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Content Provided by USA Swimming
Q: When is my child ready for competition?
A: That is a difficult question, as research on athlete development provides no clear-cut answer. In an article by Passer (1988) addressing this question, he reviewed several areas of development in attempting to provide guidelines on determining readiness for competition:
- Motivational readiness: Because competition is a social comparison process, the young athlete is motivated to compete when he or she possesses a social comparison orientation. Research suggests that around the age of 5-7 kids have the desire for and ability to use social comparison information.
- Cognitive readiness: Competition requires numerous cognitive and reasoning skills (i.e., perspective taking, differentiating between effort and ability) that take some time to develop in youngsters. Researchers suggest that kids do not develop the cognitive abilities to have an understanding of the competitive process until approximately age 12.
- Physical growth, physiological capacity, and development: These factors must also be considered when trying to decide readiness for competition.
Q: What should I tell my child when he or she says it’s not fair that I have to swim against Suzy, she is so much bigger than I am?
A: Look at a classroom full of school children. The diversity in size and shape is remarkable. Even though these children are similar in chronological age (calendar age) they may be very different in biological age (physical/sexual maturity). Puberty is a critical point in the developmental process. It is well known that girls mature more rapidly than boys do. In fact, the average girl matures 2-2.5 years earlier than the average boy (see sidebar on next page). However, these values are merely averages and the range can be several years within each gender.
It is important to remember that “early bloomers”-children who move through biological maturation more rapidly than average- tend to be more physically developed. This can sometimes be an advantage for them in the swimming pool. “Late bloomers” tend to catch-up over time and will often become even more proficient at the sport. Regardless of the maturational pace of your child, she needs to focus on her personal improvements over time.
Q: Should boys and girls be trained differently?
A: During the early years of competitive swimming, children of both genders are predominantly pre-pubescent. This stage allows for some flexibility in grouping the young athletes. At this point, young boys and girls can train together with relative ease.
Girls tend to move through biological development more rapidly than boys of similar chronological age (approximately 2-2.5 years earlier). This may cause initial differences within the training groups. Further, elements such as aerobic capacity (ability to use oxygen to make energy) and muscle mass are different between genders throughout the later developmental period. Aerobic capacity reaches its peak between the ages of 12-15 in girls and 16-20 in boys. Ideally, training programs should be specifically tailored for the individual.
Q: Are there some exercises that prevent injuries to growing muscles and bones?
A: Physical activities like swimming are considered repetitive movements. Training for swimming will enhance the ability of the muscle to work over and over in the same movement pattern. These types of activities do not typically place large strains on the bones and joints. However, to prevent injury, it is important to develop and maintain strength and flexibility in the joints, as well as to use proper stroke technique.
The use of certain training aids, or swimming with poor technique, may place excessive force on the shoulder during training that may be harmful. Be sure to have your child check with his coach for more information. It is important to develop muscular strength, endurance and flexibility to reduce the risks of both shoulder and knee problems. Your child should check with the coach before participating in any exercises designed to increase strength.
Q: My daughter is influenced by the senior athletes. How do I encourage her to have the appropriate role models?
A: That’s a tough one. We suggest you begin by complimenting or simply pointing out the behavior of athletes you want her to emulate. Focus on such things as a good work ethic, sportsmanship, a good attitude, and other values held by your family. There have been many heroes and role models throughout the history of swimming, e.g. Tracy Caulkins, Mary T. Meagher, Pablo Morales, Jeff Rouse, etc. Encourage your daughter to do some homework on these heroes. The “Swimmers” section of the USA Swimming web site has profiles of many great role models.
Q: I worry that my child is overwhelmed by all of his commitments. What can I do?
A: Talk to your son. Is this your perception or is it really happening? If your son is overwhelmed, it’s time to work together in establishing priorities. Be sure to make any observations of “wasted” time in his day. After helping him establish his priorities, help your son determine whether it is necessary to drop some activities. Then, some decisions have to be made by you and your child to relieve this pressure and allow your child to be better balanced and enjoy his activities. This experience will teach your son how to better manage his time and balance his schoolwork, family, training, and activities.
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