Drawing Boundaries

Organizations take steps to scrutinize coaches and ensure kids’ safety

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By Corey Allen-Young

Two long time college coaches at Syracuse and Penn State are facing allegations for sexually abusing children. The news has parents all across the country asking, how can we keep our children safe from people they're supposed to trust? Coaches spend countless hours with kids throughout the year, which is why its important for them to be reminded on what can and cannot be done to keep abuse from happening. Teaching children how to be good and safe team players while having fun is something adults themselves need to be reminded about. “Its really important that those folks never ever get themselves into a situation that is considered compromising in any way,” said Anchorage School District Superintendent Carol Comeau. The Alaska Schools Activities Association (ASAA) and the Anchorage School District set standards for keeping adult and kid boundaries appropriate. But they say it boils down to making sure everyone is following the rules. “Don't shut the door if you are working one on one with a student after school,” said Comeau. “People ask us at times why don't you guys do something about a certain coach we always say we don’t' hire coaches and we can't fire coaches,” said Gary Matthews, the executive director for ASAA. “All of these groups and activities where the coach spends a lot more time with their group its just a higher level of scrutiny,” said Comeau. Something the Aurora Swim Team takes seriously with in-depth background checks and mandated coaching training. “We want to make it safe and visible for everybody to see we are doing a good job,” said Cindy Pitta, the Aurora Head Coach. “It isn't the creep looking into the bushes anymore its coaches, and clergyman, and teachers, its prevalent all over.” A scenario that could easily happen here. “I want every single kid to walk in on my pool deck and feel safe,” said Pitta. “I want every single parent to feel like they can drop their child off, go shopping come back and pick their child and know their child is being attended too in an appropriate manner.” These are important priorities to keep in mind so kids can feel safe and their parents can feel the same way too. The Anchorage School District uses a brochure that is handed out every year to make sure staff know what the guidelines are. Experts say education on what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior should begin early on--like teaching kindergarteners when and whom to hug or kiss and how to find a trusted adult to report.

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