Keep on Track
Swimming: What’s its Future?
Ever think about why swimming is always on the edge of the sports world? Why kids quit midway through? Why is it always so difficult to participate in the sport? How many of us come away from State Meet frustrated and angry? After some research many things come to mind.
- Kids are different today. So many are entertained instead of being lead to work for a goal. We are fortunate to have kids with drive.
- Sports like football and basketball get more glory than swimming; hence talented athletes are enticed to those sports for the recognition. We are fortunate to have kids that see swimming is more than a glory sport.
- Sponsorships are tough to find. Most companies are looking for arenas where they can put up money that will benefit the company…the ones truly looking to develop youth are in the minority. We need to thank those that do.
- People are driven by recognition and achievement. Swimming is a long term commitment where these things do not always come immediately. Our swimmers are building skills that will make them successful in life.
So there are a lot of problems. Not enough swimmers registering, we can’t compete with other more popular sports, kids quit at 15 for one reason or another, the bigger organizations are not working correctly, our pool isn’t quality…and the list goes on. And of course there is always the statement: “but it doesn’t work here.” But truthfully the biggest problem in the sport of swimming is personalities and politics. It is the same for a lot of sports but with the limits swimming has, it only adds to the burden. It is so easy to get caught up in the heat of the moment, but how can we grow the sport if we defeat ourselves?
So as State Meet approaches, let us bear in mind that we are all there for a common goal: healthy competition, peak performance, and most importantly a good time with people of a common interest. Encourage your swimmer to be supportive of their teammates and competitors. Complement another parent’s swimmer. Make more room on the bench. Offer a ride to the pool for warm-ups. Give the coach some positive feedback on the team’s performance.
Remember that swimming is a great sport that teaches more than a physical skill. It teaches sportsmanship and teamwork. It builds confidence and self esteem. It develops integrity, intelligence, discipline, and courage. It teaches to accept failure. It teaches health, fitness, and nutrition. It is easy on bones and joints and can be a lifelong sport. It teaches to strive for excellence. It can help save a life of some one who can’t swim. All these things make swimming a great investment. Set the example for those in whom we invest.
Information credited to: http://www.usaswimming.org/USASWeb/ViewMiscArticle.aspx? TabId=476&Alias=Rainbow&Lang=en&mid=831&ItemId=1401
