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"my beloved fellow FReepers are about 90% of the way there with just the circumstantial evidence, though!"

Speaking of 90% of the way...

Since this isn't, as stated, a criminal case, we don't need "proof beyond a reasonable doubt." A "preponderance of evidence" will do.

I think 90% is preponderance enough...

Burn 'em.

LOL. This isn't a civil trial, either. The question was whether to fire them or not. The principal and school board have to make that call, not a judge.

You guys have me doing a LOT of introspection here. I guess I'm doing my best to 'defend' the coaches simply because I am uneasy with the idea that simple mistakes could mandate a firing. Now, I'm the LAST person who will say that anyone is 'entitled' to a job position... and I'm a STRONG advocate for getting rid of lousy or incompetent teachers... but I'd like just a little more information on their history, on their intent, or from their viewpoint before joining in the "burn 'em" chorus.

Some mistake necessitate an immediate expulsion... but a well-defined game that the kids took too far shouldn't be one of them. (If they hadn't included the protective gear, I'd be happier, though.) I make up games for my kids or my athletes to play all the time... and they sometimes get overly exuberant, competitive, or physical (usually in more rugged ways, not sensual). This thread gets me a little defensive as it makes me worry that I could be on even more uncertain ground, and less likely to introduce fun activities into practices and occasional classes.