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Volunteer coaches and parents urge review of Show Low athletic oversight after removal of a coach
Summary
Two public speakers urged the board to review athletic department policies and leadership following what they described as inconsistent enforcement and a coach's removal; they requested a formal policy review, evaluation of the athletic director's conduct, and consistent application of student-athlete discipline.
Two members of the public raised complaints about the district's athletic oversight during the meeting's public-comment period, asking the board to investigate alleged inconsistent enforcement of rules, an abrupt volunteer-coach removal and leadership lapses.
Josh Tatum, introduced himself as a parent and volunteer coach, told the board he wanted the district to conduct "a complete review of the athletic department's policies and procedures." Tatum said he experienced no onboarding as a volunteer coach beyond fingerprint clearance, and he described an incident on Sept. 3 when the athletic director acting as an on-field official "unilaterally decided not to allow a point after a touchdown despite AIA ruling requires it." Tatum said that, when he questioned the decision, the athletic director responded dismissively and, in Tatum's words, confrontationally.
Tatum asked the board to: 1) review athletic policies and procedures for accuracy and compliance; 2) evaluate the athletic director's leadership and oversight; and 3) ensure due process and consistent application of the student-athlete code of conduct.
DJ Bridal (transcript: "DJ Bridal"), who identified himself as a firefighter and longtime coach in the community, echoed concerns about fairness and consistent enforcement. He told board members he received multiple, differing explanations for his removal from a coaching role and said other coaches who were not board approved continued coaching without sanction. Bridal said misconduct by students and parents had not been consistently addressed while volunteer coaches who enforced rules were disciplined.
Both speakers provided the board with documentation, including witness logs and emails, and asked the board to investigate. Board members acknowledged the comments and indicated they would follow up; the meeting then moved into an executive session.
