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The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, Wednesday, May 25,1994 9 't Broken, Don't Fix It! ' A letter that appeared on the sports pages of last week's edition of The Statesman has incensed a number of people throughout the municipality. i A number of responses to that particular letter appear below this column. The letter in question, submitted by Sue Rankin, addressed her concern concern that a screening process does not exist for volunteers who apply to coach teams within the Darlington Darlington Youth Soccer League. Putting the young athletes in the care of "strangers," as she referred to the coaches, is against the moral values which parents try to instill into their children. She stated she would like to see a screening process developed for coaches. She said parents would then be reassured that coaches are of a responsible nature. In terms of our responsibility in the matter, we fulfilled the obligation obligation that we have to our many subscribers subscribers and readers. As the voice of the community, we have allowed Ms. Rankin to express express her opinion and concerns through our newspaper. For our part in the matter, as one caller accused us,'we were in no way irresponsible for printing the letter. Whether we agree or disagree disagree with the contents of that letter, or any letter to the editor that we receive, receive, is not the issue. So long as the contents of the letter are not slanderous, and the facts stated are true, our obligation is to print it. ' We would be negligent in not doing so. We are only the messenger in this instance. There is also something something to be said for freedom of speech, which is one of the biggest reasons why this country of ours is so great. People are able to form their own opinions, and if they feel justified, express those opinions through a number of different media. media. In this instance, Ms. Rankin chose to express her concerns through the print medium Having done so, it is up to you to decide whether or not you agree with that opinion. Which is where freedom of the press enters into the matter. Those in favour of or in opposition to the views are free to respond. Whether we agree or disagree with the opinions expressed in those responses, is again, of no significance. significance. Our responsibility is to allow for the rebuttals. We have done so in today's edition. edition. Many of the people in the community community who have volunteered their time in any capacity to local youth sport organizations considered the initial letter a slap in the face, and took it as a personal attack. From those who called into the office the following day, the overall feeling was that they were hurt by the comments. comments. One of the aspects that the journalism journalism profession teaches early on is to look at an issue in an objective manner. Weigh both sides, and draw conclusions from those findings. findings. In this instance, the viewpoints contained in the original letter, as well as the ones appearing today, reinforce the stance of both sides of the issue. If there is one question that needs to be addressed from Ms. Rankin's original letter it is this: Is it possible to implement a screening screening process for coaches involved, not only in soccer, but all minor sports? The answer is yes. In discussion with the Durham Regional Police, in particular their community services patrol, I learned of options available for sports associations to become familiar familiar with the coaches whom they select. Police are forbidden, by law, to release certain information to a third party. For instance, a parent, or someone on the executive of an association, can't go to the police and ask for the criminal record sheet of a particular individual. The option that does exist for the association, would be to require all coaches and assistants to submit a criminal record sheet along with their application form People can obtain their own personal personal records from any local police detachment for a small fee. Once a coach or assistant has secured their own record, what they do with it is entirely up to them. Submitting it, along with an application application form, would remove any suspicions that parents may have. Whatever course of action an association association decides to take, the community community patrol services unit would offer their assistance in any way that would be of help. They would be willing to sit down with any association, association, and help form guidelines as to the proper procedures to follow. follow. There is no question that implementing implementing such a program, however, would put the volunteer numbers of sports associations at a dramatic risk. A couple of years ago, we honoured honoured area volunteers for their outstanding outstanding work in a number of different different areas with a full page story. Its contents included the wonderful work that many area residents residents do to provide a wide variety of programs programs for all to enjoy. In discussing the important important role of volunteers volunteers within the municipality, the Director of