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!
Also, any parent that agrees to let their child go on a week long stay in another state with their coach, alone, for a swim meet...well, they're either too trusting, or they're oblivious.
Or maybe the parents thought the coach was a family friend rather than just a professional who served their child, and were absolutely devastated when the coach abused that relationship. The parents could just be dummies, but I don't think the story gives enough information to justify that conclusion.
There have been some comments here that seem to try to absolve USA Swimming of responsibility. While I think the ultimate responsibililty is local, to the extent that USA swimming certifies coaches and endorses local teams they share in the liability.
Agreed. There are lots of things that the umbrella organization can do to reduce the odds that coaches in its programs will harm athletes, beyond just responding to specific complaints. Several posters have given examples (training, rules). I haven't seen anything here that suggests that USA-S is actually failing to do any of these things, or is doing a worse job than any other youth sports organization, although of course they might be.
Also, any parent that agrees to let their child go on a week long stay in another state with their coach, alone, for a swim meet...well, they're either too trusting, or they're oblivious.
Or maybe the parents thought the coach was a family friend rather than just a professional who served their child, and were absolutely devastated when the coach abused that relationship. The parents could just be dummies, but I don't think the story gives enough information to justify that conclusion.
There have been some comments here that seem to try to absolve USA Swimming of responsibility. While I think the ultimate responsibililty is local, to the extent that USA swimming certifies coaches and endorses local teams they share in the liability.
Agreed. There are lots of things that the umbrella organization can do to reduce the odds that coaches in its programs will harm athletes, beyond just responding to specific complaints. Several posters have given examples (training, rules). I haven't seen anything here that suggests that USA-S is actually failing to do any of these things, or is doing a worse job than any other youth sports organization, although of course they might be.
