This article, compiled by Rob Miller of Proactive Coaching, guides coaches through handling a team crisis — such as players caught drinking, drug use, academic ineligibility, cheating, or social media incidents. It lays out three goals (keep the coach out of trouble, protect the team, do the best you can for the individual) and covers what to expect, do's and don'ts for handling the coach's response, the team, and the athletes involved, plus proactive prevention practices and the best team deterrents: relationships, trust, and team leadership.
Introduction
"Hey Coach, 3 of your players were caught drinking this weekend." Sooner or later coaches will be faced with a team crisis. When it hits, you need to understand how to do the right things, protect your team, protect yourself and your staff, and do what is best for the individuals involved. Be prepared, be proactive and lead.