We are writing to address an incident that occurred following the recent County basketball game on March 23, 2024.

 

During this event, a coach exhibited behavior that did not meet the high standards expected within our program. While there were no reports of physical contact or violence, his actions were excessive and fell short of the professionalism we strive for in our coaches. We understand this incident may have been captured and shared on social media. It is important to emphasize that the Bowie Boys & Girls Club takes all reports of concerning behavior seriously, regardless of the scale or platform.

 

At the Bowie Boys & Girls Club, our core values emphasize creating a positive and encouraging environment for all participants, where sportsmanship and respect are paramount. While the coach's actions did not involve profanity, they were nonetheless unnecessary post-game antics that did not reflect these values and could have negatively impacted the players, their families, and other spectators.

 

As a non-profit organization, the Bowie Boys & Girls Club relies heavily on dedicated volunteers. We take pride in identifying individuals who not only share our passion for youth development but also embody the values we hold dear. Unfortunately, in this instance the Coach's actions did not align with our expectations.

 

As a result, the coach has been removed from coaching indefinitely. To the extent he is willing, we are committed to providing him with guidance and resources to help him understand the impact of his behavior. We are working directly with him to explore ways to improve his coaching conduct moving forward. We must and will grow from these instances.

 

We understand that emotions can run high during competition. However, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive learning environment for both players and coaches. We will continue to provide our coaches with ongoing training and resources to ensure they have the tools they need to effectively lead and inspire young athletes.

 

In light of this incident, we have communicated with all Bowie Boys & Girls Club sports commissioners to reiterate our zero-tolerance policy for behavior that undermines our mission. This policy applies to coaches, parents, and any individual involved in our programs. We hold everyone accountable for upholding a positive and respectful environment. We are committed to taking swift action to address any situation that could have a detrimental impact on our club and the well-being of our participants. No individual is bigger than our larger mission of empowering youth through positive experiences.

 

We apologize for any concerns this incident may have caused. We are committed to providing a positive and enriching experience for all participants in our Bowie Boys & Girls Club programs.

 

Sincerely,

 

Bowie Boys & Girls Club