ROCHESTER, Minn.--()--The child sexual abuse allegations at Penn State, and more recently
Syracuse University, have been shocking to many. Parents may be
wondering if their children are safe and asking what’s appropriate in
coach and athlete relationships.
Mayo Clinic’s Max
Trenerry, Ph.D., an expert in sports psychology and neuropsychology,
is also a soccer coach who routinely talks to parents and other coaches
about what is appropriate in coach and athlete relationships.
Dr. Trenerry’s main message: A coach and a child should never be alone
together -- even if it’s five minutes before or after practice. The
guideline benefits both parties, he says.
Dr. Trenerry says he doesn’t want to discourage parents from letting
their children participate in athletics because of the possibility that
something improper may happen. Keeping kids fit and healthy as obesity
skyrockets is paramount.
Dr. Trenerry cites three key pointers:
-- Make sure that two adults (coaches or volunteers) are present for all
player contact. This is for the sake of the athlete and the adults.
-- Get background checks on coaching and volunteer staff.
-- Maintain appropriate coach-athlete boundaries. For example, a coach
and parent chaperones might take a team to a college or professional
match, but an adult should not be left alone with a child. Youth
athletes should never visit a coach's home alone for sleepovers or
similar situations. If there are team meetings at a coach's residence,
then other coaching staff or parents should attend. Coaches should not
provide athletes with gifts or favors.
To schedule an interview with Dr. Trenerry, contact Emily Hiatt at
507-284-5005 or newsbureau@mayo.edu.
About Mayo Clinic
Mayo
Clinic is a nonprofit worldwide leader in medical care,
research, and education for people from all walks of life. For more
information, visit www.mayoclinic.org/about/
and www.mayoclinic.org/news.
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