Parent Volunteering

The coach-owner runs the swim club as a business. However, it is likely that the coach will still need volunteers to perform several functions to help the team run smoothly. Think for a moment about all the functions that accompany running a swim team. When the team is small, in the beginning, it may be possible to do it all, but as the team grows, more help may be needed. This is where parent volunteers can be a big help.

Some of the jobs that parent volunteers can do include:

1. Running swim meets. This includes all aspects of the meet – signing up volunteers, setting up and cleaning up on the day of the meet, running concession and hospitality stands, and officiating the administrative details at the conclusion of the meet.

2. Social events. All teams benefit from social interaction among swimmers and among parents. Parent volunteers can oversee events such as team picnics, end of the season banquets, and holiday parties.

3. Fundraising. If fundraising is necessary for the team, parent volunteers can oversee fundraising efforts.

4. Communication. Parent volunteers can handle communication such as phone trees, publishing and distributing newsletters (with information provided by the coach), and updating bulletin boards (with information provided by the coach.)

5. Equipment. Parent volunteers can be tasked with ordering and disbursing equipment such as team attire and team suits.

6. Team Travel. Parent volunteers can not only help to plan team travel (hotel rooms, rental cars, buses, airline travel) but they are also invaluable as chaperones and meal planners.

7. Publicity. Parent volunteers can handle publicity for the team. Look particularly for a parent with good connections in the community.

There may be other jobs that parent volunteers can perform. This does not mean the coach-owner has no responsibility. In fact, exactly the opposite is true. The coach-owner needs to oversee all the above operations and delegate responsibility.

Role of Parents in Swimming Success:

• Be your child’s biggest fan. Support your child unconditionally. Cheer on and motivate your athlete, especially when things are tough.
• Support your team. Get involved. Volunteer. Help at meets, fundraisers, etc.
• Support the coaches. They are the experts. Respect their decisions in and out of the pool. In other words, leave coaching to the coaches. If you have a concern, approach the coach directly.
• Root for all athletes on the team. Foster teamwork. When your child’s teammates go faster than your child, your child now has a wonderful opportunity to improve.
• Encourage accountability. Let them take ownership of the sport. If they have their own reasons for showing up every day to work hard, they are going to be more intrinsically motivated to stay and succeed.
• Monitor your child’s stress levels at home.

Win or lose, at the end of the day, your little swimmer just needs you to be there for them!

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