“EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT A SWIM MEET, BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK”

 Swim meets are a great family experience!  They are a place where the whole family can spend time together.  Listed below are some in-depths guidelines designed to help swimmers and parent through their first few swim meets.  We have tried to be as specific and as detailed as possible.

 Before the Meet Starts:

1.      Arrive at the pool at least 15 minutes before the scheduled warm-up time begins.  This time will be listed in the meet information and will be posted on pool deck and on the HAC bulletin board the week of a meet.

2.      Upon arrival, find a place to put blankets, swim bags, and chairs.  HAC team members try to sit together in one place; so look for familiar faces.

3.      Some meets require check-in.  Find this location and check-in.  This should be the first thing to do when there is appositive check-in.  Positive check-ins are usually not the norm.  Usually only championship meets or qualifying meets require this.  Sign-in sheets are usually located by the computer tables.  If this is not done, the swimmer will be scratched from the meet and not be allowed to swim that day.  Sign-in sheets typically are taken down one half hour prior to the start of the meet.

4.      Once checked-in (if required, the swimmer should make sure he/she knows what events he/she is swimming.  Younger swimmers usually write each event number on their hand in ink.  This helps him/her remember what events he/she is swimming and what event numbers to listen for.

5.      The swimmer now gets his/her cap and goggles and reports to the pool and/or coach for warm-up instructions.  It is very important for all swimmers to warm-up with the team.  Swimmers’ bodies are just like cars on a cold day; they need to get their engines going and warmed-up before they can go all out.

6.      After warm-ups, swimmers will go back to the area where they towels are and sit there until their first event is called.  This is a good time to go to the bathroom if necessary, get a drink or just get settled in.

7.      The meet will usually start about 10 to 15 minutes after the warm-ups are over.

8.      According to USA rules (because of insurance requirements), parents are not allowed on deck unless they are serving in an official capacity.  Similarly, all questions concerning meet results, an officiating call, or the conduct of the meet should be referred to the coaching staff.  They, in turn, will pursue the matter through the proper channels.

9.      Heat Sheets.  A heat sheet is usually available for sale in the lobby or concession area of the pool.  It lists all the swimmers in each event in order of “seed time”.  When the team entry is sent in, each swimmer and his/her previous best time in that event is provided.  If the swimmer is swimming an event for the first time, he/she will be entered as s “no-time” or “NT”.  A “no-time” swimmer will most likely swim in one of the first heats in the event.

 The Meet Starts:

1.      Unlike most league meets, USA meets do not have a clerk of course.  Swimmers are required to line themselves up for each event.  The younger swimmers will get help from the coaching staff.  If this is a positive check-in meet and the swimmer misses he/her event, he/she will not be allowed to swim his/her next event.

2.      The swimmer swims his/her race.

3.      After each swim:

a.      The swimmer should ask the timer for his/her time.

b.      The swimmer should then go immediately to the coach, unless otherwise noted by the coach to warm down first after each race.  The coach will ask for the time and discuss the swim with the swimmer.

c.      Generally, the coach follows these guidelines when discussing swims:

                                                               i.      Positive comments or praise

                                                             ii.      Suggestions for improvement

                                                            iii.      More positive comments

4.      Things parents can do after each swim:

a.      A.  Tell the swimmer how great they did!  The coaching staff will be sure to discuss stroke technique. YOU need to relay how proud you are and what a great job your swimmer did.

b.      This is a good time for another bathroom break or snack break.

c.      The swimmer now waits until his next event is called and starts the procedure all over again.

5.      When a swimmer has completed all of his/her events, he/she is free to go home.  Make sure, however, that he/she checks with the coach before leaving to confirm that he/she is not included on a relay team.  It is not fair to other swimmers who may have stayed to swim on a relay for which your swimmer is expected to be a member, and she/he is not here.  If you leave before swimming an assigned relay, you will be responsible for the entire entry fee for the relay.

What Happens if Your Child has a Disappointing Swim?

If you child has a poor race and comes out of it feeling bad, talk about the good things he/she did.  Do not talk about the negative things.  If you child comes up to you and says, “that was a bad race; don’t tell me it wasn’t” remember there is nothing wrong with a swimmer negatively evaluating a race.  The important thing is that the child doesn’t dwell on it.  Parents should move the swimmer to something good.  “All right, you have had a bad race.  How do you think you can do better the next time?”  Immediately start talking about the positive things.

What to Take to the Meets:

1.      Most important:  team swim suit, team swim cap and goggles.  Aqua Blades and Fast Skins are reserved for championship meets, unless otherwise noted by the coaches.  If you do not have team suit, you do not swim.  If you do not have a team cap the coaches most likely will have some available for purchase.  Parent should check their swimmers bags to be sure they have these important items before leaving the house.

2.      Baby or talcum powder to “dust” the inside of the swim cap.  This helps preserve the cap and makes it easier to put on.

3.      Something to sit on.  Example:  sleeping bag, old blanket, beach chair, etc.  The swimmer will be spending a lot of time on it between events.

4.      Towels.  Realize that the swimmer will be there for a while, so pack at least two.

5.      Sweat Suit:  Bring at least one.  It may get soggy and wet.  A nylon warm-up is a good alternative.

6.      T-shirts:  two or three because they will get wet.

7.      Games:  travel games, coloring books, books, anything to pass time.

8.      Food:  Each swimmer is usually allowed to bring a small cooker on the pool deck.  It is better to bring snacks even though there usually is a concession stand at the meet.  Stay away from junk food, especially candy.  Drink suggestions include Hi-C, fruit juice, Gatorade.  Snack suggestions include granola bars, fruits, yogurt, cereal, and sandwiches.

 After attending one or two meets, this procedure will become very routine.  Please do not hesitate to ask any parent on our team for help or information.  These meets are a lot of fun for the swimmer!  He/she gets to visit with friends, play games and meet kids from other teams.  He/she also gets to “race” and track improvement as a result of all the hard work at practice.

 Special Parent Note:

The pool area is usually VERY warm.  Dress appropriately. Nothing is worse than being hot at a swim meet.  It makes the time pass very slowly.  At some meets, the parents are allowed to sit with the swimmers in a gym or staging area.  Feel free to bring folding chairs.

 Parent Volunteers:

Many host teams usually look for parent volunteers to time at various sessions during the meet.  Some meets require that we provide timers or the meet will not start.  We will have a designated parent coordinate our volunteers for such meets.  The same parent should not be expected to time at every meet; every parent should donate some time.  This also gives parents an opportunity to become an active participant in their child’s swimming.  Thanks for your understanding regarding this matter.