USA Swimming was set up as the "National Governing Body" (NGB) for the sport of swimming via an act of congress. This act of congress is known as the Ted Stevens Amateur Sports Act; a federal law that establishes certain basic standards for certifying coaches and governing the sport of swimming.Soon thereafter, USA Swimming obviously decided to outsource the job of certifying their coaches to the American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA). This action was executed presumably to allow the core management of USA Swimming to focus on event planning and national meets rather than coach education & quality control.
I suspect lawyers recommended the following criteria for establishing an outsourced coaching certifying body:
- Have this professional coaching organization do all the work necessary in creating the best educational swim content as possible.
- Have this organization maintain an ethics code that would be aggressively enforced.
- Conduct background checking of potential coaches applicants so as to protect the kids.
ASCA was suppose to be a firewall of protection for kids, coaches and USA Swimming, but their firewall was evidently made of "dried straw." When news of the Andrew King case suddenly went viral that firewall was as combustible as a match.
To clarify, when the Andrew King news broke I was outraged and went right for the keyboard. A few weeks later I was contacted by a few victims, then I got contacted by a producer at ABC, and suddenly we had two news documentaries regarding the event hit both cable and network TV. I am not stating this to "toot my own horn" I am stating this to illustrate how USA Swimming lost control of a very serious issue that was definitely on their radar for a very long time.
Next damage control had to be done: USA Swimming suddenly had to become "pro" overnight in a subject they had never done before. To be both blunt and crass, they figuratively had to change "ASCA's dirty diapers" by creating their own online educational program; (which I majorly endorse), and their own method of reporting thereby cataloging who is considered too dangerous to coach.
One would expect that the certifying body chosen to protect all those involved would have created such an obvious "bullet-proof" process since that is what they were paid to do, right? As a result of not having those procedures in place USA Swimming is now mired in several lawsuits and is busy doing a job they entrusted ASCA to do.
Here is how USA Swimming coach certification works:
To get certified as a USA Swimming Coach; (presuming you have not been grandfathered in before the Ted Stevens ACT was enacted), you must go to a second party known as the American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) for certification.
After paying ASCA a fee for courses, tests, materials and such, a coach is awarded a "level" rated from 1-to-5 that quantifies their accomplishments.
To get a job with a USA Swimming sanctioned club you must have ASCA certification. if you look at the job postings for coaches at USA Swimming or ASCA, these "ninja levels" determine a coach's income depending on which "level" they have attained.
Now it gets worse: Once you have attained a particular level you can possibly have your level revoked if you don't maintain that accomplishment with a yearly fee. Here is a letter from ASCA sent to coach who wants to remain anonymous:
Imagine graduating high school and having to pay a yearly fee to be considered a high school graduate? Imagine a nurse having to pay a yearly fee to be considered a registered nurse? Imagine a lawyer having to pay a yearly fee to be able to practice law?
[Wow, I got that wrong! several professional organizations to make you pay to play. My apologies]
To me, ASCA sounds more like a trade union than a certifying body - Who do they represent: The Coaches, USA Swimming or the Kids? It is my belief it should be all three.
On March 19, 2010, I published a post stating that if USA Swimming did not make changes, The US Senate would get involved. To my chagrin nothing happened but now that the Penn State tragedy has occurred, A senator by the name of Robert Cassey from Pennsylvania is now going to hold Senate Hearings on both child abuse and neglect.
From his Press release:
I suggest in the strongest of terms that USA Swimming send several executives to that hearing and articulate what they are doing to alleviate this crisis in our sport and what responsibility they will take for the failings of what I believe was their "straw firewall."
Finally, it is my belief that the executives of USA Swimming should do an audit regarding how well ASCA has preformed over the years, asked their own coaches as well and asked themselves if there is something better. I suspect there is.
Perhaps coach certification as it is practiced today should be broken up into components such as education, ethical behavior, and investigation. In other words three separate organizations that bid for that contract. This suggestion should be sincerely evaluated and this question should be asked: Is ASCA truly organized enough to be certifying coaches as capable, safe and moral?
To add my two-cents as I usually do, ASCA is an organization that let it's corporate filing lapse in Iowa. Does that fact instill a sense that they are competent "firewall?"
