While background checks on youth league coaches may prevent some child abuse, in the long run, the use of these background checks without exercising sound judgment will likely cause more damage to the youth leagues than good.

Volunteering time to coach requires a level of dedication and a personality that frequently falls within behavioral guidelines that some of us would consider a little “out there”. The sheer amount of personal time a coach spends on the many unseen tasks that fall within the scope of his responsibilities belies a bit of an obsessive compulsive streak.

One might even say the most dedicated coaches – some of the best coaches many of us have ever had – might display qualities associated with addictive personalities.

While running background checks will certainly discourage and eliminate convicted pedophiles from the world of youth coaching, it will also disqualify some excellent coaching candidates who’ve made youthful mistakes with substance abuse or some other anti social behavior, even though they may have learned their lesson and paid their debt to society.

These may be good people, whose past indiscretions provide them with insight into the paths that lead to these unacceptable behaviors, enabling them to provide unique counsel to their players.

So before we start requiring more badges and layers of unrealistic security for youth athletic settings, remember, these coaches aren’t paid babysitters, they’re unpaid volunteers. It’s still the parent’s job to parent and protect their child.

As we inch closer toward the election of a new leader for our country, ask yourself if the best candidates are still interested in applying for the job, or is the unrealistic scrutiny and draconian treatment they receive for past indiscretions keeping the best of the best on the sidelines?

As a long time youth sports coach (30 years and counting), I am all for there being cheks into the backgrounds of those who volunteer to coach. Let's face it, our society has changed dramatically since those bygone days of Wally and the Beaver and we can't be too careful, especially since kins can spend as 12 or more hours with some of these coaches. And I disagree with the comment made by the previous poster about youth sports coaches being a little "out there." For me, this is a hobby, a passtime no different than someone who may spend hours each weekend fishing, or someone who spends evenings baking cookies. It gives me pleasure to teach kids a sport I love, and the competition is a great strees relief.