Can A Volunteer Be Discriminated Against?
I am a volunteer coach for a local non-profit soccer club. Each year, coaches apply and usually, if there is no problem with the team, the coach returns. Out of all the returning coaches in the club this year, I am the only one that did not get her spot back. I had no complaints, a winning season yet they felt compelled to remove me in favor of him. I am the lone female coach, who meets or exceeds all of the criteria outlined in the club's operating procedures, removed in favor of a male individual. This same individual did not coach in the club last year, has no affiliation with the team, and I have coached longer than he has. He’s also happens to be a sitting Board member and friends with individuals who make up not only the Board but also the Selection Committee.
When I appealed the decision, I was given the excuse, "we wanted to give other coaches a chance," yet I am the only one who lost her spot. My appeal was denied. The club at one point had 6 women coaches, now after my removal there remains 1 woman coach left and they are actively trying to remove her. Do I have grounds for Gender discrimination?
Re: Can A Volunteer Be Discriminated Against?