In preparing for your swimmer’s meets, the following are some basic fundamentals of competition that the KAJ coaches stress:

• Each swimmer should compete with him/herself. It is more beneficial to improve one’s time and/or technique than to win a ribbon or medal
• In addition to earning best times, the coaches praise for working on the details (technique and/or race strategies). Please note that it is possible that a swimmer won’t improve his/her time when he/she tries something new (turns, starts, finishes, racing strategies, etc.). Mastering a new skill or technique is essential for overall improvement in the long run.
• The swimmers are guided to set realistic goals, and the focus of the program is to teach the swimmers to relate performance in practice to their goal times.
• The coaching staff encourages age-group swimmers to swim every event they are eligible for. This helps to promote the versatility since swimmers are continuously switching best events as they grow, mature, and change body shapes and sizes.
• Sportsmanship is a MUST for everyone. Respect is what we expect from all swimmers, parents, and coaches to the officials, competitors, and the facilities staff we use. We also want swimmers to encourage and support their teammates.
• It is important that each swimmer has a copy of his/her times. Keeping these times in a logbook helps the swimmer to see the progress he/she has made throughout the season and also from year to year.
• SUCCESS = How many people are celebrating with you. Improving one’s self, in the most supportive and healthy environment.