Tips for Swim Parents
What we ask of parents at training and meets
Tips for Swim Parents
Supporting your swimmer on and off the pool deck
Swimming is a team sport, but every swimmer develops at their own pace. Your support can help make swimming a positive experience and encourage a lifelong love of the sport.
Support, Don't Pressure
Encourage effort: Celebrate hard work, commitment and improvement, not just race results.
Let coaches coach: Trust your swimmer's coach to guide their training and development.
Keep expectations realistic: Every swimmer progresses differently. Avoid comparing your swimmer with other swimmers.
Be positive: Ask how they felt about their swim rather than focusing only on times and placings.
Listen: Give your swimmer space to talk about training, racing and how they're feeling.
Before Training
Help your swimmer arrive prepared and ready to train.
Make sure they have their goggles, caps, towel, drink bottle and required training equipment.
Check Stack Team App for training updates or changes.
Allow enough time to arrive, get changed and be ready for the session.
Encourage good sleep, regular meals and hydration.
At Swim Meets
Meets can be exciting and sometimes stressful.
Arrive on time and allow your swimmer to settle in before racing.
Let your swimmer follow their coach's warm-up and race preparation.
Keep your feedback positive and supportive.
Celebrate effort, good sportsmanship and personal improvement.
Remember that one race doesn't define a swimmer's progress.
After Racing
Keep post-race conversations simple and positive.
Try asking:
'How did you feel about your swim?'
'What did you enjoy?'
'What did you learn?'
'Is there anything you want to work on next time?'
Give your swimmer time to cool down and reset before talking about results or times.
Working With Coaches
Our coaches are responsible for training, technical development and race preparation.
If you have questions about your swimmer's training or development, speak with their coach at an appropriate time rather than during a session.
For concerns that can't be resolved with the coach, follow the club's normal communication pathway.
Keep Swimming Positive
The goal isn't just faster times. Swimming can help young people develop confidence, resilience, friendships, independence and a lifelong love of being active.
Your role is to support the journey, celebrate the progress and help make swimming a positive experience.