THE OFFICIAL HOME OF THE OASIS OTTERS SWIMMING CLUB
For Parents:
Girls in Competitive Sports
This is a sensitive parent information topic regarding young girls in competitive sports; swimming in particular.
We have experienced regular disruption of consistent training when our girl swimmers grow into adolescence. A few years ago, our club used to run "girls only" education sessions for parents and girls.
Our female coach would conduct a session consisting of a video and a discussion with swimmers and parents on
As as the new generation of female swimmers have grown into young ladies, the issue of training during menstruation has resurfaced. Coaching staff have realized that some parents have experienced difficulty in navigating this topic. Even though this is a very private issue, we'd still like to provide a bit more detailed information in general.
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Start Here: Watch this clip, "Growing up in Lycra"
We suggest all parents view the following video clip extract from Swimming Australia "Growing Up in Lycra" DVD: https://research.usc.edu.au/esploro/outputs/other/Menstrual-Cycle-chapter-videorecording--Growing/99449523102621 .
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Girls can continue to swim
In general, female swimmers can continue training when they are menstruating by wearing a tampon or a menstrual cup. It is not appropriate to wear pads whilst in the water, nor swim without anything whilst menstruating. It's also not recommended to use medicine to alter the menstrual cycle.
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Seek professional health advice
We strongly encourage families take your female swimmer to visit the family doctor and receive professional advice. Young girls generally feel more comfortable receiving guidelines from trained health professionals and their mother rather than from coaches, especially on the practical nature on how to navigate this natural point of their lives.
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Consistent training for results
Due to the fact that competitive swimming requires a consistent, structured, high demanding intensive training regime, girls should not avoid training sessions because of menstruation. As discussed in the video, individuals will respond to the training load even though they may be menstruating.
Dryland only training during their period active days will not benefit competitive swimmers.
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Continual discussion
Please spend time with your girls and educate your swimmers with professional advice. Parents and coaches need to work together to minimise any disruption to training sessions.
There are swimming specific Dryland training programs available for female swimmers having difficulties. If you would like to speak to coaches privately, come see us on pool deck.