Forbes Carlile: Swim Coach Mover Down Under by Chris Van Slooten

ASCANewsletter American Swimming Coaches Association 2014 edition | issue 12

forbes carlile: Swim Coach Mover Down Under By Chris Van Slooten

In This Issue:

Forbes Carlile: / 01 Mover Down Under By Chris Van Slooten Let Swimming Belong / 15 to the Child By John Leonard Food For Thought / 16 By Coach Don Swartz Short Interview with / 18 Brent Rutemiller By John Leonard The Immutable Rules / 21 of Improvement for Swimming and Life By John Leonard Questions Every Game / 22 Changer Must Answer William C. Taylor Book Excerpt Building Your Club / 24 By George Block The Real Pathway- / 27 Discovering Talent by Gordon Bloom Book Review by George Block

2014 EDITION 12 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 1 ASCA Newsletter Official ASCA Sponsors Published for the American Swimming Coaches Association by the American Swimming Coaches Council for Sport Development.

Board of Directors President: Gregg Troy Vice-Presidents: Jim Tierney, Steve Morsilli Members: Don Heidary, Ira Klein, Matthew Kredich. Michael Lawrence, David Marsh, Amy Montgomery, Tim Murphy, Kathleen Klein Prindle, Bill Wadley, Chuck Warner Executive Committee: Jennifer Gibson, Tim Welsh

ASCA Staff Executive Director and Editor John Leonard Clinics and Job Services Guy Edson SwimAmericaTM Sponsors International director Duffy Dillon administrations Judie Doggett Finance Kim Cavo Bookkeeping & Sales Lenora Hayes Membership Services Melanie Wigren Certification Kim Witherington Technical Services and WSCA Matt Hooper Web & media Director: Mary Malka PUBLISHING: Devan Martin SwimAmericaTM & ALTST Julie Nitti General Counsel Richard J. Foster

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2 ASCA NEWSLETTER | 2014 EDITION 12 Forbes Carlile : Swim Coach Mover Down Under By: Chris Van Slooten, ASCA Fellow 2013

Reasonable people adapt themselves to the world. Unreasonable people attempt to adapt the world to themselves. All progress, therefore, depends on unreasonable people. - George Bernard Shaw

It is 5AM.

In their modest 1920’s home at 16 Cross Street, Ryde, Sydney, Forbes Carlile (93) and his wife Ursula, a spritely 77, are extracting the most from the day. Forbes is at his desk opening overnight emails and Ursula will soon return from her gym/swim workout. She has been up since 3:30AM feeding the cats, attending to desk-work and house hold duties. She calls Forbes for breakfast.

In the back yard of the Carlile home is the first indoor swim school in Sydney, built by the Carliles in 1962. It soon will be busy teaching children, many with parents and even grandparents who themselves had learned to swim the “Carlile way” at Cross Street. Modest Carlile 1920s home (second story bedroom added) with Sydney’s first indoor heated lesson pool.

A knock on the backdoor results in “come some attesting to many awards including half a century. Much of this memorabilia in”, a hearty handshake and entrance to a his 1973 award from ASCA for his life-time is to be found across a connecting bridge in treasure-trove of swimming history packed contributions to swimming. Forbes explains the Carlile’s next door house which they on walls, shelves and in many boxes. The he is in the process of sorting out this material purchased 30 years ago to accommodate their walls are covered by numerous photographs, to be viewed for the first time in more than already burgeoning “historical” collection.

2014 EDITION 12 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 3 Forbes Carlile: Swim Coach (Continued)

while Florence was in in Australia. Cotton was an accomplished the nursing profession. national swimmer, who just missed selection When Forbes was 2, the as a member of the Australian 4x200m relay family moved to Sydney team which won silver at the 1920 Olympics. and always lived close to In the 1940’s, Cotton redirected his academic the harbour. He was first interests to the physiology of muscular introduced to swimming exercise. He then found a kindred spirit in at the age of eight at the physiology student Forbes Carlile, who was Balmoral Rock Pool; a also a NSW State Backstroke champion, to reluctant participant at become his assistant in establishing the first first, he soon took to the sports science laboratory in Australia. In the water and a year later early 1940’s, Japan was threatening much of competed in his first race. the Pacific including Australia. On a return Soon enthusiasm for the flight from a conference in London, Cotton sport grew and Forbes, was in Darwin in Australia’s Northern in his late teenage years, Territory when the Japanese bombers made began amateur coaching. their first raid. It gave him the opportunity While he experienced to observe physiological reactions to stress success in the pool, he including taking heart rates. At this time, was not excelling in the Cotton was developing the “aerodynamic classroom; a teacher anti-G flying suit” to be used by pilots to wrote to his parents “His handle the g-forces during combat. low marks are a natural result of neglected Cotton found a kindred spirit in Forbes, both Over 50 years of unsorted Carlile archives homework and poor were passionate in developing sports training concentration”. As a on the basis of reliable science. As Forbes result of his lack-luster recalls his time with Professor Cotton, he academic performance, More impressive than the stacks of research, states the Professor gave him (Carlile) the his parents decided to send him to The Scots articles, and letters written and received from free reign in carrying out his research, and College so that he may better focus on his coaches spanning numerous decades are the they would have lively discussions about academics; a decision which proved very endearing qualities of Forbes and Ursula moving academic courses from science to fortuitous since Forbes distinguished himself who welcome you into their home with exercise training (with this focus on sports both academically and athletically becoming charm and hospitality. It does not take long in an academic institution, Cotton endured the Deputy Head Prefect (1939), Honour before one truly experiences Forbes’ passion great criticism from his colleagues). Carlile Cap for sport (1939), the Blackwood Cup for for swimming. Indeed, one only needs to recalls “He was into exercise physiology and I Sport and Studies, captain of the swim team, quickly scan his current office to witness became his right-hand man, but I concentrated and awarded colours nine times in swimming, his dedication to his wife, swimming, and on swimming. We started applying science to shooting, rugby and athletics, member of the learning. When asked what has allowed him sport. In Australia swimming hadn’t been school debate team and played the violin in the to be an instrument of change Forbes replies scientific at all till then,” although America school orchestra. “I have always grasped the opportunity had been better served by TK Cureton and to be my own boss”; in a word freedom. others. In 1946, while working with Professor Freedom has given Forbes the means to make While at The Scots College (1935 – 1939), Cotton, they created the first Sports Science decisions that are aligned with his vision for Forbes came under the influence of Science Laboratory in Australia which was located in swimming; whether conducting research, Master Louis Simmons who first kindled his the Old Medical School. Cotton was focusing standing up to the governing bodies of aptitude for science. Dr. Simmons helped foster his work on rowing ergometry while Forbes Australian Swimming or FINA, or allowing the inquisitive minds of his pupils through assisted in “particular in the formation him to overcome many obstacles. As we shall teaching methods systematic questioning what of concepts on the scientific training of see, Forbes Carlile is a man of many parts—a is seen, proven what is unseen, and defending swimmers.” Forbes was looking for a skin man of yesterday and today. one’s convictions. The passion for science application to reduce drag through the water. combined with his athleticism provided a solid foundation in which he was to build his career Forbes, named after his mother’s surname, Forbes applied scientific discipline to as an athlete, coach, and advocate. born in Armadale, Victoria on the 3rd of June swimming and through research and testing 1921, was the only child of Oswald Carlile and drove himself to understand the effects of Florence Forbes, who met in England during Upon graduating from The Scots College he training on the body in an attempt to use Oswald’s service in World War I. His father came under the orbit of Dr. Frank Cotton, this knowledge to design training methods was an accountant and company secretary considered as the Father of Sports Science and provide adequately for recovery. Forbes’

