This is a topic that is near and dear to my heart — swimming rules. As a master official, I am constantly reading up on interpretations of the (murky) Fina rules and also following any possible new rule changes. There is a possible change afoot that I consider damaging to the sport and it relates to where butterfly kicks may be inserted during the breaststroke.

. . . → Read More: Breaststroke Rule Changes (AKA What were they thinking?!?!?!)

Now that Anna has changed swim clubs, it was time to get back into racing mode. We left for Edmonton not sure of what the results would be but sure that her decision had been right for her. Changing swim clubs means a lot has happened that a child must take in — new coach, new pool, new swim friends and more. These changes are compounded by the fact that Anna swam nearly 5 years with AMAC and the decision to change clubs was her’s alone to make. As a parent I supported my child but not with opinion but merely backing of whatever she decided on.

. . . → Read More: Just Back from a Swim Meet

We just picked up 2 new training tools for Anna to use during swim practice. Each is interesting and only time will tell if they are worth the money.

. . . → Read More: 2 New Tools in the Equipment Bag

GoSwim TV has some excellent training tip videos that are definitely worth watching. I’m encouraging my daughter to watch and perhaps absorb a little. I realize that this is no substitute for a good swim coach but these are times where we have to be resourceful. We’re in that transition phase between swim clubs and unfortunately this came in the middle of the swim season. At this point, any little tip / tidbit that can help her to improve her swimming will go a long way.

. . . → Read More: Swimming Tips in Video

My oldest daughter just quit the local swim club. Interesting words….. and as I reread them I wonder why I’m moved to post in my blog about this event. But I have to as this is a loss and not just for my daughter but for the entire family as well. Competitive swimming has been a way of life for the Dunphy family for the last 4 1/2 years and I can’t imagine life without the local club. As this event was unfolding (yes it was a very slow train wreck…), I found myself in the throes of denial, anger, sorrow and grief. They say that we grieve the loss of what we loved but I don’t think that tells the whole story. I can say unequivocally that our relationship with the swim club was very much a love / hate relationship.

. . . → Read More: Today I Mourn a Loss