Happy New Year from the Swim Mama!

This time of year is one in which we are both winding down from the holidays and now gearing up for the spring championship meets.  We recently hosted our biggest home meet at the end of the year, with well over 500 swimmers in attendance and one thing I left the meet feeling so ever thankful for, was the incredible amount of good sportsmanship I saw from our team.

Recently, for the first time in many years, there is a new team in town, and that team has been attracting many of our swim families.  Some families just want to try something new and others feel a stronger connection to the coaches on that team, and all of that is normal and acceptable.  In fact, as a competitive team, we understand competition is crucial to improving and advancing swimmers to the next level.  And I must admit, that it has also done the same for our own team as a whole.  I’d be remiss in my duties if I didn’t also mention that it has come with tension and confusion for all involved, but one we are certainly working on in a very outward and open manner.  It has been a great opportunity for dialogue and reflection for the parents and coaches.  One of the challenges has been the transition of kids going from one team to another and the hurt and confused feelings that go with it.  We have been the “only team in town” for many years, so where other cities are much larger and have many options; this is a first for us.

Now that the initial “shock and awe” has passed, not to mention a few months, what I’m seeing now is that these kids and parents have become accepting and at ease with the new dynamics of our team as well as this other new team.  Kids are back to being friends, parents are talking again and while there is still that hint of “our team is better than your team,” life as we know it seems be back to normal.  Kids are high fiving after their races with swimmers from the opposing team and I can’t tell you how heart-warming that is to see.  There is a place for competition and even strong competitiveness, and that is in the pool.  These kids are still young and friendships outside the pool are key to enjoying the whole swimming experience, and after all, shouldn’t swimming be fun?

Here’s wishing you a very Happy New Year!

Swim on!

SwimMama
Ruthie Palmatier
ruthie@swimmama.com