This is a rather 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 video play and a discussion with swimmers and parents on how to deal with menstruating and sport. We have yet to run the girls education session for a few years, but as the new generation of female swimmers have grown into young ladies, the issue of training whilst swimmers are menstruating 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.

1. First, 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 .


2. 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.


3. We strongly encourage families to take your female swimmer to see the family doctor to get 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 points. 


4. Due to the fact that competitive swimming requires a continued, structured, high demanding intensive training regime, girls should not avoid training sessions because of menstruation. Dryland only training during period active days will not benefit competitive swimmers.


5. As addressed in the video, individuals will respond to the training load even though they may be menstruating.

Please spend some time with your girls and educate your swimmers with professional advice.  We hope to minimize any interruption of 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