Hi Mary,

Reading through what you have posted and the linked material you have supplied, it would appear that the Principal's initial handling of the incident was extremely poor. Whether his attempts to put a cap on it was influenced by the fact that the two attackers were part of a representative team about to take part in a State championship, in no way excuses his actions.

What should have been done IMO is as follows:

1. Immediate suspension for both boys for a period of two weeks to allow the incident to be investigated.

2. Letters to the parents of all parties involved giving an outline of the incident and detailing possible repercusions from the incident, i.e. that of criminal charges being brought.

3. Immediate expulsion of both boys from the Wrestling squad and an enforced ban on either playing any other representative sport for the school.

4. Report the incident to the local police authorities. Whether or not criminal charges would be brought would rest with the victim and his parents making a formal complaint.

In the article mention was made about a perception that the "whole wrestling team was being punished". This of course is hooey - I am amazed that any of the wrestling team would wish to be associated with these cowardly bullies.

While I was in the Navy, we were always told of a concept called "Consequential Punishment". This basically boils down to the fact that if a serving officer or man is charged with any offence, be it civil or criminal, outwith naval jurisdiction, that officer or man would be subject not only to the penalty of civilian law, but also to consequential punishment under Queens Regulations Royal Navy. The Navy taking the view that you should have known better and, through your actions, you have brought discredit to Her Majesty's Armed Forces so we will punish you for that. The system worked extremely well. These two have just bumped into the same sort of thing, that should be clearly explained to them so that they can reflect on it at leisure.

Hope you keep us updated on the outcome.

The article also makes reference to these boys coming from locally influential families - I have no way of knowing know what either of these boys fathers views on the incident are - I know that if it was a son of mine I would be bitterly ashamed of his conduct.