Barbara Garrity is dead wrong on this issue and the entire board should apologize to all parents for this misguided and selfish nonsense.
Terence Wall

Parents should absolutely be allowed to coach athletic sports in high school, as well as Satz. These same parents likely coach their children's team in travel or sports clubs, especially so at the high school level as training for many sports now occurs year-round.

The position of coaches and assistants should go to the most qualified individual. As an active softball coach myself, I know that you can never have enough help in running an effective practice. It is important to break the kids into small groups, which provides for more individualized attention.

In the case of Eric Hinds, the BOE's decision to table the vote is a shame and a big loss for the high school soccer team. If the Board's concern is favoritism, Eric's kids are still many years away from entering high school and this should not have been an issue.

I do not see the conflict. It is incredibly generous of Mr. Hinds to donate his time. It is absolutely ludacris that the township will not allow the kids benefit from his expertise.

Holmdel is fortunate to be a community with many talented, interested parents willing to donate their time in the interest of our children. It is unfortunate that the Board could not support Mr. Hinds in his success as a valuable addition to our athletic program. As long as a parent meets the qualifications necessary to coach, why would we look a gift horse in the mouth? Thank you for your interest and dedication Eric Hinds--we're lucky to have you.

It's interesting that the BOE's original reason why Eric couldn't coach was because of his position with the town, when that failed to hold up they came up with parent/coach argument/favoritism. He is a volunteer not asking for money, what about all of the positions within the schools where people are paid and have children in the system, ie, aides, assistant coaches. If they felt so strongly about this why didn't they vote on 9/21? Because there is no policy and if they delay the season is almost over. This was a personal attack on my husband and this board should be ashamed of wasting precious time that should be spent on addressing the bigger issues in the Holmdel school system. Shouldn't it be left up to the Athletic Director to determine whether someone is qualified and if they are adding value vs favoritism? I guess the only favoritism that Eric showed last year was getting these young men in front of college coaches and spending countless hours of his own time helping the children of Holmdel!!! Eric you should resubmit your request to be an Assitant Coach and maybe asked to be paid for your time!!

Eric, You know you are wrong on this for many reasons,it is nonsense, on your part..
My reasons are why YOU not all parents should not be allowed to coach. I do not type fast enough,but would be happy to speak to a reporter

During a time when cost savings are a question, and we decry the lack of parental involvement, we should celebrate the passion and dedication of parents. Any parent with an understanding of a sport, who exhibits good sportsmanship and works for the betterment of a team collectively and individually should be considered.

this is completely and utterly crazy. Last time I checked volunteer coaches do not get paid! But it's a role that takes a huge amount of time, commitment and energy. Our kids: ie "the kids of the Holmdel community" need great "volunteer" coaches to help shape their sports maturity at all ages. Any Holmdel parent that volunteers to coach or help coach Holmdel sports teams should be commended for their duties.

I don't get it!!!! A volunteer who has the committment, talent and desire to help our kids to improve their skills and self esteem is being turned away. The statement made by Garrity that there might be "perceptions of favoritism" has no bearing in this case.

The BOE should allow Eric to coach and should concentrate on the more important issue of making sure all of our kids receive the quality of education that is expected from the Holmdel schools. The board members should look around and take notice of the familys leaving the Holmdel schools because of their concern for their childrens education and self esteem.

I'd like to echo much of what has already been stated here and support Eric in his effort to donate his time and knowledge to the sporting community here in Holmdel. Seems rather cowardly to table the vote and I'd be more than willing to give the BOE the benefit of the doubt here and be forthcoming with a legitimate reason for tabling. Right now it seems more political posturing and wanting to put that political "finger in the wind" to see which way it is blowing before they vote on it.

Mr. Hinds and any other parent wanting to provide a similar benefit to the children of our schools has my full support. Who doesn't have my support are those individuals that would prefer to undermine such a benefit so I say lets have a vote on Mr. Hinds' application and see who really is "for the children" as the BOE so often throws out at the community.

