Period support works best when swimmers know what information is private and when adults may need to involve someone else for safety or welfare.
A swimmer does not need to tell the whole coaching team
Most period-management needs can be handled with minimal information.
For example, a coach may only need to know that a swimmer needs the toilet, a short break or help contacting a parent.
Avoid creating systems where menstrual status is routinely shared across staff "just in case".
When should a parent or carer be involved?
This depends on age, circumstances and the seriousness of the issue.
A parent or carer may need to know when:
- a young swimmer starts their first period and wants support;
- the swimmer is unwell or needs to leave;
- there are repeated concerns about severe pain, heavy bleeding, dizziness or fainting;
- the swimmer needs help obtaining suitable period products;
- club policy requires parental involvement for medication or healthcare matters.
Tell the swimmer what you are doing
Where appropriate, say:
"I think we should let your parent or carer know because you are feeling unwell. Is there anything you want me to explain?"
That helps the young person feel involved rather than discussed behind their back.
Safeguarding comes first
There may be situations where information needs to be shared without the young person's agreement because of a safeguarding or serious safety concern.
Follow your organisation's safeguarding policy and involve the appropriate safeguarding lead rather than making that judgement alone.
Do not collect more data than you need
A club usually does not need a detailed record of every swimmer's menstrual cycle in order to support toilet breaks or period products.
If health information is collected for a specific programme, the organisation should have a clear purpose, appropriate consent and privacy arrangements, and a plan for who can access it.
Parents and carers can help prepare
Clubs can share general information with families about:
- period products suitable for swimming;
- what is available at the facility;
- how swimmers can ask for breaks;
- who to contact with welfare concerns;
- where to find reliable health information.
That makes support collaborative without requiring the coach to manage personal health decisions.
Remember
The principle is simple: share what is necessary for support and safety, not every personal detail a swimmer tells you.
Related LTM content
- How to Talk to a Swimmer About Periods
- Should Coaches Track Swimmers' Periods?
- Talking to Parents or Trusted Adults
- When Should I Ask for Help?
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