Suspension results from allowing inappropriate game at overnight event
An inherently innocent party game that turned raunchy at an overnight event is what ultimately led to a suspension for a Marysville coach.
School officials have concluded their investigation into the incident that led Marysville girls basketball coach and teacher Brooke Young to be placed on paid leave. A Thursday release from the district said Young will serve a three-game unpaid suspension as punishment for the incident. Young returned to teaching duties today, according to the release.
Marysville Superintendent Diane Mankins offered some details on exactly what happened at the overnight lock-in held at the Marysville High School on Dec. 29. Among other team-building activities, members of the varsity and J.V. teams reportedly played a game called Fishbowl and this is where the problems occurred.
The game loosely resembles charades, except that participants use words, actions or drawings to get team members to correctly guess keywords. According to Mankins, the complications arose when team members were allowed to write the keywords on pieces of paper which were collected for the game.
Multiple inappropriate keywords were placed in the fishbowl, according to the superintendent. The sanctions reportedly stem from the fact that Young, the only adult at the event, did not take control of the situation and allowed the game to continue after the foul keywords were revealed.
“She admitted her role in that,” Mankins said.
Young’s reputation as a teacher was apparently part of the reason the penalty wasn’t more severe. Mankins cited her success with students over her 10 years as a math teacher in the district and the district press release also touts her as a well respected instructor.
“The findings of the investigation, coupled with Mrs. Young’s exemplary record with the district, have led us to the decision…,” the release reads.
District officials were alerted to the incident by parents of team members on Jan. 8, shortly after students returned from Christmas break. After initial interviews with a few players and parents, the district decided to place Young on paid leave from her teaching duties at the Early College High School and her coaching assignment. Additional interviews were then conducted with players, parents and the coach.
“Brooke was very cooperative and admitted she was wrong and didn’t think things through,” Mankins said.
District officials decided the punishment would be that Young will serve an unpaid suspension from her coaching duties for the next three game. She must also complete three
online personal development courses before she returns to the Lady Monarch bench.
“The investigation is now complete. The results of the investigation confirmed that at no time were students in danger. However, it did reveal poor professional judgement and improper supervision of students on behalf of the coach,” the district release reads.