Reporting Abuse

Reporting Abuse

Originally published Mar/Apr 2018 PS Magazine

Earlier this year I was following a post on social media. Some coaches were complaining about the costs of coaching and all the requirements – background checks, insurance, CERs, etc. 


Another recent thread started after a coach was arrested for sexual misconduct. Instead of showing sympathy for the victim or shame at the coach involved, comments were made instead that implied SafeSport was just a money-grab, the training is only so organizations like PSA can use it to their benefit if they get sued, and background checks only catch those who have already been caught.


Unfortunately, these coaches miss the point completely. It is[ET1]  the responsibility of the associations to help provide a safe environment for all. I do, however, agree that background checks only catch the guilty. But what if we didn’t have that in place? What would keep abusing coaches from moving to the next state? What if a parent of a prospective student asked the status of your background screening? Are you going to say a check doesn’t mean anything?

Now on to SafeSport. SafeSport is mandated by the U.S. Olympic Committee. SafeSport will not keep a predator from abusing children. However, one purpose of SafeSport is to educate anyone who is in the presence of minors to recognize and report real or suspected misconduct. That is the point. Unfortunately, it is up to coaches like those above to do the right thing and report abuse. Based on their comments and flippant attitude, I have real concerns that they would report abuse and that is the real issue.

This is not the first nor will it be the last time I write about this. One year ago I wrote the following in the March/April 2017 PS Magazine and it bears reprinting again today:

As adults, we are responsible for the welfare of minors. Be diligent. The 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 clubs Safesport chair and with U.S. Figure Skating.

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

Effects of Sexual Abuse

Children may 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.

The 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.

How to Report Sexual Misconduct Violations

Individuals should report suspected sexual misconduct violations directly to the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

Online Reporting Form: https://www.safesport . org/response-resolution/report

Phone: 720-524-5640

For more information: Online – www .usfigureskating.org/safesport or Email safesport@usfigureskating.org or call 719-635-5200

---