Parent Behaviour Checklist

Clear, simple guidance to help you support your swimmer positively.

This checklist highlights the key behaviours that help swimmers thrive — and the habits that can unintentionally create pressure or stress. A positive environment makes a huge difference to performance, confidence and enjoyment.

Do

  • Encourage your swimmer with positive, calm language.
  • Celebrate effort, improvement and resilience — not just results.
  • Let coaches coach — trust their decisions and feedback.
  • Ensure your swimmer arrives on time, prepared and with the right kit.
  • Support the club by volunteering when you can.
  • Promote good sportsmanship at all times.
  • Help your swimmer manage nerves with reassurance, not pressure.
  • Respect officials, volunteers and other parents.

Don’t

  • Shout instructions from the balcony or poolside.
  • Criticise your swimmer after races or training sessions.
  • Compare your child to other swimmers — every journey is different.
  • Challenge coaches during or immediately after sessions.
  • Put pressure on your swimmer to win or achieve certain times.
  • Post photos of other swimmers without permission.
  • Approach officials during competitions.
  • Discuss club issues publicly on social media.
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