Reduce The Risk Of Your Child Being Molested By A Coach

(We originally wrote this article after the golf coach in Livermore was arrested for suspicion of child molestation.)

As most of you have heard a popular, and previously well-respected, youth golf coach was arrested and charged with child molestation.  This infuriates (the most suitable word for public consumption) me to no end.  Beyond being illegal, immoral, outrageous, and disgusting; this individual's actions go completely against what a youth coach is all about; putting the needs of your youth athlete before your own.   Coaches often put their own needs (money, ego, fame, etc.) above their students, but this coaches actions are just ....... I got no words to describe it.  Unfortunately this type of behavior happens and it seems to be happening more frequently because of the rise in youth sports and performance.  Popularity drives money, money lures people, and even those who are not really qualified will chase after it.  It's not like this behavior didn't happen in the past, it is just happening more frequently because of the increased participation in sports training and performance.  So what can you do as a parent to try and prevent this from ever happening to your child?

Being a coach, I have a unique perspective that most parents do not have.  Being a father means I will forever be a protective figure in someone else's life.  Being a father of two girls means, don't mess with my girls!!  All you fathers who have a girl know what I am talking about. ;)  Even though I have girls, boys are just as susceptible to being a victim, the Livermore incident being a prime example. From my dual role as coach and father I see and understand a lot more than a typical parent of an athlete would, so from my experience here are ways to try and prevent your child from being a victim of something as heinous.

OBSERVE - This is an obvious one that often gets overlooked.  With chaotic schedules just from having kids, plus homework, plus practices, plus your own work, and throw in that you have to feed and want to spend some time with them; parents find as many short cuts as possible.  As a matter of fact we are masters at it.  This often leads to dropping one kid off then running errands or taking the next kid where they need to go.  However time saving this is, it leads to parents not being very observant as to what is going on.  In know way am I blaming parents, this is something that we all do, and really we shouldn't have to watch everything our kids do for fear of some monster hurting them.  It is never the parents or the child's fault if something like this happens!!  All I am getting at, is that observation is a big weapon in protecting your children.  It doesn't mean that you have to watch every practice. It just means that be as observant as you can be.  One of my favorite sayings is Pay Attention To Details.  It's always the little things that you think don't matter, that do.  So if you notice something that doesn't seem right, pay attention and take note.

You can read the rest of the article here: http://www.redzonetraining.com/blog/reduce-the-risk-of-your-child-being-molested-by-a-coach/