Parent Info
Long-term athlete development
The seven-stage Canadian model for Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) is an overview of a training, competition, and recovery program based on developmental age - the maturation level of an individual - rather than chronological age. It is athlete centred, coach driven, and administration, sport science, and sponsor supported. Athletes who progress through LTAD experience training and competition programs that consider their biological and training ages in creating periodized plans specific to their development needs.
The new paddler's guide to regattas
This page is intended for parents and athletes new to the regatta scene. If properly prepared, regattas are fun days for the whole family. A regatta is a full day of competitive races held whether rain or shine. Races typically begin around 8:30 am and go until 4:30 pm, but can be delayed or cancelled in the event of lightning. You (or your child) will typically have two to eight races over the course of the day, with plenty of fun races in between to watch. These usually consist of a war canoe and various other crewboat and singles races.
Please arrive 1 hour before the races are scheduled to begin so you can help unload your club's boat trailer, and so you can stake out a good vantage point to watch races. At least 45 minutes before your first race, check in with your coach.
Most regatta hosting clubs will offer a BBQ and a snack bar (for fundraising) where you can buy a lunch. Nonetheless, these are usually geared towards the parents. You should pack food that is quick to eat, easily digested and healthy (e.g. fruit, granola bars, bagels and lots of water or Gatorade). Please do not encourage drinking pop or eating junk food as these do not help on-water performance.
Finally, a quick checklist of things to bring:
- Your club racing shirt/singlet
- A PFD (required for U15 paddlers and younger)
- Healthy food and drinks (including lots of water!)
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat (nothing is worse than racing with a fresh sunburn)
- Shoes, sandals, and extra dry clothes Towel
- Lawn chairs, blanket, binoculars, cameras (for parents)
- Rain Gear Plastic sheet for the ground
Adapted from the Missassauga Canoe Club
A Sprint Paddling Dictionary
Truths about sport
Fun is pivotal; if it isn't fun, young athletes won't endure the hardships and sacrifices that are necessary survival and success in the highly competitive world of youth sports.
Skill development is a crucial aspect of fun; it is more important than winning even among the most successful athletes.
The most rewarding challenges of sports are those that lead to self-discovery and self-knowledge.
Intrinsic rewards (self-knowledge that grows out of self-competition) are more important in creating lifetime athletes than are extrinsic rewards (victory or attention from others).
Adapted from Kids First Soccer
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