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.
Does anyone else think the culture has changed since the 1980's concerning older men and young girls? I remember hearing rumors about various male coaches and female swimmers while I was swimming in the 80's. I don't remember it being considered pedophilia back then. Scandalous and immoral, yes, but not the sickness it's considered now. I know that's sad, but it's true. I don't have that hard a time believing that a lawyer thought these parents weren't going to get a much better deal back then. Attitudes toward this kind of thing seem to have changed for the better.
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.
And this athlete protection training protects the athlete? Or USA swimming from lawsuits? Leaving clubs to fend for themselves......
I'm a skeptic.....I hope that one hour video stops someone, but I doubt it.
I remember hearing rumors about various male coaches and female swimmers while I was swimming in the 80's.
Same here, except into the early 90's. And it resulted in a coach moving out of the state. Someone still coaching to this day. Makes you wonder how many cases have been swept under the rug.
And this athlete protection training protects the athlete? Or USA swimming from lawsuits? Leaving clubs to fend for themselves......
I'm a skeptic.....I hope that one hour video stops someone, but I doubt it.
What is it you propose USA swimming should do instead?
