B.C. water polo youth coach banned after complaints of bullying and sexual harassment
Posted April 25, 2019 8:36 pm.
Last Updated April 25, 2019 10:17 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
LANGLEY (NEWS 1130) — A Langley youth coach has being banned for life from coaching water polo in a decision by Water Polo Canada.
After a two-year investigation, a panel run by the association found Justin Mitchell with the Fraser Valley Water Polo Club violated its code of conduct.
It follows complaints of a pattern of negative, abusive and sometimes aggressive behaviour and language — and in some cases sexual comments — directed toward teens.
There been no word on whether any of the complaints have been forwarded to police.
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Two of the teens made complaints of a coach making lewd comments about their bodies while they were wearing swimsuits. One said she was sent sexual messages on social media, even having it suggested to her that she should move in with the coach.
The disciplinary decision also suggests some of the actions could have been observed by anyone who was present at the pool, including adults, but no one intervened.
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Water Polo Canada’s Executive Director Marin Goulet said in a press release that the association will not tolerate behaviour that doesn’t follow the sport’s code of conduct.
“It is our responsibility as a sport organization to ensure a safe environment free from any form of harassment, discrimination, abuse or bullying. We intend to go even further in our education efforts to offer our participants a safe space in water polo by working closely with our Provincial Sport Organizations and Clubs as well as Multi-Sport organizations across the country,” he says. “We have zero tolerance for anybody who doesn’t follow our code of conduct as we continue to promote respect at all levels in our sport.”
NEWS 1130 has reached out to police and Water Polo Canada for comment.
