To All,
From time to time the club committee is accused of bad communication . We recently received a letter which we thought would be good to share with everyone .
Please see below.
Although I do not attend as many training sessions as I would like to, it has come to my attention that coaches and committee members are being bothered by a small minority of parents. This happens mainly during the training session but also in-between training sessions. Coaches are responsible for children's welfare at poolside and need to observe at all times. Distractions from others are a potential hazard. Many times, I have witnessed coaches having to excuse themselves from parents to prepare for the next session. Coaches should be managing our children not having to manage parents.
What is really cringe worthy and embarrassing to witness is a small minority of parents trying to 'manage' the coaches and committee members. Some may see it as being sociable. Some may be familiar with the phrase 'networking'. Looking at it more cynically, some may suggest it is parents trying to manoeuvre their child into a more favourable position or obtain preferential treatment.
As a coach myself I know how valuable time is. Whether paid or unpaid, I know most coaches would love to spend more time with each child to help them fulfil their potential. Every parent wants the best for their child, but let us remind ourselves that all children should be treated equally and given the same time and attention from the coaches/volunteers. This applies to the dedicated swimmer achieving national qualifying times to the swimmer who has as only just joined yesterday to simply keep fit and make friends. Those who join today are tomorrow's achievers.
People will always have different points of view and disagreements will happen. Fallouts are unfortunately inevitable, but what we need to remember is that most committee members are unpaid volunteers, coaches although paid, do it because they enjoy it. Volunteers are un-paid because they are priceless. Swimmer and Parents should treat them with respect.
Perhaps a discussion group could be used where anyone can voice their concerns, grievances or even give praise. This would be more mature and responsible than simply displaying their grievances on social media for all to see. Surely, we want to attract and keep good coaches/volunteers not dishearten them.
Concisely, let coaches coach, support and be thankful for committee members/volunteers, and lets all take a moment to think and perhaps be a little more unselfish.
Although temporary and a smaller than ideal venue, one positive thought came into my head whist at Royston leisure centre. Coaches could coach without being in earshot of parents. That means no distractions from any parents 'wanting a quick word' with a coach and no coaching by parents from the poolside. How refreshing this would be to see at other venues.
On a brighter note, to the best of my knowledge, this club has a growing reputation. Recent achievements (national qualifying times, medals won, personal bests) have been amazing. Everyone connected with the club should be very proud.
Just to ratify, my comments above are not a criticism of the club but simply my own personal thoughts and observations. I am very grateful for the coaches and volunteers who give up their time week in week out. Both of my children love swimming and are proud to be associated with the club.
Please feel free to share this with anyone associated with the club.
Kindest Regards
A parent
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