West Jefferson Hills School Board members decided Thursday not to penalize a high school basketball coach criticized for bullying players on the court.

Instead, district officials will send Thomas Jefferson High School varsity girls basketball coach Phil Shar a letter outlining their expectations regarding his job conduct during the remainder of the season.

The board made the decision at a meeting reconvened to address concerns some former players and students raised about comments Shar made on the court that they said were demeaning and bullying.

Shar could not be reached for comment.

“We have carefully listened to all stakeholders involved in this very complicated and sensitive issue,” board President Brian Fernandes said. “At this time, a letter will be issued to Mr. Shar containing the expectations of the board for the remainder of this season.”

Fernandes declined to comment on what expectations will be in the letter.

Superintendent Michael Panza said district officials will review the coaching position at the end of the season, as they do with any coaching position.

Shar, who has been the coach at Thomas Jefferson since 2013 and makes $8,900 a season, was suspended based on the complaints in September, then reinstated in a 5-4 vote by the West Jefferson Hills School Board in October.

Shar's supporters have characterized him as a good coach.

Parents of 10 girls who have refused to play for Shar this season said they raised concerns for months about his behavior.

“The girls took a stand for change because they believed the coach wasn't good for the team, not only for them but for future players,” said parent Mike Mascaro. “I admire them for doing that. They gave up something that they love, not just for themselves, but for others.”

Panza said the girls can rejoin the team anytime before the playoffs start, if they choose. There is no cap on the number of girls that can be on the team, he said.

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