A new story from ESPN highlights just how important thorough criminal background checks are when it comes to sports coaches working with kids.

USA Swimming has concluded that many previously-convicted child molesters have been able to slip through incomplete background checking systems and snag coaching positions that allow them to continue to abuse young persons.

As a result of this investigation, more complete background checks (including more in-depth criminal ones) will now be mandated for USA Swimming coaches.  As always, we encourage parents of any sport-playing child to demand that any person working with their youngster — whether volunteer or paid staff — be completely vetted. 

After all, no organization — even the large USA Swimming — can afford this kind of national scandal.