Coaches – When Mentors Become Bullies

Cody Giroux and his teammates joked and laughed as they laced up their skates in the dressing room when one of the boys’ fathers stormed in.

He was upset over the fact that his son had been hit during a team practice. 

The father, Steven Olsen, stomped directly over to Eric Giroux, the coach, and declared:”I have a problem here. It seems there’s a kid here who likes to use his stick. My kid’s shins are all bruised up.’”

Cody began to smile uneasily. Olsen turned to him and said, “You think that’s funny, your turn will come,” with much anger in his voice.

That was two years ago.

Lingering tensions and fear from that day were rekindled this past fall when Olsen was named coach of the team where Cody was to play. Cody and his family were concerned about the man’s aggressive behaviour but hockey’s governing body would not allow Cody to play elsewhere.

The Giroux family faced only one alternative. Move somewhere else so Cody could continue to play the game he loves - a travesty for a family deep rooted in their community for the past 15 years.

The Giroux story is not an isolated incident.

Join us when Elaine Cook, an expert on bullying in sport, will provide answers to many questions on dealing with this escalating problem. We will also be joined by a family who know only too well the effects of bullying on the part of the coaches. Be a part of the conversation LIVE for the Wednesday April 10 @ 7PM EST at BEYONDtheCheers on blogtalkradio. Dial-in TOLL FREE 1-877-357-2448 in Canada and United States to ask a question, or email in advance.