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ORLANDO, Fla. – The Amateur Athletic Union is expected to announce new mandatory background screening for all adult coaches, volunteers and staff, as well as stricter training protocols to govern interaction with youth athletes, a person familiar with the situation said.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the AAU has not publicly announced the findings of an internal review of its best practices. The person did not say how the screening would be conducted, but said the systemwide background checks and screenings would not pose an unfair or unreasonable financial hardship on anyone. A news conference is scheduled for Tuesday at the AAU’s national headquarters.
A six-month review by two task forces focused on youth protection and adult volunteering screening. The panels produced a joint 30-page report with their recommendations for changes to AAU’s polices, protocols and procedures. Those recommendations are expected to be revealed Tuesday.
AAU commissioned the review last December in the wake of decades-old sex abuse allegations against former president Bobby Dodd. The organization had never faced any abuse allegations prior to those against the 63-year-old, whom had it severed all ties with, and he to date has never been charged with a crime.
The oldest organization dedicated to youth athletes in the country, the 124-year-old AAU oversees about 30 sports programs.
Existing procedures for dealing with adults who violate AAU’s code of conduct are expected to be clarified and strengthened as well. And it will be made clear that all staff and volunteers have a responsibility to report any abuse or suspected abuse to law enforcement.
