Michael Pliuskaitis Gets Coaching Credential Back, Removed From USA Swimming Banned List

STERLING, Virginia, April 1. A coach put on USA Swimming’s banned-for-life list will be reinstated as a coach after a successful appeal this week, according to an article in the Washington Post.

Michael Pliuskaitis was placed on the banned list almost one year ago, in February 2013 after appeals to the National Board of Review were denied. Pliuskaitis’ coaching credentials were removed for sexual misconduct while serving as the head coach of Snow Swimming in Virginia.

The American Arbitration Association ruled that USA Swimming acted “arbitrarily and capriciously” in its decision. USA Swimming released a statement expressing disappointment with the ruling, but stated that the organization will follow the AAA decision.

The Washington Post reports that the AAA had issues with USA Swimming’s definition of “an improper relationship between a coach and an athlete,” and made its ruling based on a different interpretation.

Washington Post article

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