I am relatively new to the swimming culture, so I hope I can get some insight from you more experienced folks. My kids swim for Curl Burke in the DC area. Many of you may be aware of the new allegations against Rick Curl (cofounder and president of CuBu), as well as the recent allegations against another prominent coach and franchise owner on the team, Noah Rucker.
I'm in a little bit of a quandary because my wife and two other moms, parents of three best friends on the team, are very antsy about continuing with the team for a few reasons, not least of which are the recent allegations of improper behavior. I realize that this probably has occurred or does occur on a widespread basis, and in the case of Rick Curl the alleged period of impropriety was 30 years ago. All 4 of us had a discussion last night and I said I didn't believe that Curl Burke, even if the allegations are true, would be more likely to hire child molesters than anyone else. The organization is larger than Rick Curl. My wife and the other moms seem to believe the opposite, that a child molester would be less stringent with hiring policies.
I tend to believe that some of these situations are the fault of parents, who freely let their children go to out of town swim meets alone with coaches, or who let them give rides, etc. I would like to believe that I could protect my child whether a coach has done something wrong in the past or not.
My son really loves (in an appropriate way) his swim coach, they have a great rapport. His swimming has taken off with this guy. I see potential conflict with my wife on this. i don't think my daughter would care what team she swims on, as long as she is with her amigas. But I'm pretty adamant that my son should swim with the team he prefers. Am I off base on this? Any advice for me?
Thanks.
Former Member
I've got to say "Rick Curl" is a great name for a swim coach, kinda sounds like "rip curl" .
Obviously I can see both sides of the coin here. In light of all the attention, I doubt he'd partake in anymore illegal activities (but I guess you never know). I suppose you just have to go with your gut and a honest judgement based on your experience and the facts at hand.
One option would be to have him quit or take a leave while the legal issues are sorted out. It doesn't seem worth dissolving what seems to be a large and thriving swim program. Once people start bailing usually the whole thing unravels.
Apparently he was sued for two million dollars (one million for compensatory damages and one million for punitive damages). They settled for $150K. I am thinking that they had bad legal advice.
It's quite possible they had bad legal advice, though that would discount the existing culture. In 1960s and 1970s, few victims of sexual harassment had any recourse (why the Clarence Thomas hearings ignited a national spark). H.s. girls were married off over the summer. I imagine there was some ongoing lack of recourse into the 1980s.
The legal advisor may have looked at similar cases and seen their outcome. He may have felt $150,000 was the best the family could hope for. He may have seen child victims broken down on the stand and disbelieved. We don't know.
Well, as an update, CUBU did the right thing and sent us an email stating that the name would be changed for the fall season. This was the right move and I think will go a long way toward making parents more comfortable with the club.
In light of all the attention, I doubt he'd partake in anymore illegal activities (but I guess you never know).
I rather wonder what he may have been doing from 1989 on ... pedophiles don't usually stop at one victim.
swimswam.com/.../
Apparently he was sued for two million dollars (one million for compensatory damages and one million for punitive damages). They settled for $150K. I am thinking that they had bad legal advice.
By keeping your kids on CuBu, a portion of your $ dues are going into Rick Curl's pocket. Do you really want to help fund RC's legal bills... or his habits?
I don't know enough about the situation to comment on it specifically. However, USA Swimming is doing things to help insure the safety of swimmers, including background checks and the athlete safety course. Obviously, none of that matters in a case 30 years old.
What you can do as a parent is apply common sense and logic to everything, and make sure your club and coaches do as well. Get involved in your club and USA Swimming and be an active proponent for your club and children.
I certainly understand your concerns and would have them myself. Best of luck with your decision.
I hope these allegations are untrue but mostly I hope this woman finds peace.
There is no wait and see with my children. Tarukey, you quit the team yesterday.
Well, as an update, CUBU did the right thing and sent us an email stating that the name would be changed for the fall season. This was the right move and I think will go a long way toward making parents more comfortable with the club.
What's that Shakespeare quote?? "A rose by any other name....."
The team formerly known as Curl-Burke has many outstanding coaches at multiple facilties (including many who swim/coach masters and some I know and whom I would hesitate to have coach my kid) - what may have happened with one can happen anywhere. If you lkike your coach and program, I'd stick with them. As aparent you should always be vigilent no matter the program.
