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Welcome to the Stevens Sharks Swim Team. This handbook will serve as a tool to better understand the full nature of STVN's competitive swimming program. We would like parents to assume the responsibility of reading this handbook with their swimmers so that the family understands the program. The coaches and Parents' Association Board Members will be very happy to answer any questions you may have. The handbook is organized in the following sections. Please take the time to read each one carefully
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New Parents!!!!! Go to the following links below for great new parent information all about swimming!
USA Swimming - Swimming The "Basics"
Parents Education Information
Build Self-esteem and a Positive Self-image
Learning about oneself while enjoying the sport is one of the most important aspects of swimming. The swimming environment encourages learning and fun, helping your child to develop a positive self-image. Athletes who find their self-worth through winning will go through tough times when they lose, and everyone, even Michael Phelps, will lose sometime! It is not healthy for your child to compete only in those events where he can “win.” When the coach enters your child in new events, encourage him. He needs the experience of trying (and perhaps failing) so that he can learn how to handle defeat and develop improvement goals. He will learn that losing does not make him a failure as a person, a big step in building self-esteem. It takes more that just encouragement on your part. When your child fails, you must show the same unconditional love and approval as when he succeeds. Don’t praise dishonestly. Children see through that. Just show love and approval for the child, not for his performance. Continue to encourage your child to take on new challenges.
Are you a Pressure Parent?
The following survey has been taken from the Amateur Swimming Association of Great Britain. If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, you may be in danger of pressuring your child. It is important to remember that the parents' role is critical and should be supportive at all times to ensure a positive experience for your child.
? Is winning more important to you than it is to your child?
? When your child has a poor swim, is your disappointment, such as through body language or vocal tones, obvious?
? Do you feel that you are the one to have to "psyche" your child up before competition?
? Do you feel that winning is the only way your child can enjoy the sport?
? Do you conduct "post mortems" immediately after competition or practice?
? Do you feel that you have to force your child to go to practice?
? Do you find yourself wanting to interfere with coaching and instructions during practice or competition thinking that you could do better?
? Do you find yourself disliking your child's opponents?
? Are your child's goals more important to you than they are to your child?
? Do you provide material rewards for performance?