News For
SWIM PARENTS
Published
by The American Swimming Coaches Association
5101 NW 21
Ave.,
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On Ageing Up and Expectations
We interviewed a former age group national record
holder who is now in her 20�s. She set a national age group record in the
9-10 age group. When she turned 11 she joined a
group of excellent nationally ranked 11 - 12 year old girls. She
continued to improve but struggled emotionally and was not happy. Just
before turning 13 her mom and dad decided she
needed to be swimming in a different environment with a nationally prominent
team and moved the mom and her to a new team out of state while the dad stayed
behind. Unfortunately, she didn't enjoy her new surroundings, didn�t swim
well, and mom and daughter moved back but joined a different team.
She told us in the interview that the reason why she
had a difficult time as an 11 and 12 year old was that "everyone"
expected her to continue being great. We asked her who was included in
"everyone" and the answer was�everyone --
coaches and parents and friends. .
When swimmers age up, whether it is B swimmers or
national record holders, it is time for communication between the coach,
swimmer, and parents. Don't assume that the swimmer knows and understands
that the coach and parents aren't expecting a ribbon in the very next
meet. Give swimmers special support and encouragement when they age up.