I cannot believe what I am reading. Although I do not personally know Mr. Hinds, I have heard great things about him from other Holmdel residents and for him to volunteer his time, not even having a child on the varsity team is wonderful. Trying to get parents to volunteer is very difficult so this town should be thankful for people like him, especially if he actually knows and loves the game. Looking at the success of the varsity soccer team last year, I am sure Eric had an impact on that. How about asking the kids on the team what they want?? I really feel strongly that the board's decision was definately wrong and I wish they'd reconsider. Unfortunately sometimes in school sports nobody wants to coach so they end up getting the teacher who never played the sport they are coaching yet doing it for the money or the fact that nobody else wants to step up. Eric is qualified and is offering his expertise for free! The final decision should be up to the athletic director not the board of ed!!

Both sides have a point.

I can recall playing for volunteer coaches - both with and without kids on my team and don't recall there being any problem (Criteria: Were they good coaches? Did they treat the kids OK)?

But I can also see how - in a society where some parents are (let's say) "active participants" in their child's organized athletic activity - might question whether or not a coach might be playing favorites by giving his/her kids more playing-time than "little Johnny."

I still miss the good old days when they'd just hand you a tee-shirt and a cap (or a jersey & they'd paint your helmet) and tell you to go out and have fun. (The coach's responsibility was mainly to write-out the line-up card and make sure enough kids showed up to play).

Maybe I'm just naiive (or irritated by pinching dentures) but, with a few very rare exceptions, shouldn't our kids be considered "kids" and not miniature professional athletes?

I am embarrassed by the Board’s decision, or should I say, NON-DECISION. They can’t seem to make up their minds as to why Eric is not allowed to coach. Their reasoning is constantly changing. And then, to not have the courage to at least render a decision is appalling. A person who is a valued member of the community wants to help our soccer program. He doesn’t have children even close to High School age. It is a total non-issue. To me, it seems obvious some people have a hidden agenda and are pursuing it at the expense of the children.

Amen Sister

I’m not sure what is worse, the political fence sitting by elected officials waiting to measure the degree of support, or outrage, of their draconian actions against Mr. Hinds or the misguided application of their powers as they pontificate from their proverbial ivory tower. Table the vote? Are you serious? Fear of nepotism is fine but the failure to act upon a decision is unacceptable. The BOE has the right to be wrong (depending on whichever side of the issue you stand on) but the BOE’s failure to take any action is detrimental to us all. After all, isn’t fence sitting to gauge the public opinion akin to the pandering that they are so afraid of? We deserve better.

This type of decision making that discourages volunteers is prevalent in Holmdel at all levels of youth coaching in sports. I coached baseball and soccer in Eatontown youth leagues for 18 years when I lived there. We had some qualified and devoted coaches who stayed on to coach long after their kids were done in the sports. In a few cases even into their 60s and 70s where the kids who played for them got the advantage of learning from all those years of experience. When I moved to Holmdel I offered to help, not run, with a team as I loved working with young athletes, helping them to have fun and improve in their sport. I was told coaching was a father son activity and as my kids are grown I was not needed or wanted. Too many times we over react to our fears and distrust by assuming there are ulterior motives behind anyone who would want to volunteer. It is such a shame we have become such a distrusting society when our future success really depends on the same kind of cooperation these volunteers display.

This is a travesty. A school has the opportunity for a dedicated former captain of a Division 1 College program to work with kids...for free. I am a volunteer youth coach and board member of my organization. We are always excited to have a player of this calibur come in to work with our kids. However most of the time it costs our organization or the parents money to keep them coming back for more. Being a HS team, a former Division 1 player can help the kids more off the field than on. As many of us are aware, scholarships are not just given out. There are certain criteria that your players must meet and a good portion of that is not on the field. I wonder if Raritan or Hazelot would accept Mr. Hinds. My years of service in youth sports have taught me only one thing when dealing with my township, If a perfectly logical sitaution gets the boot....it must be a personal issue between a board member and the solution. How pathetic, keep in mind board members...it's about the kids not your ego!