4 ASCA NEWSLETTER | 2014 EDITION 12 Australian Marathon Championship 1950 Aftermath of 42 kilometer run

pioneering work included ground breaking By the end of World War II, entrenched in In preparing for the running section of studies on the heart action from the graduate work and lecturing, Carlile finished the modern pentathlon, Forbes decided to systematically study his reactions to running electrocardiogram including inversion of playing in the Sydney University Rugby a marathon, not a popular activity in the the T-waves in stressed athletes and changes Team and competitive swimming, as a result early 1950’s. His training for the Australian in the blood picture. His research led to the he put on weight. In order to stay in shape Marathon Championship consisted of development of various training aids used by to referee rugby, Forbes began running “running a few miles a day for a few months”. coaches and swimmers today including the with some of the distance runners he was Forbes’ effort almost led to his demise, after pace clock, personal log books and played a part training. He reckoned that he would gain finishing 10th his health deteriorated during in the application of ‘shaving down’ for major the following week when he was admitted to greater insight into sports physiology by competitions. Carlile’s scientific approach to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and diagnosed training helped produce seven world record becoming a competitor again with his goal with acute renal failure consequent on holders, Judy Joy Davies, Terry Gathercole, set on representing Australia in the modern haemoglobinuria and dehydration. Due to Brian Wilkinson, John Bennett, Karen Moras, pentathlon at the 1952 Olympics, after being the stress Carlile placed on his body, his Shane Gould and Jenny Turrall. Most notable coach of the 1948 Olympic Swimming Team. kidneys were failing of the nearly 40 Olympians produced by Carlile is Shane Gould who simultaneously held all freestyle world records and the 200m IM in 1972.At the age of 9, Tim Ford joined Carlile’s training. Ford exuberantly recalls watching Forbes coaching and conducting research on champion athletes during practice. Ford recalls from a very young age wanting to be a part of that training group. Eventually, Ford would represent Australia during the late 1970s and in 1982 silver medalist in the Commonwealth Games. Today, Ford is a respected Harvard graduate and leading advisor to major Australian companies. Applying science to his coaching, he was at the same time testing the effect of exercise stress on himself. At 22 he swam across Sydney’s Spit baths to Contarf in the open waters of the Middle Harbour with a small bag of shark repellent tied to his waist. (Later it was discovered that the repellent wasn’t entirely effective.) Forbes at Helsinki on his horse drawn for the cross-country trial

2014 EDITION 12 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 5 Forbes Carlile: Swim Coach (Continued)

or noise or electric trains, would startle him. However, when he came to a grate in the bridge he would jump over it.” Indeed, the horse and rider had similar personalities; when faced with an obstacle both faced it head on feeding off one another’s courage and learning from one another.

Forbes’ preparation for the modern pentathlon is one key to understanding the man. He had to use all his resources to procure a gun permit, a horse to practice his jumping and in the absence of a Modern Pentathlon Association in Australia had to go directly to the Australian Olympic Committee to negotiate who subsequently arranged his trials. Despite using a second- Palm Beach ocean pool 1946 hand pistol, being able to successfully control a drawn horse (athletes drew for horses at the Olympics) over the Olympic course, and in the days before dialysis he was pistol. Under difficulties he obtained a permit his country’s disinterest in the modern slowly dying. For 10 days, his life hung in “and went to the Olympics armed with a pentathlon, he was also able to arrange to the balance but finally he started to recover. secondhand Webley revolver he had bought train at The West Point Military Academy After spending six weeks in the hospital for $10.” (it was the last time the Modern Pentathlon he resumed his pentathlon training.What was trained at West Point). After training sets Forbes Carlile apart from others is his Forbes, who had never ridden before, with the American team he finished 25th dogmatic determination and persistence. He purchased a long-haired country horse out of 52 competitors in the 1952 Olympics, told the media, which took much interest in which he named Grut to practice his in his first and last modern pentathlon his situation, that he was able to experience jumping. Grut, he named after the Swede competition. So what motivated the man to firsthand the effects of severe overstraining who had won the Modern Pentathlon in set his sights on the modern pentathlon? To on the human body. While his body was 1948. Forbes and his horse had to practice compete as a pentathlete, one must master recovering in the hospital, he was working jumping cross-country obstacles. “I had five sports. Each event tests the mental on ways to continue conditioning himself to ride Grut from the Sydney train station capabilities of the athlete: endurance, skill, for his pentathlon goal in becoming the across the Sydney Bridge and nothing, traffic finesse, and quickness of body and mind; in first civilian to compete in this event and perhaps the first ever to be a national coach then an Olympic competitor.

In 1952, Australia planned a very small Olympic team of about 80 competitors. Forbes had to make his strong case to the Australian Olympic Committee to represent his country in this new sport. The modern pentathlon then involved the following trials: 300 meters freestyle swimming, cross country horse riding (24 jumps), a final combined event of pistol shooting and a 3200 meter cross- country run, and fencing (Forbes was 3rd in the National Epee Championship). The issue Carlile faced was that Australia was, and continues to be, a gun-shy nation and procuring a handgun permit is very difficult to do. While recovering in the hospital, he practiced dry-firing a dummy Palm Beach SwimmingTeam and the first swimming pool pace clock (1946)

6 ASCA NEWSLETTER | 2014 EDITION 12 essence the purity of sport. Preserving the purity of sport is the underlying motivator for Forbes taking on organizations, governments, and corporations. There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in From an early age, Forbes’ swimming world- the introduction of a new order of things. Because the innovator has view was being shaped; from his successes in swimming, rugby, epée (fencing) and for enemies all those who have done well under the old conditions, running to his work with Professor Cotton and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under the new. in sports science and success in developing elite swimmers. Forbes has been at the – Niccolo Machiavelli from “The Prince” (1446 – 1507) forefront of the fight against the Australian Swimming Union, doping, buoyance suits and physical education reform in Australia. At the front line of these battles has been thinking. She is not afraid to disagree and tell monitor their own times and heart rates, his closest advisor and confident, his wife me when I am wrong”. From 1962 until the resulting in the first ever pace clock being Ursula. Tokyo Olympics in 1964, Forbes served as the installed at a swimming pool. Pace clocks are Head Coach, assisted by Ursula, of the Dutch now seen at practically every training pool National Team. Then in 1972 Ursula was worldwide. It was at Palm Beach that ‘interval Forbes met Ursula Allen in early 1956 while the Assistant Olympic Coach to Don Talbot, training’ was introduced into Australian she was visiting her parents in Sydney during and worked closely with Shane Gould, while swimming with repeat 50m swims at high break in the final year of studying physical Forbes continued his association with radio intensity and also ‘broken efforts’. At that education at The University of Adelaide and television broadcasting. time there was quite a lot of easy recovery where she was to graduate top of her year. Her swimming, called ‘basic’. Swimmers personal father, currently serving as the Geography After a proud record in earlier Olympics, log books were introduced. ‘Tapering’ for an Master at Trinity Grammar School, where important meet was a concept introduced and Forbes coached the swim team, highly Australian swimming “had slipped so badly [in international competitions] by 1936. We only named by Forbes in 1946, and according to recommended Forbes to teach her how to Maglischo this was not used by Americans swim. After Ursula graduated with honors she had one finalist, Percy Oliver, who finished 7th until 1960. Forbes and Cotton insisted that then went on to work with Forbes in running in the 100 meter backstroke. Our fall continued his swimmers raced at ‘even-pace’. For the swim school and helping in his research. into the 1940s. Something needed to be done.” competitions, the concept of passive heating The two were married in 1958. Forbes is In 1946, Forbes, with Professor Cotton as (hot baths) in the warm-up was introduced quick to acknowledge that Ursula performed Scientific Advisor, formed a scientific training to raise body temperature to improve many laborious tasks in collecting the data for group at Palm Beach (north of Sydney) which performance, after research using hypodermic his research papers and co-writing articles. was sponsored by the Surf Life Saving Club. needles with a thermocouple. To strengthen When asked about the influence Ursula has Up until that time, the Americans, who led the world, trained no more than a mile a day which swimmers, Forbes in 1942 had introduced on him, Forbes responded, “She challenges my was considered to Australia the newly developed dry land excessive. At Palm exercises of Bob Kiphuth. The scientific Beach the group work of Cureton, Dill, Robinson and other lifted this to as far Americans inspired original ideas in Cotton as 5 miles a day and Carlile. The impetus of science in and introduced a American practice transferred to Australia. number of new concepts which were to be embraced in The application of sports science to training in Australia swimming brought great success to Carlile’s and the rest of the program and was responsible for the 1948 world. One of these minor revival in Australian swimming. core items was Based on the number of potential medal the idea of repeat winners Carlile currently coached, he ‘efforts’ at various was chosen by the Australian Swimming distances, some at Union as the Head Coach for the 1948 close to race pace, London Olympic Games where Australia monitored by heart won four medals, a big step forward from rate counts. To do 1936. Moving onto the international stage this, it was necessary provided Forbes valuable opportunities to Forbes and Ursula with Terry Gathercole in a testing Procedure with Cammeron for swimmers to expand his knowledge of swimming and heartometer at the Townsville Olympic Camp.

