PrepNet / Speak Out

Each week, Times readers have an opportunity to express their views in our PrepNet Speak Out column. This week’s topic:

Should coaches and players be suspended from participating in the next contest when they get ejected from a game? Why, or why not?

MARTIN STRINGER, Mater Dei, Soccer Coach

Absolutely. Coaches are there to set an example and if they can’t do that, then they should serve the punishment. I think the punishment fits the crime. As a coach and educator, if I cross that line, then I feel I should pay the consequences.

SHIANG-EU BAI, University, Senior

It depends on what they did. If it’s screaming profanities at the referees, or if they hit someone, there needs to be a punishment. But if you’re not trying to hurt someone, if you’re slamming the ball down and it’s your second technical foul, it’s embarrassing enough to get ejected from that game. I think each instance should be reviewed separately.

PETER BELDEN, Newport Harbor, Water Polo

I think that if a player or coach does something bad, or really unsports-

manlike, then they should be ejected from the game. However, I also believe that a player or coach should only be penalized for that game in which the infraction occurred, and should not be carried over to the next game.

JIM PATTERSON,Esperanza, AD/Football Official

From an official’s standpoint first, there has to be a situation where there is no gray area, there was a blatant offense of the rules, and the ejection was a definite suspendable cause. Then yes, I agree with the rule for the player. I don’t agree with the rule for the coach. From an administrative viewpoint, there are too many other things involved.

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