04/20/24
April 10, 2010
Game-changing sex-abuse cases mean new rules for nation's coaches : Windsor soccer coach Larry Palazzi makes his rules clear: He does not drive his players home alone. In team meetings or in hotel rooms at tournaments, he makes sure another adult is present – what sports teams call the “two-deep rule.” High-fives are okay, but not victory hugs. For parents and coaches such as Mr. Palazzi, Graham James is a reminder of the need to know what's going on when your kids play sports. Last week, news broke that the disgraced junior-hockey coach had received a pardon three years ago from the National Parole Board for sexual abuse against two young players, even as more of his former team members, including Calgary Flames and New York Rangers veteran Theo Fleury, came forward with new allegations.
posted by tommytrump to culture at 08:31 PM - 6 comments
It it a shame that sick shits like that can complicate what would otherwise be (and should be) simple things. That being said, people are wise to make sure that they cover their asses at all times. Sorry about the bug bites, dviking, but you're absolutely right that they're better than a lawsuit or criminal charges.
posted by tahoemoj at 01:07 PM on April 11, 2010
I've had the leadership training sessions a couple of times, when I was a Boy Scout leader and when I volunteered in the schools. My wife has to undergo it yearly, since she is a special needs educator. One of the problems you run into is that kids, even elementary school kids, are very clever. If they feel the need to make problems, they will find a way to do it. One must be very wary when working with them. The saddest part of this is that I know many people with the skills to work with kids who will not, because of the horror stories about abuse charges.
posted by Howard_T at 02:35 PM on April 11, 2010
The saddest part of this is that kids are being molested, not that non-molesting adults have to be more mindful of their interactions with kids.
posted by rcade at 02:44 PM on April 11, 2010
I'm not sure it's necessary to put any sort of superlative on any aspect of a story involving abuse of children. It's sad from the top down. It sucks for the kids being molested, it sucks for kids who don't have coaches and teachers because of the risks involved, it sucks for adults trying to coach and mentor kids. This story was written from the perspective of an adult trying to deal with the ramifications of the actions of another, and having empathy for him isn't a dismissal of the very real pain suffered by victims of abuse.
posted by tahoemoj at 02:55 PM on April 11, 2010
rcade and tahoemoj, you both make good points. The real issue is that there are scumbags out there that take advantage of kids. However, showing some understanding of what the other coaches have do go through does not mean that one is in anyway supporting the abuser.
I do think parents need to take a more active role in the safety of their children. Care enough to ensure that the people your child is around are safe, and even then take every precaution you can.
posted by dviking at 03:54 PM on April 11, 2010
Anyone that has been a coach, or leader, of children has faced this type of situation. I've coached boys and girls sports from the ages of 4 to 15. I've also been a Boy Scout leader. Numerous times I've been put in an awkward situation where one kid is left after practice/meeting. I've never had to stand in the rain, but I have stood outside a car and gotten eaten by bugs rather than wait in a car with a 13 year old girl. Damn mother shows up 45 minutes late and acts like I was a jerk for ending practice right at the designated time (we always ended on time).
If you have kids, be responsible for them.