Readings from the Book of Coach Mark is an e-book recently published by Mark Rauterkus, the webmaster at the International Swim Coaches Association (SwimISCA) and a coach of multiple swim teams.
Rauterkus offers answers to a myriad of questions in this “FAQ style” book, dedicated to his late father, with everything from swim-specific knowledge to tips for everyday life confined within the electronic pages.
“We’ve been living and coaching in bubbles and this is a way to make up for a lost year of spying on and gathering insights from others — about their issues and our own,” said Rauterkus.
“The book is also a call to better organize FAQs with a book, that as of now, is not organized in subject areas.”
Here is one Q&A excerpt from the book, where Mark addresses the issue of parents their children to different teams (usually more than one time):
Question: What are the biggest mistakes sports parents make?
Answer from Mark Rauterkus:
Moving teams, especially the third or fourth time. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence. Sure, moving can be healthy. No doubt. But moving around with a revolving door isn’t healthy.It is a sign that there are other things going on, such as envy, lack of patience, spite, and the all important – lack of will to play well with others and make the existing team all it can be with your support and positive influence. Abandon ship with caution. Do it wisely.
Stay the course or help to chart a new course with those that are present on the squad you are a part of at present. Wouldn’t it be great if we went farther for a travel competition? Get others to buy in too. Sell the vision. Say you’ll be happy to do X, Y and Z for the team and you’d love to have company.
Thanks!