See this post for details:
Rebuttal from Coach Klein:
Hi Tony
Coach Ira Klein here, past president of ASCA, VP of USA Swimming and past employee of USA Swimming. To shed some light, or truth into your article. ASCA was created in 1959 almost 20 years ahead of the Stevens Act. It was created by coaches like Councilman and Daland and the late Phil Hansel was the first president. It was and remains an avenue for coach education. John Leonard is the third CEO of this organization. Under his leadership formal education was created as well as certification and a code of conduct for coaches, ahead of the one at USA Swimming.
The problem is that you do not have to be a member of ASCA to work as a coach, membership is completely voluntary. There were never any lawyers involved creating the points you claim. Since membership with ASCA is voluntary there is no way for it to conduct background checks and enforce USA Coaching registration. You put way to much onto the relationship between the organizations.
In all of the things ASCA has done, education, certification, code of conduct, they have been the number one leaders in all sports and the USOC and other NGB's follow their lead. It is easy to pontificate in a blog on what should have happened but I have never seen you anywhere trying to make things better or using your all knowing crystal ball about what should be done. Monday morning quarterbacking is great for the couch potatoes but try getting into the game for a change and putting yourself on the line for others.
And Tony, whether you know it or not you are entwined with SOT and you should investigate the background of the 'anonymous' author of that site. It might turn you stomach to know who you are in bed with.
Coach Ira Klein, proud member of ASCA and USA Swimming.
My Reply:
I am not "in bed with the Splash of Truth" SOT, That was quite a stretch to say that. This post came about through a conversation during a chat I had with a individual with whom I respect. My rhetoric is also significantly different than SOT.
As for coach employment: Please see the job postings at ASCA and USA Swimming which carry a "Level certification" needed to get a job.
See this post I made as well: [Link]
Another reader corrected me regarding having to pay a professional fee to maintain a license. I will correct that paragraph and acknowledge that I was incorrect. Please see the correction above...
As John Leonard, I find him unmeasured as revealed in this dialog between he and I and I find him somewhat crass and angry but that is just my opinion.
See this post I published which reveals letters between he and I some months ago: [Link]
As for making things better with swimming: Yes, I have made things better with swimming; (Thank you notes from ABC and ESPN were real morale boosters). Consequently, USA Swimming really put together a strong reporting and education program. Perhaps it was on the way, but those two shows on both national TV and cable accelerated the process a great deal and that can't be denied. Others have thanked me as well, those with medals and those that support them. Even moms, dads, and victims too.
I want to see a national governing body that spends more than 51% of it's gross profits into the subject of their non-profit. I want to see national team members make a living wage. I was told they now make $36k but I can't confirm. I want to see more reasonable salaries for executive positions and I want a coach certifying body more capable than ASCA. No one has been able to refute that ASCA was asleep at the wheel in regards to validating coaches as safe to put kids in front of.
I appreciate your measured rebuttal - Perhaps ASCA would in be in better hands if you ran the joint.
One would expect that the certifying body chosen to protect all those involved would have created such an obvious "bullet-proof" process since that is what they were paid to do, right? As a result of not having those procedures in place USA Swimming is now mired in several lawsuits and is busy doing a job they entrusted ASCA to do.
Here is how USA Swimming coach certification works:
To get certified as a USA Swimming Coach; (presuming you have not been grandfathered in before the Ted Stevens ACT was enacted), you must go to a second party known as the American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) for certification.
After paying ASCA a fee for courses, tests, materials and such, a coach is awarded a "level" rated from 1-to-5 that quantifies their accomplishments.
To get a job with a USA Swimming sanctioned club you must have ASCA certification. if you look at the job postings for coaches at USA Swimming or ASCA, these "ninja levels" determine a coach's income depending on which "level" they have attained.
So, send in your money and climb the five rungs of the ASCA ladder and you can command a higher salary.Level 1: Finish a course called the foundations of coaching.Level 2: You learn about swim techniqueLevel 3: Physiology schoolLevel 4: Administration schoolLevel 5: Leadership school and get a swimmer into USA Nationals
Now it gets worse: Once you have attained a particular level you can possibly have your level revoked if you don't maintain that accomplishment with a yearly fee. Here is a letter from ASCA sent to coach who wants to remain anonymous:
Coach,
I see that you were an ASCA Level 3 Coach. I am sure that is very important to you!
I am not sure if you are aware but you lose your certification level when your membership expires. Meaning you cannot represent yourself as a Level 3 certified coach to parents, employers or potential employers. You have taken the time to get the Level 3 status, why not keep it?? It is important to keep your ASCA Membership current, that is why I am dropping you a friendly reminder that you membership is expired!
