Saw this article today on The Race Club website. Since we have so many Texas Exes (GO HORNS beat SC!) on here, I was wondering what the opinions were on his comments.
64.70.236.56/.../index.html
At least good for some gripping discussion, Lord knows we need a good "spirited" discussion on here...
Parents
Former Member
I agree that children, especially in summer league, should get ribbons or something for improving their best time. Most young children will automatically think only about place, which can change greatly depending on the other swimmers. Giving them ribbons for improving their personal best times may encourage them to swim faster, even if they never place well.
I started summer league swimming at age 11 with no experience swimming year-round. I was also very slow - my first 50 free in a meet was over a minute. Fortunately, I was mature enough to focus on how my times were improving, not just on place. During that first summer, my 50 free time improved almost 10 seconds, enough to make me want to improve more, which is why I still swim now.
I agree that children, especially in summer league, should get ribbons or something for improving their best time. Most young children will automatically think only about place, which can change greatly depending on the other swimmers. Giving them ribbons for improving their personal best times may encourage them to swim faster, even if they never place well.
I started summer league swimming at age 11 with no experience swimming year-round. I was also very slow - my first 50 free in a meet was over a minute. Fortunately, I was mature enough to focus on how my times were improving, not just on place. During that first summer, my 50 free time improved almost 10 seconds, enough to make me want to improve more, which is why I still swim now.
