Standing in front of nearly 200 pairs of eyes last week outside Roseville High School, Jeff Pauletti began his mission of change.

"It's a shame that we lose so many coaches," said Pauletti, the school's former boys' hockey coach, ticking off statistics of coaches who have resigned or not had contracts renewed in Minnesota high school sports. "So going forward, I want to be an advocate for coaches' rights."

With that Pauletti, for months the subject of claims by parents that he bullied players, had become the boldest to speak out among coaches who say they are struggling to survive a new form of bullying. They believe more demanding parents who scrutinize their every move are creating a cloud over high school athletics.

"This is a common concern of coaches," said North St. Paul boys' hockey coach Jerry Diebel, who showed up at the rally organized by Roseville parents in support of coaches and staff. "But out in the open, it is unique. Jeff is one of the first guys to tell his story."

Pauletti believes parent bullying ruined his nine-year reign at Roseville. While the school district never disclosed the nature of its investigation, it is believed to have stemmed from parents' allegations that Pauletti threw garbage cans, broke clipboards, bullied and intimidated players, and engaged in financial fraud.

Only hours before the district held a closed-door meeting on May 8 to discuss Pauletti's situation, he resigned. The Roseville school district released a statement saying the investigation is complete; it won't discuss findings because of data privacy laws. On Monday, however, the district said board chair Kitty Gogins would make a statement regarding the investigation at today's board meeting.

"I wanted to tell my story. I needed to get it off my chest," Pauletti said after last week's rally. "The climate [of the job] was not a real good one. It wasn't worth it anymore."

The coach's accusers have been after Pauletti for the past five years, he says. In November, the allegations prompted the district to investigate after the coach said he cut the primary accuser's son from the hockey team. According to several e-mails Pauletti read aloud during a recent school board meeting, the accusing party said their son was mistreated and put at risk by the boys' hockey coaching staff.

Parents critical of Pauletti retained a lawyer to press their case.

"[My clients] are relieved team members don't have to put up with a bullying coach," said Kirsten Libby, a lawyer representing parents aligned in a group called Parents 4 Responsible Coaching. "A lot of people were afraid to come forward. They had to be brave to do this. Enough was enough."

Surviving amid 'epidemic'

His plain gray sweater displayed no association, and a calm demeanor kept Diebel mostly unnoticed as he watched from the rear of the Roseville rally. His presence, however, was an example that coaches can survive in today's changing environment of high school athletics.

The environment includes battling what coaches describe as "overly involved" parents intent on imposing their agendas. This could mean complaining about their child's playing time, being unhappy about wins and losses and voicing concern about discipline.

While the majority of moms and dads restrict themselves to being fans of their kids' teams, some initiate challenges some coaches aren't prepared to handle.

It wasn't long ago that Diebel was reading endless letters and e-mails filled what he considered lies about his coaching style. People wanted him out.

"It's tough reading letters lying about what you are," he said.

He remained silent during a public process that rose to include the school principal and district superintendent, yet he managed to survive. Many coaches around the state haven't had the same luck.

"There is an epidemic across the country where quality coaches and good people are being pushed out of the profession," said Carl J. Pierson, Waconia girls' basketball coach and author of a book called "The Politics of Coaching," which several local coaches say they have read. "They're overwhelmed by the politics of the position. A lot of them try to ignore it and do so at their own peril."

Jim Koltes of Maple Grove can relate. During his stint as girls' hockey coach in 2008-09, he was asked by school administrators to videotape practices and hold weekly meetings to appease unhappy parents.

"I said 'No.' That's crazy," Koltes said. The coach's patience had been tested for months after the 2009 season. He said his family had been harassed at local restaurants and rumors were beginning to spread.

"I just had enough of it, so I resigned," he said.

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