Alright, USA Swimming.
Yes, you should apologize. Step up the protection of
our youth and ban these idiots who think they can
get their jollies out on the youth of America.
Do not become like the catholic church and try to sweep
this BS under the rug. Take charge and accept the problems
and DEAL WITH IT!
USA Swimming doesn't hire coaches - the club teams do. Usually a volunteer board of directors will hire the head coach; then the head coach will hire the assistants.
New assistant coaches are often ex-swimmers from the same team they hire on to, or who swam with another coach on the team in college, etc. They showed no signs of being untrustworthy during those years. I've seen a case where a coach was caught and it was a total surprise.
USAS has had mandatory background screening in place for years for coaches; but that will only find individuals who have been caught. There is a "first time" for any offender. So even the best screening measures aren't going to be fool-proof.
True enough, but don't you think that any organization responsible for certifying or basically licensing individuals is more respected by the public when it is self-regulated and has effective measures in place to do so?
I tend to agree that the team and the coach committing the abuse are ultimately responsible for the damage a child suffers at the hands of an abusive coach rather than USA swimming. I do think, however, now that USA Swimming is under the microscope, it will appear to be better acting in the interest of kids if it makes it easier to report inappropriate behavior vis a vis a hotline.
I'm not familiar with every iota of insurance coverage provided to swim clubs, but I hope it covers negligent hiring. These types of lawsuits are sure to multiply down the road as more swimmers come forward.
USA Swimming doesn't hire coaches - the club teams do. Usually a volunteer board of directors will hire the head coach; then the head coach will hire the assistants.
New assistant coaches are often ex-swimmers from the same team they hire on to, or who swam with another coach on the team in college, etc. They showed no signs of being untrustworthy during those years. I've seen a case where a coach was caught and it was a total surprise.
USAS has had mandatory background screening in place for years for coaches; but that will only find individuals who have been caught. There is a "first time" for any offender. So even the best screening measures aren't going to be fool-proof.
True enough, but don't you think that any organization responsible for certifying or basically licensing individuals is more respected by the public when it is self-regulated and has effective measures in place to do so?
I tend to agree that the team and the coach committing the abuse are ultimately responsible for the damage a child suffers at the hands of an abusive coach rather than USA swimming. I do think, however, now that USA Swimming is under the microscope, it will appear to be better acting in the interest of kids if it makes it easier to report inappropriate behavior vis a vis a hotline.
I'm not familiar with every iota of insurance coverage provided to swim clubs, but I hope it covers negligent hiring. These types of lawsuits are sure to multiply down the road as more swimmers come forward.
