(1) Never force a child to swim.

(2) Always remember: children swim for their enjoyment, not yours.

(3) Encourage your child to obey the Rules/Laws. Make it clear that
cheating is just a way to get an unfair advantage by dodging the Rules.

(4) Teach your child that victory isn't everything - doing as well as you
can is just as important. On any day, no more than half the competitors can win, so defeat is no disgrace.

(5) Never yell at a swimmer for making a mistake. Never sneer or use
sarcasm - you'll make the swimmer feel like a total failure. Remember:
he or she is not doing it for your benefit

(6) Applaud good work - by any participant. Back up the officials and coaches: don't publicly question their fairness or ability. Children learn best by example. Set a good example.

(7) Encourage your child to improve his or her skills through coaching.

(8) Stay clear of the poolside unless you have a good reason to be there. Coaches and officials are qualified to be there. They have worked hard to earn their qualification. If you want to get involved in swimming coaching, join them and learn how. Otherwise don't interfere.

(9) Do not try to influence the coaches. Coaches coach because they love their sport. They want to "give something back" and do so through your children. They need to be allowed to make decisions that best benefit the child, the sport and the club. They need to retain impartiality. If you interfere you will only succeed in upsetting one or more of the following: your child, someone else's child, other parents and the coaches.

(10) Don't abuse anyone - especially the officials. He or she is likely to be a volunteer and unpaid. He or she will have given up spare time. If you abuse them, they might not return. And how can your child compete and learn without an official?