School sports in New Jersey are facing a unique challenge. A number of coaches and athletes have been recently banned from their sports for a variety of reasons, and more will continue with ongoing investigations.
Why Are Coaches Being Banned?
A collection of New Jersey coaches recently made the news when local officials found that they were running an illegal drug dealing operation. Another coach was banned and placed under investigation of sexual assault charges. In total, at least 36 coaches or athletes are currently banned from their sports. This data comes from SafeSport, an organization that tracks sports, including coaches.
What Is SafeSport?
SafeSport is a website that was created in 2017 by a former U.S. Olympian. The goal of the website is to track and regulate coach training and resolution. It gives parents and athletes a place to express their concerns, whether it be related to safe sporting activities and training or behaviors of criminal activities.
The site allows parents and athletes to search for more information about coaches. Parents trust coaches with the care and development of children so access to this information is useful. If you do a quick search for coaches in New Jersey currently under investigation, you’ll find that there are almost 40. The top causes for current investigations include:
- Allegations of misconduct
- Criminal disposition related to sexual misconduct
This list includes coaches of all sports, including USA gymnastics, track and field, volleyball, and hockey. The database also provides you with information on action taken and the date issued. Coaches often receive the action of either ineligible or permanent ineligibility. This refers to whether they’re able to coach again or not.
Potential Consequences of a Criminal Record
A criminal record can follow you, even long after you have served your time. In addition to the legal consequences that you receive, a criminal record will usually show up on a background check. One of the common requirements that come with certain types of employment, including working as a coach, is a background check.
A lot of sporting organizations deem you ineligible to coach if you have certain crimes in your background check. In fact, if the charges involve a minor, most sporting organizations will deny your application. Other crimes that don’t involve a minor, including drug distribution or possession, can also make you ineligible to work as a coach.
Your Options Following Criminal Charges
If you are dealing with criminal charges, it’s important to consider your options as soon as possible. New Jersey tends to be strict when it comes to criminal consequences. In addition to expensive legal fines or required court dates, you may also be required to spend time in jail. This can cause you to lose your current employment, and you may find it difficult to find future employment.
Your criminal record can also prevent you from working in certain industries, such as ones that require a license or working with young children. You may have negotiation or plea deal options available that can reduce your sentence. Reducing your sentence can mean that you avoid a criminal record.
Contact an Experienced Trenton Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Criminal Charges in New Jersey
Were you arrested or charged with a criminal offense in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at The Davis Law Firm, LLC have successfully represented clients charged with criminal charges in Trenton, Princeton, East Windsor, West Windsor, and throughout New Jersey. Call (609) 498-7722 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 2653 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
Disorderly conduct consists of any improper behavior such as fighting, threats of violence, or creating a dangerous atmosphere.
