PARENTS...OUR OBLIGATIONS AT SWIM MEETS AND TIME TRIALS  

Date: 1/02/03

Swimming is a very labour intensive sporting activity. The minimum requirement to successfully operate our own time trials is as follows.

With the cooperation of most people at the pool we are usually able to achieve this. There are times when we do not have the required numbers on pool deck, yet there are still people available in the stand and around the pool who refuse to lend their assistance. Often some mums and dads have obligations with other young siblings as well as swimmers and the club acknowledges this may be a problem. As a general rule parents are obliged to give assistance at time trials. This is part of the requirements of joining the club and you know the old saying about many hands. If asked by a club official to assist please respond in a positive manner if at all possible. Better still don't wait to be asked.

Swim Meets

Many of the clubs swimmers travel all over the state to attend swim meets. If the club sends a larger number of swimmers we will be expected to supply a set number of timekeepers (and often other officials). Generally one person will take on the role of organising the timekeeping roster. The more parents who agree to the sharing of this role, the lighter the load for all concerned. Please do not refuse to do your share of the timekeeping!! This is part of the obligation you accept when you join the club. Others who are happy to share this load become very unhappy when they must fill in for those who refuse to assist. I think it is fair to state that if people are not prepared to help with these tasks they should not enter their children into swim meets.

Parents are also asked to be careful not to walk alongside the pool calling out to their swimmer. This interferes with the role of the referees and is also considered "coaching". Another problem occurs in the marshalling area at times when keen mums and dads enter this area to encourage/kiss/put on caps/adjust goggles/collect clothing etc. Please remember this is out of bounds once the children have been marshalled.

If there are any areas of uncertainty regarding these courtesies and obligations please discuss them with President Greg Jenkinson or the writer.

Russell Nicholson
Vice President