Prepare Your Child for the Path, not the Path for Your child

Building A Character Culture

char·ac·ter

   /ˈkærɪktər/ Show Spelled[kar-ik-ter]

1. the aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of some person or thing.

2. one such feature or trait; characteristic.

3. moral or ethical quality: a man of fine, honorable character.

4. qualities of honesty, courage, or the like; integrity: It takes character to face up to a bully.

5. reputation: a stain on one's character.

Our club is GROWING and with growth comes re-evaluation.  Here are a few principles I will be putting into place for our swim family. 

"SUCCESS IS ALWAYS TEMPORARY. WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE, THE ONLY THING YOU'LL HAVE LEFT IS YOUR CHARACTER." VINCE GILL

The TEAM Concept is for:  PARENTS, COACHES, AND SWIMMERS

Team is not just a sports lesson, it's a LIFE lesson.

Team is FAMILY, FRIENDS, COMMUNITY, it is co-existing and co-producing!

The ability to become a good team player as a parent or swimmer can be developed every day on the pool deck, in the locker room, in the office, or even on facebook! (It requires empathy, sacrifice, and unconditional committment to a greater cause)

This abilitity and understanding will serve athletes long after their swimming career ends!!!!

SERVICE OVER SUCCESS
SERVICE is the key to humility, character, and ethics!  It is found in the "daily duty" of supporting one another and giving back. 

PEOPLE OVER TIMES
Unconditional MUTUAL respect is the basics of EVERY meaningful relationship

HUMILITY
Egos are unexcused we are ALL stars... with no All-Stars

Eliminate the Negativity and Brace the Challenge
RISE ABOVE whatever has been placed on your path.  Whether it be a tough set, a minor pain or discomfort, mental roadblock, etc.

Building future leaders.  Each team member knows WHAT is expected out of them are expected to rise above and beyond the expected. 

Here are a few upcoming bullets that are the expectations of our club, most we have been doing but some are new! 

We typically discuss important aspects of character development, team development, and areas of personal concern. We try to relate everything to core values
We give articles about inspirational stories, individuals overcoming hardship, leadership examples, etc.
We will reinforce our values with individual and group discussions about integrity, alcohol, drugs, etc. with the team vision in mind.
 We monitor the character and integrity of the group by the minute – EVERY word and action. This is HUGE!  EVERY WORD !!!!  EVERY ACTION!!!
We acknowledge outside achievements Integrated Team workouts – challenge, fun, etc. the kids LOVE working together
We act quickly and aggressively at the hint of unacceptable behavior even in the mildest form. Kids will NOT "move up" if they are not leaders (regardless of time) We aggressively support personal problems 
We will readily excuse anyone (from the team) that does not embrace the core values of the team Team meetings- led by Coach and Athlete Representative

Parts taken from

　
Don & Ron Heidary