Robert Rousseau (Coach Rob) of the West Stokes Prowlers which is part of the Foothills Youth Athletic League was ejected from his game on Saturday October 6, 2018. The disciplinary action that was given to him initially was 1 week suspension (game/practice). This punishment was expected and accepted by the coach. In the interval another decision was made to suspend Coach Rob for the season. The decision was determined according to an email from the board that Coach Rob despite multiple warnings he:

• Used inappropriate language
• An obscene hand gesture
• And in doing so incited the parents to mimic his behavior

We are petitioning against this decision on behalf of our kids & selves. The NCHSAA guidelines are followed as we have been told these are the guidelines that are followed. In Section 2.4.3 Sportsmanship/Ejection Policy Penalties for an Ejection: (J)Anytime a student or coach is ejected from a game or meet, he or she does not participate or coach the remainder of that day. The student or coach is also suspended from the next 2 scheduled, rescheduled or contracted dates at that level of competition (one in football) and all games or meets in the interim at other levels of competition. (K)The coach is not permitted to be at the game site during his or her suspension, but the student is allowed at the game site.

In review of these guidelines they do not outline the type of conduct to determine the severity of the punishment only the determination from official to be unsportsman like and the above punishment (no other) to be imposed. His 1 week suspension is the guideline as well as what we feel is fair. Coach Rob did not incite the parents as we observed the same behavior from the officials and formed our own action to express disagreement. We demand that this be reconsidered and our coach be reinstated as head coach for the season beginning on Monday October 22, 2018.