John ‘Jay’ Smith, a former swim coach for the WTRC Sharks swim team, has been permanently banned by USA Swimming as he faces legal charges of sexual imposition, disorderly conduct and phone threats.
Smith is accused of inappropriately touching an underage swimmer on two separate occasions, according to the Dayton Daily News. Smith allegedly had a one-on-one practice with the victim on February 16, afterwards asking the victim to “meet him in the equipment room so he could stretch her out.” He then allegedly used baby oil and “rubbed the minor victim underneath the bathing suit and rubbed the minor victim’s butt and back.” Reports also alleged that Smith was “more invasive” in a February 27 incident with the same victim.
Local news reports say that on March 1, Smith “was told not to have contact with the minor victim or her family”, though it’s not clear who told him that. But Smith is accused of making contact with the victim on March 2.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charges of sexual imposition, disorderly conduct and phone threats.
As of April 10, Smith is banned for life by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, meaning he is permanently ineligible for USA Swimming membership or membership in any other USOC sport governing body. He is listed on USA Swimming’s list of individuals permanently banned, with the Code of Conduct section 304.3.17 (violation of the SafeSport code) listed as the reason.
Smith was coaching for the Washington Township Recreation Center (WTRC) Sharks swim team. He is no longer on staff with the team. A club spokesperson told local media that the club reported the incident immediately.
“We reported the incident as soon as we became aware of it and have fully cooperated with the investigation,” said spokesperson Jeff Zipes. “Smith is no longer with the team.”
