Fwd: Momentum is Building! New Coaching HER® Champions + Menstrual Health Modules Now Live

Meet the newest Coaching HER® Champions and see how we're growing, together.

View in browser NEW Champions   l   NEW Menstrual Health Content   l  Website   l   FREE COURSES Meet the newest Coaching HER® Champions We're thrilled to welcome several new Coaching HER® Champions—organizations that are stepping up to create more inclusive, girl-centered sports environments. These partners are investing in the well-being, confidence, and retention of girls in sport by committing to use our research-based tools, trainings, and cultural change strategies. "USA Ultimate is dedicated to introducing more girls and women to the sport of ultimate....We want to make every girl or woman who plays ultimate to feel seen, heard, and supported." - Kevin Erlenbach, USA Ultimate Chief Executive Officer. read more "At ISCA (SwimISCA.org), we believe great coaching is about more than drills. It's about understanding who we're coaching... This isn't just about better outcomes, it's about better relationships, stronger teams, and helping young athletes thrive." -Mark Rauterkus, Webmaster & Program Director, International Swim Coaches Association read more "This partnership ensures our coaches, both men and women, are better equipped with the knowledge and tools to understand the specific social, emotional, and physical considerations when coaching girls. " — Jess Nash, Rush Women's Alliance Coordinator, Rush Soccer  read more "For over 50 years, WAGS has proudly championed the empowerment of women and girls through soccer... By equipping coaches with the tools to recognize and challenge unconscious gender biases, we're not only changing how girls are coached—we're changing how they see themselves." - Kerry Diederich, Executive Director, WAGS read more "Our goal is to enhance our coaches' and players' development through education and cutting-edge research that challenges the status quo and redefines what it means to coach girls. At Eastern FC, we are deeply invested in our girls' program and are excited to continue advancing it with partners like Coaching HER!" - Beau Morki, Technical Director read more "This partnership with Coaching HER will give us the ability to increase the participation of females in the game of soccer in the VYS community and provide further education on the stigmas that young females face." - Stephen Bird, Director of House, Vienna Youth Soccer.  read more NEW MENSTRUAL HEALTH Menstrual health education that is free, accessible, and widely adopted. ORGANIZATIONAL CHAMPIONS BECOME A ORGANIZATIONAL CHAMPION University of Minnesota Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport, 1900 University Ave SE, 203 Cooke Hall, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA Unsubscribe Manage preferences

Swimming's Local Initiatives Must Drive Downing Prevention and Water Safety Awareness

#38 Navigating the Complexities of Drowning Prevention in a Changing Political Climate - part 2 with Sue and Mick Nelson

The critical issues surrounding swimming, coaching and community recreation is water safety, and less so the making of gold-medal champions. The challenges faced by aquatic facilities today are on the rise. Closing pools. Indifferent politicians. Tighter budgets. Busy families. Covid too. Discover the trends, obstacles, and solutions in the world of swimming and drowning prevention.

• The impact of COVID-19 on drowning statistics and swimming lessons.

• Challenges in maintaining and operating commercial swimming pools.

• The shortage of qualified lifeguards and its implications.

• The role of local organizations versus national support in drowning prevention.

• The importance of educating communities and politicians about the value of aquatic facilities.

 

Half of Americans don't know how to swim, yet they're the ones making decisions about our pools. It's time to educate our communities and politicians on the true value of water safety." - Sue Nelson

Key concepts:

Drowning prevention, data analysis, CDC, Consumer Product Safety Commission, trends, COVID impact, swimming pools, lifeguards, aquatic programming, local advocacy, ethnic disparities, pool closures, maintenance issues, swimming lessons, community education, USA Swimming, private sector, public sector, water safety, Mick Nelson, Sue Nelson, Mark Rauterkus, podcast, aquatics, governmental challenges.

 

Notes of Merit

1. Data Usage and Comparison

2. Difference between data usage by Mick Nelson's organization and the CDC.

   • Importance of current data for local advocacy and marketing.

   • Trends identification and the limitations of data collection.

3. Impact of Political and Economic Changes

4. Effects of layoffs and budget cuts on data collection and analysis.

   • The role of local organizations versus national support.

