What do I do as the wrestling coach at my middle school? Need help!!!!?

Question

I coach wrestling here at my middle school. We have a 14 year old 8th grade girl Paige who is very pretty and was a cheerleader last year, decide to wrestle. Unfortunately she isnt very good. When we wrestle in practice, I think some boys may grope her butt and try to get some " free " feels. She hasnt complained but I noticed some things. Should I leave it alone or say something?

Answer 1

It is your responsibility as a teacher to report anything that you deem "innappropriate"... (You, as a coach, should know the difference) At 14 yrs old, she may enjoy the attention, but she is 14....she doesn't know any better..
I will say though, just make sure that the reason that you think you should say something is because you feel that she might be being violated and not just because you don't like the idea of a girl on the team...
I quote your words..."Unfortunately, she isn't very good." I am still trying to figure out what that has to do with the fact that she may be getting "groped"???
If it is really your concern for her that makes you question whether you should say anything...I would.

Answer 2

I would sit the boys down and talk with them about it! Tell him that you are aware that some of the boys might be touching Paige inappropriately. That even though she is a girl she needs to be treated like the rest of the wrestlers. Also If you see it continuing that you will report him to the appropriate authorities. That is considered sexual harassment and should not be ignored. You might also talk with Paige let her know if at anytime she feels uncomfortable while wrestling she needs to let you know. Don't ignore the situation, it will not look good on you if something should come of this.

Answer 3

Have her school counselor talk to her to see what she feels is going on.

As a wrestling coach, you should know that what appears to be groping might actually be purely innocent within the context of the sport.