Building a Strong, Supportive Team Culture Together
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When I think about our age group swimmers and the practice environment we foster, I don’t just see the progress, social connections, and swimming accomplishments of the current season. I envision each athlete’s 10+ year journey, and the long-term relationship we will build with both you and your swimmers. This ongoing partnership is the most meaningful part of my job. While competitive success is a wonderful byproduct, it’s the depth and duration of this collaboration that has the biggest impact.
With this long-term vision in mind, we approach things a little differently at Alto. We are committed to educating and working with our families to maintain the most positive learning environment possible. Your support is essential to making this happen.
Respecting the Pool Deck as a Learning Space
We kindly ask that parents respect the pool deck as a classroom environment. While you’re welcome to pass by at any time, we ask that you refrain from hovering, sitting by the fence, or standing for extended periods at the gate. These areas are meant for foot traffic, not for spectating.
Our practices are always open and observable to parents and the public, but we ask that this is treated with the same respect as any classroom. Constant spectating is not constructive for parents, swimmers, or coaches. Over the years, we’ve seen that when parents watch every practice closely, specific issues start to develop. In some very unfortunate cases, we have seen swimmers leave the sport permanently. These issues tend to arise, either partially or entirely, over time:
Pressure and Anxiety: The swimmer feels (and sometimes struggles to explain) an increased sense of pressure when they know their parents are always watching, which can hinder their performance and decrease their enjoyment of the sport. Practice should be a fun and relaxed learning environment, not a source of stress.
Lack of Independence: Part of the learning process is developing independence, problem-solving, and self-motivation. Constant parental observation can unintentionally prevent swimmers from figuring things out on their own or taking ownership over the sport.
Interference with Teaching: Parental coaching or feedback can disrupt the coaches' ability to effectively teach and manage the training environment. It’s essential that athletes build trust with their coaches and learn to follow instructions as they are given.
Social Development: Practice is also a time for swimmers to build friendships, develop teamwork, and enjoy time with their peers. Constant parental presence can make it more difficult for them to be present, to fully engage with their teammates, and build those important social connections.
Burnout for Parents and Swimmers: For parents, constantly attending every practice can be time-consuming and exhausting. For swimmers, this level of attention often leads to burnout, making swimmers feel like they are being constantly evaluated rather than simply enjoying their sport.
Allowing your swimmer some space fosters personal growth, resilience, and a deeper enjoyment of the sport. It also helps them build trust with their coaches and teammates.
Our team thrives on active parent support and engagement, and we are not asking you to step back from that role. However, decades of experience have shown us that by treating the pool deck as a classroom, we can avoid negative short- and long-term outcomes.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support. Together, our coaching staff and team parents are the foundation of a strong, supportive environment that nurtures every swimmer’s growth, both in and out of the pool. Your involvement and dedication help create a community where each athlete can thrive, build lasting friendships, and strive for competitive excellence!
With Appreciation,
Coach Laura and Coach Joey