High school coaches play a huge and significant role in the lives of our students. We trust them and for very good reasons. Most dedicate their lives to improving the skills and character of the youth. Others are family members who wish to give back to the youth in hopes to maintain a civil future.
If that is the case, then why are so many coaches being asked to stop praying with athletes before games. At the rate our student athletes are involved in drugs/alcohol and sexual scandals, we need to provide them with guidance wherever and whenever we can. The issue of prayer by coaches is not whether it is helpful or harmful, it is the mere fact that some parents do not want their children influenced by religion.
I find it upstanding that we have authority figures who set moral examples for the youth. To ask them to discontinue the use of prayer is right by policy, however it is needed to deter youth from committing and engaging in sexual, violent and criminal acts. Please understand that we are speaking of a small percentage of youth, nevertheless, these particular youth would typically act as if the law doesn't exist. Why are so many educators afraid of prayer/church?