The Ten Commandments for Parents

[Geoffrey Taucer]

Saw this in a local newspaper article about swimming, and it definitely struck a chord with me (and I suspect it will strike a similar chord with most competetive coaches).

I'm posting this partially in jest, but I also think there are many parents in this sport who would do well to take this sort of thing to heart.

Quote:
USA SWIMMING'S TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR PARENTS OF SWIMMERS 1. Thou shalt not impose thy ambitions on thy child 2. Thou shalt be supportive no matter what 3. Thou shalt not coach thy child 4. Thou shalt have only positive things to say at a meet 5. Thou shalt acknowledge thy child's fears 6. Thou shalt not criticize the officials 7. Honor thy child's coach 8. Thou shalt be loyal and supportive of thy team 9. Thy child shalt have goals besides winning 10. Thou shalt not expect thy child to become an Olympian

[Monkeygirlsmom]

I like that!!!

[xstitchcarina]

Very true and well said.

[midwestgymmom]

Very good!!!!!!!!!

[Carmansunshine]

This is great for parents!! I just want to know if there is one for coaches, because after reading posts from coaches here (you guys are great). I now see how a good coach deals with parents and gymnasts to help them suceed. I have met a few in my dd's short time in this sport that could certianly use a little dose of reality.

[Mac]

I wonder if #2 was written by a coach.

I've seen both parents and coaches who don't deserve support (respect?)--unsafe methods, abusive personalities--but usually that means it's time to find another gym that'll be a better fit.

[gracefulone]

That's great. My parents and I were just talking about how they can't even stand to sit next to th eother parents at meets because they are so negative and harsh. We even have a joke with one of the coaches-my parents will hold a seminar for the parents about being supportive, etc. and I'll have one for the gymnasts about attitude and"love of the game" type things!

[Ingymmom]

I agree with these & think it pertains to baseball/football/basketball as well.... (& any other sports I suppose - those are just ours) I have seen so much happen in all... not so much in gymnastics just yet... we are lucky to have some really great parents/kids in our group!

[Eveningdew]

I copied it and fwd'd it to our Compulsory coordinator and Head Coach, both will get a laugh out of it. We have a few parents that it pertains to 100%! One parents who curses when her daughter falls or doesn't get the score she feels she should! It's awful and I feel bad for the gymnast on the way home.

Maybe posting these in our competetive lobby will help them understand what's expected!

Thanks for posting it!

PS: yes, I've invited both of them to here, not sure if they have signed up or not.

[Shaundra]

That is definetly one for gymn!