2014 EDITION 12 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 7 8 ASCA NEWSLETTER | 2014 EDITION 12 Forbes Carlile: Swim Coach (Continued) deepen his passion for the sport as well as Herford, Harry Gallagher and Forbes Carlile. examined …swimmers and evaluated discover that Australia could compete with With great swimmers such as Murray Rose, body measurements, the effect of muscle the world’s best swimmers. Dawn Fraser and Jon Henricks Australia won temperature on swimming performance, every freestyle event and easily won the medal joint flexibility and exercise programs; the tally. After this, Australia has continually been effects of heavy training and changes in In 1950 Forbes was selected as Head Coach blood profiles’. His inquiring mind and his second to the United States in the medal count of the Australian Swimming Team for the general belief in science-backed training, with the exception of the late 70s and early Commonwealth Games in Auckland, offered much to the understanding of New Zealand. Being named the the body under exercise stress. Australian Head Coach proved to be His 1954 thesis “Studies on the a defining moment for Forbes as the Physiology of Muscular Exercise” State Amateur Swimming Association is thought to be the first thesis on informed clubs that if they had sports science in Australia. swimmers on the National team they had to raise £20 per swimmer. The Carlile’s determination when faced Palm Beach Club had placed five of with obstacles is a very important its members: Frank Stevens, Bruce aspect of his character which Bourke, Barry Kelleway, George has allowed him to contribute to Hawkins and Ron Sharpe on the team, swimming in many ways. It was the club had to raise £100 in order another first in Australian swimming to represent their country. When when the four professional coaches – asked why the Australian Swimming Frank Guthrie, Sam Herford, Harry Union expected swimmers and Gallagher and Forbes Carlile - who coaches to pay their way, Forbes were responsible for producing the explained that the “ASU did not majority of the swimming talent, have the money at the time to pay.” Presentation by China’s Minister of Sport during 1973 visit. Australian Swimming was not given The media supported Forbes to take accreditation to professional coaches on the Australian Swimming Union nor permitted to be with their and published his letter of protest swimmers during the competition. While the in the Sydney Morning Herald to take on the 80s during the doping period. One reason for Australian coaches were kept off the pool Australian Swimming Union Empire Games Australia’s rise in the swimming world may be deck during competition, the professional Committee: “My club protests emphatically attributed back to 1956–1960’s. During this coaches from other countries were with their against the fact that the buck has been passed time, Townsville was the training base before swimmers, such as Kiphuth and Counsilman. from the Swimming Association to individual international meets for Australian swimmers. Carlile commented in a 1989 interview with clubs. It is wrong in principle that all club Townsville was the melting pot and out of the Paul Gregg regarding the conflict with the members should be made responsible and fire of competition of swimmers and coaches Australian Swimming Union. The basic issue that the axe should be held over individual there, and this blending of ideas, came some was the recognition of professional swimming clubs.” Speaking out against a government outstanding international teams. coaches and the hypocritical manner with entity may be intimidating to most, but not which the privately operating, unsubsidized Forbes who continued to sound the alarm In addition to training, for the first time in coaches were producing Australian against this injustice. So passionate about international representatives but were rejected international competition swimmers shaved his position that he withdrew as head coach, when it came to the appointment of team their bodies. Prior to the ’56 Olympics, Forbes instead going to New Zealand as a swimming coaches or opportunity to make significant had conducted studies on resistance in the radio commentator. This proved to be just the input into the administration of the sport. opening battle of a long fought war between engineering flow tank at Sydney University Carlile and the Australian Swimming Union without concrete results. Meanwhile, Jon from 1950 – 1984. Henricks’ father, while observing his boat Being denied access to his swimmers did being polished, suggested that his son shave not deter Forbes and the other Australian his body for his next major competition. When coaches. Carlile exploited his relationship The foretold training innovations conducted Henricks proposed his idea it was endorsed by with the news media. While he served as ABC Radio’s expert commentator on at Palm Beach were adopted by Australian Carlile and Cotton and the whole 1956 team swimming, the other three coaches procured swimmers up to and beyond Australia’s soon embraced the idea. The combination of Press passes to get on the pool deck. triumphs at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne. science-based training, swimming in their In the 1956 Olympics, the effects of Cotton home country and being the only swimmers to and Carlile’s efforts came to fruition. The host be shaved gave the Australians a definite edge. Throughout his years working with Dr. country was putting together its strongest Cotton, his success in training high caliber Olympic team to date under the leadership of swimmers both nationally and internationally, Forbes’ university studies focused on Carlile used the Press to express his views. four professional coaches - Frank Guthrie, Sam the physiology of muscular exercise, One of the first steps in advocating change

2014 EDITION 12 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 9 Forbes Carlile: Swim Coach (Continued) is to mobilize your army, and Forbes used the Reef was made in 1959 by the Carlile’s for In 1977, Forbes persuaded coaches at the Press where he could. He became involved in the Shell Film Unit, it was a pioneer film in ASCTA Conference to sign a petition to broadcasting in 1946 after a successful trial its class made during the winter off-season. In initiate changes in the Australian Swimming broadcast at the Manly Pool, Carlile would 1988, he was recognized for his work being Union. This 18 page typed (single spaced), well-reasoned manifesto, entitled “A VIEW serve as a specialist commentator from 1946 – elected to the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. 1984 both on radio and television. OF AUSTRALIAN SWIMMING: A case for making changes outlined progress and In 1964, the battle was continuing with criticisms of Australian swimming, research Another important contribution to training the Australian Swimming Union, Forbes based best practices in other countries, and involved measuring physiological changes wrote a long article, On the Australian recommendations for improvements.” Within and failing adaptation during training over the manifesto Forbes asks “How is it that in Swimming Union, where Carlile identifies an 8-week study of the Australian Olympic America, a swimmer could teach or coach Swimming Team in ‘hard training’ during the executives of the Australian Swimming at a country club but in Australia they are its final preparation in tropical Townsville Union as “an inflexible oligarchy…whose immediately dubbed professionals?” While (Queensland) for the 1960 Rome Olympics self-satisfaction and complacency is doing the Union allowed professional coaches to be where he was a coach and scientific advisor. Australian swimming no good.” Forbes on deck with their athletes, they still did not This study on failing adaptation is recognized called for the improvement of the Australian have a voice in governance, that victory was as one of Carlile’s greatest contributions to Swimming Union suggesting all important not had until 1984 when the IOC changed exercise physiology. Before and after the Rome policies, decisions and selections should be their position in regard to professionals and Olympics, Forbes and Ursula were testing and made, not by men behind the scenes but be Australian Swimming was forced to follow suit, formally allowing professional athletes advising athletes from various disciplines and ratified by the full Conference of the Union they published various articles concerning and coaches to participate. Finally, the war after complete and thorough debate.” To be blood pressure and T-wave changes in the was over, 34 years of advocating change for an agent of change one will be an outlier, electrocardiograms and other factors involved professional coaches had given them a seat at in over training. Forbes extended to athletes heralded by some and considered a crack- the table and a voice in the assembly. the hypothesis of Canadian medical scientist pot by many. The ability to be tenaciously Hans Selye regarding disease and considering passionate is critical for leaders to initiate In 1971, State Plan 14:25, the official East symptoms of overtraining. change. German program, systematically doped DDR athletes from 1973 – 1989, and swimming In 1963, Forbes wrote the influential swimming When he was not making his case in the media found itself at a critical impasse as science book Forbes Carlile on Swimming, published for changes to the Australian Swimming and doping were used to manufacture elite in 6 languages and reprinted 15 times, is a Union, Forbes was lobbying among his athletes. The “superior” DDR athletic revolutionary book where the physiological peers for changes to the ‘old suits’ of the program was unveiled in the 1976 Olympics aspects of training are discussed (Forbes is Union through letters, petitions for changes as the DDR women won all the events with still proud of his book, but is VERY quick to and approaching his colleagues on the deck the exception of the 4x100m Freestyle Relay. point out that he now, 50 years later renounces at meets and meetings. The voices were Coaches and athletes were astounded by the some of his earlier ideas). In his influential being heard and at the 1962 Commonwealth bulky, masculine voiced East German girls book he summarized his physiological findings Games, Talbot and Gathercole were the first and it was evident that the success of the East and revealed his interest in the history of the professional coaches to be appointed team German women was due to chemistry, not sport. He is an authority on the evolution of members. At this time, the Carliles were in only to superior training. the Australian Crawl during Australia’s first Holland coaching the Dutch National Team. golden era at the turn of the 20th Century. However Forbes continued to fight until the Forbes was an important leader in the (The 2nd golden era was at the 1956 Olympic Union agreed to open its doors and allow charge to bring about changes in FINA with games and the third in 2001 at the Pan Pacific coaches into all its meetings and plans. Talbot regards to doping. Carlile went to work on Games when under Coach Don Talbot and Gathercole were appointed Olympic his typewriter composing numerous letters to Australia was on top of the Americans). coaches for the Australian Team which politicians and the media addressing FINA’s Forbes pursued his interest in analyzing signified a large step forward in recognition of non-action towards steroid use. In the 1990’s, technique by pioneering extensive underwater professional coaches, but they still did not have on the initiative of the American Swim film making and with Ursula made a series of a seat at the table of the Australian Swimming Coaches Association Cecil Colwin (Canada), commercial swimming films including Record Union. Gallehger was appointed the coach John Leonard (United States), and Forbes Breakers for Jantzen (1958) and Swimming the at Mexico City (1968) while Talbot and were elected to a three man international task American Way for Speedo (1965) made during Ursula Carlile were the coaches in Munich. force to influence FINA to act against the use the 6 months the Carliles spent at the Indiana 1976 Olympics was a disaster for Australia of drugs in swimming. University with “Doc” Counsilman. There swimming with one bronze medal. In 1980, followed a series of swimming documentaries Forbes Carlile was elected by his peers for the which today provide a valuable record of the Moscow Games, but Carlile and a number of During the Cultural Revolution, the Chinese technique of champions during the 1960’s and swimmers resigned from this team because of coaches were cut off from all swimming 70’s. The documentary, The Great Barrier the Afghanistan situation. research. In September 1973, under the

