The Parent And The Coach

Reprinted from Hannula�s Hints, Written by Dick Hannula.

A very common topic in any swim coaches� chat session is parent involvement. Most coaches agree that the parents do present a definite factor in the success or failure of their swimmers. More than one coach has changed jobs because of parent involvement and usually it has been a negative experience for the coach who has made this change. I have heard coaches compliment a great swimmer with the remark that the swimmer has �great parents�. I am quite certain that you have also heard coaches describe a swimmer as having �lousy parents?� Is there something that coaches can do to encourage parents to become �good swimming parents�?

Some parents give coaches ulcers, a lack of job security, a lack of confidence, and a general case of jitters. This is true, and many coaches have tuned in a deaf ear to parents over the years. Are there general characteristics that describe �good parents�? The American Swimming Coaches Association asked some of the most successful coaches about the �ideal swimming parents�.

�The ideal swimming parent is one who supports and encourages his child without pressure.� -- Richard Quick, former United States Olympic Head Coach.

�The ideal parents are the parents who follow and don�t lead�. -- Peter Daland, Former USC Head Coach and two-time United States Olympic Coach.

�The ideal swimming parent supports, backs, and listens. This parent understands long range goals. This parents sees beyond today.� -- Dick Jochums, Head Coach, Santa Clara Swim Club. Dick has coached several Olympic swimmers.

�The ideal parent is usually someone who has dealt with children other than his own, such as a school teacher or a coach. The parents are not as emotionally involved as intelligently involved. The parents also realize that there is much more to learn than just swimming fast.� -- Jack Nelson, former US Olympic Coach.

�The ideal swimming parent is one who supports their child as a person, not as a swimmer.� -- Jonty Skinner, former World Record Holder.

The kids who perform the best are the ones with supportive parents who let the coach have control of the child�s swimming career.� -- John Collins, Badger Swim Club Head Coach. 1983 ASCA Coach of the year.

�It is important for the parents to be physically, mentally, and financially supportive of their youngster. The parents should support the interest and well being of their children.� -- Don Gambril, Past University of Alabama Head Coach and 1984 Head Olympic Coach.

�The ideal swim parent needs to have a sense of humor and is primarily interested in the development of his child as a person, not a swimmer.� -- John Leonard, ASCA Director and former Lake Forest Swim Team Head Coach

�Some kids may perform better for a while with harassment and pressure from parents, but in the long run. It is best if the swimmer develops his/her own goals and discipline�. -- Rob Orr, Princeton University Head Coach.

�An ideal swimming parent is someone who realizes his child�s limitations as well as his achievements. The parent is supportive but not demanding and loves the child whether he wins, loses or draws.� -- Penny Taylor, Past Parkway Swim Club Head Coach and Former ASCA Board Member