Please renew by calling 1-800-356-2722 as soon as possible, so that you may continue your Level 3 Certification status. If you are no longer coaching or retired, we would like know that too!
If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me.
Kimberly Witherington
Certification Coordinator
American Swimming Coaches Association
5101 NW 21st Avenue, Suite 200
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
tel: 1-800-356-2722 / (954) 563-4930
[Wow, I got that wrong! several professional organizations to make you pay to play. My apologies]
To me, ASCA sounds more like a trade union than a certifying body - Who do they represent: The Coaches, USA Swimming or the Kids? It is my belief it should be all three.
On March 19, 2010, I published a post stating that if USA Swimming did not make changes, The US Senate would get involved. To my chagrin nothing happened but now that the Penn State tragedy has occurred, A senator by the name of Robert Cassey from Pennsylvania is now going to hold Senate Hearings on both child abuse and neglect.
From his Press release:
"... I know you share my strong commitment to protecting children and, like all of us, have been troubled and distraught about the child sexual abuse allegations coming out of Pennsylvania State University. No child should ever be subjected to sexual abuse. And no adult should ever turn a blind eye to such abuse. If any of the allegations coming out of Penn State turn out to be true, the gravest of crimes will have been committed against the most vulnerable amongst us.
Unfortunately, I have seen these types of crimes first-hand. I started my career as a social worker in Baltimore – helping at-risk and abused and neglected children. While working with the Baltimore City Welfare Department and Catholic Charities, I saw how child abuse can destroy a family and ruin a child’s life.
In an effort to keep our nation’s children safe from predators, I have spent years – as Chairwoman of the Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations subcommittee – working to ensure that Justice programs give federal, state and local law enforcement the tools they need to prevent, investigate, and prosecute crimes against children...."
[Link]
I suggest in the strongest of terms that USA Swimming send several executives to that hearing and articulate what they are doing to alleviate this crisis in our sport and what responsibility they will take for the failings of what I believe was their "straw firewall."
Finally, it is my belief that the executives of USA Swimming should do an audit regarding how well ASCA has preformed over the years, asked their own coaches as well and asked themselves if there is something better. I suspect there is.
Perhaps coach certification as it is practiced today should be broken up into components such as education, ethical behavior, and investigation. In other words three separate organizations that bid for that contract. This suggestion should be sincerely evaluated and this question should be asked: Is ASCA truly organized enough to be certifying coaches as capable, safe and moral?
To add my two-cents as I usually do, ASCA is an organization that let it's corporate filing lapse in Iowa. Does that fact instill a sense that they are competent "firewall?"
See this post for details:
"...After doing the research, I conclude that Sarah is absolutely correct stating that the American Swimming Coaches Association corporation filing appears to be inactive in Iowa. I won't venture to make judgments on the repercussions or conclusions of what that means but it sure does sound like the American Swimming Coaches Association has some paperwork to do?
Calls to the Iowa Secretary of State office yielded the following answers: Iowa Secretary of State office 515-281-8993 - Pam was the person Sarah talked to and she confirmed the American Swimming Coaches Association corporation status terminated in 1992.
Calls to Florida yield the following answers: Fl Non-Profit Corporations (850)-245-6052 - Mary Ann was the person Sarah talk to and she confirmed the American Swimming Coaches Association foreign non-profit status is indeed located in Iowa. She suggested the Fl Dept of Revenue might be interested in the fact that his Iowa corporation has lapsed. ..."
[Link]
Rebuttal from Coach Klein:
Hi Tony
Coach Ira Klein here, past president of ASCA, VP of USA Swimming and past employee of USA Swimming. To shed some light, or truth into your article. ASCA was created in 1959 almost 20 years ahead of the Stevens Act. It was created by coaches like Councilman and Daland and the late Phil Hansel was the first president. It was and remains an avenue for coach education. John Leonard is the third CEO of this organization. Under his leadership formal education was created as well as certification and a code of conduct for coaches, ahead of the one at USA Swimming.
The problem is that you do not have to be a member of ASCA to work as a coach, membership is completely voluntary. There were never any lawyers involved creating the points you claim. Since membership with ASCA is voluntary there is no way for it to conduct background checks and enforce USA Coaching registration. You put way to much onto the relationship between the organizations.
