First Day of Practice

The first day of HS practice. The ceremonial Huff -n-Back run in the morning. The Afternoon swim. Although this time in the Middle School as the HS pool is not yet adjusted for chlorine level. 

I was reflecting on what a great sport swimming & diving is, how it is one of the few sports left that is still pure in its intent. As an official, I take great pride in the fact that my rule book does not allow negative expression. Not toward your fellow competitor, not toward yourself. It is always you against the clock, or you performing the dive. If you put in the work, tried your best, your outcome is yours and yours alone. If it was good enough to outperform the person in the next lane or next in the diving order, rejoice. If your tiem was slower, your score was lower, show them the respect they earned putting in their work. 

If you put down yourself or your competition, not only have you embarrassed yourself, you've violated the rule book and are subject to DQ or ejection. 

Swimming & Diving  does not allow trash talking, not does it condone negativity. It is part of what makes the sport great!

In that thought, I will leave you with this to think about for the upcoming season. Whether you win, or they win, everyone should get the accolades they deserve. 

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