Parent Conduct
Here are some humorous adds from the Canadian Hockey Association that really get the point accross!
Please be role models for your children.
Hide and Seek
Pin the Tail on the Donkey
Potato Sack Race
Cop
Grocery Store
Golf
Respect the Sport
Potomac Marlins asks you to consider your role in showing "Respect" for the sport, and for the people who make this the great sport it is. How much do you RESPECT the sport of swimming and all its participants? Take this simple test to see how you rate.
Check off the statements that apply to you.
- The safety of the participants in the pool is more important than the final outcome.
- I value the contribution of the coach in developing the swimmers talents, even though I may not always agree with their methods.
- I understand that officials do not make the swimming rules, they only apply them.
- I understand that children learn from adults, and my behaviour reflects what I want children to learn.
- I understand that officials are responsible to ensure that the meet is conducted in a safe and fair manner for all participants.
- I understand that swimmers, coaches and officials are learning the sport, and mistakes will be made in the learning process.
- I may not cheer for my childs competition, but I will also not cheer against them or verbally abuse them.
- I understand that one of the biggest reason for swimmers and officials quitting the sport is abuse.
Parents Code of Conduct
- I will not force my child to participate in swimming.
- I will remember that my child swims for his or her enjoyment, not mine.
- I will encourage my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
- I will teach my child that doing one’s best is as important as winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a race or a meet.
- I will make my child feel like a winner every time by offering praise for competing fairly and trying hard.
- I will never ridicule or yell at my child for making a mistake or losing a race.
- I will remember that children learn best by example. I will applaud good swims / performances by both my child’s team and their opponents.
- I will never question the official’s judgement or honesty in public.
- I will support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children’s swimming activities.
- I will respect and show appreciation for the coaches and volunteers who give their time to provide swimming experiences for my child.
10 ways to become a better Swimming Parent
- Get involved with your son or daughters team in a positive way.
- Let you son or daughter know you enjoy having them involved with the sport.
- Don’t lose perspective, emphasize the values associated with the sport.
- Be supportive and don’t let expectations become a burden to your son or daughter.
- Model respectful behaviour for your son or daughter.
- Be there for your child whether they win or lose.
- Make safety, respect, fair play and fun a priority.
- Support you child emotionally.
- Encourage your child to participate but avoid pressuring them to win.
- Communicate with your sons or daughters coach in a professional effective manner.
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