In all of the things ASCA has done, education, certification, code of conduct, they have been the number one leaders in all sports and the USOC and other NGB's follow their lead. It is easy to pontificate in a blog on what should have happened but I have never seen you anywhere trying to make things better or using your all knowing crystal ball about what should be done. Monday morning quarterbacking is great for the couch potatoes but try getting into the game for a change and putting yourself on the line for others.
And Tony, whether you know it or not you are entwined with SOT and you should investigate the background of the 'anonymous' author of that site. It might turn you stomach to know who you are in bed with.
Coach Ira Klein, proud member of ASCA and USA Swimming.
My Reply:
I am not "in bed with the Splash of Truth" SOT, That was quite a stretch to say that. This post came about through a conversation during a chat I had with a individual with whom I respect. My rhetoric is also significantly different than SOT.
As for coach employment: Please see the job postings at ASCA and USA Swimming which carry a "Level certification" needed to get a job.
See this post I made as well: [Link]
Another reader corrected me regarding having to pay a professional fee to maintain a license. I will correct that paragraph and acknowledge that I was incorrect. Please see the correction above...
As John Leonard, I find him unmeasured as revealed in this dialog between he and I and I find him somewhat crass and angry but that is just my opinion.
See this post I published which reveals letters between he and I some months ago: [Link]
As for making things better with swimming: Yes, I have made things better with swimming; (Thank you notes from ABC and ESPN were real morale boosters). Consequently, USA Swimming really put together a strong reporting and education program. Perhaps it was on the way, but those two shows on both national TV and cable accelerated the process a great deal and that can't be denied. Others have thanked me as well, those with medals and those that support them. Even moms, dads, and victims too.
I want to see a national governing body that spends more than 51% of it's gross profits into the subject of their non-profit. I want to see national team members make a living wage. I was told they now make $36k but I can't confirm. I want to see more reasonable salaries for executive positions and I want a coach certifying body more capable than ASCA. No one has been able to refute that ASCA was asleep at the wheel in regards to validating coaches as safe to put kids in front of.
I appreciate your measured rebuttal - Perhaps ASCA would in be in better hands if you ran the joint.
49 comments:
The Ted Stevens Act created the US Olympic Committee. The USOC is the organization that choses the National Governing Body. Congress put into the act provisions for a non profit corporation to challenge the incumbent NGB. USSwimnScandal seems to expect help from congressional hearings to replace leadership at USA Swimming. That's not how Congress works. Congress gave the swimming community all the tools it needs to make a change, but apparently no one is interested enough in change to follow the process.
I am not connected to SOT.
I am hoping the committee suggests or mandates rules and expectations that the governing bodies take very seriously.
I agree with Sarah,
The laws are in place and are part of USA Swimming rules and regulations, bylaws, code of conduct and the required LSC bylaws.
According to the USOC, USA Swimming has to make provisions to handle complaints - they've done this.
The question becomes - does the process have to work? It should work, but technically, does it have to work or is the act of creating a procedure, in and of itself, satisfying the requirement?
I agree with everything you have said, but most professionals have to pay for their license in order to work in their chosen profession. I have to pay every 2 years to renew my license in order to practice dentistry.If i don't pay, then I loose my license and ability to practice. So I assume ASCA feels that they are the "licensing board" for swimming,whether they were appointed or not.
I don't know the dark arts of the law, the purpose of the post was to shed light on how ASCA put USA Swimming in a bad spot.
thank you for that input. i suspect that since dentistry is a medical related field there are skill updates you must attest to?
The Ted Stevens Act was created to protect the opportunity of individuals (athletes, coaches, officials, trainers, managers, administrators, volunteers, etc.) to participate in amateur athletic competition.
It does not provide for certification of coaches.
I agree that the ASCA certification is a joke. I also agree that once someone is certified they should not need to maintain a membership to keep a certification.
Certification of coaches is not going to prevent sexual abuse. Professionals from all areas (doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc.) have been prosecuted for sexual abuse.
Clubs are responsible for hiring coaches. Clubs are suppose to conduct pre-employment screenings and background checks.
These are the people who hire friends, family, friends of friends, etc. It's not about hiring a good coach for the kids, but giving a pal a job. Good luck trying to voioce a concern - who's going to be believed?