Community Services, Joe Caruana, said that without volunteers, volunteers, there would be no programs. programs. Asking someone to undergo a personal screening process to volunteer volunteer their time may be deemed an invasion of privacy, and most would decline at having to go through such a procedure. Many would be insulted at having having to submit a personal criminal sheet, regardless of whether their record was squeaky clean or not Volunteers donate their time out of the goodness of their heart, and expect little, if anything, in return. They become involved to provide services and programs that would otherwise not be available if fulltime fulltime staff were needed to be hired to fill these positions. For some, giving their time is a year-round commitment. Especially in sports, where volunteers who spend countless hours in hockey arenas in the winter, spend an equal amount of time at baseball and soccer soccer fields in the summers. . In many instances, volunteers put the kids for whom they provide the programs ahead of themselves. Juggling weekend schedules and taking time off from work are just a couple of the many sacrifices that coaches, assistants, and executive members make throughout the course of a season. And for many, these seasons last a lifetime. Volunteers tend to lend Coaching ffjk by Biad Kelly their time and efforts over a period that can span a number of years. Anyone who has been involved in sports understands the values it teaches. Coaches are looked up to as role model by kids. They are also looked upon to offer guidance and encouragement where required. Forcing them to undergo a personal personal scrutiny by obtaining their own criminal record sheet would turn many away. And when that happens, the downside would be that hundreds of kids would be left without recreational activities to participate in. Not only in sports, but think how high the numbers would be if other programs such as cubs, scouts, brownies and guides, among countless countless others were included. The numbers numbers would be staggering. As we move into the future, maybe a screening process for coaches will become mandatory. One side of the argument would be that if someone has nothing to hide, then making their personal records available shouldn't pose a problem. The question then becomes one of ethics. And the feeling here is that volunteers would balk at having to provide such information, which they have every right to do. Then, the main objective that we all try to avoid would transpire. Kids would suffer the most as program program after program ceased to exist. If that's the case, then the current system of selecting coaches need not be tampered with. Junior Orioles Record Win in First Game of New Season The Clarington Junior Orioles recorded recorded a victory during their home opener on Thursday, May 19, against Pickering. The Orioles used ten walks and six hits issued by Pickering pitchers in posting an 8-6 victory. It was the second win in a row for the Orioles, who defeated Belleville, Belleville, also 8-6, for their only other win. Their lone loss on the year came against Whitby, 12-2. Last Thursday night against Pickering, Pickering, Glen Wagg went four strong innings on mound, allowing only one hit while striking out five to record the win. The Orioles built a 7-0 lead, and were ahead 8-1 entering the seventh inning. Pickering rallied from behind, scoring five times in the seventh inning inning to narrow the gap to 8-6. Reliever Reliever Chris Smith was called upon tff record the last out of the game and preserve the victory. Jeremy Woodcock had two hits in four trips to the plate, boosting his average to .429. He also collected collected an RBI and scored a run. ' The Orioles will entertain Peterborough Peterborough on Thursday night at Soper Creek Park. Game time is 7:30 p.m. Volunteers Know the Value of Those Children Name McFeeters Horrigan Smith Krumnachr Wagg Prior Vanderwere Woodcock Staples MacArthur Darrach Donohue Pitchers Wagg(Wl-0) Prior Vanderewere 1 Smith ab r 3 1 h bi bb 1 0 2 1 0 0 1 1 ip h 4 1 1 2 2/3 4 1/3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 r er bb 0 0 2 1 0 3 5 4 4 0 0 1 so avg. 1 .400 0 .000 0 .500 0 .333 0 .500 0 .000 0 .000 1 .429 0 .500 0 .000 1 .500 0 .000 so era 5 0.00 0 0.00 1 10.13 0 0.00 Dear Editor Yes, strangers are volunteering to coach in the Darlington Youth Soccer Soccer League. And, may I take the time to commend each and every one of them. . ' \ ' " r These so-called strangers have taken their precious time to teach our children how to play the game of soccer. How to win and feel good about themselves. How to lose a game graciously, and most important important of all, how to have fun. These so-called strangers who are on the Darlington Youth Soccer League executive not only coach children, but they spend many hours doing other things as well. They practically give up their own family life for the 1,700 children that play in the league. They spend hours on the telephone arranging games, booking fields, running tournaments, tournaments, and attending many meetings throughout die entire Durham Region. Region. Last year, the president, along