Parent Behavior
Give your swimmer some independence. Trust the coaches. Let your child make a mistake, they will learn from those. Finally, consider: What you tell your swimmer could conflict with the coaches’ instructions. The best thing you can do as a swim team parent – for your swimmer and yourself- is to leave the coaching to the coaches.
10 Guidelines for Being a Positive Swimmer – Parent
- Cheer your swimmer on and be supportive. Console without judging the swimmer, coaches, officials, or teammates.
- Things may aggravate you that do not even phase your swimmer. Do not make something into an issue if it is not one.
- Encourage your child to seek his/her own answers. Coaches appreciate swimmers who come to them and privately question their event or practice.
- Understand the rules of the meet and the coach’s philosophy. Volunteering is a wonderful way to become involved.
- Do your part as a parent. Get your child to practice on time and pick them up promptly.
- Events and talent sometimes do not match up. Coaches attempt to do what is best for the team, putting the best mix and best “chemistry” in the pool. That may mean that sometimes your swimmer may be swimming an “off-event” to strengthen the team. Stay positive, and your child will flourish.
- If you have real concerns, and your swimmer has attempted unsuccessfully to work things out with the coach on his/her own, schedule a meeting with the coach and have your child attend with you. If you are trying to resolve a problem, help your swimmer by being a role model in problem-solving.
- Never approach a coach with complaints during a practice or meet. Schedule to talk after the practice or meet. Coaches are focusing on the task at hand and will be more attentive outside of practice or meet situations.
- Please think before criticizing anyone connected with your swimmer’s team. Criticism is contagious and often hurtful.
- Visibly show that you enjoy watching your child perform, no matter the circumstances.
