This sickens me to my core. My own princess is on a swim team. It's one thing to worry about the pedophile cruising the neighborhood, but when you have to start worrying about people who have an implied power over your child like priests and coaches, it's a wonder anyone with kids can even sleep at night. I read a lot of books on this subject thanks to a friend who is in the security business. Some good ones are
The Gift Of Fear,
Protecting The Gift,
Strong Fathers Strong Daughters and
Tears Of Rage. The best thing you can do is integrate yourself into your kid's life. I have a superb relationship with her coach and I trust him as much as you can trust somebody that you don't really know. We bought our daughter the video produced by John Walsh and the creator of Baby Einsteen - "The Safe Side" Stranger Safety a few years ago. It's very well done and I agree with 98% of the things taught in the video. What's sad is this - they teach kids that people who aren't your immediate family members fall into categories "Kind Of Know" and "Don't Know". Besides your immediate family, the video suggests you pick 3 other people as "Safe" adults for your child. I used to think that was bunk( the number 3), but in the end, who do you really know? The video poses the question "Your soccer coach comes over and tells you that your mom said he is supposed to drive you home today, get in". Well, it's a sad state that yeah, the coach is a "Kind Of Know". Years ago teachers and priests would have been the people to turn to even if the parents didn't know them well.....the community had entrusted these people with the safety of their children. Now? Nope. There are fewer and fewer males that I feel absolutely comfortable with having my daughter alone for any amount of time. It's a shame, but it's true. Parents trusted this piece of shit to teach their kids about teamwork and community. He chose instead to watch them undress. I think a new law should be drawn up that if minors are involved and the person in question is a teacher, man of the cloth or coach - the penalties need to be stiffer. Either that, or turn the dads loose on them....I'm good with either.