10 ASCA NEWSLETTER | 2014 EDITION 12 At 93, Forbes at his desk

auspices of Speedo, the Carliles were invited by case against China. Now Forbes’ battle-front 1998 Swimming World Championships. the Chinese government to travel throughout changed. In addition to writing letters, Forbes The Chinese were outstanding and Forbes China to open the door to their coaches on publicized articles which reached millions. was outspoken on every news channel, modern methods and research. It was the first Inside Sport published Carlile’s article “Why sports commentary and press. Forbes still of eight trips to China for the Carliles. China Must Not Swim At Atlanta ’96” in has the letters from the Australian Olympic which he argued against Chinas participation Committee threatening to sue him for his A sound program takes time and patience in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, “defamatory criticism”. FINA finally changed before it produces results and until 1991 the Georgia. Much like a skilled attorney, Forbes its position and from that point “FINA took waged war on FINA for taking no action Chinese national swimming program was more action to clean its own house.” obscure at best. All that would change in 1985 against the Chinese, “four years there has when the East German advisors introduced been a total of 19 positive tests from China’s After doping came the swim suit issue. Carlile the Chinese to doping. A meteoric rise in world swimmers – more than double that of the was complaining from the 1990s about the swimming is not cause to accuse a country of rest of the world put together.” Carlile then use of long suits to ankles and wrists without using performance enhancing drugs, however continued to present evidence of doping by success. Then in February 2008, at Short the Chinese women’s meteoric rise coinciding the Chinese, and the position of FINA which Course Nationals in Manchester, England with physical characteristics – “deep voices, “appears paralysed [sic] into inaction by the floating suits were introduced with a acne, abnormally heavy musculature”, along vested interests and its links with the IOC, plethora of outstanding world records, many with the movement of top East German there are obviously some members committed of which stand to this day. Carlile advocated sports scientists and coaches after the fall of to cleaning up swimming.” The apex of the strongly for use of brief suits. At the 2009 East Germany to China made a propelling war against doping was in Perth, site of the World Congress of FINA, FINA’s actions in

2014 EDITION 12 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 11 Forbes Carlile: Swim Coach (Continued) allowing the suits was soundly condemned University Forbes taught swim lessons, for its growth and creating opportunities for all by the Assembly of Nations and strictly a very short period, with the New South employees to work their way into rewarding textile suits became mandatory. However, Whales Swimming Association Learn to careers and in some cases, even ownership. the fact that suits are still permitted to reach Swim Campaign. The conditions were less Under their leadership The Carlile Swim the knees is still a bone of contention with than ideal, but as Carlile says “Not too much School has expanded to ten sights within Carlile who strongly advocates that the one on one instruction, more like one on 30, Australia and has expanded overseas with textile demand should be extended to cut out but some did learn to swim…a little.” Prior interests in swimming schools in the United all possible water exposure of the suit which to 1961, swim lessons were conducted in States (10 swim schools in the Mid-west)and would mean no extension to the knees with the warmer months. Realizing the need for is a great influence on the Carlile competitive either males or females. He believes that still year-round swim lessons, Forbes applied his programs. Forbes currently serves as the it is unfair that by paying a large amount passion for research and set out to develop an Competitive Executive Director of the Ryde of “compressibility” and without strict environment best suited for swim lessons. –Carlile, Carlile and Cherrybrook –Carlile control of what might be attained in the Clubs which are strongly funded by the material surface and water. Carlile argues Carlile Foundation. In 1961, much to the alarm of their landlord, it is fundamentally wrong that by paying Forbes and Ursula built a 12.5 meter indoor exorbitantly to the financial advantage of teaching pool extension to the landlord’s With a headquarter staff of 16 who are the manufacturers for a swim suit could garage. Forbes tells how their landlord working on manuals (both printed and make an unequal playing field for some went on an extended vacation and when he electronic), customer service and fiscal swimmers. returned he found his small motor repair operations, the Carlile Swim School has shop and garage turned into an indoor pool. emerged as becoming a multi-million dollar Carlile understands that swimming is a Furious with the Carlile’s renovations, the business. Every day thousands of children process and in order for a competitive Carliles were able to find the money to take benefit from the expertise of the well- program to thrive it needs a feeder program up the option to buy the house. In 1966, monitored teaching skills. One of the best beginning with a child in swimming lessons Forbes and Ursula, with the encouragement examples of the Carlile system is Jenny to the elite swimmer. Forbes primed the from Professor Lisolett Diem who was at Turrall, who had just learned to swim at pump of his program by incorporating the University of Cologne added mother a local beach rock pool. After four years, lessons. and baby confidence swimming classes into at the age of 14, developed into a world their program at the pool at Cross Street and record holder in the 800 meter Freestyle at at the Pymble pools. The program, which the 1973 World Championships. Swim lessons not only prime the pump started children at 6 months of age, was the for swimmers, but it is the main source of first commercial baby and parent classes and income which provided Forbes the economic Another impact of the Carlile System is that soon was embraced by the community as freedom to coach professionally. Economic it supplies the competitive program with an important part of the holistic swimming well-educated coaches, most of whom began freedom is important because it allows program. Now baby swimming is widely their careers in the Carlile learn-to-swim the Carliles to freely make decisions. Two practiced all over the world. The Cross Street program as instructors. While Forbes spent important developments emerged from the facility, still in operation today, conducts very little time teaching lessons he stresses Drummoyne pool; first, this pool became over 1,500 swimming lessons each week and the importance of coaches teaching young the new laboratory for Forbes to apply his revolutionized swim school organization. children in order to develop a sound coaching scientific mind to swimming. Forbes, with Today, almost every aquatics facility in philosophy grounded in teaching good technique. Besides teaching children how to the assistance of his wife Ursula, used Sydney has a designated learn-to-swim pool swim, the program provides home grown Drummoyne and then the Ryde pools as based upon the specifications of Forbes and talent for their clubs Cherrybrook, Carlile their laboratories. Ironically, it wasn’t until Ursula’s research. and Ryde. Carlile comments we take pride in after the death of Professor Cotton (1955), that there is very little recruitment. We train Forbes wrote and published many of his Forbes is quick to point out that the Carlile our own. Carlile clubs have had exceptional findings. Second, success in teaching lessons Swim School became much more commercially longevity stretching back to Palm Beach will eventually lead to the creation of the successful when John Coutts (hired in 1985 as Club (1946) then Ryde from 1961 then Carlile Swim School (will be discussed later). Carlile Club from 1977. All in their time have the General Manager) and Richard Cahlalan dominated Australian competitive swimming (hired 1991 as the current Field Manager) and have outlived its many contemporaries. While competitive coaching was the primary were hired onto the Board of Directors. Despite frequent arrows aimed at Australian passion for Forbes and Ursula, teaching John and Richard are very competent and Swimming, the Carliles created history as the swim lessons is the foundation for effective have created a well-run organization. The first husband and wife team to be named Life coaching. While still a student at Sydney Swim School is committed to investing in Members of Swimming Australia. In 1976,

