Henley coach ‘bullied club’s junior girls’
AN investigation has been launched into allegations that a coach has bullied girl members at the Henley rowing club.
The sport’s governing body, British Rowing, is understood to be looking into complaints about alleged bullying and favouritism in crew selection at the club, which hosts the Henley Regatta.
Club officers have also been accused of knowing about the accusations but not acting appropriately to deal with them.
British Rowing’s equity and safeguarding officer, Laura Fieldman, wrote to the club, which has around 350 members, to inform it of the ongoing investigation following allegations of inappropriate behaviour by a coach towards junior girls.
‘The coach concerned has been made aware of specific allegations relating to his conduct,’ she wrote.
British Rowing has appointed Sports Resolution to investigate the allegations, while taking guidance from Thames Valley Police and Oxfordshire County Council.
Henley Rowing Club’s president John Friend, chairman Jeff Morgan and captain David Lister have all voluntarily stepped down from club duties until the complaints are resolved.
Mr Friend: ‘I think favouritism is part of it and not something more untoward. I could believe that people might think that the approach of coaches amounts to bullying, I can see that.’
He stressed that when this type of issue has been raised previously it has been dealt with ‘appropriately’.
British Rowing confirmed the investigation, but would not make further comment ‘in the best interests of everyone involved’.