   • The importance of local action plans in drowning prevention.

5. Trends in Drowning and Water Safety

6. The impact of COVID-19 on drowning statistics and swimming lessons.

   • Increase in backyard pools and their safety concerns.

   • Ethnic disparities in drowning rates, particularly among Hispanics.

7. Swimming Pool Closures and Maintenance Issues

8. Tracking of commercial pool closures and reasons behind them.

   • Challenges in pool maintenance and the role of trained personnel.

   • Financial constraints and their impact on pool operations.

9. Lifeguard Shortages and Training

10. Difficulty in recruiting lifeguards and the reasons behind it.

    • The need for qualified lifeguards due to increased recreational facilities.

    • The impact of work ethics and financial incentives on lifeguard availability.

11. Community Education and Political Influence

12. The lack of swimming skills among Americans and its implications.

    • The role of community and political education in valuing aquatic facilities.

    • Misconceptions about the financial operations of swimming pools.

13. Future Discussions and Podcast Continuation

14. Introduction to upcoming topics in the next podcast episode.

    • The need for increased swimming education and awareness.

    • The role of the private sector in addressing aquatic needs.

 

Learn more

• Link to the business of Sue and Mick Nelson, Total Aquatic Programming, https://TotalAquatic.llc

• Heavy Or Not podcast

• International Swim Coaches Association

• Heavy Or Not #37, and Part 1, and Introduction to Sue Nelson’s Career Journey on Substack.

Check out this episode!

A few points about the Oliver Bath House -- before it opens - after the House Tour

This email was sent to the Director of Citiparks, Aquatic Boss and will be handed to a few others as the opportunity presents.

Wonderful to volunteer with the South Side Home & Garden Tour this past weekend and have a look at the Oliver Bath House.

Thanks for being there to Director Vargas, Clair and Jon. 

A couple of notes, and I understand that the project isn't completed yet.

1. Can you install swim suit spinners so as to dry swim suits and allow the water to ring out and drip in a drain. Some facilities do this in both M & W locker rooms. Perhaps the supply closet could be made to accommodate this?

2. Could there be hair dryers? I think there used to be a few on the second floor at various heights with exhaust vents that can swivel. 

3. Need backstroke flags. With the pool covers, the flags need a place to re-hook them out of the way. Perhaps they could be put along the back wall under the rollers. The flags could have an extension loop so that one person could do the job without needing two (one on each side of the pool. Hooks would need to be put into the walls. Flags would need to be obtained. 

4. It would be swell to talk about a In-House SKWIM league and way to attach the SKWIM goals to the west wall. I'll await your call on that. 

5. I wonder where the lane lines would sit when not in the pool? The north wall, opposite the guard chair, used to have some nice attachments so that the lines could be against that wall in an orderly way and not be a trip hazard. 
I'd suggest a different solution -- under deck storage. They do this in the UK and Europe. A series of tiny man-hole cover on a hinge is drilled into the deck about 12 to 16 inches away from the edge of the pool. When closed, these are flush to the deck. When open, the open door is away from the pool so that the opening can accommodate a lane line. The line is fed down below the deck moving along with the help of gravity and small rollers at the inside of the hole to lessen friction. The sub-deck space needs to be perfectly clean and allow for water to drain too. Then the final bit of the line is hooked onto the bottom of the trap door -- or onto a rod that spans the width of the hole. Then when it opens again, the lane is easy to grab and be pulled into the pool. 
This saves in storage space. Thos reals are huge.
Plus, all the lines can be put out or put into the water at the same time if you have enough people helping. Quick for a team or end of swim lessons. 

One sub-deck container for each line.

More info:

 Dedicated Lane‑Line Traps

1. Spectrum Aquatics “Lane Line Trap”

• Features a deck hatch (approx. 36" × 45") and fixed rollers.

• Lane line slides below into a collapsible nylon basket (~14″ deep).

• Keeps deck neat and clear when not in use. aqueas.com+9spectrumproducts.com+9confluencepool.com+9

2. Malmsten Lane‑Line Trap (Stainless Steel)

• High‑grade 316L stainless steel with tiled‑finish lid.