Everyone Should Stand and Applaud Men and Women Who are Coaching Dear Editor I am writing in regard to the letter letter that was submitted by Sue Rankin. Rankin. In this letter she questioned the screening process for soccer coaches. coaches. May I ask why she singled out soccer only, as I believe all house league sports obtain their coaches in the same manner? In her letter she besmirched all the good people in our community who arc willing to give their time to benefit all our children. This should not have been allowed to happen! Everyone should be standing and applauding tficsc good men and women; I am gready concerned with the fear mongcring in her letter. Noth- ing docs come close to die value of a child, and I'm sure dial everyone agrees. Sure, dicrc is crime in the 90's, but I honestly don't sec what crime can take place on a soccer field in a crowd of loving parents for one hour twice a week. A Hide common sense by parents and caregivers in any situation that involves children, be it sport, education, education, etc., is required, But I refuse to make my children's lives one of fear and paranoia. Everyone involved in soccer in Clarington, from the executives on down, arc volunteers, and I believe deserve far better treatment titan what Sue Rankin's letter gave. I, for one, want all those who volunteer their time to know it is greatly appreciated. Keep up the rkl with a coach and a few concerned parents and players, attended a disciplinary disciplinary hearing in Mississauga to try and ban a coach from that area from coriching in the future because- he verbally assaulted one of our players at a tournament They arrived arrived home after 1:00 a.m. only to have to attend school and work the next morning. That, Ms. Rankin, is called dedication. Do you have any idea how many endless hours are spent on the phone until after 11:00 p.m. seven days a week? How many times these people people come home at almost midnight from meetings held all over Durham Region? No, I don't lhihk you 'hdvë~Éiÿ ' idea because you haven't been out there volunteering your precious time being one of those strangers. All you want to do is sit at home and criticize the wonderful people who are out there doing a great job making sure that our children have an enjoyable soccer season. They give up their family life and social life and even take time off work without pay for the children who play soccer. You see, Ms. Rankin, Rankin, I know all of this because I happen happen to be married to Jim Potter, the president of the 'Darlington Youth Soccer League, and I know that our entire life evolves around soccer and the 1,700 children that play in Darlington. Darlington. We truly know the value of all those children. Sincerely, Barb Potter More Support for Volunteer Coaches Dear Editor I am writing in response to the letter printed in the May 18 Statesman Statesman regarding "Strangers are volunteering volunteering as coaches and assistants for the Darlington Youth Soccer League." All of these "strangers" should be applauded. Docs this woman sit in her child's class all day? What happens when the door closes? Does this woman sit in Sunday School with her child? What happens happens when the door closes? Does this woman get a babysitter in? What happens when she leaves? I have been coaching in this com munity for over seven years now and hundreds of children have passed by me, unmolested. If not for volunteers, like myself and hundreds hundreds of others in this municipality, there would be no amateur sports or clubs. The coaches that I have come lit contact with arc all dedicated people who love the sport or activity they are involved with and enjoy the kids. It is a great opportunity for kids to make new friends and participate in activities to help build social skills. Sure this is the 90's and some awful things do happen to young people, but that is why we live in Clarington. This is a small community community where lots of wonderful friendships friendships can be built through participation participation in activities run by volunteers. If this lady wishes to prevent volunteers volunteers from helping youth in this community, then she will have a fight on her hands. Maybe we should arm our children children and keep them out of activities so they can hang around at the mall or in the streets killing each other, as they do in the city. To all of the "strangers" coaching coaching this year, have a great season! Paul Smith Think SPRING Think NEW TIRES! • Balancing • Tire Disposal •Alignment Check SOLOTECH AND ULTRAX BY GENERAL TIRE STEEL BELTED RADIAL ALL SEASON TRACTION P185x60Rx14 P205x55Rx16 P215x60Rx16 $82. P215x65Rx15 $85. $102. ■ P235x60Rx15 $92. $99. P235x60Rx14 $85. BALANCE & ROTATE 4 tires only BRIGADIER 560 XT BY GENERAL TIRE STEEL BELTED RADIAL ALL SEASON TRACTION P175x70Rx13 $56. P205x70Rx14 $68. P215x75Rx14 $66. P215x70Rx15 $75. P225x75Rx15 $71. P235x75Rx15 $77. □ Dundas St. Hopkins // c □ herifi^. o □ Ni Warren Rd. |5 □ Consumers Dr. USED TIRES $20.00 and up VAN HEMMEN TIRES & SALES ii 317 Hopkins Street, Whitby m Q 666-2121 Q Mon Tliuis 8 5 30, Fri 8 5. 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