A message for Splash of Truth: I feel it's wrong to personally attack swimmer/coach adult relationships. Human nature - spending alot of time together, relationships will form. It's really nobodies business.
Hi Tony
Coach Ira Klein here, past president of ASCA, VP of USA Swimming and past employee of USA Swimming. To shed some light, or truth into your article. ASCA was created in 1959 almost 20 years ahead of the Stevens Act. It was created by coaches like Councilman and Daland and the late Phil Hansel was the first president. It was and remains an avenue for coach education. John Leonard is the third CEO of this organization. Under his leadership formal education was created as well as certification and a code of conduct for coaches, ahead of the one at USA Swimming. The problem is that you do not have to be a member of ASCA to work as a coach, membership is completely voluntary. There were never any lawyers involved creating the points you claim. Since membership with ASCA is voluntary there is no way for it to conduct background checks and enforce USA Coaching registration. You put way to much onto the relationship between the organizations.
In all of the things ASCA has done, education, certification, code of conduct, they have been the number one leaders in all sports and the USOC and other NGB's follow their lead. It is easy to pontificate in a blog on what should have happened but I have never seen you anywhere trying to make things better or using your all knowing crystal ball about what should be done. Monday morning quarterbacking is great for the couch potatoes but try getting into the game for a change and putting yourself on the line for others.
And Tony, whether you know it or not you are entwined with SOT and you should investigate the background of the 'anonymous' author of that site. It might turn you stomach to know who you are in bed with.
Coach Ira Klein, proud member of ASCA and USA Swimming.
I just registered as a USA Swimming coach, and there was absolutely nothing to do with ASCA involved in the process.
See this FAQ and the Question: Do I have to be a member of ASCA
(the American Swimming Coaches
Association) too?
A:No. ASCA membership is entirely
optional.
http://www.usaswimming.org/_Rainbow/Documents/502b5631-3e74-47f0-8992-7016f7f46896/03%20FAQ%20revised%202011%20Jan.pdf
Further info is here: http://www.usaswimming.org/coachmember
I am going to add your comment to the bottom of the post
Lawyers and doctors, yes. But background checks at the very least would have remove the liability and a reporting infrastructure would have helped greatly. USA Swimming ultimately had to set that up.
Hey Ira, you got a major endorsement from one of readers who is a friend of mine: "... Ira Klein is a friend of almost 40 years from NY days. I'll have to read his note closely. He is a good guy and a good coach. .."
My "crystal ball" suspected you were. ;-)
What level of ASCA certification did the coaches of the BANNED list maintain? How many were current ASCA and or top certified.
I love how JL always talks down to everybody... does he even know how he comes across. That is not the kind of person that should be running an organization that is intended to 'support' and 'investigate' the concerns and needs of swim coaches.
Should ASCA limit their listening to only those coaches who buy in and kiss ass? My understanding going way back was that no one can require ASCA certification of USAS or NISCA coaches. However, local bodies (LSC or State High School) can require membership in local coaches association (these local association often force/bully all there members to join ASCA). When i coach HS back in the day, all dual meet schedules were set at the local annual Coaches Association (ASCA) meeting... it was pretty much all they did at the meeting (coffee and donuts with the good-ol-boys)
you know when people call in all their extra back up to make a point, you are getting near the truth.
I just got a comment about a famous coach. I can't post the it since the rhetoric is way to hot.
Please post anonymous if you want to but any and all allegations have to have a name if you can't provide a reference.
To another anonymous poster: My answer, I sure do hope so.
Tony, you may want to check out what is required to be a coach-member of USA Swimming. You can do so here:
http://www.usaswimming.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabId=1677&Alias=Rainbow&Lang=en
You seem to not understand the process.
I do understand the registration process. Please see this link:
http://www.usaswimming.org/ViewMiscArticle.aspx?TabId=1668&Alias=Rainbow&Lang=en&mid=539&ItemId=384
As for the background checks, how come ASCA isn't in charge of that protocol since they are ones certifying the coaches as competent?
Ira,
I would be interested to see how you feel about ASCA's endorsement, via its photo album, of the following coaches: Pat Hogan, Paul Bergen and Mitch Ivey. Are you proud to have them recognized as ASCA coaches?
ASCA won't answer that Chris.
Check out this link as to how actual certification is suppose to be done as outlined by the The American National Standards Institute ANSI
See points one and two.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_certification#Overview
Note that in the real world certification tests for competency only. Education is separate.
