YMCA Aquatics Manager Curtis Klausner Banned By SafeSport

Curtis Klausner, a Florida-based aquatics manager, has been deemed “permanently ineligible” by the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

Klausner is now listed as “permanently ineligible” in SafeSport’s searchable database. His violation is listed as “

Klausner is listed as being from Casselberry, Florida, and a LinkedIn page shows a “Curt Klausner” who is the Aquatics Manager at the YMCA of Central Florida. A YMCA press release also names Klausner as aquatics director. USA Swimming confirmed that the banned Klausner was an aquatics manager with the YMCA of Central Florida.

Klausner’s name doesn’t yet appear on USA Swimming’s banned list, but will be added after his appeal period runs out on October 5, USA Swimming says. The U.S. Center for SafeSport now conducts all investigations and hands down all bans based on allegations of sexual misconduct or abuse, rather than USA Swimming itself.

We’ve reached out to the YMCA of Central Florida for comment on the ban and Klausner’s employment status with the organization, but have not yet received a response.

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Gabby
5 years ago

Safe sport has been included in a lawsuit alleging US OC cover-up of sexual abuse use of taekwondo athletes by Lopez brothers .. this makes me turn a critical eye to any of their allegations. Further, I train with Curt now. He is always very appropriate. In all public and private interactions he has been more than appropriate. I do not believe these allegations for a minute. These allegations can ruin his and his family’s life. So it ask everyone to be careful about presuming judgement.

taa
Reply to  Gabby
5 years ago

If they banned him without just cause or credible evidence wouldn’t they open themselves up to a huge lawsuit? Unjustly destroying a guys livelyhood has got to be worth a ton of money in a court of law. The flipside of that is he probably did something really bad and he deserved to get banned. I see a lot of people defending him but not really giving us anything of substance for us to believe he was wrongly accused.

SUM Ting Wong
Reply to  taa
5 years ago

People have been known to go to Police stations &

Gabby
Reply to  taa
5 years ago

It would help if Safesport actually said something. If it is 27 years ago he was only 23. I want to know what is the real evidence. This accusation is SO out of character for him. How can anyone answer something with the lack of transparency in the accusation and evidence?
Lawsuits are won not by what is fair, it is who has enough resources and backbone (thick skin) to keep paying the attorneys.
A couple of us have been talking about raising money to help him with this… that is how much we believe in him.

Rifleman
Reply to  Gabby
5 years ago

I think that after the results of what will be shown to be a thorough investigation a lot of the
talking heads here will spin

rifleman
Reply to  Gabby
5 years ago

Today is judgement day! Lets see if there is a delay demanding more time. A pattern of what is occurring
right now in the Senate, delay-delay-delay. I rather doubt there will be any release of the investigation to the
public. There would be places, times, events and names of those who were questioned some of who were
probably children. I have total trust in the investigation and I will believe that a lifetime ban is just if that is the verdict by Safe Sport.

FloridaGirl
Reply to  rifleman
5 years ago

Does anyone feel the timing is a bit too coincidental, that this is released the same week the USA Swimming CEO speaks to Congress about SafeSport and all that it is doing to ‘protect’ athletes? It’s almost like USS needs a sacrificial lamb dangling in front of Congressional leaders to prove SafeSport is doing its job. Don’t tell me ‘coincidental timing’ doesn’t happen.

SwimObserver
Reply to  FloridaGirl
5 years ago

This is the problem with these conversations. Is it possible he’s been wrongly accused? Of course it is. But…we’re about 42 weeks in to 2018, and I’d bet at least 42 swim coaches have been accused. Odds are some coach was going to be banned this week, and odds are some coach is going to be banned next week. With how many creeps seem to be out there these days, I don’t think USA Swimming has to find a ‘scapegoat’ because they were scrambling and nobody was at this point in the process yet. Conspiracy theories are teeny, tiny probabilities of coming true. Even if you want to defend your friend – you’d both be better off to focus on… Read more »

FloridaGirl
Reply to  SwimObserver
5 years ago

You make great points. But without more transparency about why he was actually accused, or banned, we really know nothing. Due process is an important tenant of law. I don’t need to know the accuser’s (or accusers’) names, but years and charges would allow for an adequate defense. Did he get one? We don’t know. We should know to satisfy that due process was followed.

Rifleman
Reply to  FloridaGirl
5 years ago

What part of “INAPPROPRIATE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR WITH A MINOR” don’t you understand!!!!!!????? Come On!! Do you think for one second that Safe Sport
just pulled this out of their _SS?

Swmr
Reply to  FloridaGirl
5 years ago

Maybe you should just ask Curt those details.

