Be Diligent

Be Diligent

Originally published MAR/APR 2017 PS Magazine

In December of 2016, a nine-month Indianapolis Star-USA Today investigation concluded at least 368 gymnasts throughout the United States were allegedly the victim of some form of sexual abuse over the past 20 years. More than 100 coaches, gym owners, and other adults connected to the sport have been accused of abuse.

Between 2000 and 2010, at least 36 swimming coaches were banned for life by USA Swimming because of sexual misconduct.


The Boy Scouts of America, the Catholic Church, Penn State, English Youth Football, Canadian Junior Hockey, U.S. Speed Skating, and even figure skating have had instances of adults having sexually abusive encounters with children.


It wouldn’t be fair to say any specific activity attracts more abusers than another. Where there are children, there will be pedophiles. Some organizations, however, have made it easier by not having policies and procedures to safeguard their participants. One single instance of sexual abuse is appalling, but allowing multiple instances a preventable tragedy.


It is important to understand the decisions and consequences that were made by those in gymnastics. One case involved Coach Ray Adams. In 1993, he was accused of molesting a 12 year old girl in St. Louis, Mo. The mother did not contact the police but did manage to get him fired from the gym and encouraged the owner to keep it quiet. Between 1995 and 1996, he was accused of fondling a minor at an Illinois gym, which was not reported until December of 1996. Adams worked at several more gyms in Missouri and Illinois before being fired again in 1997 after allegations of improper conduct and inappropriate touching while spotting. There continued to be instances of misconduct that eventually led Adams to plead guilty to 4 counts of misdemeanor battery. His punishment was a fine.

In the early 2000’s, he moved to Ohio and began coaching again. Once again he was fired for conduct that was considered “unprofessional.” By 2008, Adams had made his way to Florida. Soon there were complaints to the gym management regarding his conduct with young girls. He moved from gym to gym in Florida, leaving a flood of complaints concerning his behavior with young gymnasts. He was finally arrested and charged with two felony counts of lewd and lascivious molestation. Even with his arrest, parents from the gym donated money to help Adams post his $80,000 bond. Finally in 2013, Adams was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison. 


Ray Adams abused an unknown number of young girls for over 20 years in at least four states. There is a trail of accusations and some convictions throughout the whole period. No one person will hold all the blame other than Adams himself. However, various courts and prosecutors, gym owners, coaches, employees, parents, and allegedly U.S. Gymnastics officials made decisions that allowed Adams to keep abusing. 


That being said, many responsible adults did make reports that were taken seriously, followed up, and criminal charges filed. One resulted in reduced charges, several guilty pleas, and even an acquittal. One gym maintains that references were checked prior to hiring Adams. A Florida gym not only reviewed U.S. Gymnastics/NCIS’s background screening but did their own as well. He passed both and it was surmised he either altered his name or provided a false Social Security number.

What can we learn from this?

As adults, we are responsible for the welfare of minors. Be diligent. PSA, U.S. Figure Skating, and ISI have safeguards in place to minimize the risk of inappropriate behavior. Safeguards such as background screenings, ethics education, locker room policies, and SafeSport are just a few. If you’re hiring, just don’t check the references, but call their former employers too.

None of it matters however if we sit idly by and do nothing. If you suspect something, report the matter to the attention of local law enforcement or public child welfare organization. File a SafeSport complaint with your club’s SafeSport chair and with U.S. Figure Skating.

Second, educate yourself on the warning signs. PSA offers several e-learning courses on the subject. The following comes directly from the CER ET 201/SS 206 2 GRO-W Champions e-learning course:

Effects of Sexual Abuse

Children may be psychologically traumatized by sexual abuse. How do you recognize children who have been sexually abused? The child may exhibit some of the following signs:

1)      Sleeping problems

2)      Lack of attention, difficulty concentrating, and/or spacing out at odd times

3)      Loss of appetite

4)      Sudden mood swings (angry outbursts, sullenness, fearfulness, depression, or withdrawal)

5)      Unexplained frequent stomach aches

6)      Extreme immaturity (acting like a much younger child)

7)      Frequent accidents or self-injurious behaviors

8)      Refusal to go to school, or to the doctor, or home

9)      Fear of adults

10)  References to an “older friend”

11)  Sexual activity or making references to sex

12)  Extreme fear of being touched

13)  Unwillingness to submit to physical examination

Warning Signals that Might Lead to Abuse

Sometimes we may observe adults interacting with adolescents in ways that strike us as odd or inappropriate. Don’t ignore these feelings. Stay alert and be aware of such warning signs as:

1)      Making frequent physical contact with an adolescent (hugging, wrestling, tickling, or other kinds of touching)

2)      Seeking alone time with an adolescent

3)      Spending free time with adolescents and disinterest in spending time with same age peers

4)      Buying adolescents expensive gifts

5)      Following adolescents into bathroom or locker room

6)      Showing an interest in adolescent sexual development

7)      Asking adolescents about their sexual experiences

8)      Making references to athlete’s body parts

9)      Calling athletes by sexual names (e.g., “stud,” “sexy,” “slut”)

10)  Disrespecting adolescent’s expressions of choice and ownership

11)  Not responding to or correcting athletes’ inappropriate behavior

12)  “Stalking” behavior

Every skater has the right to a safe environment free from any type of abuse. It is up to all of us to ensure our skaters can learn and train in environments that build confidence, friendship, and security.

PSA, U.S. Figure Skating, and ISI are committed to providing a unified and consistent approach that defines roles and responsibilities to protect all skaters. Keeping our skaters safe requires a vigilant and educated community. Protecting our skaters must be based on the principle of partnership and shared responsibility of all. The challenge of protecting children is everyone’s responsibility.