After Controversies, Andover Puts Coaching Policies In Writing

ANDOVER, MA -- The school committee will consider adopting a handbook that outlines policies and guidelines for Andover High School coaches when it meets on Dec. 13. Andover High School Principal Philip Conrad and Athletic Director Bill Martin developed the handbook following a string of controversies in the spring, including the suspension of a popular boys' volleyball coach.

According to the Andover Townsman, which first reported this story, committee members seemed mostly supportive of the effort when presented a draft of the handbook at their last meeting. "I’m pleased the manual so clearly outlines the goals of the AHS athletic program and expectations of coaches," School Committee Chairwoman Shannon Scully said.

Earlier this year the school system suspended boys' volleyball coach E.J. Perry after players accused him of swearing after they were benched. One player boasted on social media that he had gotten Perry suspended and suggested there was a plan to get Perry removed from his position. Perry was eventually reinstated with conditions, but not before Superintendent Sheldon Berman inadvertently released a draft memo to the Townsman which several parents said damaged Perry's reputation.

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File photo by Dave Copeland/Patch.