This is nothing more than an orchestrated personal attack on Eric Hinds that's been disguised as a Board of Ed matter. How it's even escalated this far is even more appalling wasting valuable time and resources that should have been used to address pressing educational issues.
Mr. Hinds has no conflict or hidden agenda in volunteering his time as assistant to the varsity boys soccer program. All the BOE has succeeded in accomplishing is taking a highly qualified, dedicated volunteer w/years of successful coaching ability away from the program and boys. Well done!
Furthermore, if the BOE has genuine concern w/the boys soccer program how about addressing the fact that the boys JV team doesn't have enough matching jerseys for all the players. My son is a Freshman who plays on the team, and the home jerseys are all frayed at the bottom w/hanging threads everywhere, numbers are peeling off the backs of the jerseys and shorts are ill fitted and outdated. Here's an idea--instead of paying the Board of Ed Attorney to advise and counsel on this non-issue, why don't you spend the money where it's supposed to go . . the KIDS!!!
Looking forward to election time!

It seems like there is an agenda here and it certainly is not on Eric's part

As Holmdel residents, voters and Eric's parents we are disappointed with the Holmdel Board of Education's non decision concerning Eric.We believe that the Holmdel Board of Ed members were elected to make good decisions concerning Holmdel's children. The key word here is DECISION. Tabling an item only prolongs the decision process. In this case, it has been tabled twice and by the next Board of Ed meeting the soccer season will be nearly over. We believe that this is an underhanded way to deny Eric his request to volunteer to coach the Holmdel high school boys varsity soccer team..So, to the members of the Holmdel Board of Ed, we say make a DECISON, either for or against Eric's request now, not next month.

Wake up B of E.... Eric Hinds is the type of parent that this town needs!! He has given more if his time to coaching, Holmdel and charity organizations than the average resident!!! If you have this much of an issue with allowing Mr Hinds to assist coaching the varsity soccer team, I wonder how difficult it must be dealing with serious issues regarding our school system!!! Come on.... Wake up!!!! Scott M

I'm surprised that a person who is qualified to coach, and willing to VOLUNTEER their time, experience, and passion, is being told that they cannot- especially after doing it last year with great success both in coaching and helping the kids with college recruiting.

I have great respect for anyone who selflessly volunteers their time, including many of our current and past board members. The talents and dedication of our residents are a large part of what make our schools and Holmdel great. To suppress these qualities is wrong.

The reluctance of the board to vote on this is disappointing. I recognize the need for guidelines regarding the appointment of volunteer coaches and their role. But, you could start with the credentials Eric brings to the table and the work he did last year as a start. I hope that common sense prevails and the board reconsiders their actions. Let him coach.

I do not have any stake in this discussion as my child has already gone through the Holmdel School System. I would like to offer a different point of view from most of the posts here.

I have a graduate degree from an Ivy League. I can walk up to your child’s teacher and volunteer to teach your child. I am qualified, I will not charge, and I think I am pretty good. And yes, I went through fingerprinting and blood tests too! Is that what you expected when you sent your child to school? I am sure not.

Sports should not be held to a different standard. Holmdel has an excellent Varsity Soccer Coach who has been doing a wonderful job. If he wants assistance, he should ask the BOE to announce the need for an unpaid assistant coach. The job should be advertised and a normal process should be followed for hiring such a person. That process should be open and transparent – just as one for hiring a teacher. It should come with ALL the scrutiny and responsibilities of a teacher. The school can and should be liable for all activities of such an appointee.

I do not think the BOE was wrong to put this on hold. I hope that they create a formal process to bring in volunteers into teaching and coaching positions. Given all the budget cuts I am sure others in the school would like to get some volunteer help. I am also sure there are many others who would want to volunteer.

Volunteering is great! Let’s do it the right way.

