New Disciplinary Measures for School Sports Coaches
Starting this year, school sports team coaches who commit acts of violence or sexual violence against student athletes, or who manipulate or conceal such incidents, will be immediately dismissed. This change marks a significant shift in the disciplinary approach toward coaches, as previous regulations did not specifically address the concealment or manipulation of such cases, making it difficult to enforce appropriate consequences.
The government has introduced a “one-strike-out” system, which allows for immediate dismissal when coaches are found guilty of concealing or manipulating incidents of violence or sexual misconduct. In addition, the minimum disciplinary measure for coaches who commit violence—without any concealment or manipulation—has been increased from a reprimand to a salary reduction.
Implementation of New Standards
The Ministry of Education established these new “Disciplinary Action Standards for School Sports Team Coaches” and recommended their implementation in elementary, middle, and high schools starting last month. These standards apply to individuals hired through contracts with school principals, typically former athletes rather than teachers. These coaches usually provide additional training to sports team students after regular school hours.
If a coach commits violence or sexual violence against student athletes, school operating committees have historically determined disciplinary actions based on these standards. The updated guidelines ensure that such serious offenses are met with more severe consequences.
Background of the Policy Change
The government strengthened these disciplinary regulations following a disturbing incident at a middle school in Sangju, North Gyeongsang Province, in June of last year. A wrestling team coach struck a middle school student’s head with a shovel, causing injury, and then manipulated the incident to appear as a sports-related injury. The incident was concealed for nearly two months until the victim attempted an extreme action and was discovered by their father. The school then reported the coach to the police on child abuse charges.
This case highlighted the need for stricter policies to prevent and punish misconduct by coaches, leading to the current reforms.
Enhanced Penalties for Different Types of Violence
Coaches who inflict verbal or emotional violence on student athletes now face a minimum disciplinary action of salary reduction, while those who commit physical violence receive suspensions or harsher penalties. Coaches who tolerate or condone violence among student athletes also face a minimum salary reduction. Previously, verbal and physical violence, as well as tolerance or condoning of violence, started with reprimands, but the lower-level reprimand has been eliminated. Disciplinary actions for coaches follow this order: reprimand, salary reduction, suspension, and dismissal.
Stricter Consequences for Sexual Harassment
Coaches who sexually harass athletes now face stronger penalties. Previously, low-level sexual harassment resulted in suspensions, but starting this year, such cases can lead to dismissal. If coaches tolerate or condone sexual violence among students, they previously faced reprimands or salary reductions, but now face suspensions or dismissal.
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