Floyd A. Keith, executive director of the BCA explains: “the BCA HRC, coupled with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, is a component of accountability, and this instrument is the only accountability currently in place to bring to light the degree of inclusiveness and diversity within the search process utilized by the institutions.”
The BCA’s efforts to provide ADs with a list of qualified male and female coaches for these positions is a major step in getting these coaches interviewed and potentially hired. The BCA recommends strong consideration of the candidates and not just lip service or a token visit to meet NCAA or BCA policy requirements. If universities are truly committed to diversity, contact with the BCA will prove to be a valuable tool in their search for a new head coach.
There are many qualified minority assistant coaches, both male and female, who have the requisite coaching abilities, leadership, communication and fiscal skills to become a head coach. As the coaching carousel continues to revolve, how many assistant coaches will dance their way into one of the vacancies? Only time will tell. Get your grade book out, BCA.
— Dr. Vicki A. Williams is an assistant professor in adult and higher education, with an emphasis in intercollegiate athletics administration, at the University of Oklahoma.
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
