Race Day Tips From The Coaches

Aquatots tips for race day, it's essential to focus on creating a supportive and enjoyable environment while also encouraging good sportsmanship. Please remember to bring your child’s Sea Dragon cap, healthy snacks for the day and lots of water.

Here are some tips:

1. Encourage Early Arrival: Ensure children arrive early to settle nerves and warm up properly. Familiarize them with the pool area and race setup. Time to write numbers on children’s arms
2. Provide Ample Warm-Up Time: Allow sufficient time for warm-up exercises and practice laps to prepare their bodies for the race. A great time to check goggles are fitted ready for diving.
3. Emphasise Fun: Remind children that the main goal is to have fun and do their best. Encourage a positive attitude regardless of the outcome.
4. Stay Hydrated: Remind children to drink water regularly to stay hydrated throughout the event.
5. Offer Encouragement: Cheer for all participants equally and offer words of encouragement. Celebrate their efforts, regardless of finishing position.
6. Emphasise Sportsmanship: Teach children the importance of good sportsmanship. Congratulate opponents on their performances and encourage teamwork and camaraderie.
7. Provide Supportive Environment: Ensure parents and spectators create a supportive atmosphere, cheering positively for all participants.
8. Celebrate Achievements: Recognise and celebrate each child's achievements, whether it's a personal best time or finishing the race.
9. Keep it Safe: Prioritise safety by ensuring proper supervision and adherence to pool rules at all times.
10. Reflect and Learn: After the event, reflect on the experience with the children. Discuss what went well and areas for improvement, fostering a growth mindset.

If you are a parent enjoying race day with your child, it is important that you are relaxed and understand we work as a team. 

• Timekeeper duty: Timekeeper duty is required, and a roster will be emailed before the event, please ensure you are ready to take your shift.
• Listen to the coach: The coaches are there to assist your child with their racing tactics and tips, ensure you listen and encourage your child to take the advice on board.
• Healthy Snacks: Provide healthy snacks for the day, it is best to have small amounts throughout the day on race day of healthy food that will give energy for the race. Try not to eat within 45 minutes of a race.
• Keep an eye on the claims board: Assist your child by having their race numbers and what stroke they are swimming for that race on their arm. Help your child keep an eye on the claims board, just before their event is claimed they will need to see their coach and then head to the marshalling area. No parents in the marshalling area.
• The marshalling area: Once in the marshalling area a coach or the event organisers will be there to assist your child so, please ensure you relax and sit with the team on the sidelines (this will avoid your nerves rubbing off on your child before their race as well)
• Race feedback: No matter what the result your child has done and amazing job just giving it a go. Your child’s coach will give feedback on the race which will assist with emotions and developing their racing skills. 
• Dealing with emotions: Emotions will be high, and it is important that you allow your child to work through them to become the best athlete they can be. You can assist them by being there for support and letting them know it’s ok to feel the way they do. 

And last of all support each other. We are a team and these opportunities to give the sport of swimming a go are a great place to shape the way your child will view swim racing for the rest of their life. Let’s make it a positive experience for everyone involved.