Discrimination against a dad helping coach football, because he is in an electric wheelchair.

Oct. 6, 2010 - PRLog -- My name is Merrill Staton and I help coach (as possible) my sons’ games at the Football and Cheerleading Club of Johnson County (FCCJC).  See I have Charcot Marie Tooth Disease and am in a wheel chair for most of the time.  My body fatigues 10 – 100 times faster than normal, that being said, when my muscles fatigue, it causes atrophy to them.  In addition, the axons in my nerves are dying as my stress level increases and times goes on.  My son Hamilton plays 2nd grade football for the Shawnee Mission North Youth Squad and Lyman for Shawnee Mission North West Youth Squad. All this has been a non issue until now.

As I arrived to help with the Sunday games, I was informed that this past Monday (9/27) the FCCJC board made a ruling that due to me being in a wheelchair, I had to be far enough off the sideline, so that another one of our coaches must constantly be between me and the field, whether moving to keep up with the game or sitting still.  I am to always stay behind the play (offensive line) and also continue to do my job of ensuring each kid gets their minimum number of plays, as they run on and off the field. See, if I don’t keep track and make sure they get the plays in, I will be called out from the parents for not getting their kids the minimum number of plays.

I called yesterday morning (FCCJC Sportsmanship) about the meeting and the response was, “there were a number of people there that didn’t want you on the sideline at all” I explained that the American’s With Disabilities Act stated that I was not to be treated any different I was interrupted with, “we aren’t treating you any different”.  I said that I would like to speak to those people who made this decision and also didn’t want me on the field at all.

I just got an appeal added to the next FCCJC Directors meeting at 8 pm, Monday, October 11, in the lower level conference room of our building at 6740 Antioch. I then sent a letter out to the parents of the other kids and I will attach the replies I have received.



Merrill,

I would just like to say that I think you do a great job with the boys on the sidelines, if you weren't there they would be messing around and not paying attention, you are always on top of them, telling them to support their team, on their feet.  I think you do a great job and I, for one want you on the sidelines!!!!  Hopefully, the other parents feel the same.  

Andrea Lackner


Agree with you!  Thursday is horrible for me, but will do whatever you need.

Kristin


Merrill,

My husband Jay mentioned he thought you said something about this at the game Sunday-but he wasn’t sure.  Truly sad---I think you are great with the boys and this is simply not right.  We have another commitment on the 11th but will try to rearrange things if we can.  You certainly have our support.
Blake and family


That is just horrible Merrill.. I am disgusted as a parent that they would even say something like that when I think you are so wonderful with the kids.  I am not sure why anyone would even go there.  Wheelchair or not I think you have always demonstrated how fully capable you are at helping out on the field.  Either myself or Jeff would be happy to come and support you that Monday.  One of us has to stay with the kids but one of us for sure will go.  

Shannon Walsh
(Carter's Mom)

I will be there. I don't see a problem with you assisting or let alone coach and I am a Nurse.
I feel it is very encouraging to the boys.

Maelee Spring (Mason Clark's Mom)


Amy CunninghamOctober 4, 2010 at 12:25pm
Merrill, I have been following along your posts on FCCJC for the last couple of days. I am so sorry to hear that they've been bullying you. My friend works for the Gardner News and covers many events that take place county-wide. Would you mind me passing this information along to see if she would be interested in doing a story? I can't guarantee she will do one, but I can at least pass your information along - getting the word out there might pressure them to act more compassionately.

I'm really sorry that you are going through this. Keep your chin up, Bud!


Kimberly O'Brien commented on your status.

Kimberly wrote:
"WOW!  I think that is MORE than discrimination, no matter how they/you "word" it...  You need a posse to go to the meeting with you.  Get all the KC support(ers) you can and barge that meeting!!!  Sorry you are going through this.  Chin up...  document everything and tell the people.  This is NOT RIGHT!!!  Good luck tonight!"


Misty Bleuenstein Welter posted on your Wall.

Misty wrote:
"I can not believe that they are doing that to you.  You need to bring as many of your parents and coaches from your team that you can to show them you have the support of your team.  That really sucks.  I don't really know any attorney's but put it all in a note so I can share the link on my page and you never know who might be able to pop up.  Good luck!  Is the meeting tonight?  I have several friends who have FCCJC participants (mostly cheerleaders but still) that have disabilities and maybe they can help too."