Category: ethics

my coaching “Police Check”

Where I live a criminal records check is required every 3 years.

Though it was possible to apply online, I went instead in person to the nearest “Police and Intervention Record Check” office with driver’s licence and passport in hand.

Application was short and simple. I paid my $30 and was told it would take 3 weeks for my report to be mailed.

All coaches and support staff should check what’s required where you live.

All clubs should require Police Checks from their staff that work with children.

Truly the police checking process should be ongoing. At first criminal infraction the employer should be notified. Immediately.

American Twisters Florida has an excellent Child Safety page listing their policies. Compare your club with Twisters.

twisters

related – IndyStar – OUT OF BALANCE

Nike Middle East – women in sport

Nike has long enjoyed a mostly positive profile when it comes to its position on inclusion and being generally progressive.

Yes, the company is trying to sell shoes, but staking out positions on touchy subjects is noteworthy, and not without risks. …

Nike uses Twitter to promote women’s sports in the Middle East

Click PLAY or watch it on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/NikeMiddleEast/status/832802373676331008

There are many in the Middle East quietly advocating sport and fitness for girls and women.

the Vitaly Marinitch resignation

Click through to listen to  Alaina Legendre (née Williams) tell the story in her own words.

On Sunday, August 24, 2014 after the P&G Championships in Pittsburgh, Olympic hopeful Steven Legendre and his wife Alaina went to the hotel bar. It was there that Alaina alleges U.S. Olympic Training Center men’s coach, Vitaly Marinitch sexually assaulted her.

Since the incident isn’t mentioned as a catalyst for Vitaly’s stated voluntary resignation, the Legendres have decided to publicly share their story …

GymCastic episode #241

vitaly-marinitch
Vitaly Marinitch

related – USA Today – Couple unhappy with USA Gymnastics handling of groping complaint

I’ve not seen any official response from USAG.

Thanks to GymCastic for their investigation on this: 1) Orange County Register, 2) Indy Star, 3 GymCastic.

support childhood cancer research

If you want to make a donation to support Knots and Arrows and Becca’s mission to end childhood cancer, check out Knots and Arrow’s Kickstarter page, which will be live until March 1. …

FloGymnastics

60 Minutes investigates USA Gymnastics sex abuse

News magazine program “60 Minutes” put the spotlight on IndyStar’s investigative reporting on sex abuse within USA Gymnastics.

Several former gymnasts came forward to tell their stories of alleged sex abuse committed by former team doctor Larry Nassar. If you missed the program, you can watch online here (in the USA). …

IndyStar

Click PLAY or watch USAG Board Chair Paul Parilla’s response on Twitter.

related – read FloGymnastics’ Editorial: Why Does Abuse Continue To Plague USA Gymnastics?

USAG should have done more sooner, that’s clear.

What will USA Gymnastics do next? That’s not at all clear.

Changes may be imposed on all Olympic sports in the USA — Senator seeks tougher law after USA Gymnastics’ handling of sex abuse cases

Dannell Leyva bustin’ through the Wall

Make love not walls.

Click PLAY or watch it on Twitter.

USA Gymnastics timeline – Dr. Nassar

The accusations are damning and ongoing. For example, Mother of MSU Gymnast Speaks out on Larry Nassar & Confrontation with Coach (VIDEO)

Here’s USGA’s response from Feb 16, 2-17 – Statement from USA Gymnastics Board Chairman Paul Parilla and CEO Steve Penny

FBI has interviewed gymnasts

Multiple gymnasts from the U.S. team, including members of the gold medal-winning squads in Rio de Janeiro and London, have been interviewed in recent months by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as either patients of the doctor, Larry Nassar, or potential witnesses …

Dr. Nassar, an osteopathic physician, served as a volunteer trainer and doctor for the U.S. national team for almost 30 years …

FBI Interviews Top U.S. Gymnasts in Intensifying Sexual-Abuse Investigation

too many 10s in NCAA?

I don’t think so, actually. This has been an excellent season so far.

Greg Marsden posted some history on 10s.

Rio’s Olympic legacy?

Six months on from Games, key venues lie empty in Rio de Janeiro

Maracana Stadium looted and damaged, golf course struggling

The only tangible Olympic legacy are some public transport improvements, mainly in affluent areas. “Those are the only legacies that you could claim are positive …

Rio Olympic venues already falling into a state of disrepair

maracana-stadium