Parent/Caregiver Support

The commitment and support of our rowing parents/caregivers is fundamental to the success of our Rowing Club. Quite simply, we cannot function without you.

Throughout the season, please monitor your rower’s food and water intake, encourage plenty of rest as well as training, and support all coaching decisions. Parents/caregivers are also actively encouraged at all regattas to support your child, who, physically, may never have worked so hard.

How do parents support the team during the season?

Camps – supporting the coaches and teachers at camps with supervision, food preparation, cleaning up, and washing;
Regatta food preparation and kitchen help – particularly breakfast and dinner;
Supporters’ tent – set up, food preparation, cleaning up, and pack down;
Rowers’ tent – making sure the rowers are fed during the day;
Transport for rowers and boat trailer towing – to and from camps and regattas;
Fundraising support;
Baking.

A Help Roster will be sent out in due course, and all parents will be expected to contribute throughout the season.

How can I best support my child in their rowing journey at St Andrew’s College?

be supportive, irrespective of race results;
make sure your child knows that, first or last, you love them and are proud of their effort;
focus on the effort and character shown, not the outcome or result. This is equally as important after a win or loss;
always try to be positive and relaxed. Parents actions and words have a huge impact on their children and their mindset;
try not to compare your child with others. Comparison is the thief of joy and can cause conflict;
be helpful and supportive but do not ‘over coach’ your child. It is tough not to, but it is a lot tougher for your child to be inundated with advice, pep talks and often critical instruction;
try to teach them to enjoy the thrill and challenge of competition, while working to develop and improve. Having the skills to participate effectively and impactfully, makes playing sport more joyful;
always try to support the team and the coaching group. Remember the coaches want what is best of the collective team. They are coaching the team therefore they will be making the decisions. It is expected that all rowers and parents try to respect and support these decisions;
remember that administrators, selectors, and coaches are passionate people who enjoy sharing their passion with our squad. Treat them with respect and courtesy at all times. They are just trying to help and support students in the development process;
Cheer and support but do not be ‘that parent’. We wish to promote and model respectful sideline behaviours.

Adversity and Setbacks

Setbacks and adversity are a part of life and a big part of sport. Try not to rob your child of the opportunity of making mistakes and learning from them. These setbacks provide critical learning experiences for personal growth and development. We know that these experiences will happen throughout their life and are all part of the process of being a development athlete. Remember, adversity builds character and resilience, and we want to equip our students with tools to cope in these situations.

What can I expect from my child during the rowing season?

Please be aware that at times during the season your child may experience a wide range of emotions. They may be:

excited about racing;
nervous about racing;
fatigued;
frustrated;
low in energy;
be physical sore;
stressed;
emotional;
maybe trying to cope with multiple commitments all at once.

Know that this is a normal part of navigating a demanding rowing season along with other commitments at school and at home. Balance and support are key. You child will come through the other side and be better for it as we know that adversity helps build resilience.

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