12 ASCA NEWSLETTER | 2014 EDITION 12 perhaps on the basis that he produced three This change, Carlile is arguing, may give Carlile learned to swim in Sydney Harbour, women Karen Moras, Shane Gould and Jenny Australia a chance to take on this innovative he has become a mover for change in Turrall in succession as world record holders project in its goal of challenging American established practices with scientific research from 1969 (Karen Moras) to 1974. He was dominance. providing the basis for his coaching. At 93, elected into the Swimming Hall of Fame he is still at his desk daily, ‘trying to change in 1976. He was awarded with the MBE Forbes does not hesitate to explain that he the world’. As Coach Bill Sweetenham has (Member of the British Empire) in 1976 has had a very “lucky” life. Greatly helped said “the Carliles have given Australia self- and is now Vice Patron of the New South by his wife Ursula, his science teacher at belief, strength, courage, and pride.” Whales Swimming Association and Patron school, Professor Cotton at The University of the Union of old swimmers. There were of Sydney and Dr. Brent Rushall, Professor seven world record holders: Judy Joy Davies, Emeritus at San Diego University who once Chris Van Slooten is currently serving his John Bennett, John Davies (Olympic Gold), was an early Carlile coach and who has third year as the head Brian Wilkinson, Karen Moras, Shane Gould become a leader in swimming science. coach for Fork Union (Olympic Gold) and Jenny Turrall who have Military Academy, developed through the Carlile system. and completing his For over 75 years Forbes has passionately 24th year in coaching. sought to improve training processes and Carlile is presently campaigning to change Prior to Fork Union, Swimming Australia to significantly extend progress the sport of swimming. He has Chris served as the its funding to excellence “podium” centers the courage to tackle the difficult issues and direct attention more to the development and persistence to challenge the prevailing head swim coach for of talented age groupers in their clubs practices if he feels it is in the best interest Holmes High School making this possible with adequate funding. of the sport. In the 85 years since Forbes in San Antonio, TX.

2014 EDITION 12 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 13 14 ASCA NEWSLETTER | 2014 EDITION 12 Let swimming belong to the child BY john leonard, asca, swimfast

June 25, 2014 When the parent hovers (helicopter parent) One can go so far as to say that the goal or “paves the way” (curling parent) for the of the teenage years IS and SHOULD After 44 years of coaching swimming, child, it deprives the child of exactly what BE separation and independent personal there are very few things of which I am that they seek and need MOST in their teen identification. If you, as a parent, don’t allow most dangerous of all words, “CERTAIN”. years…separation from their parents and an SWIMMING to be a place where your identity of their own. child can ‘be themselves” without parental Many of the things I learned and was taught domination, your child won’t be swimming in the 70’s and 80’s and 90’s first went 180 Worst of all is the parent who tells other long. degrees opposite in the decade to follow parents…”We swam a best time in the 100 fly Chronologically… and many even have now gone 360 degrees last weekend!” Really? Mom or Dad? How from what I was originally taught/learned. many strokes did you take and how many did At age 8 and under, the parent is the most What one learns from this is to not “KNOW” Mary take and didn’t it get crowded inside important person in the child’s “swimming anything but to amass a large and diverse that one size 18 suit? life”…as it should be. toolbox and pull out the appropriate tool at the appropriate time and do the job. Know what the most popular of youth Around age 10-11, the COACH becomes the activities is for teenagers, especially boys? most important person in the equation. The But here is one that I am certain about…. child listens intently and has an attachment when the mommy of the 10-year-old is It’s skateboarding. What are the to the person they view as taking them following her daughter to the blocks for characteristics of Skateboarding? “seriously” as people. every event, she’s on the wrong course! No Parents. Somewhere around ages 11-14, their PEERS When the daddy of the 14-year-old boy is become the driving and most important engaged with teenage “boy talk” with his son No Rules. “other” in their swimming lives. Coaches are and his friends, he’s on the wrong course! second and parents a distant third. If you No Coaches. violate this as a parent, the child will leave When the mommy of the 12-year-old the sport and “go elsewhere”. Peer teaching. girl wants to sit and “socialize” with her It stays that way until time for college. Then, daughter’s friends during down time at the Peer evaluation. for a variety of reasons, some of them very swim meet, she’s on the wrong course! Peer recognition. practical in nature, You as parents once When the daddy of the 11-year-old boy is again, become profoundly important in the busy “psyching up” his son before the 100 Strong group identity. swimming process. It will be Oh So Nice, to breaststroke, he’s on the wrong course! hear…”Mom, Dad, are you coming to my Psychologists say that internal motivation is swim meet?” In each of the cases above, if that behavior the most powerful force there is. Do your son or daughter the honor of continues, the child will have left the sport of Internal motivation comes (in part) from a understanding the above. And let them “own swimming within a couple of years, cynical, sense of personal control. their sport”. disappointed and in real WANT AND NEED of some independence. Read that again. Personal control. All the Best, John Leonard

Sports are one of the ways that children Children will leave the sport that “belongs” establish an independent identity and person. to their parents, for something their parents It’s one of the most common ways that they abhor. (use your imagination). This, knowing become “themselves”. One of the safest and that the parents will STAY AWAY from one of the best. anything they abhor.

2014 EDITION 12 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 15 F ood for Thought a few notes from the 2014 asca world clinic

