WAG Coach Issues

[Geoffrey Taucer]

She is the gym manager and I've never even met the owner. My mom said she will speak to the coach - though she was supposed to speak to the coach Monday or tuesday.

This is way beyond "speak to the coach" level, in my opinion. This is "talk to the owner and use scary words that start with 'law-'" level.

 

[superNova08]

Yes a pediatrician would be valid. Though, if you are fainting, even infrequently it would really be helpful to get to a doctor who specializes in POTS.

I haven't seen a doctor specializing in POTS since my diagnosis just over a year ago. Since my bad episodes are so few and far between we don't find it necessary since the waitlist for the single doctor for POTS in our area is years long.

 

[superNova08]

This is way beyond "speak to the coach" level, in my opinion. This is "talk to the owner and use scary words that start with 'law-'" level.

I could try to find the owner's email. But who's word is he going to take? A coach he's had for 20 years, or a medically complex teenager who hasn't even been at his gym for a year?

 

[superNova08]

If you are on here you are old enough to just refuse to do things that hurt you. Do not do this stuff.

It's not that simple.

 

[Geoffrey Taucer]

I could try to find the owner's email. But who's word is he going to take? A coach he's had for 20 years, or a medically complex teenager who hasn't even been at his gym for a year?

The coach very likely will not side with the coach exposing his/her business to liability of this sort. This absolutely is the sort of thing that could get a gym sued into oblivion, and gym owners don't take those sorts of risks.

 

[superNova08]

The coach very likely will not side with the coach exposing his/her business to liability of this sort. This absolutely is the sort of thing that could get a gym sued into oblivion, and gym owners don't take those sorts of risks.

My family doesn't have the money to sue anybody. We would just leave and socially wreck the gym. For reference too this coach is a nationally recognized judge for USAG. Would it make more sense to file a Safe Sport report?

 

[Geoffrey Taucer]

My family doesn't have the money to sue anybody. We would just leave and socially wreck the gym. For reference too this coach is a nationally recognized judge for USAG. Would it make more sense to file a Safe Sport report?

You don't have to sue, you just have to make clear the severity of the situation to the gym owner. The risk of a lawsuit -- whether or not such a suit actually happens -- is something that business owners will avoid at all costs.

If you were to send a description of this event to the gym's insurance company, their liability insurance rates would spike through the roof, and that costs you absolutely nothing. It would likely get you removed from the gym if you were to actually do it, but this is the sort of thing business owners have nightmares about.

If you make the gym owner aware of the severity of the situation, that coach will be gone, I can almost guarantee.

(also, yes, you should file a safe sport complaint)

Getting documentation of your disability will also help with all of this.

 

[superNova08]

You don't have to sue, you just have to make clear the severity of the situation to the gym owner. The risk of a lawsuit -- whether or not such a suit actually happens -- is something that business owners will avoid at all costs.

If you were to send a description of this event to the gym's insurance company, their liability insurance rates would spike through the roof, and that costs you absolutely nothing.

Would it make sense to wait for this until after I discuss it with mom? Otherwise I could go look for the email right now.

 

[TheXcelMom]

We sat all of the coaches down when I joined and gave them a comprehensive presentation along with papers stating what I could and could not do. Nothing from doctors, but all signed by my mother and I. I have yet to find a doctor that knows enough about my conditions and gymnastics to write a letter.

Was this coach at the presentation?

 

[superNova08]

Was this coach at the presentation?

Yes. And was personally handed a sheet stating what I can and can't do. There is also one posted in the gym.

 

[Kara]

I haven't seen a doctor specializing in POTS since my diagnosis just over a year ago. Since my bad episodes are so few and far between we don't find it necessary since the waitlist for the single doctor for POTS in our area is years long.

Get your pediatrician to refer you to a cardiologist, from other posts it looks like you are in the chicago suburb area, there are hundreds of good cardiologists that don't have super long wait lists. I'd actually avoid that POTS specialist with the years long wait list, pretty sure I know who you are referring to and he was awful to deal with.

