Psychologist Urges Ombuds as Buffer for Student Athletes

In the face of growing recognition of the long-lasting damage caused by bad coaching behavior and language, psychologist Jeffrey Miller says student athletes should have access to an Ombuds. Miller, who works extensively with adolescents, says that teens suffer when coaches fail to model acceptable adult behavior. "Because of the inherent power differential and the fact that the adolescent already feels unsupported and unfairly dealt with, this is a formula for further distress and disempowerment," he said.

Miller suggests that an Ombuds would give teens a safe resource to work through issues. In addition, he says that Ombuds would also help teens see that "healthy adults have rational, realistic ways of dealing with the kind of conflicts that come up in human relationships." Miller's advice is consistent with the position of The Women's Sports Foundation, which recommends opportunities for neutral direction and assistance for athletes outside the athletic department. (Palo Alto Online; Women's Sports Foundation White Paper.)

Related posts: US Olympic Ombuds Helps Athletes in Conflict; Olympic Athlete Ombuds in the News; U Washington Faces Lawsuit Despite Mediation by Ombuds.

Update 5/21/10: Palo Alto Weekly editorial calls for "district-wide ... neutral ombudsman for athletic issues."