Every year when we start the practice season, several parents ask about whether they should stay at the pool during practice. Mostly, people want to be sure that we don’t think they are just abandoning their kids. In fact, we would prefer that parents NOT remain on the pool deck during practice. Young swimmers especially will often become confused about whether they need to be listening to the coach or talking to their mom about something. Sometimes a parent may actually become confused and want to give their child instruction during swim practice. It is generally easier on everyone if parents drop their children off and allow the coaches to establish the best atmosphere for the kids to stay focused on their swimming. The Wyndhurst area has great shops and sidewalks for walking if you want to stay close and perhaps get some exercise, or even better yet, become a Y member and make use of your child’s practice time to hit the exercise bikes!

Following are the guidelines that we publish every year:

First of all, USA Swimming provides liability insurance for its member clubs. USA Swimming guidelines require that only USA Swimming registered members be involved with practices in any capacity to be covered by this insurance. Parents on the pool deck can be a distraction and jeopardize LY Swimming’s and your swimmer’s USAS insurance coverage. Please help us maintain a professional atmosphere.

Practice is like a classroom. It is a learning environment in which authority and discipline need to rest in a clearly outlined structure. In order to provide the most effective learning environment for every child, we ask that you follow these simple rules:

*Never stop to talk to your child during practice unless you have the coach’s permission.

*If you need to pick up your swimmer early, please notify the coach ahead of time and let the coach get the swimmer out of practice.

*Make appointments (by phone during business hours, not on the pool deck) to talk to the coach if necessary. The pool deck is not an office and it takes away from your swimmer as well as others if the coach is not allowed to concentrate on the job at hand.

*Support LY Swimming and the coaches in front of your swimmer. Talk about issues of concern beyond the ears of the swimmers - just like parenting issues.

*Always go to the source. In the unlikely event of a problem, attempt to resolve it first with your swimmer’s coach. If you feel it is unresolved, talk to TJ. Problems can’t be resolved through gossiping about them with other parents and they won’t get smaller that way. They only become another type of problem.

*Please call your swimmer’s coach, leaving a message if necessary, during normal working hours (10AM - 2PM is a good time to call, except for Hank who works nights and can more readily be reached from 5:30-7PM). Please do not call during dinner, evening, or weekend hours. Email is also a useful tool for contacting your coach.

As professionals, we as coaches ask only for the same respect and courtesy you would give to your children’s teachers. In order for us to be effective in our jobs, we need control of the environment in which we work and your swimmer does not need to be confused about who is in charge and making the rules at the swimming pool. It is best for everyone if parents are not present during practice time. As always, we appreciate your understanding and support.

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