Focus on Team
Individual achievements are important, but supporting others and working together toward a common goal raises everyone’s performance level. Furthermore, shared experiences are more fun and exciting than individual ones. Together Everyone Achieves More.

Act, Think, Look, and Talk Positively
Attitudes are contagious, so make sure that yours is worth catching. Every member of a team contributes to the overall team experience. Help make ours an AWESOME one!

Take responsibility: for your belongings, words, actions, and swimming. Attend practice regularly. Be on time and remember all equipment (cap, goggles, suit, towel, etc.) Don’t blame others when things don’t go your way. Excuses satisfy only the person who makes them.

Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times. Athletes with good sportsmanship habits earn the respect of their competitors and gain pride and confidence in themselves. Loud, emotional, or rude displays are inappropriate, regardless of the reason. Always think before you speak or act. Remember that you represent the YMCA... at the pool and away from it.

Show respect. The best way to gain respect is to show respect. Allow others to share their opinions and ideas freely. Follow rules set forth by coaches and officials. Do not talk while others are talking, and don’t talk back to coaches or officials. Refrain from speaking or acting negatively toward other swimmers, teams, coaches, or officials. Do not misuse or abuse property - in YMCAs, at meets, or anywhere else.

Be honest. Do not lie. Do what you think is right, not just what is popular. Give an honest effort toward achieving your stated goals. Communicate with coaches regarding anything that might affect your performance, or the team as a whole.

The following behaviors are not acceptable:

• Unsportsmanlike conduct - taunting, teasing, or speaking negatively about teammates, competitors, officials, or coaches.
• Use of inappropriate, strong, or vulgar language or gestures.
• Lying, deceit, dishonesty.
• Littering, abuse, or misuse of equipment, furniture, or other property.

The following actions will not be tolerated: Verbal or physical abuse toward others.

• Theft of any kind.
• Vandalism or any destruction of property, public or private.
• Use of tobacco products or other illegal substances.
• Consumption of alcoholic beverages or other illegal substances.
• Sexual activity.

Coaches
Coaches occupy a unique place in a swimmer’s life - part parent, part teacher, part friend. PYAC coaches take these roles seriously and strive to be good role models, leaders and listeners. Coaches shall:

Instruct swimmers in all aspects of the sport: technique, training methods, mental preparation, competitive strategy, etc...


Offer encouragement in the form of constructive criticism, and honest assessments with suggestions for improvement


Demonstrate and encourage values and behaviors consistent with the principles of the YMCA and lead the team at competitions


Make decisions about group placement, meet opportunities, and events for swimmers (based on a number of factors and with the interest of the swimmer and the team in mind


Communicate with swimmers and parents about plans, issues, and philosophy within the program

Points to Keep in Mind:

1. Individual swimmers develop at different rates. This fact alone may cause stress for swimmers, and external pressure cannot quicken or slow the pace of natural development. Excessive pressure can, however, contribute to burnout.
2. Coaches, swimmers, and parents are human. Mistakes are inevitable. The most productive response is to admit them, excuse them, and move on.
3. Let the coaches coach. Let the swimmers swim. Let the parents support.
4. The process, not the awards, is the most valuable part of competitive swimming. The friendships, lessons, skills, and memories gained from participating in the sport and the team last forever. They help create a healthy, happy and strong person.

   
   Parents, swimmers and coaches may not always agree, but honest and open communication maintains mutual respect and a positive relationship.