The document, authored by Bruce E. Brown of Proactive Coaching, outlines a Level 3 “Program in Trouble” assessment for school athletic programs. It enumerates observable warning signs across five stakeholder groups—administration, athletic directors, coaches, athletes, and the broader community—highlighting issues such as parent complaints, low attendance, coach turnover, athlete frustration, and community disengagement. The assessment serves as a diagnostic checklist to signal that a program requires a turnaround. The handout also references a downloadable booklet, “Turning Around Athletic Programs,” and provides Proactive Coaching’s contact information for further support.
Topics
Level 3 Diagnostic Framework: Defining a Program in Trouble
An overview of the Level 3 classification, its purpose, and the goal of initiating a turnaround process.
Administration‑Level Warning Signs
Specific symptoms administrators are likely to notice, such as parent complaints, coach mistrust, athlete transfers, and a negative school climate.
Athletic Director Indicators of Decline
Key observations for athletic directors, including poor win records, low participation, coach burnout, hazing, code violations, and dwindling game attendance.
Coach Experience in Troubled Programs
Challenges coaches face, from parental pressure and lack of support to loss of joy, leadership gaps among athletes, and feelings of hopelessness.
Athlete Emotional and Behavioral Impact
How athletes react to a failing program—embarrassment, frustration, blame‑shifting, low motivation, and thoughts of transferring.
Community Perception and Reaction
Community‑level symptoms, including disgruntled parents, nostalgia for “good old days,” criticism of staff, and migration to other schools or programs.
Proactive Coaching Turnaround Resources
Reference to the downloadable booklet “Turning Around Athletic Programs” and contact details for further assistance.