Coach uses national sex scandals to help other coaches recognize sex abuse signs

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Jerry Sandusky sex scandal prompted a local youth coach to organize an event for other coaches across Charlotte.

One Saturday, more than 100 coaches will gather for a seminar focused on child sex abuse awareness.

Al Simpson has been coaching youth boxing in Charlotte for over 30 years. He works every day with kids in the ring, and said each day is a learning experience.

But, Simpson said he feels there is much more to learn when it comes to what some children may be privately dealing with.

“We need to be more aware of what’s going on, the things that are in the media,” he said.

Simpson said the scandal at Penn State involving Sandusky made him realize that all local coaches could stand to learn more about child sex abuse.

“I thought maybe we should let the parents know that we, as coaches, are very concerned about this matter,” Simpson said.

Simpson spent months putting together a coaches’ awareness seminar, and invited elementary, middle, college and private school coaches to listen to experts who will discuss warning signs and proper conduct for coaches.

“What are things that specifically happen to us with us working with a lot of athletes? What are out dos and don’ts, even though we feel that we know them,” Simpson said. “Anyone dealing with children, we want them to be aware,” he said.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police detective Yassir Basulto is one of the scheduled speakers. He works with the department’s special victims unit.

“Especially with some of the cases that have been coming up around the country and in the media, it’s important,” he said. “We want them to be aware of what the law is when dealing with children, and what’s considered criminal and what is not.”

Simpson said he’s hoping to bring the sports community together with one goal -- to keep kids and coaches safe.

The event takes place at the Grady Cole Center in uptown Charlotte between 8:30 a.m. and noon Saturday. Parents and coaches are welcome to attend.

WSOC