Black Swamp Gators Youth and Junior Triathlon Team
Parental Code of Conduct
As a member of the Black Swamp Gators Triathlon Team, I understand that my attitude and behavior affects the progress and growth of my athlete.
Participation in The Black Swamp Gators is a privilege and promoting good sportsmanship is an integral part of being a Black Swamp Gator parent. Similarly, allowing for a good coach and athlete relationships is the path to triathlete progress and growth as both an athlete and an individual. Therefore, I understand that as a parent I must:
• Respect my coaches. They are part of my child’s growth as an athlete and person and have valuable knowledge, experiences, and perspectives to share with me. I will be open to learning from them as they coach my child.
• Respect the coach athlete relationship. During practice my athlete is accountable first to the coach. My athlete will take direction from the coach, not me the parent, unless the coach asks for my intervention during practice.
• Encourage my athlete and other athletes on the team. Being a member of the Gators means encouraging my child and his or her teammates, as they improve and grow as individuals. This includes cheering for them at practices and races. Expressing disappointment in my athlete’s performance can be detrimental to their growth and fun.
• Respect my athlete’s personal improvement. Every athlete progresses at their own pace. I will show patience with this natural process as it unfolds throughout the season, and trust the process the coach has implemented.
• Respect for safe and fair competition. Officials and volunteers make important contributions to the growth and development of our sport, but may be limited in their knowledge of a particular race course or the rules governing triathlon. Poor officiating, rule infractions or unfair competition will be addressed by the head coach, not the parent.
• Parents should not emphasize athlete performance. Parents should not place emphasis on any athlete’s finishing place at any event, but emphasize the athlete’s effort and execution of strategies and tactics practiced in our training sessions.
• Parents will preserve respect for coaching staff when disagreements arise. Disagreements shall be addressed after practice with head coach present, calmly and in the spirit of understanding, and what is best for my child’s progress and development as an individual.
• Remember that triathlon should be fun! A healthy approach to triathlon requires that we prioritize fitness, friendships, and fun. Taking our child’s performance too seriously can be detrimental to their own enjoyment and progress!
Please sign below to acknowledge your responsibility to honor this Code of Conduct.
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Parent’s Name