The recent action taken by Ann Sobrato High School Principal
Debbie Padilla denying the school’s cheerleading team the
opportunity to participate in a national competition at the end of
March brings to light a disturbing notion.
Disturbing display
The recent action taken by Ann Sobrato High School Principal Debbie Padilla denying the school’s cheerleading team the opportunity to participate in a national competition at the end of March brings to light a disturbing notion, and that is the lack of communication between the coach and the principal. It also points out an overriding issue: school administrators did not do their job.
Because the competition, which takes place March 26 through 29 in Anaheim, required an overnight, out-of-town stay, it needed board approval at least 60 days in advance of the event. Cheer coach Melissa Cousens, who said she was unaware of the requirement, missed the deadline by 12 days.
Not the students’ fault
The students spent 10 months working on routines for up to 15 hours each week, Cousens told reporter Natalie Everett. They competed in three regional competitions, all in anticipation of the grand finale, the nationals. Cousens is a “walk-on” coach, which means she’s contracted by the district and is not full-time staff. Cousens said she wasn’t privy to the rule.
She wasn’t aware and wasn’t forewarned to get the paperwork turned in as the deadline approached. And that is troublesome. No one told her the deadline was coming? No one said, ‘Melissa, don’t forget, you need to get the paperwork in 60 days before the competition.’ And how is it that a coach doesn’t know the rules? Did she get an employee handbook that outlines board policy germane to her job? If not, why not?
Lessons learned
So now the 18 varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders must pay the price? Is that fair? Both sides have legitimate arguments. The coach missed the deadline. No trip, end of story. But that is punishing the girls for the mistake and lack of communication by adults. The board’s Wednesday night decision to reconsider the trip at an emergency meeting today can only send a positive message to the students, whether they are allowed to attend or not. But whatever decision is make, the entire mess is a life lesson for the students. Life is not always fair.