• Drains directly into basement/storage.

• Custom‑size; includes roller mechanism and hanging hook. malmsten.com+1etsy.com+1

3. KBE Lane‑Line Access Hatch

• Compact 14" × 14", flush stainless steel hatch.

• Pop‑up roller makes installation/retrieval easy.

• Recessed lid allows tiling for seamless integration. thelifeguardstore.com+8kbenorthamerica.com+8spectrumproducts.com+8

4. Aqueas “Lane Rope Vault” System

• Concealed underground vault with flush non‑slip lid.

• Roller prevents damage; includes hook and rope bags.

• Designed for safety and longevity. spectrumproducts.com+5etsy.com+5reddit.com+5aqueas.com

---

 How to Choose the Right System

Factor	Spectrum	Malmsten	KBE	Aqueas
Size Options	Large (36×45″)	Custom round/square	Compact (14×14″)	Custom vault size
Material	Likely stainless roll	316L stainless	316SS	Stainless + non‑slip lid
Deck Finish	Hatch only	Decorative lid, tileable	Tileable recessed hatch	Flush non‑slip vault lid
Storage Depth	14″ below deck	Basement level	Below deck	Underground cavity

---

 Next Steps

1. Measure & Plan:

   • Determine deck cavity depth.

   • Choose desired hatch size (e.g., 14″ vs 36″).

   • Match lid finish (stainless vs matching tiles).

2. Consult Fabricator or Supplier:

   • Spectrum and Malmsten offer international shipping.

   • KBE (Canada/US) easily sourced locally.

   • Aqueas is based in Australia but ships globally.

3. Request Specs & Quotes:

   • Ask for drawings, load rating info, and installation requirements.

   • Ensure corrosion-resistant materials (316 stainless ideal for pools).

Your ideal product is an in-deck lane line storage system—think Spectrum, Malmsten, KBE, or Aqueas—all designed to neatly pull lane lines under the deck via a flush hatch or vault. Choose based on deck finish, size, and below-deck space.

6. When it is time to do an opening day, please let me know so we can build a big event with community people and organizations. 

--
Ta.
 
 
Mark Rauterkus       Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com

Podcast:    =:| Heavy Or Not <;) - The OG Swim Guide

Mark@Rauterkus.com    <--- causing lots of missed messages, sadly.

Webmaster, International Swim Coaches Association, SwimISCA.org

and other sites: SKWIM.us, U CAN Swim

Coach at The Ellis School for Varsity & Middle School Swimming

412 298 3432 = cell

New course: Mental Skills for Young Athletes

Career pivots and expansion of services. Sue Nelson's journey to diversify leads to satisfaction and stability.

An introducation to Sue Nelson, part 1. 

Explore the inspiring career-journey of Sue Nelson and her husband, Mick, who transformed their coaching careers by thinking beyond traditional competitive swimming.

Discover how they built a thriving aquatics business by embracing innovation and community needs.

Learn about the pivotal moment that led Sue to shift from competitive swimming to aquatic fitness and therapy.

Explore how they launched Waterway Therapy, a Medicare-certified outpatient agency, and expanded their services.

Understand the strategic partnerships they formed with hospitals and fitness organizations.

USA Swimming hired the for important work to support coaches and clubs in their efforts to build their own facilities

Discover the importance of creating multiple revenue streams for a stable and sustainable business model.

Gain insights into how their approach to coaching can be adapted by others to build a successful career.

In future episodes, we'll hear more from Mick and Sue as they've been key players in keeping statistics on water safety. 

Their business is Total Aquatic Programming, LLC at https://totalaquatic.llc/.

Check out this episode!

Rise of sports social clubs

https://open.substack.com/pub/regensports/p/game-set-match-the-58-billion-social?r=3vced&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email

Meta Review: Exploring Themes in Heavy Or Not's first 35 podcast episodes. The OG Swim Guide's Rewind!

#36 A Tour of Insights and Coaching Wisdom

Episode 36 of "Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide," presents comprehensive tour of the podcast archives from Coach Mark Rauterkus.

Whether you're a new listener or a long-time fan, this episode is your chance to catch up on all the valuable insights shared so far.