There is a reason why it is suppose to be separate and diversified from education. ASCA delivers both which if you think about it, offering both is odd.
You essentially are paying your teacher to certify you.
Hi Erica,
I appreciate both the post and the emotion, but rhetoric like this can get me sued. (Bloggers have few rights.)
Though I am fortunate enough to be able afford to defend myself, I have to do things correctly to maintain credibility.
Send me an email and I will see what i can do about it.
Unfortunately, nothing will ever fully PREVENT sexual abuse.
Most sexual predators are friends, family, or respected community members. These predators know how to manipulate the people around them.
USA Swimming cannot prevent sexual abuse. USA Swimming can create a working system that allows reporting of all unethical behavior, at all levels, without fear of retaliation.
There are too many stories where individuals, families, and entire teams are retaliated against because someone dares to speak up.
The retaliators need to be held accountable!!!
Todd Sousa, son-in-law of Laguna Hills City Councilman and former Mayor Joel Lautenschleger, ONLY received a 16 month prison sentence.
Todd pleaded guilty to 13 felony counts of lewd acts on a child, 3 felony counts of unlawful sexual intercourse, 2 misdemeanor counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
The lesson being taught: Do whatever you want with little or no punishment!!!
Mr. Stratton: The blogs are not the reason people are afraid to come forward. Retaliation is a known FACT and stretches beyond the pool decks.
The swimming community is intertwined in our schools, businesses, and communities and speaking up can have a HUGE negative effect on the treatment and opportunities beyond the pool deck.
I agree with you 100%
It is both ASCA's responsibility and USA Swimming to provide a process that does everything it can to ensure the coaches they certify are competent and protected.
This in itself would prevent many cases and alleviate liability suits against USA Swimming.
After doing my homework on how certification is suppose to be done. American Standards National Institute, and the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA, ASCA doesn't fall way short of the mark, they are literally aiming the wrong direction and an article as to how certification is suppose to be done is coming.
Bottom line, ASCA has to decide if they are a certifying body, an educational body, or a professional organization for American Coaches. (An association has a corporate definition unto itself.)
Finally, I still think a no one-on-one policy is needed. Why hasn't that been adopted?
I don't think a no one-on-one would work. There are many more good people than bad. Sometimes parents are in a jam and ask a coach to give their kid a ride home and sometimes a coach may need a ride from an athlete.
What about the rare occassion when only one athlete shows up for morning workout?
There's no excuse for sexual abuse or abuse of any kind. Nobody knows where the next predator is going to strike. But suspending an eight year old for saying a teacher is "cute", or criticizing adult relationships or turning an innocent hug or kind gesture into something "inappropriate" is damaging society as a whole.
People need to use common sense.
...there is a lifeguard on deck. One-on-one means personal interviews or trips. :-)
I should have made that clear. ooops!
Tony,
I agree. I stricktly enforce a "no one-on-one ratio" with my club staff and members. This applies to car pools, locker rooms, waiting for rides after practice.
I have had to enforce this seval times in the last 5 months. It is shocking how many families still have no concern having there 10-16 year old child in a one-on-one situation with another adult. They will even ask (beg) to have it allowed. I have members who have worry with letting a 25 year old coach they have know for 3 months give their 14 year old daughter a ride home from a meet that is an hour away and mostly on rural country roads. Parents have gotta start using the nut in their skulls.
And it so protects you too!
Not all facilities have lifeguards on deck!
There always a parent but we could always one up each other. This policy especially protects the coaches too,
Surfer,
Up to 50% of those who sexually abuse children are under the age of 18. Therefore, the 14 year old girl is statistically safer with the 25 year old coach than a teenager.
Pedophiles groom their victims for long periods of time before striking. Statistically, the 14 year old is safer with the coach she has known for three months than the coach she has known for three years.
anon,
..that's the kind of flawed logic applied to statistical nonsense that makes politicians proud.
Surfer,
Just saying....
People need to educate themselves and stop blaming the victims and the parents. It's also not fair to suggest 25 year old coaches are sexually interested in 14 year old girls and therefore cannot be trusted.
Tony,
I'm not trying to one up you. I'm trying to provide facts.
Not all facilities have lifeguards.
Not all teams allow parents on deck.
Not all pool decks are visible from the parking lots.
Parents may escort their children to the pool deck because of the lack of visibility from the parking lots, but then leave because they are not welcome on deck.
