Conflict Management How do you handle this?

Conflict Management Al Bean- University of Southern Maine Student-athlete Misconduct Val Cushman- Randolph-Macon Women’s College Resource Management Steve Larson- Northern Athletics Conference Personnel Conflicts Susan Bassett- Carnegie Mellon University External Constituencies

Student-Athlete Misconduct Al Bean, University of Southern Maine Gambling Hazing Disorderly Conduct Plagiarism

Resource Management Val Cushman, Randolph-Macon Women’s College Facilities Budgets

2 Dogs and One Bone: Limited Resources and Conflict Management

Do you have enough resources to meet your needs? Facilities Staffing Operating Budget If the answer is yes– This would be a great time to step out and get some fresh air!

If the answer is no… Does the shortage of resources cause conflict/strain among members of the department? If so, you are experiencing the worst of all conflicts imaginable -

The Two Dogs and One Bone Syndrome

When does conflict arise? Not enough to go around When an individual or a group of individuals perceives s/he is not getting their fair share of the pie Can lead to issues of trust

Conflict Resolution Research Communication Listen Clarify Summarize Get the “yes” Brainstorm Create Win-Wins

Who has time for that?! Master knows best approach Strengths of this approach Understand big picture Insure fairness Easiest, most efficient Weaknesses May not always know best  One person making decisions is not as effective as many voices Energy invested as watchdogs

Another approach Let them “duke it out” approach Resolution may well be achieved But it may also result in life-threatening wounds

A budget model for consideration Mixed model Locus of control stays at the top Equity issues controlled for Allows for some program-level decision- making Open process minimizes trust issues

Concept One - Control Must have decision-making models in place for major areas Uniform purchase policy Per Diem Priority system for facility use Must create buy-in for models at time of hiring Must consistently use models

Concept Two Hire professional and treat them like professionals Allow some autonomy in decision-making Create trust through communication and open sharing Reward good work – capitalize on the competitive environment we work in

Here’s how it can work Decision-making grids in place for: Meals Lodging Uniform Replacement Professional Development Transportation

Keep the locus of control where it matters More control where it directly affects student- athletes and/or others in the department Practice times Per diem Give control in other areas Recruiting – both merit and need based Professional Development Meal Money Saved

Budget Request Process Decision-Making Models are automatically inserted Program Director (coach, trainer, SID) input requests on shared file Includes 1, 2, 3, or capital ranking Requested are open for everyone to see Athletic Director and SWA review requests and w/ input from SWA, AD makes decisions, sometimes in consultation Again, everyone sees budget allocation and can answer questions, particularly those from student- athletes

Back to the Research Communication Listen Clarify Get the “yes” Brainstorm Create Win-Wins

Back to the 2 dogs-one bone analogy Fortunately, those of us involved in the world of intercollegiate athletics are not dogs! If we hire professionals If we inform in the hiring process A mixed-model approach may well do the trick. Now, let’s talk about dog tricks!

Personnel Conflicts Steve Larson, Northern Athletics Conference Discipline Termination

External Constituencies Susan Bassett, Carnegie Mellon University Parents Alumni Boosters

Setting Parameters Pre-season meeting with student-athletes Pre-season meeting or communication with parents (coach) Careful language in the recruiting process Be friendly, but not friends- set the tone Policies related to “Friends” of athletics NCAA recruiting regulations Clear boundaries on support

Conflict Resolution Policy A student-athlete who has concerns related to his or her athletics participation has several options available to resolve the issues, including: Scheduling an individual meeting with the head coach Seek counsel from team captains or athletics advisory council representatives Schedule an individual meeting with the director of athletics Seeking counsel from an appropriate person outside the athletics department (academic advisor, associate dean, counseling center staff) All students are considered adults and under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy act. College personnel may not discuss issues with parents unless the student provides a waiver.