Headlines: WI Youth Hockey Coach Sentenced

A former youth hockey coach was sentenced last week to six years in prison for sexual assault of a 14 year old girl.  The article in the River Falls Journal is ghastly, but it is worthwhile for parents and coaches to go through the lengthy read for a couple of reasons:

1. The methods of the predator are illustrated.  The key to detection of abuse is to be aware of how sexual predators operate.
2. The predator's total lack of understanding that he did something wrong is also shown.  All sexual predators have this in common.

I am trained in youth protection.  I recommend all coaches go through Virtus training or something similar to it.  I also encourage parents to consider going through the training as well. Here are a few quick tips for coaches to get you started:

1. Never allow a player to be alone in the locker room.
2. Have an assistant coach or parent with you when meeting with a player in the locker room.
3. Conduct one-on-one meetings in a public place where multiple people are present, such as the lobby of the rink.
4. Know the signs of abuse and how to report them to the appropriate authorities.
5. Respect each player's right to privacy.

Following youth protection guidelines can also protect coaches from frivolous or malicious false claims, so I believe it is worthwhile for all coaches to go through the full training program.