Suppose You Are a Physical Education Teacher and Soccer Coach

Suppose you are a physical education teacher and soccer coach at a local urban high school. Two very talented freshmen-Sara and Katie-have made the varsity soccer team and are seeing significant playing time. Several seniors are resentful, however. Conflict is escalating not only between the seniors and freshmen, but also between players who have "taken sides." Initially you were going to let the problem resolve itself. Last evening at practice, however, your starting midfielder, Rhea, who has attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, maliciously slide-tackled Sara, who now has a sprained knee and an indefinite recovery period. What strategies would you use for the parties involved in this scenario?

A) Hold a team meeting with the entire team, talk about team unity and listen to their views, and explain to them that overt aggressiveness does not show good sport behavior. For Rhea, establish a contingency plan using response cost (e.g., not allowing her to play again until Sara has recovered) . Lastly, encourage Sara and Katie to stay positive through this experience.
B) Use extinction with Rhea when she is aggressive toward teammates, and encourage Sara and Katie to stay positive through this experience.
C) Use verbal reprimands and physical restraints (if necessary) whenever Rhea engages in overt aggressive acts. Plus, you should warn everyone about the dangers of aggressive behaviors and explain to Sara and Katie that they should show more respect toward the seniors on the team.
D) Talk with Rhea and explain to her that if she does this again she could lose some playing time, and mention that her aggressiveness does not show good sport behavior. Plus, you should warn the entire team about the dangers of aggressiveness toward one another and also explain to Sara and Katie that they should show more respect toward the seniors on the team.