• Explore the importance of mindset in sports and how mental reps can enhance athletic performance.

• Dive into the mechanics of swimming, focusing on kicking, body position, and stroke efficiency.

• Discover the role of artificial intelligence in sports and how it can revolutionize coaching and performance tracking.

• Learn about the challenges and potential solutions for revitalizing aquatic programs in Pittsburgh Public Schools.

• Gain insights into the history of swimming coaching, including Cold War secrets and innovative training techniques.

Subscribe to the podcast for more episodes packed with swimming wisdom and coaching strategies! Go back and replay the laps you skipped.

Every dozen episodes, it is time for a review.

Our content is evergreen, as we develop our voice and encourage you to absorb the archives. The walkthrough hits every episode released so far.

Catch up on all the swimming wisdom we've shared.

• Mindset Mastery: Revisit the importance of mental reps in sports and how to train the space between your ears just like your physical skills.

• Kicking Techniques: Dive into the mechanics of kicking and learn how to design practices that build effective swimming skills.

• AI in Sports: Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing sports coaching and performance tracking.

• Aquatic Education: Explore the challenges and potential of revitalizing aquatic programs in urban school districts.

• Cultural Perspectives: Gain insights into global coaching practices and how they differ from the US approach.

Episode #06 is the shortest one, clocking in at just under three minutes. It's a quick yet profound reflection on life, coaching, and passion that’s definitely worth a replay!

We’re excited to have you with us on this journey through our podcast archives. Each episode is packed with insights, tips and inspiring stories that are as fresh today as when they were first released.

Thanks for being part of our community. Have a wonderful, safe time at the pool!

Check out all the episodes in a course at WAFSU.org. Join the conversation!

Check out this episode!

Understanding the Mind-Body Connection in Sport Injury Recovery and Rehabilitation

35, The Importance of Social Support in Overcoming Sport Injuries

Recap of the ebook, Psychology of Sport Injury, edited by Dr. John Heil, that explores the multifaceted impact of injury on athletes.

The book emphasizes the critical role of psychological care alongside physical treatment for successful recovery and performance. It covers various aspects of sport injury, including the athlete's perspective, psychological risk factors, assessment and intervention strategies, and biomedical issues like pain management and medication.

The ebook and this podcast highlights the importance of a team-based approach involving physicians, sports medicine specialists, and psychologists, and discusses challenges such as chronic pain, fear of reinjury, and managing the transition out of competitive sport. Ultimately, the ebook advocates for a comprehensive, psychologically-informed approach to injury management that can extend beyond the athletic realm.

Structured overview of the topics and sub-topics discussed in the jump cut #35 of Heavy Or Not

Psychological Approach in Rehab

Education for the patient

Setting clear goals

Using mental training techniques

Leveraging social support

Podcast and E-book Introduction

Mention of "The Ready Room" podcast

Introduction to the e-book "The Psychology of Sport Injury" by Dr. John Heil

Summer McIntosh's Interview sample snip

Excitement about moving to Texas

Trust in training and potential unknowns

Future educational plans

 

