Former Harvard, Fordham coach banned by USA Swimming

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Boston • Former Harvard and Fordham swim instructor Joe Bernal has been banned from coaching for life by USA Swimming, which says he violated sexual misconduct policies adopted to protect athletes.

The organization issued the ban on Feb. 23 for alleged violations of code-of-conduct policies.

Spokesman Scott Leightman declined to provide details, but he said in a statement that USA Swimming is "deeply committed to the safety and welfare of all its members." He referenced its "safe sport program" and mission to "increase awareness to reduce the risk of abuse in sport."

A phone number listed for Bernal wasn't in service. He didn't immediately return an email seeking comment.

Bernal began his coaching career at Fordham, where he was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2009. He coached at Harvard from 1977 to 1991 and was named Ivy League coach of the year seven times.

He also coached Olympic medalists Bobby Hackett and David Berkoff.