PETITION TO CHANGE SULLIVAN CENTRAL ATHLETIC PROGRAM

PETITION TO CHANGE SULLIVAN CENTRAL ATHLETIC PROGRAM

SUBJECT: Formal Request for Immediate Change in the offices of Sullivan Central High School Athletic Director and Sullivan Central High School Football Coaching Staff

PETITION: We the undersigned are petitioning the Sullivan County Board of Education and the Sullivan County Commission to make changes to the offices of Sullivan Central Athletic Director and Sullivan Central Football program.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:
Institutional athletics in the United States of America (USA) which include the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) and the National Federation of High School Coaches Association (NFHS) compels our athletics program administrators and coaches to conform to a certain standard of Leadership, Character, Positive Role Modeling, and Professionalism.

We, the citizens of Sullivan County and the surrounding area, petition the Sullivan County School Board and Sullivan County Commission to immediately install changes in the Department of the Athletic Director and the Department of Football Coaching Staff at Sullivan Central High School that will ensure compliance in both departments to the standards as defined by the TSSAA and the NFHS as these standards relate to competency, efficiency, professional conduct, and general duty because we feel that these standards are being Jeopardized at Sullivan Central High School.

Facts supporting the need for change and the signs of trouble:
Sullivan County families are redirecting and relocating their households in order to attend other schools with more successful athletic programs such as Tennessee High School, Dobyns Bennett, and Sullivan South.
There is increasing and significant grumbling and concern from citizens and parents of the Sullivan Central community and signs of community disinterest are evident as there is less participation and there are fewer spectators which in turn affects the operational costs of our athletic programs.
The coaches are uncomfortable communicating among each other, and with the players, and with parents, and have stopped attending or rarely attend community provided meals such as Thursday Pre-Game meals and Friday morning breakfast.
Coaches and Athletic Director show little or no interest in the support of Sullivan Countys goal of a Family Friendly environment.
Parents of Athletes are making comments such as They ruined my kid, Theyre doing great harm to our kids, Theyre having a bad impact on our kids that will affect them for the rest of their lives.
The Coaches and/or Athletic Director are complaining and frequently disagreeing, or not talking at all among each other.
There are conflicts among the members of the football team and the coaches.
Coaches are berating the athletes regarding parents interests in coaching philosophies and use of inappropriate language.
There is confusion about assignments, messages are being missed, athletes are confused, and relationships are unclear.
Our football team is not playing as well as it is capable of playing despite having one of the largest number of senior student-athletes competing in a Varsity Sport for East Tennessee High Schools in the Division 4A ranks.
Our Student-Athletes are complaining and showing signs of disinterest in the Athletic Program.