I was talking about me "one-upping" you by coming up with a pithy remark. I think we could go back and forth on ad infinitum.
What we all agree on is how despicable this problem is. What we differ on is the process.
The idea on a one-on-one is never foll proof but in my opinion would remove a lot of liability and should be a guideline both parents and coaches consider
Erica,
Leave your comment on The Swim Brief blog.
Comments are not censored and post immediately.
Can't wait to read what you have to say.
I have published Erica's comment. After researching with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, I have discovered that Iam protected Under " ...Section 230 of Title 47 of the United States Code (47 USC § 230).
Get set for a wild ride in this comment section.
Where is Erica's comment published?
Regarding Erica: I have a trashcan icon at the bottom of each comment. If a user gets cold feet and decides to delete what they wrote they can.
I published the post, and it was deleted. I don't ask why, I just allow users that option.
Too bad - was looking forward to the wild ride, but thanks for the option!
Tony,
Congrats on getting quite a conversation started. Here's my $0.02 on some topics:
- I agree with some that you don't seem to completely understand the certification process with ASCA and USA Swimming. One of the links you posted in the comment section refers to requirements for Head Coaches of newly formed clubs, but not to all coaches, or Head Coaches. Both entities do work with each other quite a bit, and there seems to be a lot of overlapping. But you really don't have to be and ASCA member to coach a USS team. Many of the posts in the ASCA job board refer to a desired certification level, but the large majority of the clubs will accept similar experience and achievement, and not really check if you are paying your dues with ASCA to keep your membership and certification current. I have chosen to be a member of ASCA since I started coaching in the US, but that is because I honestly believe they provide very valuable services to all coaches. Most of their education material is very good, the ease of having 99% of the serious job openings announced in the same place is not matched in any profession (as far as know), and the clinics they put together are great. I don't think ASCA ever had the role of doing background checks. You don't need to be associated with USA Swimming to be a member of ASCA (they even have international membership options listed) and vice-versa.
- I think the whole point about what is certification, accreditation, education, etc. is more semantics than anything else. Maybe ASCA needs to change the word they are using, but since the whole process is not mandatory I don't think it is that big of an issue, really.
- No One-on-One policies are not a reality for many clubs. The truth is, most pools do not have lifeguards on deck, and there are many, many clubs that can not afford more than one professional coach. Especially at Senior levels, parental involvement needs to decrease and the kids need to start taking ownership for their swimming, which won't happen if everytime the coaches are meeting with swimmers the parents need to be present. For the clubs that can do it, you're right that it also serves to protect them and the coaches (I do my best to avoid being in a one-on-one situation as a personal protection plan), but it would be unreasonable to adopt it as a national rule. I believe it has been adopted as a rule regarding travel, though.
- I also think that, while any case of abuse is shocking and heart-breaking, and we should do everything to avoid them from happening, we need to be careful not to create a society where affection is outlawed. As someone else mentioned, there are more good people than bad, and if we end up molding everything just thinking about the bad, the result will be far more damaging than the good of the policies (the anallogy that just came to my mind was the War on Drugs - results far worse than drug use due to the policies adopted). Kids need to be protected, but they also need hugs, taps on the back, and human contact.
Jim, you are glazing over that ASCA is both educator and certification body. THat is not the standard way to do a certification business since you are paying a teacher to certify you which is a conflict of interest.
It's not semantics, it's a profitable business since ASCA makes money on education, certifications and yearly fees.
The American National Standards Institute as well as other international certification bodies agree. Education and certification must be separate.
One of the comments here was left by a coach who uses the name Surfer. He uses a no one on one policy and has stated it is successful. The goal here is to be as "bullet proof" as possible. Humans beings are creative and can out with any defensive mechanism but if the Boy Scouts can insist on it, I think USA Swimming should too. We disagree.
Apparently all youth sports are awash with this problem: Gymnastic, football, swimming and don't get me started on schools; (See the website bad, bad, teacher.) A no one on one policy is sorely needed.
Tony- how do you enforce a one on one policy? Who knows that an athlete and a coach are spending alone time together except the athlete and the coach? When the coach and the athlete make secret plans to meet at his house before practice, or at the restaurant/movie theater across town, or sneak out in the middle of the night ... Who else is aware of that? These relationships are cultivated in the privacy of email/Facebook/texting and then escalate to private secret meet ups.
