Buffalo Boy's Blog

Last night at 10:00 or so I recieved a phone call. It was from our swim club president. Apparently, one of the boys from my group spotted two other young lads up to no good and he being the good guy that he is let his mom know and she called our president.....What did they do you ask?

The two of them found a bottle of Listerine in a locker and decided it would be a good idea to pee in it. Yes thats right, urinate in the bottle of Listerine. These are 9-10 year old boys mind you. So when I was initially told of the incident I had to hold back the laughter at first because what kids don't goof off and pull a little trick like that from time to time in the locker room.

I remember the icy hot in the underwear tricks and the hiding of peoples clothes in all the different lockers during practice that went on during swim practice. Some of the pranks were funny, others went over the line.

So, me being the now responsible coach, laughed on the inside and then had to deal with it as a professional. On either Friday or Saturday the next time I see these boys I have to sit down with them and their parents and discuss this situation. I also have to use this as an opportunity to remind my group of athletes that they are not to goof off in the locker room, all while laughing at the whole childish thing on the inside, because unlike most, I remember what it was like to be a kid.

What would be a responsible consequence for them? My initial thought...a formal written apology to both the school and the swim club for their actions before they can return to practice. Unlike some poor behavior, this is not one that can have the consequence of swimming an few extra laps, this needs to have consequences outside of the pool.

What should the consequences be? You tell me...Im open to suggestions even though Im leaning toward the apology one.