Bill Could Protect Coaching Jobs From Parental Complaints

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) – The state hockey tournament means a little father-son bonding time between Conor and Ryan Lund. As a parent and a coach, he's already seen how heated things can get on and off the ice.

"You see more and more how parents can get a little too vocal at times, and maybe a little too passionate," Lund said.

With more time and money on the line, Lund says it's no wonder families feel so invested.

State Representative Dave Urdahl (District 18B) spent nearly 30 years coaching cross-country. The Republican wants to add one line to current law to say school boards can't use complaints from parents as the sole reason for letting a coach go.

"What we're trying to do with this in part is to take the focus off parents and back on the student/athlete where it belongs," Urdahl said. "It just shouldn't be the only reason for dismissing a coach."

Urdahl has heard from coaches from around the state who are tired of the constant concerns over playing time, or the types of plays they call.

"It's not just about the individual and individual success," Lund said.

Lund wants parents to get back to what should matter – setting up kids just like Conor to succeed in life.

"If we get too caught up in these other things, it takes really a lot away from what athletics are supposed to be," Urdahl said.