Information for Parents
Being the parent of a child involved in competitive sports is challenging! Every individual learns at a different rate and responds differently to the various methods of coaching. Coaches and parents must exercise patience and remember that a swimmer’s ultimate success is achieved through complete development, no matter how rapid that development may be.
In helping swimmers through this growth process, we must remember that it is the coach’s job to offer constructive criticism of a swimmer’s performance and the parent’s job to provide support, encouragement, and recognition.
Communication with Coaches
Any questions concerning your child’s training or team policies should be directed to the coach. Coach/swimmer/parent conferences may be requested by any of the persons involved to provide individual attention to appropriate situations. Please contact your coach by email, or in person after practice (not before or during).
Volunteering
Swim meets and teams run on parent volunteers! At every meet, each team is required to provide volunteers in order to help run the event.
Surfside parents should plan to sign up for a volunteer shift at every swim meet that their child attends. There are also volunteer opportunities outside of meets. The expectation is that families will volunteer around 10 hours/year depending on their level of meet participation — though more support is welcome and greatly appreciated!
Parents receive a $10/hour credit for their volunteer time, which will be applied to the following quarterly billing cycle.
Parent Code of Conduct
Support:
- Provide positive support and encouragement to my swimmer and all team members.
- Attend meets and team events to support the swimmers.
- Be a positive role model for my swimmer and other parents.
Respect:
- Treat coaches, officials, volunteers, swimmers, and other parents with respect and courtesy at all times.
- Refrain from interfering with coaches during practices or meets.
- Respect the decisions of coaches and officials.
- Communicate any concerns or issues to the appropriate coach or team representative in a private and respectful manner.
Teamwork:
- Support the goals and philosophy of the Surfside Swim Team.
- Fulfill volunteer obligations as required by the team.
- Contribute to a positive and supportive team environment.
- Promote teamwork and sportsmanship among all swimmers and parents.
Conduct:
- Ensure my swimmer arrives on time and prepared for all team activities.
- Pick up my swimmer promptly after practices and meets.
- Refrain from the use of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs at team events.
- Refrain from any behavior that could be considered disruptive, offensive, or harmful to the team or its members.
- Adhere to all facility rules and regulations.
Responsibility:
- Ensure my swimmer understands and adheres to the Swimmer Code of Conduct (found on Swimmer's page).
- Communicate any relevant information about my swimmer to the coaches (e.g., medical conditions, absences).
- Pay all team fees and expenses in a timely manner.
- Respect the privacy of swimmers and coaches.
Enforcement
Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including, but not limited to:
- Verbal or written warning
- Temporary suspension from team activities
- Suspension or expulsion from the Surfside Swim Team
- Other actions as deemed appropriate by the Surfside Swim Team Board of Directors and/or coaching staff
The Surfside Swim Team Board of Directors and coaching staff reserve the right to determine the appropriate disciplinary action for any violation of this Code of Conduct. All disciplinary matters will be handled in a fair and consistent manner.
Acknowledgement
By registering with the Surfside Swim Team, all swimmers and parents agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.
