Prep Voices : Today’s Topic: Profanity on the Playing Field

In a newspaper, profanity looks harmless, if not comical.

“%$&+*$*(**!!!”

In public, it’s another matter. In particular, few would argue that profanity has any place in high schools.

But on many high school athletic fields, you’ll hear a “$%--*!!” here and a “?!* 5/8%!!” there, without any repercussions.

In an era of political correctness, profanity’s foothold in high school sports has all but escaped scrutiny. Although profanity is rarely approved of, it is often ignored. Although most complaints are addressed quickly, the complaints themselves come sporadically.

Because of this latitude, there is no consensus on how profanity should be addressed. Policies can vary from school to school.

“These kids are 14, 15, 16 years of age,” CIF Commissioner Thomas Byrnes said, “and I think it’s inappropriate to use that type of language.”

Perhaps it is the no-harm-intended aspect of some profanity that makes it seem less offensive.

One area of debate is whether to distinguish between profanity that is directed at a turn of events, rather than at a person.

But isn’t profanity against the rules? Besides an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty or a technical foul, it’s hard to say. Policies vary on how profanity is addressed. Coaches and administrators have their own policies, and evidence indicates schools do a pretty good job of controlling it.

PRO: Mike Murphy, Coordinator, Newport-Mesa Unified School District

Verbal Abuse Doesn’t Help Self-Esteem

Q: Should a coach be disciplined for the use of profanity on the athletic field?

The subject of profanity in our society has become the focus of much discussion as parents and educators endeavor to help our students learn responsibility and respect for our fellow human beings. In the intense crucible of pressure that is the reality of high school athletics, coaches, athletes and supporters often push themselves into a fever pitch of excitement, which occasionally takes the form of profane, racial, and/or derogatory comments.

Our school board is on record, with their Positive School Climate Policy No. 2235, as not tolerating comments, gestures or actions which are vulgar, obscene, or which denigrate persons for any reason. Additionally, the newly created District Athletic Handbook restates this position in several places: “Coaches are expected to treat every athlete with respect. The use of profanity is always inappropriate. . . . “ In the athletic code, “I will use proper language and show respect. . . . “ In the Spectators Support Section: “Behaviors such as verbal abuse, violence, obscenity, throwing objects, possession of alcohol or illegal substances will not be tolerated. . . . “

We are all in agreement about the impact of that special relationship between a coach and a player. That is why we are so concerned about the issue of profanity. As one of our parents stated so well, “It is not that we can’t tolerate an occasional slip in a coach’s language, but when a coach directs a profane term directly at a player, that is where we draw the line.”

From our studies on self-esteem, we know that there is a vast difference in the effectiveness of criticism based upon how it is used. As Dr. Dennis Waitley expressed so well in his book, “The Ten Seeds of Greatness,” in order to help students reach their potential, we should “Praise the performer; critique the performance.” It is this model that we hope all of our coaches and teachers use.

In this school district, both students and coaches are subject to potential disciplinary action if they break school or district rules. Additionally, spectators will be dealt with at the event by the school supervision personnel.

We believe that controlling profanity and verbal abuse from all sources is essential in promoting self-respect, self-esteem, teamwork and leadership.