You, as a parent, have EVERY RIGHT to enroll your child in a sports program with a known sexual predator. You can do that. No one is stopping you. Go ahead. Just don’t expect to be allowed to compete with the rule abiding folks.
Going back to your medical analogy: Why, as a parent or parent-to-be, would one CHOOSE to go to a hospital with a high infant mortality rate? A responsible adult would CHOOSE a better hospital in order to reduce risk to mother and child, right?
In sport, you also have a RESPONSIBILITY to your child, to provide them with a healthy, positive learning experience that fosters life skills and self-esteem. You—and we as the greater sports community—also have a responsibility to protect them from grievous harm. Why, as a parent, would you knowingly and willingly increase risk of harm to your child exponentially by purposely exposing them to a known sexual predator? To put a known sexual predator in a position of trust and in a position of power over your child?
You use an example from the medical field. I’m sure you are aware that doctors found to have sexually assaulted minors are typically struck off, yes? Would you CHOOSE to send your child to a pediatrician that has been struck off by the medical board for Sexual Misconduct – Involving Minor? If so, please share your thinking.
[I]You can CHOOSE to use a sexual predator as your child’s coach. The rest of us can CHOOSE block sexual predators and the people who associate with and support them from our sport.
We CHOOSE to work toward a safe playing field.
ETA: Of course, we equestrians can CHOOSE not to comply with SafeSport, with the full understanding that we also then choose to forego Olympic participation.[/I]
