by Dr. Alan Goldberg
Competitive Advantage

A successful swimming experience depends on parents being proactively trained to play the right role on the parent-swimmer-coach team. Coaches should take the time in the beginning of the season to educate parents on their very important support position. The coach should appeal to the parent’s proper involvement for the team’s and their child’s success. In parents’ meetings and in written handouts the coach should present and discuss the correct parent, coach and swimmer roles, the “do’s and don’ts” for success.

PARENTS’ ROLE:

1. DON’T COACH - Leave coaching to coaches. This includes pre-race psyching, motivation, after race critiquing, setting goals, enforcing additional cross training, etc.

2. SUPPORT THE COACH - Your coaches are the experts. They need your support for everyone to "win".

3. SUPPORT THE PROGRAM - Get involved. Volunteer. Help out at meets, fundraisers, etc.

4. BE YOUR CHILD’S BEST FAN - Support your child unconditionally. Do not withdraw love when your child performs poorly. Your child should not have to perform to win your love.