Keeping Mr. Hinds from volunteering his time and talents to the youth of Holmdel goes against everything this town stands for, in my opinion.
The tabling of his application could be seen as an assault to the young adults who would benefit from the free services of all residents willing to give their time.
The "sensitivities" the BoE speaks of could be assumed of any member of any organization.
Following the logic of Barbara Garrity, then no parent of any student of the Holmdel School system should volunteer their time for anything that is related to the town for the fear of 'favoritism'..
Adding bureaucratic steps and red tape only adds to the strain of those who want to help. It prevents residents from stepping up and donating their time.
This is nothing more than a slap in the face to common sense and the spirit of volunteerism that has kept this town unique.

The Holmdel Board of Education should be ashamed of themselves. Favoritism? Eric's children do not even play on the team - and are far away from the ages that they would be eligible to play on the Varsity team. (so Ms. Garrity - that reason is obviously without merit). Furthermore, coming up with some nonsense that Eric had to sit out the last 2 games of the season because he was not 'board approved' is ludacris. Why wasn't he 'approved', and why not in a timely fashion? What caused this non-action on making a decision on Eric's approval? Seriously, what is the reason?? Certainly seems obviously politically motivated to me and many others who read this article and personally know Eric's exceptional character. What other volunteer would give so much of their valuable time, bring college coaches in to see the kids play, and additionally write letters of commendation on the players behalf? That this is even an issue is a travesty. The Holmdel Board of Education should be embarrassed that they have chosen to act in such an irresponsible way that will negatively impact the high school sports program. If this doesn't discourage other volunteers from wanting to assist the Holmdel school district, I don't know what else will. It's infuriating.

There seems to be overwhelming support for Mr. Hinds here yet it is odd that the "unscientific" poll shows a pretty close horse race. I'd be interested to see why some of those folks voted "no" so I would hope some of them would share with the community their reason why.

This issue is not Eric Hinds. The issue is that to allow him to volunteer within the school system sets a dangerous precedent. I think it would be irresponsible to allow parent involvement. We've all seen enough shenanigans through HYAA and Pop Warner to not be able to see what would be coming down the pipeline. The Board has to look at the larger issue, not just the individual applying. Considering that these kids take their sport very seriously and plan to continue on into college and possibly the pros, it is good to know that at the least the school system has paid professionals who remain objective.

I feel at this point I have the right to make a statement about the true facts of this case against me. First I would like to thank and applaud all of the people that have come out to support me on the patch as well in the public. I never thought that when I went through the process of getting approved that this would be such a controversial topic. For the sake of the team, my family and my time I sincerely wish the BOE and the Athletic Director would have been on the same page on my situation. Let's remember that the initial issue was that I was a township committemen, when that was cleared through the lawyers and I agreed to only finish out this year, I did not expect the BOE to then come up with another excuse as to why I was not approved. The excuse for tabling the decision that I have children in the system is inconsistent with past and present people that now are paid and unpaid currently doing the same thing that I was asking for. Yes, in the system today there are parents in Holmdel that are coaching our kids, therefore by logic this is a personal attack on me.

Secondly, if you knew anything about Eric Hinds, I am a strong supporter of the HS Sports program and last year helped talk to Academy players to consider also playing HS ball, it is not travel soccer that is in conflict with HS but the evolution known as Academy soccer. Using the term predator anywhere near my name is an insult and totally uncalled for. Why don't you share your full name and we can talk about what you have done to help children in Monmouth County over the last seven years. Third, Coach NiCarlo, is unable to have a paid assistant coach due to the budget cuts, so leaving it to paid professionals is not an option for him. Have you ever tried to coach at a high level by yourself?? I think we have covered this topic, I am out and I wish the Varsity Boys Soccer Team the Best!

It is only hurting the kids. I have coached in holmdel for 15 years, and grew up playing sports in this town. I have seen many bad decisions by the board, and agree with eric this is someone who has a personal issue with him. Why would we not want a Villanova soccer grad that has put Holmdel and there athletics on the top of his priority list for years when we can just be under staffed and ruin some kids chances of playing soccer at the next level.

I would like to thank Eric for all the time he gives to OUR TOWN

Mr Keating the proper grammatical use of there in your comment would be their--also english is capitalized therefore it should be English--maybe you should take the same English class as Rocco