BY coach don swartz

We went to the ASCA World Clinic in coach everyone well, what you say matters… Mike Bottom Change is critical. When Jacksonville and came home with many notes might be better to hold your tongue. we teach a life lesson under stress, the jotted hurriedly at the moment of inspiration. lesson tends to stick. Make decisions based David Marsh Win something every day, Some of these notes make more sense on principle vs. on convenience, rules or even if it is only the warmup. Use vertical now after 5 plus weeks of reading and re- circumstance. Honor your traditions – and kicking for rest period – i.e. 100’s on the 1:20 reading…some make less sense. Fortunately do vertical kicking during the rest phase. we – coaches – build them, don’t let the in both cases verification or clarification can Not my “best time” (which is my “old time”) swimmers build the traditions. Take club be had at a rather reasonable price from the rather what’s my “next time” (goal time). kids to local college meets, this helps build ASCA web site. enthusiasm for the club programs. Need to Steve from Texas A&M When a swimmer Our apologies to the sources if we misspeak; make motivation synonymous with volition. takes their training to the next level their it is unintended… times will follow, it is just a matter of when. Bill Boomer The 20th century swimmers Gregg Troy There are very few things in life were surface warriors, in the 21st century Bill Wadley Our job is to lift them up, get where if you put in less time you get improved they are/will be sub-surface warriors. them to believe they can do something they results. We work in a delayed gratification haven’t done before, ask them, “how many of Matt Kredich Inhaling is about survival in sport, in a short term gratification world. you are more confident today than say 2 years the moment, exhaling is about survival in the Girls between the ages of 12 and 14 – give ago?” We forget how far we have come. If at future. them everything they can handle. THE first you don’t succeed, try something harder. learning moment; tell them the truth at George Kennedy 90% of teams underperform. Dave Durden His program is senior driven the biggest moment of disappointment – Sleep is huge – if you have 2 days with 6 to 6.5 meaning at the meet. If you don’t repeat – each senior has a role. Training – win the hours of sleep you need 5 days to recover… a specific workout, how can you possibly day, as in “win the travel day” - win whatever day it is. Debrief from last year. Take a fall so a really good cycle might be 2 days on and evaluate if it was good or not? Getting ready break of 4 days…plan it, calendar it, tell 1 day off – would take some real courage to for a meet: rest either 3 days or 3 weeks – in everyone…plus take “4 hour vacations” see if that is true! between that, nothing good happens. now and then. Help freshman learn how to practice and how to manage a season…have Also, some of the more valuable information Kirk Grand We didn’t hear the entire patience with them. got exchanged in the hallways, at lunch or presentation, came in late. We will buy dinner, ok – at the bar…our favorite was… this talk, it may be the most important one Dave Krotiak Allow kids to grow “into” their source unnamed, “why do we seem to ask given…”Limits to Superior Performance” sport. Get the athlete to understand what – about the brain, how it functions, how it we want from them. Make sure your body questions that we think we already know the processes information. Keep the brain quiet is always moving forward in the water. Be answers to?” in big spots (races). The “Last Chance” meet conscious of the exhale. Start with the goal Thanks to John Leonard, Guy Edson and vs. the First Chance meet. This guy is really and work backward to today to figure out the whole staff of ASCA for keeping this smart, imo. what needs to be done. A set of 25’s at 200 pace with specific stroke counts…Cordes was stimulating exchange moving forward. We Paul Yetter Value of hard work; praise and 14 high to 15.0 with two strokes after the pull love that our sport is so open when it comes value attitudes over statistics, find ways to through…amazing to watch. to sharing information.

16 ASCA NEWSLETTER | 2014 EDITION 12 2014 EDITION 12 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 17 A Short Interview with Brent Rutemiller recipient of the asca media award 2014 By John Leonard

JL: Brent, when did you take over at As the former Marketing Director for SPI, company in San Diego, California. His Swimming World and what were the Brent, 46, conceived and implemented educational comic strip, The AquaZoids, has circumstances? numerous projects to increase sponsorship been featured in Swimming World magazine dollars and revenue-generating opportunities and translated into three languages. BR: the Press Release of the time answers for Sports Publications. the question best….. As a successful former head swimming club Brent has a unique background and set of coach and USA Swimming National Team PHOENIX, August 30, 2002. BRENT experiences encompassing virtually every Coach, he has over twenty years of coaching Rutemiller has been appointed the CEO and aspect of the sport of swimming; from age experience. He began his coaching career Publisher of Sports Publications, Inc. (SPI), group and collegiate swimmer to coach. in 1976 at the Brookwood Country Club in according to an announcement today by Northern Kentucky as an assistant to Frank Richard Deal, President and Board Chairman In addition, in 1998, he authored Below the Busch (current head coach for the University for the company. SPI publishes Swimming Surface - a groundbreaking book about the of Arizona). Brent then became the Aquatic World, SWIM, Swimming Technique and Water administrative side of coaching that was Director for the South Dearborn School Polo Scoreboard magazines and also produces hailed by USA Swimming and Canadian Corporation in Indiana. SwimInfo.com. Swimming as recommended reading for coaches and swim team officers. It was the In 1988, he was hired by Dennis Pursley (current Deal will remain as President, while Phillip first comprehensive collection of procedures National Team Director for USA Swimming) to Whitten will continue as Editor-in-Chief of and policies to unify a team’s mission with its coach with Pierre Lafontaine (current coach at Sports Publications. attitudes and expectations. the Australian Institute of Sport) and to work with architects to help design and directly Brent has that rare combination of talents that Prior to that, Brent served as the Editor of supervise the construction of a multi-million allows him to formulate unique and innovative Swimming Technique magazine from 1990 to dollar sports training complex known today as 1996, and the Technical Editor for Swimming ideas to promote and market the sport of the Phoenix Swim Club. World from 1994 to 1996. swimming, Deal said. Importantly, he has In 1990, he was hired by the Scottsdale Aquatic repeatedly demonstrated an ability to take an In 1984, Brent earned national recognition Club to build a comprehensive competitive swim idea, turn it into a project, build a team around as the creator of educational materials for program sponsored by the City of Scottsdale it and then bring it to fruition. swimmers when he started a publishing Parks and Recreational Department.

18 ASCA NEWSLETTER | 2014 EDITION 12 Brent Rutemiller pictured here with George Block at the 2015 ASCA World Clinic after recieving the ASCA Media Award

Brent currently serves as the President of Adobe was just pioneering .pdfs and I knew BR - The biggest issue facing Swimming the Arizona Swim Foundation and lives in a fellow in Mesa, Arizona who had a contract World is the transition from a traditional print Phoenix, Arizona, with his wife Ellen and their to digitize all the Mesa Water Department’s media company to a multi-media company that three children. records. We were the first magazine in the provides trusted news vs sensational, social country to offer downloadable content in the media driven content. The revenue models are JL: You’ve gotten a lot done with a lot form of .pdfs It was amazing saving all that shaky throughout the industry and we know of changes at the world’s top swimming content and seeing people read a magazine on that our product must evolve in such a way publication, tell me what you see as your a computer. Lots of technical issues had to be that we are true to our mission of promoting top three accomplishments if you can overcome, but it’s sooo cool seeing how far the the sport of swimming. More importantly, we narrow it to that…. industry has come today. need to be relevant to the coaches and teams in the swimming community. Without their BR: Since I wear two hats, CEO and Publisher, The launch of Swimming World TV was also support our efforts would be meaningless. I I think the biggest accomplishments under ahead of its time. I knew that reporting was have always looked at my role as Publisher my CEO tenure was the rebranding of all our going in that direction, but we could not figure of Swimming World as a responsibility content under the name Swimming World. out how to get a video to appear on a computer to the community and I would hope that As Publisher, it was digitizing all of our in the early days. All the videos had to be the community would see and support the past issues back to 1960, and the launch of viewed in windows as .wmv files and we forced important role that we have in the sport. SwimmingWorld.TV. people to download Silverlight players. We had to figure out how to serve it. Bandwidth was JL – Thanks Brent and continued success The rebranding is still an on-going effort as sooo slow back then and most computers could in all you do, and thanks from everyone at we just re-launched our website (ETA August not watch our content. We stuck with it and ASCA for the fine work. All the Best. 1st). It took 10 years for me to chase down the it evolved. We were one of the first to stream URL: SwimmingWorld.com from some jerk in swim meets and had a huge learning curve on India who wanted $50,000 for the name. When all that goes into making that happen. Very we finally got it for small change, we rebranded proud of our modest studio in Phoenix and that Brent Rutemiller is the Chief Executive Officer SwimInfo.com as SwimmingWorld.com. we now have daily programming. of Sports Publications International and Publisher of Swimming World Magazine, Digitizing the magazines happened by accident. JL – I always ask leaders the following Shortly after I took over, all of our Swimming question…”Biggest challenge for the future SWIM Magazine and Swimming Technique Technique issues got water damaged in a flood. and what keeps you awake at night?” Magazine.