Psychology of Sport Injury

Physical vs. mental and emotional aspects of injury

Importance of addressing psychological side in treatment

Dr. John Heil's personal story illustrating psychological impact

Broader Application of Insights

Application beyond traditional athletes

Relevance to performing artists and musicians

Unique Needs of Athletes and Performers

Differentiation between normal and high-demand performance settings

Emergence of sports medicine and sports psychology

Team-Based Approach in Sports Medicine

Multi-specialty involvement

Psychological impact of all team members

Athlete's Experience with Injury

Internal and external pressures

Complexity of pain for athletes

Decision-making in return to play

Career Termination Due to Injury

Life transition and identity adjustment

Importance of counseling

Pre-Injury Psychological Factors

Influence of stress and focus on injury risk

Stress model and its implications

Psychological Assessment and Tools

Comprehensive assessment approach

Use of pain scales, psych tests, and diaries

Intervention and Team Approach

Psychological intervention based on distress and commitment

Importance of developmental stage

Chronic Pain Management

Multidisciplinary approach

Synergistic effects of coordinated care

Role of Social Support

Types of social support

Importance of maintaining team connection

Mental Training Techniques

Relaxation, imagery, and biofeedback

Pain management strategies

Rehabilitation Challenges

Muscular guarding and compliance issues

Overcompliance and related risks

Severe and Catastrophic Injuries

Intensive intervention needs

Career-ending injuries and identity loss

Psychological and Medical Integration

Multidisciplinary team value

Proactive prevention and early intervention

Patient-Athlete Metaphor

Application of principles to all injured patients

Broader role of psychologists in the team

Remarkable Recovery and Growth

Commitment and hard work in recovery

Sport as a microcosm of life

Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Sport injury as a mind-body challenge

Transferable skills for life challenges

Call to Action

Encouragement to join the International Swim Coaches Association

Subscription and sharing of the podcast

Links:

Get the ebook: https://psp.sendowl.com/s/ebook/psych/psychology-of-sport-injury-by-international-swim-coaches-assocation

To the full interview with Summer McIntosh on The Ready Room. 

 

Check out this episode!

32 Otters

 https://www.oneusefulthing.org/p/the-recent-history-of-ai-in-32-otters?r=3vced&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

At the Table - or Not - Power and Purpose within Swimming and Sports with Barry Healey

Saving Swimming Pools: The Battle for Community Resources and Health Benefits

The Role of Sports in Social Services and Community Development

The pressing issues facing the world of sports and swimming today needs YOU at the TABLE. From the closure of swimming pools to the role of sports in education, we must lead and seek power for more those beyond the championship meets.

• The potential closure of over 30 swimming pools in Toronto and its implications.
• The launch of enhanced games and the controversy surrounding supplement use.
• The importance of sports being included in discussions on health and education.
• The impact of budget cuts on drowning prevention efforts and opportunities for intervention.
• The role of community engagement and innovative solutions in promoting sports and safety.

We make a call out for Mick Nelson, and others, to join in future discussions. 

Sequence of topics covered in the transcript, with sub-topic bullets below each primary topic:

1. Challenges in Sports and Swimming
2. • Closing of swimming pools in Toronto
   • Launch of enhanced games and concerns about supplement use
   • Efforts to get a big picture view of the situation
2. Child Protection and Social Services in the UK
3. • Comparison of information quality between the UK and Canada
   • Role of Sport for Life in Canada
   • Importance of sport in reintegrating kids into school
3. Sport's Role in Health and Education
4. • Lack of representation of sport at decision-making tables
   • Conversation with a developer about community needs and tax concerns
   • Importance of selling the benefits of sports to health and education sectors
4. Efforts to Save Swimming Pools in Ontario
5. • Battles to save school swimming pools
   • Changing public perception about the value of swimming pools
   • The role of swimming pools in community service and safety
5. Integration of Sport in Social Services
6. • Challenges in aligning sport with social services, police, and hospitals
   • Importance of understanding and meeting the needs of different stakeholders
   • Starting small and expanding successful programs
6. Selling Sport as a Community Builder
7. • The concept of "our gang" in sports
   • Using sport to change lives and build community
   • Creative ways to engage volunteers and participants
7. Impact of Policy Changes on Drowning Prevention
8. • Effects of budget cuts on drowning prevention efforts
   • Opportunities for sports organizations to fill the gap
   • Importance of maintaining and expanding drowning prevention initiatives
8. Data Collection and Analysis on Drowning Incidents
9. • Mick Nelson's work on tracking drowning statistics
   • The need for comprehensive data to inform prevention strategies
   • Potential collaboration with Mick Nelson for insights and business opportunities
9. Future of Swimming and Sports Post-COVID
10. • Challenges in swimming education and access post-COVID
    • The impact of COVID on sports participation and development
    • Exploring alternatives and new sports trends
10. Engagement and Community Building through Media
11. • Promotion of the "Heavy or Not" TV show and podcast
    • Invitation for audience participation with school or team mascots
    • Use of mascots in promoting mental skills for young athletes

Each topic and sub-topic provides a detailed look into the various discussions and concerns raised in Heavy Or Not, jump-cut #34.

Check out this episode!