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While it isn't absolutely essential or possible to remember every single swimmer's name in our large workout groups, it sure does make a positive difference as we work with adult swimmers. When a coach speaks a swimmer's name, it creates a sense of attention and care which helps swimmers in our community feel seen and valued.

Addressing someone by their name helps to build trust. When our swimmers feel seen and heard by their coach, they may be more likely to open up about questions they may have - or concerns which can build a more effective coaching relationship.

Coaches can try various strategies to remember names, such as using a permanent marker to write names on inexpensive swim caps at clinics. When coaches make stroke corrections or notice achievements, coach can speak aloud the names of swimmers they refer to. It's so much easier to remember the names of swimmers who attend workouts regularly, but what about those who attend workouts once a week or once a month?

Here are a few suggestions that can help coaches to remember names:

1. Repeat the name. When you first meet someone, repeat their name back to them right away. You might say, "nice that you made it here to swim with us, Pluto." (real name)
2. Visualize the name. Can you create a picture in your head that helps you associate that person's name? If the swimmer's name is Rose, try to imagine a rose on their cap.
3. Say it frequently. Say the person's name out loud as often as before, during and after each practice as this reinforces the association in your mind. After 21 repeats of this, you're sure to remember their name.
4. Write the name. You may be a visual learner. If so, write the swimmer's name on a piece of paper or in a notebook. This is a good way to take attendance. Seeing the new name written in your handwriting can help you remember better.
5. Associate the name. Try to come up with a rhyme or phrase that helps you remember the swimmer's name. To remember the name Tom, for example, try Tom the Bomb, Thomas Edison, Tom Cruise, Tom Cat, Tom Brady, Tom Clancy, Tom Thumb. Be creative!
6. Focus. Around the time when USMS promotes Try Masters Swimming, new swimmers tend to come and go. When someone is introduced to you, it's easy to get distracted or not be fully present in the moment. Try to be present. Try to focus and listen carefully when a new swimmer is introduced.

You're not alone when you call a swimmer by some other name. When this happens, it's best to acknowledge the mistake and apologize. Simply say, "I'm sorry to keep calling you the wrong name, can you remind me again?" (the 7th time). Asking for a reminder can build rapport and show that you care to get things right. You might ask the swimmer for tips and tricks on how to remember their name. How does one remember Aoife? (real name)

Don't be too hard on yourself, Coach. What's important to remember is that forgetting a swimmer's name is a common mistake. It happens to Masters coaches everyday of the year. Most swimmers will understand if you apologize and make an effort to remember their correct name, and how to say it correctly. Keep a focus on the end goal to be sincere and to let your swimmers know you value them.

Here's an idea that came to me the moment of this writing. Record the names of each swimmer affiliated with your club with the intention of discovering what their names mean. This could be fun for both coach and swimmer. I'm definitely going to give it a try. After all, remembering names is my biggest challenge as Masters swim coach.

All the best,

Carol Nip

V.P. Clubs & Coaches

Pacific Masters Swimming

Join our Committee meetings on the 3rd Wednesday of each month

Ask our Exemplary Administrator to send you the zoom link (link)

ALTS Instructor Certification Course

Sunday, May 21, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Fresno, CA

Make a difference. Teach adults to swim.

Join us Sunday, May 21 from 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM for a USMS Adult Learn-to-Swim (ALTS) Instructor Certification Course. Check-in starts at 7:30 AM.

This is a great opportunity to gain skills under the guidance of experienced leaders specializing in teaching adults. This course will be capped at 25 registrants. Registration

We are offering a limited number of scholarships up to $150 for the clinic and reserving spots for the attendees. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, please answer the following questions and email your responses to Kim Elsbach by this Thursday, March 23rd.

1. How will you be using your ALTS Certification to benefit Pacific Masters Swimming?
2. Have you been an ALTS Volunteer or non-certified ALTS Instructor in the past? (Please provide details)
3. Do you have other experience in coaching, volunteering, or any relevant certifications?

Generational Coaching

Marcia & Miriam Benjamin, Speakers

Gain insights into understanding and coaching Baby Boomers and Millennials. Different approaches, best practices for working with each generation, and strategies to bridge the generational cap. Developing trust, emotional intelligence and understanding are keys to building successful relationships between coaches and swimmers of different generations. Go here to catch up and listen to this webinar.

USMS Coaches Committee

Second Monday, Monthly, 5:00 pm (PST)

The USMS Coaches Committee is an invaluable resource for coaches in Pacific, providing the opportunity to network and learn from one another.

The zoom meetings take place on the third Monday of every month and cover a range of topics relevant to all USMS Local Masters Swimming Committees. These include topics such as education, mentoring, peer-to-peer calls, awards, Adult Learn to Swim and Try Masters Swimming. It’s a great place to gain insight into USMS from a national level.

All coaches are welcome, regardless of experience or skill level. If you’re interested in attending the monthly USMS Coaches Committee meeting, to let us know - coaches@pacificmasters.org - as we welcome you!