Keeping Track of Criminal Cases & SafeSport Suspensions in Skating

Right, but are they subject to any of the “coaches present” rules, or are they considered civilians if they’re not credentialed?
 
If you're talking specifically about Nats and int'l comps, yes, there are limits on the number of coaches that can be credentialed for a skater (but in cases where coaches have multiple skaters, then each skater usually lists a different coaches so they can all be credentialed (ex: IAM)). If a coach is not credentialed for a comp, then no, they don't have access to credentialed areas. And parents who have chaperone credentials don't have access to most official areas...their credentials get them into the spectator area of the arena and on the official shuttle.

But in order to be credentialed at any event, be it Nats or club comps, or even test sessions, coaches need to go through USFS compliance....background check, continuing ed (which includes a SafeSport course), liability insurance. If a coach doesn't pass the background check or doesn't complete the other reqs, then they can't be a coach at any USFS event (and coaches who have been banned, like Sappenfield, aren't allowed on the premises, even as spectators).

And yes, club comp entry forms (most comps use EMS but Entryeeze has this too) ask skaters to list their coach, so that the coach can be credentialed to coach them at the event. The skater doesn't have to list a coach, but then their coach won't be able to get a credential. Coaches are required to check in at the registration desk, where they are given their credential.

Obviously, if any coach violates SafeSport rules anywhere, whether while specifically coaching or not, they can be subject to a complaint/investigation/banning.
 
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No criminal charges are involved, but I thought this was the most appropriate place to post this. Morgan Matthews is making some allegations of abusive coaching in her latest Substack post. I believe the "Craig" she's referring to is Craig Shepherd, former pro hockey player who was married to Natalia.
morganmatthews.substack.com

Fear Is Not The Way

Recently I’ve been practicing at a local ice rink where the figure skaters are more focused on recreation than high level competition.
morganmatthews.substack.com morganmatthews.substack.com
 
overedge said:
No criminal charges are involved, but I thought this was the most appropriate place to post this. Morgan Matthews is making some allegations of abusive coaching in her latest Substack post. I believe the "Craig" she's referring to is Craig Shepherd, former pro hockey player who was married to Natalia.
morganmatthews.substack.com

Fear Is Not The Way

Recently I’ve been practicing at a local ice rink where the figure skaters are more focused on recreation than high level competition.
morganmatthews.substack.com morganmatthews.substack.com
Click to expand...
Morgan is so brave. To see how she came out on the other end, and see the wonderful life she is living with her happy and healthy family is so great to see! I hope she considers writing a book one day as she is truly an amazing person with so much to give and may help her heal from trouble non child or young skater should ever endure!
 
It is really interesting reading that article by Morgan. Sounds like her mother was actually the issue because she put her child in that situation. The mother accepted the coach's behaviour so enabled it because they were more interested in results than welfare.

And then from that as Morgan talks about, she adopted those kinds of behaviours herself. We do have a real issue with the culture of coaching style in skating and how that then passes on to generations of skaters.

It is like growing up in a dysfunctional family environment. You firstly have to recognise the situation is dysfunctional and only after that can you start to address it.
 
Aussie Willy said:
It is really interesting reading that article by Morgan. Sounds like her mother was actually the issue because she put her child in that situation. The mother accepted the coach's behaviour so enabled it because they were more interested in results than welfare.

And then from that as Morgan talks about, she adopted those kinds of behaviours herself. We do have a real issue with the culture of coaching style in skating and how that then passes on to generations of skaters.

It is like growing up in a dysfunctional family environment. You firstly have to recognise the situation is dysfunctional and only after that can you start to address it.
Click to expand...
Aussie Willy said:
It is really interesting reading that article by Morgan. Sounds like her mother was actually the issue because she put her child in that situation. The mother accepted the coach's behaviour so enabled it because they were more interested in results than welfare.

And then from that as Morgan talks about, she adopted those kinds of behaviours herself. We do have a real issue with the culture of coaching style in skating and how that then passes on to generations of skaters.

It is like growing up in a dysfunctional family environment. You firstly have to recognise the situation is dysfunctional and only after that can you start to address it.
Click to expand...
I think what set's Morgan apart is the fact that she actually did a full 180. She got her GED, graduated college at the top of her class, got a great job, and created a beautiful family - She truly beat all the odds. Her perspective is truly inspiring and I hope parents, coaches, officials and adults who are heavily involved in the sport take her story very seriously!
 
Quadaxel2020 said:
Christine Brennan tweeted that Steven Pottenger, brother of Chris (who was also once suspended himself) was temporarily suspended by Safe Sport yesterday.
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Wow, two Pottenger brothers both suspended. I wonder what Steven is accused of right now as I believe he married his partner?
 
jackson said:
Wow, two Pottenger brothers both suspended. I wonder what Steven is accused of right now as I believe he married his partner?
Click to expand...

TSL posted a screenshot of Michigan court records that show Steven Pottenger had criminal charges brought against him in 2020 for criminal sexual conduct with a minor. How could it take this long for USFS to react??

x.com

x.com x.com
 
So they asked for people to post about "skating red flags"? That seems like a bad idea (potential for a legal mess) even if they didn't allow suspected rapists to represent them in int'l comp.

The general rule of corporate social media is, keep things positive.
 
Debbie S said:
So they asked for people to post about "skating red flags"? That seems like a bad idea (potential for a legal mess) even if they didn't allow suspected rapists to represent them in int'l comp.

The general rule of corporate social media is, keep things positive.
Click to expand...

Someone was randomly trying to engage the younger generation with a very poor understanding of what they were doing.
 
Debbie S said:
So they asked for people to post about "skating red flags"? That seems like a bad idea (potential for a legal mess) even if they didn't allow suspected rapists to represent them in int'l comp.

The general rule of corporate social media is, keep things positive.
Click to expand...
Seriously. Who thought this was a good idea? Sounds like a reddit or Buzzfeed (or even FSU trashcan) post prompt, not something a sports governing body would post. It's a bad idea no matter your rep because it seems so unprofessional.

They need a PR person and stat.
 
Rukia said:
this exactly like the question makes sense in terms of how that is memed on often but also they should have known what would happen lol
Click to expand...
Yes, well, this is Skate Canada we're talking about. We may have set too high a bar of expectation, low as it already is.

Someone really needs to send them this -

 
Karen-W said:
Yes, well, this is Skate Canada we're talking about. We may have set too high a bar of expectation, low as it already is.

Someone really needs to send them this -

Click to expand...

Some Junior team in Japan will do this, I bet! (Just tune - not the criminal theme.)
 
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Theatregirl1122 said:
Someone was randomly trying to engage the younger generation with a very poor understanding of what they were doing.
Click to expand...
Today's edition of Skate Canada, its National Emoji day with pictures of athletes making emoji-like faces (is cute) but the response, also true!
Skate Canada Feed - the clown emoji with, you are because of the **** on the National Team
 
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