Getting started

Myrna: I just signed my Timmy up for the swim team and practice starts next week and I just don't know what to expect. What is swim training like? What should we bring? What should we not bring? What if he gets wet? What if he gets cold? What sort of suit should I buy? Does he need to wear goggles and a swim cap? I am just all a flutter!

Answerman: Be at peace Myrna. You have come to the right place and the right sport. The swim team environment is an encouraging experience here at Chantilly Highlands. (OR INSERT YOUR OWN LOCAL TEAM NAME HERE)

Bob: You mean I can copy what you write and publish it in my own community paper to encourage parents in my community to sign their children up for our local team?

Answerman: Yes I guess so Bob. Since this is my first blog attempt I haven't thought that far ahead. I am having trouble just mastering the bold and italics function in this editing session.
At least give me some credit in the article and mention the blog so that parents everywhere will be signing up their children for swim team training in droves and enjoying the swim team life. Also I have put one of those blog screening functions on this site so that I can keep out low life degenerate comments. We'll see how that works.

Myrna: What can I expect of this blog? Will your wife have input?

Answerman: Yes of course. You may ask questions of my wife (The Answerwoman) in your comments to this blog. She has done almost all the jobs associated with running a swim team and she may be able to give you some tips for improving and streamlining the running of your meets and the parents committees needed to support a successful season.

Myrna: Back to swimming; what is the first week of practice like? My Timmy is 7 years old and has never swum before. (Is it swum or swam I've never been sure).

Answerman: First of all Myrna when you watch children's sports you must take the long view. The first few seasons of swimming are like the first few seasons of art, music and education. They are messy and can be ugly. Just have patience, be supportive and all will be well. That's it for today. I am a slow typer. Maybe more tomorrow.