 

[TheXcelMom]

Would it make sense to wait for this until after I discuss it with mom? Otherwise I could go look for the email right now.

Mom needs to get involved. I don't know why she isn't involved already (you may have a complex family situation which you *absolutely do not need to describe here in a public forum*). But if Mom can't or won't, you'll have to do the letter writing etc.
See if there's a trusted adult who can help you navigate this.

 

[Kara]

Yes. And was personally handed a sheet stating what I can and can't do. There is also one posted in the gym.

Yes. And was personally handed a sheet stating what I can and can't do. There is also one posted in the gym.

From all you've added, it seems unlikely that anything is going to help you get through to this coach; if taking it to the gym owner doesn't result in said coach being let go; I'd be looking for another gym. I'd still recommend getting a doctors note just to have on hand in case you need it, but in this situation I doubt it would change anything. Sorry you have to deal with this, I know from experience that a lot of people think those of us with POTS are faking or just being lazy which totally sucks.

 

[Geoffrey Taucer]

Honestly if the gym doesn't let the coach go, I'd go full scorched-earth (note: I'm not saying this is the wisest route, just that it's the one I'd take). Safe sport report, email to the gym's liability insurance carrier if you can find it. It won't help you, but it might help the next kid with disabilities who comes to that gym.

Either way, definitely bail from the gym if the issue isn't addressed.

 

[superNova08]

Get your pediatrician to refer you to a cardiologist, from other posts it looks like you are in the chicago suburb area, there are hundreds of good cardiologists that don't have super long wait lists. I'd actually avoid that POTS specialist with the years long wait list, pretty sure I know who you are referring to and he was awful to deal with.

Yes, I'm in the Cary area. My old cardiologist is in the city though.

 

[superNova08]

Mom needs to get involved. I don't know why she isn't involved already (you may have a complex family situation which you *absolutely do not need to describe here in a public forum*). But if Mom can't or won't, you'll have to do the letter writing etc.
See if there's a trusted adult who can help you navigate this.

Mom is involved. She was the one that picked me up sobbing last night. She's supposed to talk to the coach.

 

[TumbleTimes4]

This is something your Mom needs to step in and handle. If it has escalated to the point of your health being put at risk, it’s time for an adult to step in and address the situation and advocate on your behalf. A minor should not be writing emails as a minor could be dismissed since they don’t have the ability nor financial resources to hire lawyers and file lawsuits. Alert your mother to the situation and step aside and let her handle it. And if you don’t have the mental capacity to say no to skills that you know would put you at risk, then stay out of the gym until your mother has taken care of the issue. Don’t put yourself in a position of potential injury if you are unable to stand up for yourself.

 

[superNova08]

Honestly if the gym doesn't let the coach go, I'd go full scorched-earth (note: I'm not saying this is the wisest route, just that it's the one I'd take). Safe sport report, email to the gym's liability insurance carrier if you can find it. It won't help you, but it might help the next kid with disabilities who comes to that gym.

Either way, definitely bail from the gym if the issue isn't addressed.

I'm bailing after state at the latest.

 

[superNova08]

This is something your Mom needs to step in and handle. If it has escalated to the point of your health being put at risk, it’s time for an adult to step in and address the situation and advocate on your behalf. A minor should not be writing emails as a minor could be dismissed since they don’t have the ability nor financial resources to hire lawyers and file lawsuits. Alert your mother to the situation and step aside and let her handle it. And if you don’t have the mental capacity to say no to skills that you know would put you at risk, then stay out of the gym until your mother has taken care of the issue. Don’t put yourself in a position of potential injury if you are unable to stand up for yourself.

I can say that its something I shouldn't do. I always try to be of the mind that adults are usually right.

 

[TheXcelMom]

I always try to be of the mind that adults are usually right.

Well. Um. We try.
However, what your mom has that you don't is *power*
The money she paid is the acceptance of a contract. Her signature attests to the truth of her word. Her voice is recognized by the system.
She has the legal authority to make statements that cannot be ignored outright.
Please keep us apprised of the situation.