Defining what a high school coach should be isn't such an easy task these days.

If athletics truly are an extension of the classroom, should a high school coach be considered a teacher and thus be held to the same moral ethics?

If that's the case, should a high school coach be required to be a teacher in the district?

Should a high school coach befriend his players while being a mentor in their lives?Should he become a second father figure or just worry about winning?

The most pressing question of all is, what can he say to his players and how rough can he be on them?

A pair of boys basketball coaches — Randy Armagost of Moniteau and Jim Smiley of Neshannock — have come under heavy criticism from parents in their respective communities for alleged rough verbal treatment of their athletes.

Both coaches have been successful on the court. Smiley has a career record of 380-262 and is president of his teachers' union. Armagost is 112-87 in eight years at Moniteau and is not a school teacher.

Most coaches lose their jobs because of won-loss record, their failure to build or sustain a program, or losing numbers of players over a period of time.

A few players have complained to their parents about the conduct of Armagost and Smiley, but both cases are primarily based on parental concerns.

Basically, it's all about "should this man be coaching and working with my kid?"

Some parents claim Armagost tears kids down rather than build them up in terms of confidence. Others say he goes on verbal tirades.

One man said "If a teacher were to talk to a student anywhere near the way Randy talks to his players, there would be an uprising."

Again, the question, classroom setting vs. locker room setting. Is there a difference? Should there be a difference?

Another man said "The verbal choice of language he uses toward these boys is disheartening."

Yes, poor choice of words in the wrong setting at the wrong time can get a coach fired. It's happened before.

In a recent Butler Eagle article, Moniteau senior Kayla Hogsett aptly put this entire issue in perspective.

"Kids want the coach to be their friend. Adults want the coach to be an adult. He can't win," she was quoted as saying.

Some coaches are mild-mannered. Others let their temper get the best of them at times.

Parents have every right to be concerned about how their kids are being treated in settings that don't involve them.

Coaches have every right to do whatever it takes — within reason — to win games. Because if they don't win games, they're going to lose their jobs anyway.

Tough call here.

And what exactly is "within reason?" Another gray area.

Ultimately, school boards have to make the call. Smiley's fate is pending. Armagost's position has been opened, though he can reapply for it.

Gain parental backing, soothe egos, be a buddy, mentor, teacher and win games. Welcome to high school coaching, 2008.

Good luck.

John Enrietto is sports editor of the Butler Eagle.