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Coach Gumby
Offers Advice
What To Do If You're A
Coach Who Wants To Come Out Compiled
by Cyd Zeigler, Jr.
Outsports.com Coach
Eric "Gumby" Anderson has been there. He's been a
closeted athlete, a closeted coach, and now an openly gay
coach. Coming out isn't easy for anyone - particularly anyone
in sports. Coach Gumby has some
advice for any coaches thinking about coming out of the
closet.
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Get your
paperwork in line. The administration may try to get
rid of you from any angle. Get buttoned up before you come
out, so you're not scrambling.
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Go to the
principal of the school. Tell him or her that you are going to
apply for ``job xyz'' and you need a letter of recommendation.
Now you have something in writing from the principal testifying
to your qualifications as a coach, mentor, etc...
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Make sure
that you, if you have the opportunity, do it at a time when
you are secure in your position for the next season. Don’t
do it when the season’s over and you’re not coming back to
coach for five months. Wait until you’re actually out there
coaching again - two weeks into the season - don’t give the
administration five months to figure out how they’re going to
not have you back.
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Have
some pre-thought out statements - answers to questions.
Question: Why do you feel the need to come out of the closet?
Answer: The same reason a heterosexual feels the need to tell
his players that he and his wife saw a movie together. Think
about what could happen under your own individual circumstances
and have an answer for what you’re going to do ahead of time.
That way, you won’t mess up.
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Watch your
p’s and q’s. You’ll probably be held to a much higher
standard than anybody else. Make sure your paperwork is done on
time and everything is processed properly, and you follow all
the rules. You’ll have to look more than good - you’ll
have to have the appearance of not guilty.
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At the hint
of trouble, get legal counsel right away. Call
Lambda. Let the administration know that you’re not
backing down easy. Coaches and teachers are intimidated by
principals. Don’t fear the administration - better to be aggressive than
on the defensive. At the hint of trouble, ask
questions. Let them know, at the drop of a hat, that you’re
considering getting legal counsel. Principals don’t want
controversy.
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E-mail coachgumby@aol.com
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