Swammer
Reply to  rifleman
5 years ago

Has it been decided yet?

wetwales
5 years ago

Who’d want to be a coach in this day and age? You can’t even wear short shorts without someone thinking your a pedo

Taa
Reply to  wetwales
5 years ago

The coaches need to wear a USA swimming issued jockstrap to hide their junk. Part of the uniform for 2019

Camelback
5 years ago

#believesafesport

Curious
5 years ago

A general observation: it’s interesting that there was so much outcry when USOC/USA Swimming did not have a system in place to handle these situations. Now that there is a system in place — one that is legal and involves an investigation — and still, there is outcry that it is now unfair. This doesn’t seem to be a case that went straight to media outlets for quick attention. It went through US Center for Safe Sport, it’s no small undertaking on the victims part or Safe Sport.

taa
Reply to  Curious
5 years ago

Unfair to who? The problem is that no one has any details and safesport releases nothing. Everyone is speculating. People dont have faith in Safesport because of how cases were handled in the past by USA swimming. I cant say the new system is better because there is no transparency or any way to evaluate it. Anyone making the “he is good guy” comment is just an ignorant person.

Why
Reply to  taa
5 years ago

Safe Sport doesn’t release anything? Why is this an issue for you? What do you think you’re owed? Are you a trained investigator? Why do people feel they should be privy to details that have haunted victims for years – so it can be judged/smeared on social media and gossip websites? Would we rather these cases be judged by the news/social media websites or by an unbiased institution trained in investigations and committed to making sports safer? If you want details, maybe ask the accused. If you want process details, look at the Safe Sport website or call them. But don’t smear the victims, especially if they’ve gone through the Safe Sport process (which includes an in depth investigation) instead… Read more »

SwimObserver
Reply to  Why
5 years ago

Wow, you just got SUPER defensive about the SafeSport process – a process that has shown many holes, many flaws, a lack of transparency, and…wait for it…a process that was developed by people who hid pedophile coaches for decades.

WHY – care to share what your connection is to the SafeSport program? Can’t imagine any reason why someone would get so defensive about SafeSport unless…

Swimbikerun
Reply to  SwimObserver
5 years ago

SafeSport is not the bad guy. The minors in sport are not the bad guys. The bad guys are the adults who take advantage of their position of power to cause harm to minors. Obviously, there was an investigation and he was deemed “permanently ineligible”…if this was a “maybe he did it situation,” he would not have been banned. Period.

Ask USA Diving Why
Reply to  Why
5 years ago

SafeSport’s processes are not transparent to the accused or fair to the accused. There is no requirement for them to even contact the accused before they make their finding. Read their code, it is optional if the investigator wants to contact the accused. They can conduct their investigation in any manner they choose with no oversight. This is not a regular legal process with rights afforded to all parties. Who oversees their operations? No one. Who can you complain to if you feel SafeSport has not handled something correctly? No one. They have all the power and do not have to provide anything to the accused.
The accused only gets a chance to request an actual hearing AFTER SafeSport… Read more »

Camelback
Reply to  Ask USA Diving Why
5 years ago

Listen, this isn’t an attention-getting scheme as I believe we’ve seen in the past, no political agenda as we see today with Kavanaugh accusations, no financial windfall to be gained. Just an investigation into someone and a conclusion.

NorthernJalapeno
Reply to  Camelback
5 years ago

Yeah…that process has never broken down. Not even once. There’s absolutely nothing that can impugn a SafeSport investigation. There’s not money afterall, and people’s decision making abilities are never influenced by anything but money.

https://swimswam.com/safesport-director-susan-woessner-resigns-discloses-2007-kiss-hutchison/

SUM Ting Wong
Reply to  Camelback
5 years ago

Omg what is happening with you guys? I read the Senate Committee questioning him via phone & they asked him about an unseen to him , anonymous , unsigned letter that accused him of kidnap & rape , with no place , no date of these multiple offenses. A slippery slope indeed.

NorthernJalapeno
Reply to  Why
5 years ago

Why is it, in 2018, all of these ‘institutions’ who get caught with their hands in the cookie jar over-and-over again think everyone should just ‘trust them’? That they shouldn’t be subjected to checks and balances, nor the watchful eye of the media that is designed to keep them honest?

Look, I’m sure you’re working hard, and I’m sure it makes you feel icky to think of yourself as the equivalent of the SEC, the FBI, the CIA, the police, and all of these other ‘institutions,’ but that’s what you are. Your existence was mandated by an act of congress. You’re not above oversight, above checks, above balances, above transparency.

If you don’t like it, get into a different… Read more »

Taa
Reply to  Why
5 years ago

Do you understand why the public is allowed to attend and sit in on criminal trials in the United States? Safesport is putting people on trial outside the us court system. I want to know details the same as any other trial conducted in the us court system. And you do realize they can keep minors identity hidden? I would actually be happy if they would at least publish an abbreviated summary of the case. They should make public their strongest evidence so we can be satisfied that the accused people who have their careers ruined deserved it and that the system put in place is operating in a just and fair manner. Currently I can’t evaluate it except to… Read more »

Gabby
Reply to  Taa
5 years ago

Well communicated!

