Parents of a Dolores middle school volleyball player say they should have been contacted by school officials before their child was kicked off the team for unsportsmanlike conduct.
During the school board meeting last week, parent Michael Frasier said the school violated its own student handbook by not meeting with them before making the decision to remove the player.
“(Our child) was removed without the proper protocols,” Frasier said. “As a common courtesy, you should reach out to the parents before taking extreme measures.”
The Fraisers cited procedures for athletics, outlined in the 2015 Student Handbook.
Under Additional Rules of Conduct, the handbook states that on the first violation: “The student and parent/guardian will be required to meet with the student’s counselor, grade level administrator, and the activities director.”
The penalty for the first offense is suspension of the student athlete for 50 percent of the remaining games, according to the handbook.
The student athlete’s mother, Rebecca Frasier, said neither parent was contacted by school officials to set up a meeting about the child’s behavior.
“(Our child) should have been suspended, not removed. It feels unfair,” Frasier said. “A 12-year-old can have bad days. There needs to be better communication from the coach and activities director with the parents before action is taken, not after.”
In his ruling, Activities Director Jimmy Langford supported the decision by coach Sandy Jones, and noted the young athlete can get a fresh start next year.
“This removal will not affect the next season or future seasons,” he wrote in his decision, which was provided by the Frasiers.
In emails also provided by the Frasiers, school officials stood by the coaches and activity director’s decisions, but acknowledged the need to improve communication between coaches and parents.
“We appreciate your concern and will be doing some research,” said school board president Linnea Vass.
jmimiaga@the-journal.com