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!
When I was a USA Coach, I was also an employee of the YMCA. Our Y had us attend a one hour seminar held at the Y every year that specifically adressed the issue of child abuse. There were certain guidelines in place that we were to follow to avoid a false allegation of sexual abuse. The ones I could remember were as follows:
1. A coach is not to give an athlete a ride home.
2. If a parent is late to pick up a child, two coaches are to remain until the parent or other responsible guardian listed on an appoved pick-up list arrives.
3. A coach is not to travel alone to a meet with an athlete.
4. When talking to an athlete, have another coach present.
5. Communicate through the parent as much as possible.
Anyway, I hope now that this issue has really gotten a ton of attention, clubs will be sure that they have very specific guidelines in place to protect coaches. The bottom line was to avoid being alone with an athlete.
Not a bad list. In fact, if the USA Swimming coach was brought on board in the last few years, they were exposed to this list, provided they follow the registration process...
All USA Swimming coaches must pass a background check every two years, and in the second year there is an extensive training video/online materials/book test that must be passed to maintain USA coaching status. This material contains very similar advice to your list when dealing with children, and also covers differences in dealing with children at different stages of their development though young adult-hood.
Parents should make it their business to ensure any coach/teacher/advisor of their children is properly credentialled. I have no problem sharing my credentials with any parent.
When I was a USA Coach, I was also an employee of the YMCA. Our Y had us attend a one hour seminar held at the Y every year that specifically adressed the issue of child abuse. There were certain guidelines in place that we were to follow to avoid a false allegation of sexual abuse. The ones I could remember were as follows:
1. A coach is not to give an athlete a ride home.
2. If a parent is late to pick up a child, two coaches are to remain until the parent or other responsible guardian listed on an appoved pick-up list arrives.
3. A coach is not to travel alone to a meet with an athlete.
4. When talking to an athlete, have another coach present.
5. Communicate through the parent as much as possible.
Anyway, I hope now that this issue has really gotten a ton of attention, clubs will be sure that they have very specific guidelines in place to protect coaches. The bottom line was to avoid being alone with an athlete.
Not a bad list. In fact, if the USA Swimming coach was brought on board in the last few years, they were exposed to this list, provided they follow the registration process...
All USA Swimming coaches must pass a background check every two years, and in the second year there is an extensive training video/online materials/book test that must be passed to maintain USA coaching status. This material contains very similar advice to your list when dealing with children, and also covers differences in dealing with children at different stages of their development though young adult-hood.
Parents should make it their business to ensure any coach/teacher/advisor of their children is properly credentialled. I have no problem sharing my credentials with any parent.