2014 EDITION 12 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 19 ASCA Ad BW.pdf 1 7/22/11 3:03 PM

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20 ASCA NEWSLETTER | 2014 EDITION 12 Immutable Rules of Improvement (for swimming and for life) By: John Leonard HONOR YOUR TEAMMATES

What would it be like to go to a and “fakes work”? class where no one else wanted Being a teammate means to learn and just screwed committing to the welfare and SHOW UP around? well-being of everyone in the What would it be like to go to a group. The military does this practice where no one wanted best. Show up in class. to work and everyone wanted Take care of the man/woman Sit in the front. to sit around and complain? beside you. And expect the Pay attention. What would it be like to go to same.. and if that gets violated, a job where everyone watches take personal responsibility for Show up at practice. the clock, doesn’t do real work straightening the person out. Show up on your job or you won’t have it. Be there. Always. There are no shortcuts to It’s about consistency and constancy. improvement. Bob Dylan says, If you want a good marriage, “The lessons of a lifetime can’t be SHOW UP. Body, Mind, Heart. (It gets dead silent when learned in a day.” you do this one with young people... they’ve all seen bad He’s right. marriages and they KNOW this one by heart.) If you don’t “show up”, you DO THINGS CORRECTLY can’t improve. Period.

There is a “correct” way to do If you don’t have time to do everything in school. things correctly now, how will There is a “correct” way to do you have time to fix them later? The longer you live, the everything in swimming. Knowing the “correct way” is more you will realize the Doing things incorrectly makes not enough. Living it is required. a mess. A long term mess. If you don’t do things correctly. validity of three immutable you will be a “screw up” your Incorrect NOW makes incorrect rules of improvement. entire life. habits later.

2014 EDITION 12 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 21 10 Questions Every game changer must answer Excerpt from the book by William C. Taylor

We kick off the Leadership Hall of Fame, a willing patients engaged in utter bullshit.” Here, then, in an effort to steel your resolve year-long look at the top business books and Mort Meyerson, the much-admired CEO and distill the book’s major themes and core authors, with an excerpt from Practically and philanthropist, then at the helm of Perot messages, is a Practically Radical Primer-- Radical, written by Fast Company magazine Systems, compared leading an organization ten questions that define the challenges of cofounder William C. Taylor. in fast-changing times to “floating in lava in change at a time when change is the name of a wooden boat.” His plea to the group: “We the game. The organizations and leaders with As the cofounder of a magazine called Fast need a new model to reach the future.” the most persuasive answers are the ones Company, I’ve always been struck by the most likely to win. Good luck as you work to slow-going rate of change inside most What a difference 15 years don’t make. Are change the game. organizations. In the earliest days of the those misgivings any less relevant today than magazine, after we had a business plan but they were back then--or the prospects for 1. Do you see opportunities the before we published the premiere issue, we genuine transformation any less bleak? My competition doesn’t see? convened a conference around the theme, goal in Chapters One and Two has been to “How Do You Overthrow a Successful present a range of settings in which troubled IDEO’s Tom Kelly likes to quote French Company?” It wasn’t a gathering of hotshots organizations figured out how to learn novelist Marcel Proust, who famously said, eager to take on the corporate establishment. from the past, and break from convention, “The real act of discovery consists not in It was a gathering of big-picture thinkers to make deep-seated change. I hope you’ll finding new lands but in seeing with new and change agents from illustrious big agree that these organizations are unleashing eyes.” What goes for novelists goes for companies who sensed that there were leaders searching to discover a novel game innovations that will shape their future, and massive shifts on the horizon, but that there plan for the future. The most successful the future of their fields, for years to come. wasn’t a commitment among their colleagues companies don’t just out-compete their rivals. But the real value of exploring stories of to reckon with what was coming. They redefine the terms of competition by transformation at these organizations is that embracing one-of-a-kind ideas in a world of It was a great conversation, ahead of its they can equip you to write a more compelling me-too thinking. If you believe that what time in many ways (this was 1994), and the story foryour organization. you see shapes how you change, then the outlook was grim. Roger Martin, now Dean challenge for leaders is to see opportunities of the Rotman School of Management at the If what you see shapes how you change, and that other leaders don’t see. That’s the virtue University of Toronto, warned that “the role where you look shapes what you see, then my of big companies is to turn great people into hope is that seeing what these leaders have of déja vu--it reframes how organizations mediocre organizations.” Richard Pascale, achieved will help you achieve your agenda make sense of their situation and build for the best-selling author and sought-after for reform and renewal. Specifically, my hope the future. consultant, compared knowledge about how is that it will allow you to reckon with the five 2. Do you have new ideas about organizations renew themselves to the quality truths of corporate transformation. Because where to look for new ideas? of medieval medicine. “We are,” he said of the truth is, the work of making deep-seated people leading change programs inside change in long-established organizations is One way to look at tough problems as if you’re big companies, “like earnest doctors with the hardest work there is. seeing them for the first time is to survey a

22 ASCA NEWSLETTER | 2014 EDITION 12 wide array of fields for ideas that have been come before as a way to develop a line of to address tough problems, enough humility working for a long time. There’s always a sight into what comes next. Seeing the future to know you don’t have all the answers. place for R&D as research & development. with fresh eyes doesn’t mean turning a blind Real business geniuses don’t pretend to But there’s also a place for R&D as rip-off eye to history. Sometimes, the very act of know everything. They understand that and duplicate. Ideas and practices that are rediscovering the past creates the clarity and their job is to get the best ideas from the routine in one industry can be revolutionary confidence necessary to craft a distinctive most people--whomever and wherever when they migrate to another industry, game plan for the future. those people may be. especially when they challenge the prevailing assumptions and conventional wisdom that 6. Do you have customers who 9. Are you consistent in your have come to define so many industries. What can’t live without you? commitment to change? better way to fuel your imagination that you look for inspiration beyond your field? Because if they can, they probably will. Pundits love to excoriate companies because The researchers at Gallup have identified a they don’t have the guts to change. In fact, 3. Are you the most of anything? hierarchy of connections between companies the problem with so many organizations is and their customers, from confidence to that all they do is change. They lurch from In an age of overcapacity, oversupply, and integrity to pride to passion. To test for one consulting firm to the next, from last utter sensory overload, it’s not good enough passion, Gallup asks a simple question of the year’s hot management fad to this year’s to be “pretty good” at everything. You have to customers they query on behalf of clients: model. But the more things change under be the most of something: the most affordable, “Can you imagine a world without” this these ever-changing conditions, the more the most accessible, the most elegant, the most product or brand? One of the make-or-break they tend to stay the same. Jim Collins puts it colorful, the most transparent. Companies challenges for any organization is to become this way: “The signature of mediocrity is not used to be comfortable in the middle of the irreplaceable in the eyes of its customers. an unwillingness to change. The signature of road--that’s where all the customers were, That’s why it’s not enough to satisfy mediocrity is chronic inconsistency.” If, as a that’s what felt safe. Today, the middle of the customers rationally. You have to engage leader, you want to make deep-seated change, road is the road to ruin. What are you the them emotionally, to conduct yourself in then your priorities and practices have to stay most of ? Or, to put the question differently, ways that are unusual and unforgettable. If you do things the same way everyone else consistent in good times and bad times. in your field does things, why would you 7. Do your people care more than 10. Are you learning as fast as the expect to do any better? the competition? world is changing? Success is not just about thinking harder 4. If your company went out of I first heard this question from strategy guru than the competition. It is also, and perhaps business tomorrow, who would Gary Hamel, the world-renowned innovation more importantly, about caring more than miss you and why? expert, and it is the ultimate challenge for any the competition--about customers, about executive determined to unleash big change in I first heard this question from advertising colleagues, about how the organization difficult circumstances. In a world that never legend Roy Spence, who says he got it from conducts itself in a world with endless stops changing, great leaders can never stop Jim Collins of Good to Great fame. Whatever opportunities to cut corners and compromise the original source, it is as profound as it is on values. Sure, new mental models, learning. How do you push yourself to keep simple--and worth taking seriously as a guide rather than mere business models, allow growing and evolving--so your company can to what really matters in terms of strategy innovators to transform the sense of what’s do the same? And remember: Among leaders and operations. Why might a company be possible in their industries. But sustaining and organizations, the most eager learners missed? Because its products and services performance is as much about cultivating a tend to be the most accomplished teachers as are so distinctive, its culture is so unique, spirit of grassroots energy, enthusiasm, and well. So look for ways to share what you’ve or its mission so compelling. Precious few engagement as unleashing a set of game- learned. As Aristotle famously said, “teaching organizations meet any of these criteria, changing ideas. Companies built around is the highest form of understanding.” The which may be why so many companies feel strong opinions are at their best when rank- best way to demonstrate your status as a like they’re on the verge of going out of and-file colleagues share and express strong thought leader is to teach others what you business. emotions. know--whether they are customers, suppliers, or even direct competitors. 5. Have you figured out how your 8. Are you getting the best organization’s history can help to contributions from the most shape its future? people? Excerpted from the new book Practically Psychologist Jerome Bruner put his finger It may be lonely at the top, but change is not a Radical: Not-So-Crazy Ways to Transform on what can happen when the best of the old game best played by loners. These days, the Your Company, Shake Up Your Industry, informs the search for the new. The essence most powerful contributions come from the of creativity, he argues, is “figuring out how most unexpected places--the hidden genius and Challenge Yourself by William C. to use what you already know in order to inside your company, the quiet genius of Taylor (HarperCollins). Taylor is cofounder go beyond what you already think.” That’s colleagues who are easy to overlook, the of Fast Company magazine and coauthor why the most creative leaders I’ve met don’t collective genius of customers, suppliers, disavow what’s come before, especially in and other smart people who surround your of Mavericks at Work. Follow him at organizations that are rich with tradition company. Tapping this genius requires a twitter.com/practicallyrad or at the official and success. Instead, they reinterpret what’s new leadership mindset--enough ambition site for Practically Radical.

