Category: safety

can we trust Police Background Checks?

I don’t think so. They are not always correct. Not always up-to-date.

For example …

When (Jonathan) West began teaching private lessons at New Orleans Outlaws, last year, (owner) Bonewitz said she conducted a background check and had him take a drug screening. Both came back clean despite the fact that New Orleans police arrested (coach “Johnny”) West in 2011 on suspicion of the alleged rape of a woman.

West also faced a 2012 complaint of sexual abuse involving a 3-year-old in Kenner. But both charges were refused by prosecutors for insufficient evidence, according to authorities. …

‘He was like a part of their family’: Gymnastics community reels after coach’s sex abuse arrests

Both those previous charges were refused by prosecutors for insufficient evidence, so did not show on his background check.

related – Uber is rolling out ongoing background checks for its drivers

In Canada 10 Steps of Screening are recommended:

  1. Assessment
  2. Position – Assignment
  3. Recruitment
  4. Application
  5. Interview
  6. References
  7. Police Checks
  8. Orientation and Training
  9. Support and Supervision
  10. Follow-up and Feedback

 

the Athlete Task Force is a thing

Kerry Perry … announced five members of the organization’s newly created Athlete Task Force: Shenea Booth, acrobatic gymnastics; Ivana Hong, women’s gymnastics; Jazzy Kerber, rhythmic gymnastics; Steven Legendre, men’s gymnastics; and Leigh Hennessy Robson, trampoline and tumbling.

Details.

Spencer is not convinced.

Alberta trampoline park insurance increases

News from Alberta, Canada.

Insurance costs may drive the pay for play warehouses out of business.

Red Deer’s indoor trampoline park has closed its doors.

… owners of Jump 360 say insurance rates “quadruple what we were paying” and higher employee wages have made it too costly for them to continue operating. …

Jump 360 had been open since May 2016 …

Indoor trampoline park closes citing higher insurance costs, wages

related – Insurers jumping out of the trampoline business

I’d love to see those dangerous parks close.

The downside for Alberta clubs with qualified, certified Trampoline coaches is a new limitation which states that only competitive gymnasts and trampolinists are insured to use tramps, tumbling trampolines, mini-trampolines, etc.

Recreational kids, birthday party kids, Parkour and drop-in participants are not covered for negligence. … I feel this goes too far. Alberta clubs should look for a new insurance agency.

Father of three dies at Richmond’s Extreme Air Park trampoline facility

Jay Greenwood

 

new USA Olympic CEO Sarah Hirshland

“supporting, protecting and empowering”

The United States Olympic Committee on Thursday named a new chief executive to succeed Scott Blackmun, who stepped down under pressure in February as the organization faced escalating pressure in the aftermath of the Nassar gymnastics sex abuse case.

The group’s new leader is Sarah Hirshland, an executive with the United States Golf Association. …

NY Times

Golden Syrup for Parallel Bars

The guys at Phoenix Gymnastics use Lyle’s Golden Syrup instead of honey. That’s a British thing that has caught on in some Gyms around the world.

You put a small dab on your hands before chalking up.

It does work.

Kamerin Moore speaks out

Dvora Meyers linked to a video from Kamerin Moore, former elite gymnast and Larry Nassar survivor.

It’s very emotional.

Former Elite Gymnast Kamerin Moore Learns To Take Back Her Accomplishments From An Abusive Coach

Kamerin Moore, John Geddert, Jordyn Wieber 

falling safely from P Bars

Click PLAY or watch it on Instagram.

‘Rule of Two’ in Canada

The goal of the Rule of Two is for organizations to always have two screened and National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) trained or certified coaches with an athlete, especially a minor athlete, when in a potentially vulnerable situation. Vulnerable situations can include closed doors meetings, travel, and remote training environments.

Implementing the Rule of Two means that any one-on-one interaction between a coach and an athlete, both on and off of the field of play, must take place within earshot and view of the second coach, with the exception of medical emergencies.

One of the coaches must also be of the same gender as the athlete. …

Canadian Sport Information Resource Centre

Nassar chill

Tony Retrosi is on the road. A long series of Congress events, Camps and competitions.

Talking to many coaches here’s one of his observations:

Because of the current climate of fear within the gymnastics community many new coaches with energy and ideas are NOT getting involved and many experienced coaches are getting out of the sport early.

Read more on GymMomentum.

I’m sensing some of that same doom and gloom in western Canada regarding the future of our sport, but it’s not nearly as severe.

Tom Forster is the USAG HP Director

Kerry Perry:

“When considering this very visible and important leadership role in the women’s program, I believe that whoever filled this role had to have a training philosophy that is aligned with transforming to a culture of empowerment that encourages, supports and hears our athletes,” said Perry …

“…. Based on the feedback from the coaches, athletes and interviewing panel, Tom was the obvious choice.

Tom is well-respected and recognized throughout the community as a leader, both technically and as an incredible motivator, with a positive coaching philosophy,” said Perry.” …

“I am humbled and excited to accept the position of the high-performance team coordinator for women’s gymnastics,” said Forster. “The responsibility of motivating and guiding our current and future elite athletes, and their coaches, is not one I take lightly.  …

“I believe in coaching through inspiration not intimidation,” said Forster. …

USAG

Good luck, sir. You are taking on a big job at a very difficult time.