Role of parents

ROLE OF THE PARENTS

Parents not attending a club night or carnival, you are required to advise Club President of the nominated guardian of your child/children.

Parents play a key role in the success of an age group program, but it is a different role than that of the coach.  It is a supporting role, a quiet role, calling for restraint.  Much damage has been done to age group athletics as a whole, and to individual children, by well intentional but overzealous parents.

Parents should never damn the coach in the swimmer’s presence, nor should they complain or make derogatory remarks about the program to the child.  Parents should show support for the coach and abide by his or her decisions.  Any concerns or queries that you may have should be addressed to the coach or to the club committee. 

Besides financial and logistical support (the provision of transportation to and from work-outs and meets, involvements in club governance, etc) you are encouraged to show an interest in your child’s sport by listening when the child wants to talk about swimming and by asking pertinent questions.  Generally, the child should be left to initiate the conversation and should not be interrogated about times or other particulars.

Many children go through periods of secrecy about such things and become defensive if questioned closely.  Parents should attend swim meets and the occasional training session.  Most young swimmers enjoy having their parent’s watch them train - some do not. If you do attend a session, you are advised not to intervene in the training, by calling from the sidelines or even by clocking splits. 

If the child is 9-10yrs or older, he or she should be developing an awareness that being a part of a swim squad/team, holds a responsibility to keep trying – by joining the team he or she has made a commitment to the coach and teammates.  The commitment should be seen through to the end of the season.  Reassessment can be made then.  It is also important that you support the coach by insisting that training be attended regularly.  The coaches do appreciate knowing of any absence because of illness, school camps or holidays.

Last of all, we hope that all our Marlin Coast parents are encouraging and supportive of the young swimmer’s sporting achievements and work with us to ensure that all members of our swim club experience success.