K.C.Waves For Parents

1. Thou shalt not impose your ambitions on thy child.
Swimming is your child's sport; let them enjoy it. Progress happens at different rates for different children. Don't push them based on what you think they should be doing. One of the nicest things about swimming is that success is based on doing your personal best.

2. Thou shalt be supportive no matter what.
There is only one question to ask your child after a meet: “Did you have fun?” Once the fun disappears, do not force your child to participate.

3. Thou shalt not coach your child.
You have taken your child to professionals; do not undermine them by trying to coach your child on the side. Your job is to love, support, and hug your child no matter what. The coach is responsible for the technical part of the job. You should not offer advice on technique or race strategy. THIS IS NOT YOUR AREA. This will only serve to confuse your child and prevent the swimmer/coach bond from forming.

4. Thou shalt have only positive things to say at a swim meet.
Cheer and applaud the swimmers; never criticize your child or the coach. If you have concerns, talk to the coach at a different time; they have a job to do at a meet.

5. Thou shalt acknowledge thy child's fears.
The first time at a meet or swimming a particular event is scary enough; be understanding of this. Assure your child that the coach thinks they are ready for the challenge if they suggested it.

6. Thou shalt not criticize the officials.
If you do not have the desire to volunteer as an official, don't criticize those who are doing the best they can, and who are there so that your child can compete.

7. Honor thy child's coach.
The athlete-to-coach bond is special and contributes to your child's fun and success. Don't criticize the coach in the presence of the athlete. It will only hurt your child's swimming. If your child asks for advice before a race, tell them "Good luck, and listen to your coach."

8. Thou shalt not jump from team to team.
There is something to be said for consistency. The water isn't bluer in the other team's pool. Often times swimmers who do switch never do better than they did before.

9. Thy child shalt have goals besides winning.
Giving 100% is more important than the blue ribbon. A lifetime best time can be had and still not be first place; the personal best is more important.

10. Thou shalt not expect thy child to become an Olympian.
There are more than 250,000 registered USS swimmers and 52 spots on the Olympic Team. Swimming is much more than the Olympics. Ask your coach why he/she does it. We are not Olympians but still got enough out of the sport to want to pass that on to others. Swimming teaches self discipline and sportsmanship, builds self esteem, and provides friendships that are life long. These intangibles far outweigh any medal. Swimming builds good people and you should be happy that your child wants to participate.

Some parents have asked about the rules for Disqualification (DQ's). Here is a quick link to what the Stroke and Turn Officials look for during each stroke. Stroke & Turn Rules

Last Updated February 15, 2009



	Ten Commandments For Parents
	1. Thou shalt not impose your ambitions on thy child. Swimming is your child's sport; let them enjoy it. Progress happens at different rates for different children. Don't push them based on what you think they should be doing. One of the nicest things about swimming is that success is based on doing your personal best. 2. Thou shalt be supportive no matter what. There is only one question to ask your child after a meet: “Did you have fun?” Once the fun disappears, do not force your child to participate. 3. Thou shalt not coach your child. You have taken your child to professionals; do not undermine them by trying to coach your child on the side. Your job is to love, support, and hug your child no matter what. The coach is responsible for the technical part of the job. You should not offer advice on technique or race strategy. THIS IS NOT YOUR AREA. This will only serve to confuse your child and prevent the swimmer/coach bond from forming. 4. Thou shalt have only positive things to say at a swim meet. Cheer and applaud the swimmers; never criticize your child or the coach. If you have concerns, talk to the coach at a different time; they have a job to do at a meet. 5. Thou shalt acknowledge thy child's fears. The first time at a meet or swimming a particular event is scary enough; be understanding of this. Assure your child that the coach thinks they are ready for the challenge if they suggested it. 6. Thou shalt not criticize the officials. If you do not have the desire to volunteer as an official, don't criticize those who are doing the best they can, and who are there so that your child can compete. 7. Honor thy child's coach. The athlete-to-coach bond is special and contributes to your child's fun and success. Don't criticize the coach in the presence of the athlete. It will only hurt your child's swimming. If your child asks for advice before a race, tell them "Good luck, and listen to your coach." 8. Thou shalt not jump from team to team. There is something to be said for consistency. The water isn't bluer in the other team's pool. Often times swimmers who do switch never do better than they did before. 9. Thy child shalt have goals besides winning. Giving 100% is more important than the blue ribbon. A lifetime best time can be had and still not be first place; the personal best is more important. 10. Thou shalt not expect thy child to become an Olympian. There are more than 250,000 registered USS swimmers and 52 spots on the Olympic Team. Swimming is much more than the Olympics. Ask your coach why he/she does it. We are not Olympians but still got enough out of the sport to want to pass that on to others. Swimming teaches self discipline and sportsmanship, builds self esteem, and provides friendships that are life long. These intangibles far outweigh any medal. Swimming builds good people and you should be happy that your child wants to participate. Some parents have asked about the rules for Disqualification (DQ's). Here is a quick link to what the Stroke and Turn Officials look for during each stroke. Stroke & Turn Rules Last Updated February 15, 2009