MEET ETIQUETTE
A few more things, mostly for the parents...
Parents are not allowed to be on the pool deck for any reason!!!
Only registered and approved USA swimming Coaches, Officials or Volunteers, with proper credentials, are permitted on the pool deck. This is for the swimmer's safety.
Parents are not allowed to challenge event officials or another team's coaches!!
If your cousin is an official or a coach on another team, by all means, say hello and shoot the breeze when you meet in the halls. However, we are not permitted to challenge, complain to, or directly criticize these folks. Not ever, even if they are your cousins. Any concerns you have should be voiced to a Freedom Aquatics coach. If anything can be done, that is the way to find out.
Be Patient! Swim meets can be long, drawn out events. You may be confined in the building four or more hours to witness your swimmer in competition for only a few minutes altogether during their two or three events. This is true of everyone around you, as well. Bring some snacks for yourself when you pack your swimmers' snacks. Pack a book and bring some good company to pass the time with... It might be a long day!
Be Supportive! No matter how your swimmer performs, always be encouraging. Resist the urge to coach your child after any race, good or bad. Leave coaching to the coaches.
If you do discuss it, ask "How did you do?" rather than "What did you do?" or "Why did you do?". As parents, we want to be curious, involved and supportive. Leave the analysis and criticism to the coach. Emphasize the swimmer's improvements from their own historical swims. NEVER COMPARE SWIMMERS TO ONE ANOTHER!
Be a Good Sport! Remember that you represent Freedom Aquatics and your behavior and attitude towards other parents, coaches and officials in addition to the meet hosts and competitors is very important. We want you to be proud members of Freedom Aquatics and have a great time cheering on our swimmers while always being mindful to conduct yourself with respect and dignity. As we discussed in our parent meetings we are all members of the Freedom Aquatics family and our behavior should always serve as a model to our young swimmers.
Be a Good Guest at the facilities we visit! Remember to always CLEAN UP after yourself, whether you're in the parking lot, the stands, on the pool deck or any other part of the facility.
