A constant presence throughout Long Beach States bid to repeat as NCAA mens volleyball champions this season has been assistant coach Scott Touzinsky, a 2008 Olympic gold medalist and former 49er All-American.
Touzinsky, however, continued to coach this college season while being under investigation for sexual misconduct by the U.S. Center for SafeSport and suspended by USA Volleyball from events sanctioned by the national governing body, according to documents obtained by the Southern California Newspaper Group.
Touzinsky receiving a “Formal Warning” from the U.S. Center for SafeSport last week but was declared “eligible” to return to USA Volleyball sanctioned events even though the center found the “allegations were substantiated,” according to documents.
“I dont have any comment, sorry,” Touzinsky said Tuesday.
Long Beach State head coach Alan Knipe did not respond to a request for comment.
University president Jane Close Conoley and athletic director Andy Fee also did not respond to requests for comment.
Touzinsky was suspended by USA Volleyball last July in response to allegations of sexual misconduct involving a female athlete in 2014, according to documents. SafeSport opened an investigation of Touzinsky on July 19. The USA Volleyball suspension did not cover NCAA sanctioned-events. It is unclear if Knipe was aware of the allegations when he hired Touzinsky in July 2017. Knipe was the U.S. Olympic teams head coach at the 2012 Games in London.
SafeSport found that the USA Volleyball suspension was “sufficient.” Under the terms of the sanction, Touzinsky is also required to retake SafeSport training.
“The U. S. Center for SafeSport imposed sanctions for a violation of the 2013 USAV Coaches Code of Ethics and Conduct Principle II.G,” SafeSport wrote.
Under “PRINCIPLE II ‐ COACH/ATHLETE RELATIONSHIPS” section G., USA Volleyballs code of ethics for coaches states:
“Recognize that all forms of sexual abuse, assault or harassment with athletes are illegal and unethical, even when an athlete invites or consents to such behavior or involvement. Sexual abuse and harassment are defined as, but not limited to, repeated comments, gestures or physical contacts of a sexual nature. I will report all suspected cases of sexual assault or abuse to law enforcement as required by law.”
Long Beach (26-2) hosts the NCAA Championships next week at Walter Pyramid, where the 49ers are 12-0 this season. The NCAA tournaments No. 2 seed, Long Beachs only losses are to USC and to top-seeded Hawaii in the Big West Tournament title match last weekend in Honolulu. The 49ers topped Hawaii in a pair of five-set regular-season matches earlier this month in Long Beach.
Touzinsky has been credited in playing a major role in the 49ers success since his 2017 hiring. The 49ers went 28-1 en route to winning the NCAA title last season. Touzinsky has coached five All-Americans and six All-Big West selections, including setter Josh Tuaniga, the 2018 AVCA national player of the year and NCAA tournament MVP.
Touzinsky has also been active in youth volleyball. He owns Touzinskys Elite Volleyball Camps and coaches extensively with girls and boys club teams throughout Southern California.
Touzinsky retired fRead More – Source
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