2014 EDITION 12 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 23 building your club By: George Block From a Presentation in South Africa, 2014

culture trumps everything

what we think is important, isn’t what we try to ignore is critical

WHAT IS CULTURE

Culture is the environment in which Every organization has a culture. Like It attracts like-minded coaches, your team and your strategy either the lawn, it was either developed swimmers, and families to your team. thrives, or dies a slow death. Think: consciously or it grew on its own It is what repels those with different unconsciously. Water in the aquarium. values, attitudes and behaviors. Culture is the unique set of beliefs and Culture is like young grass. If you take In business, science and sports, care of it, it grows and spreads, but practices that communicates your performance-oriented cultures it can be killed by almost anything team’s values, whether or not they possess: statistically better results, and if you ignore it, weeds will take have been formalized or articulated. over. Something is going to grow high team engagement, strong there, either a cultivated lawn or It is the unseen hand that guides new internal communication, healthy risk involuntary weeds. swimmers and reassures veterans. taking.

W haT: The basics: We are a competitive swim team.

How: What makes us different than other teams? Find an edge- one edge and talk about it all the time Your competitive Purpose. Higher WHY: edge, your unique point of view that commitment. A daring nobody else is doing. For example: We do & important statement. low volume high intensity training so that People’s hearts and you’ll be good NOW. We develop you as minds... mostly hearts. In The a complete athlete with an eye toward our country we have the long term development. We get more of basic needs covered. We our swimmers scholarships in US colleges want things that connect than any other team. We are taught that us to other people and Golden this “differentiator” is the most critical make us feel satisfied as decision. It isn’t! human beings. Being part Circle of a high performance team does both. Parent talks.

24 ASCA NEWSLETTER | 2014 EDITION 12 CHECKING YOUR 4 BASIC BUILDING TEAM’S CULTURE Do you involve, inform and inspire BLOCKS OF CULTURE the entire organization to live out the team’s purpose in alignment with its values? 1. dynamic and engaged coaches Do you run into your culture every day? • A vibrant culture is organic and constantly evolving. Does it inspire you or disappoint you? • Coaches are great communicators and motivators who Is it overpowering or does it inspire you clearly and constantly communicate values, vision, mission, to overcome challenges? and goals. Has “organizational churn” prevented • They create the environment for them to come to life. a deliberate culture from developing?

2. living values • Posters are good. • Genuine, memorable beliefs that are directional, alive and modeled throughout your organization everyday are better! THE 3 V’S • Hire people based on values, fire them for violating them. Vision - Value- Vibe • “Hire and fire” swimmers the same way. (“I have great news for you. You don’t need to feel so angry and miserable any Vision is the ideal picture of this club longer, because you are no longer swimming here”). at some point in the future. • When you fire negatives, the positives catch fire! A vision needs to be bold, powerful, scary, inspiring. 3. responsibility and accountability Your club can only be one thing. • A strong culture is real empowerment. If you try to be more, you build a • Your people will know their strengths, roles and responsibilites. schizophrenic organization. • They will seek accountability! They will also demand it. Value asks why are ALL of you here? Value asks why is it important to you? 4. celebrate success and failure What do you want this club to be? • We are great at setting (and re-setting) goals, but not so great Keep values at the smallest number at celebrating their accomplishments. Celebrate! possible. If you have sixteen values, • Humility allows us to acknowledge, then learn from our failures. you have no values. Celebrate that learning. Vibe is how we treat people - how we treat ALL people - is the critical piece Design Issues : Look, Feel, Cleanliness, Neatness, Toughness, Professionalism

SIGNIFICANT BENEFITS FROM A VIBRANT AND ALIVE CULTURE Focus: It aligns your organization- coaches, athletes, parents, administrators, and support people. Motivation: It builds higher team, parent, and critical support motivation and loyalty. Connection: It builds cohesion between sub-teams (novice, age group, senior, etc.) and support staff/organizations. You can’t allow sub-cultures. Athletes will switch to the culture they like the best. Cohesion: It builds consistency within your team and creates an organic coordination. Much less bureaucracy and many fewer rules are needed. Spirit: It shapes the behavior of the team, their coaches, the parents, the support staff, etc. It enables your team to be more efficient and more alive.

2014 EDITION 12 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 25 26 ASCA NEWSLETTER | 2014 EDITION 12 The Real Pathway- Discovering talent by gordon bloom

Book Commentary by George Block

In his book, Discovering Talent, They all started with an excellent local Editors Note: Gordon Bloom investigated young mentor/coach who taught them the talent from all walks of achievement fundamentals. Then they went to “regional” Many swimming teams “aspire” to take the including the arts, sports, and mentor/coach who refined their skills. athlete all the way from novice to world class. Very few are prepared to do so. One education. From there, they ALL moved to a world- renowned mentor/coach who took them to of the pieces that coaches must consider Block: the next level. carefully, is at what level of this “at least three tiered system” they can be successful “Bloom looked at the arts, the professions Bloom’s pathway happens everywhere and right now. Coaches certainly can move from (law science, medicine, and ministry), as part of “everywhere”, in swimming. The a team limited by circumstance of pool sports and education. He discovered a system at the entry level is NOT the system time, location, money, etc. can be highly “common pathway” in each. Each other the that refines their skills to the middle. All successful by finding its role in the overall successful people had mentors or coaches three systems are critical but they are three whole and acknowledging and celebrating and maximizing that role. JL that followed a pattern. very different systems.”

2014 EDITION 12 | ASCA NEWSLETTER 27 NONPROFIT ORG. ASCA American Swimmingswimming Coaches AssociationCouncil for Ssport Ddevelopment U.S. POSTAGE NONPROFITPAID ORG. Council51017KH$PHULFDQ6ZLPPLQJ&RDFKHV NWnW for 21st Ssport Ave., Ddevelopment Suitesuite 200 NONPROFITNONPROPAIDFIT ORG.ORG. American Swimming Coaches Council for Sport Development NEW121352),725*U.S. BRUNSWICK, POSTAGE NJ 5101FortAmerican Lauderdale, NWnW 21stSwimming Ave., FL 33309Suites uiteCoaches 200 Council for Sport Development NEW121352),725*U.S.U BRUNSWICK,.S. POSTAGEPOSTAGE NJ 5101&RXQFLOIRU6SRUW'HYHORSPHQW NW 21st Ave., Suite 200530 863267$*(PERMITPAID #1 Fort5101 Lauderdale, NW 21st Ave, FL 33309Suite 530 863267$*(PERMITPAIDPAID #1 Fort Lauderdale, FLFL 3330933309 UNION,3$,' NJ 1:VW$YH6XLWHFort Lauderdale, FL 33309 UNION,UNION3$,', NJ 1:VW$YH6XLWH 1(:%5816:,&.1-PERMIT #298 1(:%5816:,&.1-PERMITPERMIT #298#298 )RUW/DXGHUGDOH)/ 3(50,7

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