responsibility,” she said. “Whether in practice or in a game or sitting in class, wearing your school uniform means you are held to a higher standard.”
“Leading student athletes is a privilege and you are entrusted to be a role model regarding the character we expect from our student athletes,” Carlin added. “Coaches who abuse that trust will be removed.”
She referred to an incident at Mariner High School on July 27, when an unauthorized overnight lock-in event led to allegations of team hazing. No immediate charges were filed, but it led to the removal of head coach Tyran Jones and assistant coach Kaycie Zorbas, along with four volunteer coaches.
In August, North Fort Myers High School’s longtime athletic director Joseph Bowen was suspended pending termination. He was being investigated for an undisclosed reason. The search for his replacement is ongoing.
Justin Budmayr, director of arts, athletics, activities and administration for the school district, said the adults have to maintain the highest ethics for themselves and for the students.
“Active supervision is essential. We must have a clear supervision plan and adults who are present, attentive and accountable,” he said. “Families trust us and we must honor that trust.”
Budmayr also said adults must establish expectations from the beginning, explaining the standards for participation, and lead by example regarding treatment of officials, opponents and each other.
“Your conduct comes with consequences. We must teach and model these expectations and hold you accountable with fairness and care and support,” he said.
Carlin said the expectations are for students and coaches to follow the code of conduct.
“When that does not happen, we will be very swift in our actions as we did in a couple of recent situations where there have been recommendations for termination,” she said. “We want everyone to have a good time, but with that comes responsibility.”
Carlin said the reason for the athletic code of conduct is for an addendum to the student code of conduct.
“We want to be clear with our student athletes and coaches what is expected. When you’re a student athlete, responsibility comes with that,” she said.
The new code of conduct will have its first reading at the Lee County School Board’s meeting next week.
A second reading of the code will take place in November.
Each school will be briefed in the measure, and Carlin hopes it will be deployed in January in time for the spring sports season.
To reach CHUCK BALLARO, please email news@breezenewspapers.com