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!
Former Member
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.
What really has to happen, is reporting.
By swimmers, parents, co-coaches and any other observer of behavior that is even subtly off.
No athlete should feel as though they can not report abuse - ever again.
Parents and coaches have to continue to talk and explain to the kids so they understand there is help if anything is wrong.
On the flip side, those swimmers who have never experienced abuse by a
swim coach need to begin a strong voice for the good and the great aspects of our sport.
Great Post Ahelee. Parents aren't parenting anymore. Where was the "don't ever let anyone touch you there" talk? Not trying to remove blame from the coaches that did this, but especially today's parents are really letting down their kids by being their friend and not their parent.
A few years ago a swimmer got mad at one of my coaches (I swim with an age group team) because he he was going to tell her parents something. So she told her parents that he touched her and she left the team. Truth was she was cutting her self and the coach said to tell her parents. How sick is that? So it can go both ways.
This is exactly what I am worried about, especially since I coach teenagers. I believe I have been raised right and trained appropriately to avoid situations as described in the 20/20 piece. However, there's a line in the USA Swimming Code of Conduct that basically says when it comes to crimes of a sexual nature, you're guilty until proven innocent. It's a bit disconcerting.
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.
What about other sports? Does anyone think this is just confined to swimming? I doubt it.
There has been an ongoing issue with youth hockey as well. The saddest part is that for some of these kids the coach is closer to them than the parents, and the weirdos take advantage of that. The other sad part is that some times the kids that do say something, the claim is dismissed by the adults. Then you have the times where the kids or parents claim abuse by the coach out of spite or revenge.
In any case this bozo at USA Swimming should find his way to the exit door and fast.
The school system where I teach requires anyone who works with students (including parent volunteers) to undergo a criminal history check through the state police department. I think this costs $15.00-$25.00 per year.
This rule was established due to 3 different lay coaches who were employed by the high school. These coaches were found abusing high school students. One of them ended up marrying his victim when she turned 18 and he got out of prison. One of the other two committed suicide before prosecution. The 3rd is still in prison. I'm not sure how the multiple victims are doing.
None of these were swim coaches! (boys soccer, girls basketball, and softball)
The criminal history check system seems to be working pretty well.
Lately there have been reports of students sexually abusing students. This is currently being investigated in our district by the police department. It appears to be a form of hazing involving seniors abusing the freshmen on a certain team. (again, not swimming)
This type of behavior was going on when I swam in the late 60's, and early 70's. It was a good old boy network that protected itself. Well that is over. I agree with just about everyone. Clubs need to take responsibility for who they hire. Parents, and swimmers need to report. The screening is useless, if the offender has never been reported. Parents need to be aware, and swimmers need to take responsibility, and talk. I always felt this was much more prevalent in the college ranks. Heck, how many college coaches have married their swimmers? I do however think that the idiot usa rep on 20/20 should be gone. He came off as smug and arrogant. Not exactly the image we want right now. This is the greatest sport, and good riddance to those that tarnished 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.
That was kind of my thought. However the report did make Wielgus look like a complete tool representing US Swimming.
lets see, there are 50k USMS members and what.... like half a million (?) usas swimmers? there are bound to be a few bad apples.... get rid of them. i don't believe the problem is systemic or that (like the catholic church) usa swimming actually created an atmosphere where such behavior is tolerated or overlooked.
now, on the other hand... is there a sport/activity more sexually suggestive than butterfly? (me thinks not) ..... well maybe brazilian jiu jitsu.......
