Psychologist: Coaches lack ample training

An Ohio psychologist, concerned that coaches aren't getting training in boundaries with their athletes, is pushing mandated psychosocial training for high school coaches in his state.

"So many coaches come from outside of the school system -- as much as 60-75% -- and in many cases the age of coaches is getting younger," said Chris Stankovich of Columbus. "Yet they have in many cases, zero training to work with kids. As a result, there have been a spike in the number of inappropriate relationships."

Stankovich is concerned that coaching certification programs are geared more toward first-aid than ethics and behavior.

"I don't know of any states that require psychosocial training," Stankovich said.

Stankovich and the staffs of Ohio state Sen. Steve Stivers (R-Columbus) and Ohio state Rep. Larry Flowers (R-Canal Winchester) are meeting with the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) on Monday to discuss adding additional coach ...