Lee says he's chafed by the experience, but says he intends to coach.

"I still love coaching," he said. "I think it was the school, rather than the profession itself. At least I hope that's true."

Lee's case also offers the dilemma faced by high school administrators today. A high school principal needs to protect the best interest of both student and coach.

"Administrators are really caught between the rock and hard place," said Ferguson. "You have to protect your students, but you've got to support your coaches. It's not always easy to do."

Simi Valley High principal Jan Britz said the answer is to do what's right.

"I support my coaches," she said. "I know how hard they work and I think they do a great job. But I want the best for my students also. If ever there is a problem, I look into it and make sure I talk to both sides. You make the decision that works for everybody."

Coaches think unhappy parents miss the point: Their task is to determine what's best for the team, not the individual.

"There was a coach who once said you're going to make at least four enemies a year," said Scott. "I've been coaching for 33 years, so I know I've got at least 100 enemies out there.