Nick, I 100% disagree with you. I think this is a very relevant place to discuss this situation, though I think the coaches forum would be even more relevant.
Why?
1. Because, like in every other sport and activity where adults have close relationships with teens, this kind of thing happens. A mentor/student relationship is often an intimate one, and some people are not going to have the judgement to remember that the student is still young, unexperienced, innocent, and most likely unaware of the implications and consequences (legal, moral, and otherwise) of maintaining that kind of tension that may seem exciting and fun. Teacher's pet, anyone? It happens. If anything, it is important to discuss to remind everyone in the community that teens are still teens, and that anyone under the age of 18 is not legally able to consent--that's why it's called the age of consent. Obviously, it's morally wrong and people who transgress should not be allowed to coach again, but I think that all goes with out saying so I'm going to stick to the other points.
2. Another important discussion I think should be had is for all coaches and instructors to remember to protect themselves. How? Never be alone with a student, especially especially especially a student of the opposite gender. Never put yourself in a situation where it is your word versus theirs. Even if it turns out you are innocent, the reputation stain from any proceeding like that would probably end your career in this industry.
3. It is likely that this news will bring up questions for parents of kids on other youth teams. It seems important for gyms to protect themselves and their instructors by establishing youth/coach policy and training all staff in it. That way questions can be answered and coaches and the gym will be protected.
I've known Lyons for years and I personally am not shocked that he had a failure of judgement as large as this one. I don't live in the East, and I don't know the situation, but my guess from knowing him, and from reading the news stories, is that he is not a predator or pedophile who began coaching to be around kids--he is a guy who likes climbing/coaching who developed a special intimate coach/student relationship with a teen on his team and then crossed the line with it. I think it is easy to imagine teens are older than they are, even if you know their actual age, especially considering the way some of them dress and act. (Again, before someone gets pissed, I am not saying "she was asking for it", I am just trying to be realistic about what can and does happen, and some of the factors that can lead to it. Most teens can talk and act like adults, especially in our community, and sometimes it's hard to remember that they aren't older--they themselves don't even know how much they didn't know until they are in their 20's and look back at themselves, and honestly I imagine that happens after every decade of growth. I don't know this girl and I am not accusing her of anything, nor justifying anything even if she did wear tiny clothing and act extremely flirtatious. She is still a minor, and, again, even if she threw him down and jumped on him, there is no way a girl of 14 can fully understand the implications or consequences of that action or others she might take. 14 is not old enough to legally consent for a reason. All I am trying to say is that, no matter her actions or his feelings about them, as the ADULT in the situation he was responsible for drawing the line and not crossing it. He clearly failed to do that, and he should not be allowed to work with minors again.)
I think it is also important to note, and this is an issue his friends have brought up other places, it is not like he plucked her off the street and tied her up in his basement. Acting like he is some sexual predator who came into climbing to assault somebody is a cop out and does not address the important issues for gyms, coaches, and youth climbers that are brought up in this situation.
I heard of two other instances of this--in Texas with a guy named Zach Allen? And in California around 10 years ago with a gym employee and the gym owner's daughter. And also, but not illegal, a coach at my old gym left his wife for a youth team girl after she turned 18. As far as I know he didn't cross the legal line before that, but eeeeewwwwww anyone?
So, yeah. Thoughts? Anyone else heard of this kind of situation? This seems like a good time to make sure all your adults are acting appropriately with all the kids at your gym...