Taa
Reply to  Why
5 years ago

https://deadspin.com/safesport-the-usocs-attempt-to-stop-child-abuse-is-se-1826279217

Okay there is the link to why we shouldn’t just trust the safesport organization.

Rifleman
Reply to  Taa
5 years ago

Might give consideration to giving credibility to the investigation….nuf said

Gabby
Reply to  Why
5 years ago

Safesport is not unbiased? How do we know this? Is it not led by humans that have emotions? If they are investigating an allegation from so long ago what REAL evidence do they have? Or is it just hear-say?
Because they have “a process” does not mean that process is actually accurate in their finding. I would prefer to know evidence they have and if it is substantial or not.

Rifleman
Reply to  Gabby
5 years ago

I recall that back in the day Ted Bundy was thought of as a upstanding guy…..hum

seriously
Reply to  taa
5 years ago

Not Ignorant. Just know him personally for 30 years and the accusations leveled against him are so far outside of the character of the man that a permanent ban from a sport for issues that supposedly happened 27 years ago is not only unjust but a clear railroad job given the current climate on anything that might even resemble inappropriate behavior based on a kids recollection from 27 years ago.

samk
Reply to  seriously
5 years ago

Where did you get that it happened 27 years ago? And how do you know it’s based off a “kids recollection”?

seriously
Reply to  samk
5 years ago

can you read samk?

Swimbikerun
Reply to  seriously
5 years ago

I can read and I am still not seeing where it says 27 years ago and based off a kids recollection? Where are you getting this? 🤔

Rifleman
Reply to  seriously
5 years ago

Maybe you might not know everything you think you know

Gabby
Reply to  taa
5 years ago

Wow! Calling ignorant because we do not trust Safesport. We did a search under the county public records and there is nothing up to today. If there were a real sexual abuse would this not be filed in a criminal or civil court?
Safesport has been accused of not not protecting taekwondo athletes. Should I assume them guilty ? No. An educated and intelligent person keeps an open mind until proven guilty in a court of law. I would ask you do the same.
You are casting judgement without having seen the evidence. I happen to trust Curt Klausner as much as you trust Safesport.
Unfortunately the justice system also fails as if you can not afford… Read more »

Admin
Reply to  Gabby
5 years ago

Hi Gabby – while I don’t know the details of this case, I think it’s worthy of pointing out that there are many things that are SafeSport violations that are not illegal. For example, in a state like Georgia, a 35-year old man can have a relationship with a 16-year old girl. Under SafeSport regulations, however, if that 16-year old is that coach’s swimmer, then it would be a SafeSport violation. I do not believe it would be illegal (unless there’s some additional ‘position of authority’ law, which some states have and others do not).

Floridagirl
Reply to  Braden Keith
5 years ago

And that’s an important point, Braden. Without more facts, we don’t know what Curt is accused of. It may not be criminal, just against the code. However, if it happened 27 years ago as someone suggests, that would place him as college-aged or recent grad. So who knows.. the “minor” could have been a 17 y/o college freshman. We simply don’t know, and won’t unless USA Swimming or SafeSport tells us.

Parkus
Reply to  taa
5 years ago

TAA, you just contradicted yourself.

DO YOU KNOW HIM? I bet not.

I VERY WELL DO for over 9 years. CK “is a GREAT guy”, extremely professional and a class act. So I find It extraordinary difficult to believe these allegations…….especially with Safestart’s history & lack of transparency (as YOU put it).

Does that make me or anyone else who support him ignorant?

SUM Ting Wong
Reply to  Curious
5 years ago

It says permanently banned but ‘subject to appeal/ not yet final ‘ .
So I am not sure about everyone jumping on this person . Everyone should have access to affordable appeal .

Taa
Reply to  SUM Ting Wong
5 years ago

You do realize that if a coach wants to appeal they require a $5200 payment up front for the arbitration hearing Someone correct me if I am wrong. I’m sure the coach’s attorney will want at least a $10k retainer to handle the case How is that affordable?

seriously
5 years ago

A super Dad, Husband, and friend this is not justice this is railroaded. Klausner is a great coach and this is not right

Swimbikerun
Reply to  seriously
5 years ago

If it was your son or daughter, your opinion about justice might differ.

Gabby
Reply to  Swimbikerun
5 years ago

I would trust my kids to him in a heartbeat. SWIMBIKERUN you can go with the sensationalism, but if you truly knew this guy there is no way you would believe it. I don’t know you but lets assume that you are a good man with appropriate behavior… not even a little flirtatious … very “proper” to the point of almost “business suit – stretch out your hand for a handshake” type but next to the pool… and that you were falsely accused. How would you feel about people making assumptions, filling their entertainment with vile gossip … ruining your reputation?

