Someone once said that the membership of an organization is made up of four bones:
There are WISHBONES, who spend all their time wishing someone else would do all the work.
There are the JAWBONES, who do all the talking but very little else.
There are the KNUCKLEBONES, who knock and criticize everything that anyone else tries to do.
Finally, there are the BACKBONES who take on the load of all the other bones and do the work that makes the organization go.
To be a good BACKBONE, you must get involved. Ask questions, offer your help, talents and enthusiasm. Don't be afraid of being a novice in a particular job; we all were at first. Your swimmer's goals can best be achieved with a smooth relationship between parents, coaches and department staff. Some specific responsibilities are listed below:
Attend the annual Kickoff meeting.
Volunteer your time at swim meets by working as Timers, Scorekeepers, Ribbon Organizers, Ready Area Team Mothers/Fathers, Starters, Stroke and Turn Judges, Snack Bar Person, etc...
Read all club and department communications and attend parent meetings to keep informed.
Support the coaches and team with a positive attitude.
Inform the coaches if you will ever miss a Saturday Meet. Better yet, plan your vacation around the swim meet season; it only runs June through July.
Make arrangements for your children to be taken to and from practices and meets on time.
Participate in all team social activities; most all are planned for the family. Get to know the other parents and children on the team; you'll be surprised at how many friends you'll make.
Take an active interest in your child's progress, developments, successes, and disappointments. Encouragement and positive reinforcement from you is critical to an enjoyable experience for your swimmer(s).
HAVE FUN!