It's a guideline that both the parents and coach acknowledge. The Boy Scouts enforce it on their outings. It protects both the coaches and the kids.
I am getting repetitive and here is why: I think it is workable and nobody here criticizing it has suggested a better policy only to say that the risks are essentially the "cost of doing business" or it's a rare "acceptable casualty". I for one don't accept that. Our opinions differ.
When I take "Satan's Little Helper" to her swim practice, I am on the deck. That's how I roll and subsequently everything is all good.
you have to protect yourself . !
getting into a 1-on-1 situation puts the coach in dangerous water. today's most helpful family can become tomorrows most pissed. I am jaded, with good reason. I have been utterly stunned with who has stabbed me in the back. people make false accusations all the time. if there is no 1-on-1 time, no phone record, no suggestive emails... then i have protected me and my club. If you are a small club in a small town, it is even more dangerous due to the gossip mills.
You should require the parent be on deck if it is a 1-on-1 senior practice. you're an idiot if you put yourself in the line of fire over having 1 parent on deck for such a practice ...get over it, your power trippin.
@Anon said,
"how do you enforce a one on one policy? Who knows that an athlete and a coach are spending alone time together except the athlete and the coach? When the coach and the athlete make secret plans..."
Your starting to sound like the little brat who is trying to figure out how to get away with it again. Apparently you also think that if you cant conceive of how we could be aware of it, we should just let it slide? i don't know what plans the burglar has made for my home, but we have laws against robbery. There are always options for having proper supervision, and there will always be anonymous adults trying to selfishly steal children's souls.
Start putting people 1st ...stop putting your precious private deck time ahead of common sense.
What is in the closet for many coaches is very dark. I've been shocked how many times I've been face-to-face on deck with these monsters. I was working for a club who, unknown to anyone, wound up having 2 pedophile coaches (out of 5). One is now doing jail time (band for life) the other vanished to another state after laying low for a year (no charges, so I cant even call his current employer. I did take it to police, but not enough evidence for more than file making, but its a start).
i am good at getting people to open up and talk to me, the things i have heard some coaches say, would make most families pull their kids from everything.
It is more common than our society wants to admit. Many!... many 'men' are merely large little boys. I would guess nearly 1/2 of the male population would jump at a chance to have a 14-year-old fling. just watch "to catch a predator." ...surprised we haven't seen a swim coach yet.
I think Surfer's comment is a perfect articulation of what I tried to explain from someone who is on the front lines or the pool deck itself.
July 2006 - North American Heat Wave - Record heat of 119 degrees in Los Angeles - City officials advising citizens to go to public facilities to escape the heat - cooling centers were open - people were dying.
My family was at a swim meet at the John Argue (coliseum) swim stadium in Los Angeles. The treatment that Bettie Williams and a particular lifeguard dished out to the families in attendance was horrendous.
This is a beautiful facility with a meter pool and a separate warm up pool with a 0-24" depth wading pool. Bettie was screaming at people to get their toes out of this wading pool. Parents were trying to cool their infants and were being yelled at. People were being chased out of the shade, away from the cooling vents, out of the air conditioned halls. I was trying to help a parent who was getting dizzy and we were told to move away from where we were standing. Grandparents had to leave because there was no relief.
People were told that they could stay in the locker room. I went to the restroom and was horrified to see dozens of kids sitting on the shower floors with the showers running. Some of the same faces were there for hours.
The actions of these women were shocking, but the inactions of others was even more shocking. I was only a swim parent for a couple of years and could not understand why people would allow these women to treat them this way.
I went to the parking lot and called 911 - nothing could be done unless someone actually passed out. That evening I e-mailed the mayors office, department of parks, etc. I didn't want the treatment to continue the next day.
The next morning things were better until Bettie and the lifeguard went on their rampage again.
Monday morning I received apologies from several agencies, but it was after the fact.
My e-mail addressed the fact that sending children to hang out in locker rooms was unacceptable because it separated kids and parents of the opposite sex. The facility is huge and has indoor basketball courts, weight rooms and other activities.
Common sense would be to allow parents and their children to cool off in the wading pool which had plenty of lifeguards and not send them off to hang out in the showers.
My childrens coach was horrified that I made complaints. I was told that the swimming community is very small and everybody knows each other and my complaints could negatively affect the entire team. I was asked, in the future, to please go to the coach.
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