The Associated Press is reporting that USA-Swimming is now acknowledging the existence of a “Flagged List” in addition to the “Banned List” of 46 USA-Swimming members that they released in late May.
Although not many details have yet come out about the contents of this list, such as who might be on it or how many might be on it, the basic jist is that these are people currently or formerly involved in the sport of swimming that USA-Swimming has no authority over because they are not USA-Swimming members. Some of them have never been USA-Swimming members, and at least 1 was a former member who quit the organization.
The organization does, however, say that they have been monitoring the people on the list in the event that they ever try to join the organization.
What does this list mean, exactly? That depends on who you ask, really.
USA-Swimming says that they are going to amend this policy, and begin referring these “flagged” persons to it’s National Board of Review, who would then seemingly have the authority to ban these people from USA-Swimming without them actually being members.
Ed Vazquez, who is a spokesman for attorneys in some of the 4 or more cases currently outstanding against USA-Swimming, is not so optimistic. He sees this as another rouse by an organization that, in his opinion, has made no meaningful steps towards correcting the issue.
According to the AP, Vazquez is left with many questions after the announcement, including “How long have they known about the individuals on the list? Did they investigate them? Did they notify law enforcement if they committed any kind of crime?”
This announcement came as a precursor to the upcoming National Committee Board meeting, where among other rules changes, the delegates will vote on an overhaul of guidelines for coach’s interactions with swimmers.
These guidelines would include restricting coaches from giving swimmers rubdowns, even if they are licensed, and prohibiting coaches from sharing hotel rooms with swimmers, regardless of gender.