10 Commandments
for Parents of Swimmers

From the USA Swimming Parent's Handbook.

I
Thou Shalt Not Impose Thy Ambitions on Thy Child.

Remember that swimming is your child's activity. Improvements and progress occur at different rates for each individual. Don't judge your child's progress based on the performance of other athletes, and don't push them based on what you think they should be doing. The nice thing about swimming is that every person can strive to do their personal best.

II
Thou Shalt Be Supportive No Matter What.

There is only one question to ask your child: "Did you have fun?" If meets and practices are not fun, your child should not be forced to participate.

III
Thou Shalt Not Coach Thy Child.

You have taken your child to a professional coach, do not undermine that coach by trying to coach your child on the side. Your job is to support, love, 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. That is not your area. This will only serve to confuse your child and prevent the swimmer/coach bond from forming.

IV
Thou Shalt Have Only Positive Things to Say at a Swimming Meet.

When you are at a meet, you should cheer and applaud, but never criticize your child or the coach.

V
Thou Shalt Acknowledge Thy Child's Fears.

A first swimming meet, 500 Free or 200 IM can be a stressful situation. It is totally appropriate for your child to be scared. Don't yell or belittle, just assure your child that the coach would not have suggested the event if your child was not ready to compete in it.

VI
Thou Shalt Not Criticize the Officials.

If you do not have the time or the desire to volunteer as an official, don't criticize those who are doing the best that they can.

VII
Thou Shalt Honor Thy Child's Coach.

The bond between coach and swimmer is a special one, and one that contributes to your child's success as well as fun. Do not criticize the coach in the presence of your child, it will only serve to hurt your child's swimming.

VIII
Thou Shalt Not Jump From Team to Team.

The water isn't necessarily bluer at the other team's pool. Every team has it's own internal problems, even teams that build champions. Children who switch from team to team are often ostracized for a long, long time by both the teammates they leave behind and the teammates they seek to join. Most times swimmers who do switch teams never do better than they did before they sought bluer water.

IX
Thy Child Shalt Have Goals Besides Winning.

Giving an honest effort, regardless of what the outcome is, is much more important than winning. One Olympian said, "My goal was to set a world record. Well, I did that, but someone else did it too, just a little faster than I did. I achieved my goal and I lost. This does not make me a failure, in fact, I am very proud of that swim."

X
Thou Shalt Not Expect Thy Child to Become an Olympian.

There are almost 250,000 athletes in USA Swimming. There are only 52 spots available on the Olympic Team every four years. Your child's odds of becoming an Olympian are about 1 in 5,000. Swimming is much, much more than just the Olympics. Ask your coach why he/she coaches. Chances are, he/she was not an Olympian, but still got enough out of swimming to want to pass that love for the sport on to others. Swimming teaches self-discipline and sportsmanship; it builds self-esteem and fitness; it provides lifelong friendships and much more. Most Olympians will tell you that these intangibles far outweigh any medal they may have won. Swimming builds good people and you should be happy your child wants to participate.