Wondering
5 years ago

Swam under Don Easterling at NC State…..this does not compute….

And?
Reply to  Wondering
5 years ago

And bad priests are under the pope… what’s the point here?

Raleigh Swim
Reply to  Wondering
5 years ago

Google John Candler

Admin
Reply to  Raleigh Swim
5 years ago

I Googled John Candler. I’m not going to say I did a full dissertation’s worth of research…but I’m not sure I see the connection to a US representative from Massachusetts that died in 1903? I’m assuming there’s another John Candler you must be referring to, but nothing jumped out at me.

dmswim
Reply to  Braden Keith
5 years ago

Just add the word “swimming” after his name. https://www.wral.com/news/local/story/107929/

WCNJCTNY
Reply to  Raleigh Swim
5 years ago

What does John Candler have to do with this case? Are you drawing a parallel as both were “seemingly good guys” as some have said? If so, I’m tracking. According to the article I read, John had a long, illustrious career as a diving coach – AND was a convicted pedophile.

dmswim
Reply to  Wondering
5 years ago

By swimming under a certain coach for 4 years, someone can’t, later in life, act inappropriately? That is beyond ridiculous.

shasha
Reply to  dmswim
5 years ago

He swam at NC State his freshman and sophomore year, he’s a good guy, this doesn’t fit his character, and I hope he’s exonerated quickly

Shrimpngrits
5 years ago

Known him as a coach for years. Good guy and this behavior not in his wheelhouse.

sharkbate
Reply to  Shrimpngrits
5 years ago

He should be in prison in general population

seriously
Reply to  sharkbate
5 years ago

just because someone is accused does not automatically make them guilty… people lie every day.

dmswim
Reply to  seriously
5 years ago

While I agree Sharkbate’s post is extreme, Klausner has been more than accused. Safesport found enough evidence to ban him (although that doesn’t necessarily mean there is enough evidence to criminally prosecute him).

Gabby
Reply to  dmswim
5 years ago

Why hasn’t there been an accusation in a court of law?, even if not enough evidence. Even of a civil case you don’t have to be criminally liable…. keep reading below and you will understand better that this organization has great irregularities and does not honor the constitution and the rights given to the citizens of this great nation.

Snarky
Reply to  Shrimpngrits
5 years ago

Well. He’s on the banned list so it apparently is.

Camelback
Reply to  Shrimpngrits
5 years ago

People thought Ted Bundy was charming.

Gabby
Reply to  Camelback
5 years ago

Oh please! you are really reaching … and may I add very irresponsibly. This makes me think you have emotions built up or are an instigator. Everyone in our generation wore the short running shorts. All of us that swam under lots of different world class coaches did stretches in out swimsuits. Are you really going to feed a fire with this nonsense? Do you realize how all these ignorant assumptions can affect a family unjustly?

Superfan
5 years ago

Is this Rowdy’s pool?

Swim Coach
Reply to  Superfan
5 years ago

It’s Rowdy’s Association. Whether he’s a manager at the specific branch that has the 50m competitive facility is another question.
YMCA Associations are the geographical area group. For instance, in Charlotte NC, there is the Greater Charlotte YMCA Association. That Association is made of 14 different branches over a 15-20 mile radius.
So, yes, this guy was an Aquatics Director/Manager at one of the facilities with a pool in the Central Florida Association. No clue if he had a directorial role at the Rosen Aquatic Center, where the team is based out of is.

Floswimmer
Reply to  Swim Coach
5 years ago

@SwimCoach is correct. I’ve swam at the main Rosen Aquatic Center where Rowdy is based for years and have never heard of this coach. Must be another branch.

Gabby
Reply to  Floswimmer
5 years ago

Really? Did you swim with the masters? All of us that swim masters know him, respect him and absolutely do not believe this at all. He has been a wonderful asset to the Central Florida YMCA aquatics program. Anyone that knows him knows how politically correct, well mannered, even better, he is always positive, humble, encouraging… blessed to know him and his family. Horrified the all these accusation without transparency are probably scoring not only him, his reputation, his family and imagine his chid and all the nasty teens … shame on all those who jump to conclusions, accept without transparency, proof and the constitutional right to defend yourself… feeding all this hurt. I truly pray that there are people… Read more »

Sharon Anne Hartmann
Reply to  Gabby
5 years ago

I’ve worked with Curt for 8 years at Y and this is really hard to swallow. All I’ve ever seen is professionalism, upbeat, and positive person. This really is shocking news.

About Jared Anderson

Jared Anderson

Jared Anderson swam for nearly twenty years. Then, Jared Anderson stopped swimming and started writing about swimming. He's not sick of swimming yet. Swimming might be sick of him, though. Jared was a YMCA and high school swimmer in northern Minnesota, and spent his college years swimming breaststroke and occasionally pretending …

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