The Mystery is Solved
Monday I filled you all in on what has come to be called "Poopgate" on my boys' swim team (yeah, I know: juvenile, inappropriate, unoriginal....). Well, the perpetrators have been found and kicked off their team. USA Swimming and Pacific Swimming are both involved, and the coach of the team in question has written a letter of apology. We know that there is at least one bill totaling over $2,000 just for clean-up at the JC. There are others for equipment rental, programs and food. I know the parties are trying to recover costs. The sad thing is the intangibles: the kids who lost the chance to compete at their zone championships.
And then there's the general tone and lack of sportsmanship of the team in question.
You see, it was no surprise to anyone which team the two perpetrators hailed from. The day before, that same team had been told by our head coach and the meet director to take their "cheer" outside when it became ugly and derogatory to the other teams, particularly ours. Their coach did nothing to stop the behavior of these kids and turn the meet into a learning experience (sportsmanship, anyone?). Is it any wonder that the ugliness escalated? Throughout this whole situation, long time swimmers associated with the team have been absolutely shocked, but apparently, USA Swimming has dealt with this before. All I can do is remain absolutely nonplussed, and hope that the perpetrators don't return to race unattached (without team affiliation) at meets.
And then there's the general tone and lack of sportsmanship of the team in question.
You see, it was no surprise to anyone which team the two perpetrators hailed from. The day before, that same team had been told by our head coach and the meet director to take their "cheer" outside when it became ugly and derogatory to the other teams, particularly ours. Their coach did nothing to stop the behavior of these kids and turn the meet into a learning experience (sportsmanship, anyone?). Is it any wonder that the ugliness escalated? Throughout this whole situation, long time swimmers associated with the team have been absolutely shocked, but apparently, USA Swimming has dealt with this before. All I can do is remain absolutely nonplussed, and hope that the perpetrators don't return to race unattached (without team affiliation) at meets.
Labels: general
posted by Romi at 8:47 PM
7 Comments:
The punishment should fit the crime, IMO. The two swimmers and their coach should have to pay for the cost of the meet, all of it, split three ways. If they don't have the cash available, they should have to work to pay it off -- at the local water treatment plant, or for the park service cleaning restrooms, or some other fitting job. How else would they learn that their actions (or inaction, on the part of the coach) has real consequences?
I had to chuckle at the name for "the incident." Finding humor will make this event infamous, but they'll also remember, forever, the ramifications of such disgusting behavior.
The coach should be kicked off the team, too. He has no leadership ability, that shouldn't be too much of a loss for them.
Wow. I am so sorry for the disappointment all around. And of course the costs associated which may prevent future participation by totally innocent bystanders.
Unfortunately there are far too many coaches/parents who feel that they must win at any cost and don't view their comments and style of coaching as being wrong. Children learn by example and this was a poor example.
I think the parents of the kids involved should pay. Legally, parents are responsible for the torts (civil wrongs) of their minor children. And, in theory, at least, the parents should then supply the appropriate correction for their children (aside from their being kicked off the team and banned from competition). But one must wonder what's going on in those families that those children would do such a thing in the first place.
I'm glad the guilty parties were caught and kicked off.
I laughed a little at "Poopgate" -- call me 8 years-old.
Keep on posting such articles. I love to read stories like that. BTW add some pics :)
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