Some coaches are predators, but is this the right fix?

ROME -- When most people hear the phrase "criminal background check," they immediately envision a scene from Law & Order, or perhaps a front-page story in the New York Post. Their last thought would be anything having to do with tennis.

The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour is in the process of implementing a rule that requires all coaches of players to undergo criminal background checks ("CBCs"). More accurately, the ruling states that any "player support member" will be required to undergo a CBC before being issued a badge at any WTA Tour event.

The basis for this rule begins and ends with the presence of physical and mental abuse that has been reported among some players' camps over the past few years. The WTA is trying to step in to protect the players from these so called "bad guys."

It sounds like a grand plan, one in which the motives are in the right place. But here's one of the arguments I've been hearing: Who are they to tell me who I can and can't employ?

Let's say there is a coach who has a felony on his record, say grand theft auto from when he was young and rebellious. Just because he won't be hired by BMW anytime soon, does that mean he isn't suitable to coach on the WTA Tour?

Maybe that example is a bit extreme, but you get my drift. Don't get me wrong, the tour should be celebrated for trying to initiate a program to help protect the young players who may be susceptible to the manipulative acts by those coaches who cast a black eye on their profession.

The problems are going to arise because of the ambiguity within this rule, its interpretation being very objective. The WTA is left to decide what constitutes a criminal act, creating a gray area that is sure to raise questions. I spoke with a handful of coaches and they aren't too keen on the idea, especially since they have to pay for these CBCs out of their own pockets.

The unfortunate part of this story is that we have reached the stage where we have to step in to protect players from their coaches. The player/coach relationship is very special, almost sacred, especially given the fact that tennis is an individual sport. Sadly, it can also be one of the most abused.

A coach's greatest gift to his player doesn't always come wrapped in punishing ground stokes, but instead providing her with the tools to stand on her own, enabling her to become independent on the court while supporting her through the ups and downs of the lifestyle.

Regrettably, some coaches rely on the concept of codependency with their players, making the pupil feel as though she isn't capable of performing on her own. This kind of controlling and manipulative behavior is common on tour, thus bringing about an ugly cycle of abuse. It forms a crutch, and the player feels she can no longer succeed.

Of course, let's not forget about the good ones -- the great coaches who have weathered the storm with their players for years, supporting them throughout the daily grind of a tennis career. Mutual respect, an inner drive and a passion for success are just a few positive qualities shared.

So what is the solution? Is there one? To me, before a player and/or parents employ a coach, they need to do their own investigative work. They need to ask the right questions, such as what sort of reputation does the coach have, both on and off the court? Read over their resumes and perform your own personal background checks. Part of the WTA's job should be to educate players as to what to be looking for when hiring a coach, as well as what to be wary of.

Once this rule is implemented on our tour, a lot of us may have to take a second look at who we choose to accompany us. You never know -- those unpaid parking tickets may be catching up to some of us sooner than we think.

Half of the No. 1-ranked doubles team in the world, Lisa Raymond writes for SI.com on alternate Fridays.