Parent Responsibilities

There must be understanding and cooperation among parents, swimmers, and coaches to have a successful program. As a parent you are appreciated as part of the team!  We know you have done a great deal to raise your child and create the environment in which they grow.  They are a product of your values, the structure you have provided, and the model you have been.  The following guidelines will help us all to focus on our children's development with a positive perspective and further assist them in reaching their full potential as athletes.

Let the coach be the coach.  We want your swimmer to relate to his or her coach as soon as possible concerning swimming matters.  The coach's job is to motivate and constructively improve the swimmer's performance.  If the swimmer has one source for training matters, he or she will develop a relationship of trust and respect with the coach.  There will be no confusion about expectations.  It is the parent's job to supply the love, recognition and encouragement necessary to support the child's efforts in practice, which in turn gives him or her the confidence to perform well in competition. 

Model good sportsmanship.  All athletes go out to perform to their highest potential and compete to win.  However, this is a team sport.  Swimmers are encouraged and expected to cheer on their teammates and to support each other in both practices and events.  Swimmers should participate in meets in the spirit of friendly competition shaking the hand of the competitor next to them and congratulating them for a job well done.  By modeling the same supportive and friendly behavior as adults, we create an environment where all participants can thrive and have fun.

Participate.  The success of the Elk Grove Piranha Swim Team is fundamentally dependent upon each family’s participation.  It literally takes hundreds of hours to manage the Team and its many activities throughout the season.  Because we are a non-profit organization, we are completely dependent upon the help of family volunteers.  Active participation not only keeps the team running smoothly but will model what it means to be a responsible team member.

At the top of the page are links to documents that will help you achieve these goals.  The Glossary contains common swimming terms with definitions so you can speak with your swimmers and understand what they are talking about when they are so eager to relate their newest skill.  The Handbook has all you need to know to participate in practice, meets, and events.  The Parents List names volunteers you may encounter or need to contact in the course of your swimming experience.  It's also a list of some of the duties for which you may wish to volunteer.

If you have questions, please contact one of our board members listed on the Piranha Board page.

Annual Awards

2007 Winner