Parent Policies
Parents are the backbone of our organization. They drive the swimmers to workouts and meets; they work at all our home meets and some away meets and are involved in other matters to support the team. Parents should encourage their swimmers and constantly give positive support.
1) We want your swimmer to establish a constructive relationship with their coach concerning swimming matters as soon as possible. A good relationship between coach and swimmer produces the best results for both the swimmer and the team. When parents interfere with a coach's opinion as to how the swimmer should swim or train, it can cause considerable confusion for the swimmer. If you have a problem or concern involving your swimmer, please contact the coach immediately. The coaches are the absolute authority in matters of swimming schedules, swimmer development, and participation in meets.
2) Always offer encouragement!
3) A coach and a program can be supported or ruined in the eyes of a swimmer by the parent. Never complain about the time your child puts in each day at practice. Rather, make him/her feel that it is worthwhile, and if this is something that he/she wants to do, you will help. Anything worthwhile requires sacrifice and hard work.
4) New and younger swimmers are most likely to experience inconsistent performances (e.g., times). This inconsistency can be frustrating for parents, coaches, and the swimmer alike. Parents and coaches must be patient and permit these youngsters to learn to love the sport.
5) Use good manners at swim meets. After the starter has blown the whistle, remain silent until the race has begun, then shout your encouragement.
6) Participation implies responsibility. Parents must become involved and help conduct all meets. There are several volunteer positions for each meet, picture day, parties, etc. Each family must complete volunteer activity to maintain good standing with the team. You will be expected to meet the minimum volunteer requirements each year. Any family who does not meet the minimum volunteer requirement per season will lose member status and will be not be allowed to register with returning swimmers next year. They will need go through lottery for new swimmer tryout and registration if you wish to participate on the team.
7) Please help when asked; even though we have a minimum volunteer requirement there are times we need extra help or all hands on deck. Life happens, kids get sick, plans change and we may sometimes need an extra hand. Please help when you can.
8) If you have experience in running organizations like a swim team, and you have the time and willingness, make your interest known to the Head parent or Coach. Most commonly, talented and wonderful parents are reluctant to step forward without being invited.
9) Those who have participated for several seasons need to remember that new parents bring fresh ideas and new blood. New parents need to remember that parents who have been associated with the Seals Swim Team awhile have an understanding of the local swimming community, and have done something right to become part of the program leadership. Listen and learn. These parents have survived the summer league years, and have a lot of wisdom to share.
10) The happiest team has the most people working together.
