THE ROLE OF THE PARENT (SUPPORT, RESPONSIBILITY ETC) IN THE AGE GROUP SWIMMERS' LIFE.
I would appreciate some
feedback relating the this topic. I have found that a large percentage
of "age group parents" lack the drive, interest, responsibility and
dedication to fully assist the head coach in the strive for full
development of the swimmers' abilities.
In my opinion, it is almost impossible for a swimmer to reach FULL potential if not fully supported by their parent/s. I'm sure that I'm not alone but I really have a lot of issues relating to this subject. Of course, parents expect great results without putting in the required effort.
What are your feelings on this topic?
In my opinion, it is almost impossible for a swimmer to reach FULL potential if not fully supported by their parent/s. I'm sure that I'm not alone but I really have a lot of issues relating to this subject. Of course, parents expect great results without putting in the required effort.
What are your feelings on this topic?
Jay Weerman •
Hello,
My feelings are that at some point in every program, there needs to be an acceptance interview. The most successful clubs in my area will not even allow kids on the team unless they meet some minimum standards, along with reviewing expectations for both the parents and swimmers. These clubs have the advantage of a very healthy feeder program in summer clubs, but it can be done within a team.
For instance, I will allow anyone to try the "beginner group". If they want to move into the more serious group, a sit down meeting with parents and swimmer complete with expectations of the group, the swimmer and parents is mandatory. By telling them ahead of time, they know what they are getting into and that everyone on that level is following the same expectations. Even better, it takes another interview just to get "invited" to 5:00 am practices, with strict attendance and a "No Issues" policy (bathroom breaks, skipping sets, missing practice, even goggle issues).
It is difficult to introduce this to an established group of parents, but you can put the policies in place for those moving up or in, and make a game out of it for those that are already there. Reward the swimmers of parents that give the extra effort, and the other swimmers will get their parents to give extra as well
My feelings are that at some point in every program, there needs to be an acceptance interview. The most successful clubs in my area will not even allow kids on the team unless they meet some minimum standards, along with reviewing expectations for both the parents and swimmers. These clubs have the advantage of a very healthy feeder program in summer clubs, but it can be done within a team.
For instance, I will allow anyone to try the "beginner group". If they want to move into the more serious group, a sit down meeting with parents and swimmer complete with expectations of the group, the swimmer and parents is mandatory. By telling them ahead of time, they know what they are getting into and that everyone on that level is following the same expectations. Even better, it takes another interview just to get "invited" to 5:00 am practices, with strict attendance and a "No Issues" policy (bathroom breaks, skipping sets, missing practice, even goggle issues).
It is difficult to introduce this to an established group of parents, but you can put the policies in place for those moving up or in, and make a game out of it for those that are already there. Reward the swimmers of parents that give the extra effort, and the other swimmers will get their parents to give extra as well
Bob Steele •
Check out the resources at usaswimming.org and
give all of your parents this quiz. They can keep their results to
themselves; however, they know how they stand., Check out
www.gamesgimmickschallenges.com/coaching resources for the parent
questionaaire; Are You A Winning Parent. Too big to send here.
Marcel Da Ponte •
Thanks guys! I totally agree although as we know,
parents can sometimes be a species on their own. This advice will be
very helpful indeed.
Bob, I like the idea of placing the burden on the parent in the sense that they will see the results without having to "report" back to the coach.
Jay, what you say is very true! At the first club (which I owned) that I coached at, I made the mistake of "letting the parents run me" as a coach, instead of me taking the reigns and running the club. Huge mistake! I think it's extremely important that parents understand that the coach is in charge.
Bob, I like the idea of placing the burden on the parent in the sense that they will see the results without having to "report" back to the coach.
Jay, what you say is very true! At the first club (which I owned) that I coached at, I made the mistake of "letting the parents run me" as a coach, instead of me taking the reigns and running the club. Huge mistake! I think it's extremely important that parents understand that the coach is in charge.
Dan Lynch •
For a coach to be successful, they must first be
an advocate for the swimmers. If the parents see the coaches "real"
interaction to the athlete from age group to senior, they will
understand the interaction and begin follow. Lead, and they will follow.
Got to have a solid plan.
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