A thread to share news, stories, and comments about swim coaches in trouble
Mark Schubert Faces Lawsuit For Wrongful Termination Amid Allegations of Sexual Misconduct By Another Coach - Full Complaint Available; USA Swimming Updated Response
-- September 18, 2012
"The lawsuit was filed by attorney Robert Allard on Rianda's behalf."
Summons
Mon Sep 17, 2012
“Schubert, Former Olympic Team Coach, Sued for Protecting Swim Coach from Sex Abuse Charges”
USA Swimming Responds to Statements in Mark Schubert Lawsuit
USSwimNscandal.com
We are the watchdog group for USA Swimming. Our objectives are to protect athletes and end corruption from the leaders
Rick Curl Permanently Banned from USA Swimming
September 19, 2012
Currin's attorney, Robert Allard, released the following statement to Swimming World
Kelley's NPR Interview
Aug 10, 2012
Widespread Sex Abuse of Young Female Swimmers Continues To Plague USA Swimming
there's now even a legal specialty
Swim Coach Sexual Abuse Lawyers
B. Robert Allard
USA SWIMMING'S SAFE SPORT PROGRAMMING
INDIVIDUALS PERMANENTLY SUSPENDED OR INELIGIBLE
USA SWIMMING SAFE SPORT ABUSE REPORTING FORM
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What a shame! I know some folks who have coached and swum for that team.
The team will not go down just because of 2 bad apples. It is sad but coming out stronger, too.
Sadly this (coaches having relationships with their swimmers) is the tip of the iceberg...also sad (but nothing compared to sexual abuse) is that in attempts to try and get control of this kind of stuff good people will stay away from the sport (for example volunteers such as meet marshals that are now required to go through background checks, which I don't oppose) go down because of false accusations (its happened already, and just imagine trying to clear your name even if you are found innocent) or in some cases quit.
Interesting that the two "hot topics" at USA-S were proposed rules about banning "deck changes" and banning "relationships between coaches and adult swimmers" (competitive swimmers registered with USA Swimming).
It was certainly rife in the UK a few years ago. I was involved with an agency specifically set up to combat this, but I received little support from the governing body. I have only heard of a few cases recently. Either people are more aware of the problem, and so more vigilant, or it is being kept quiet. I hope it's the former.
Am I imagining things or didn't society quietly condone (or at least ignore) the older guy going after the teenage girl 30+ years ago? I remember hearing stories of coaches and swimmers in the 80's and, while eyebrows were raised a bit, no one was rushing to authorities to correct the situation. In fact, it was often the female swimmer who was looked upon as promiscuous.
The song is both old and cheesy but, I keep thinking about "Christine, 16" by KISS. An older guy going after a teenage girl in a 70's song that was quite popular. Society has finally evolved to see older guys who go after underage girls as the predators they are.
Sadly this (coaches having relationships with their swimmers) is the tip of the iceberg...
It was certainly rife in the UK a few years ago. I was involved with an agency specifically set up to combat this, but I received little support from the governing body. I have only heard of a few cases recently. Either people are more aware of the problem, and so more vigilant, or it is being kept quiet. I hope it's the former.
