Swim Meet 101
Welcome to summer swim league swimming! Here are some tips for new and returning parents and swimmers,
1. Bring snacks and drinks to the meet. Meets run about 4-6 hours long. Meets will have concessions available but vary at each venue.
2. Plan on arriving 15 minutes before warm-ups start. You might want to pull your car up close to the pool to unload swimmers, chairs, and any heavy gear before parking your car. Always park in the designated parking area. Some neighboring pools prohibit parking on both sides of the street. Do not block driveways.
2. Find your teams Swimmer sign in area and sign in. Sign in volunteers will provide you with your swimmers events. Using a black sharpie. Write your child’s race numbers, heat numbers and lane numbers on his/her arm. (See Graphing Events in Swim Lingo tab for an exmple)
3.Get your swimmer situated in teams bullpen area. Swimmers should remain in bullpen for the entirety of the meet. This makes it easier for bullpen volunteers to locate them for their events.
4. If you are volunteering, check in at the Volunteer table and make sure you know where you will be working for the meet.
5. Find a place to sit. For all meets, bring folding chairs. The pool furniture is cleared from the pool deck. Find which side of the pool your team’s family members are sitting on. The pool ends are restricted to officials, timers, and swimmers.
6. It helps to view a swim meet as if you are camping. You already know to bring chairs, but you’ll also need: extra towels, an umbrella, rain jacket/poncho, hat. Remember that meets start in the hot afternoon sun. SUNSCREEN and BUG SPRAY. Plastic bag for wet swimsuits and towels.
7. Your swimmer’s bag should contain a spare swimsuit and swim cap. Bring at least two pairs of goggles and have your child “break in” a new pair before the meet. If they don’t fit snug, you’ll see them around their neck as they swim by you. Two to three towels. Combs, brushes, cards, board games etc.
8. For restless parents; bring a book, newspaper, and crossword puzzle.
9. Bring cash. Swimmers love the concession stand.
10. Make sure your swimmer drinks plenty of fluids. This is not only because it’s hot, but swimmers get dehydrated from swimming!
11. If you’re working the meet, listen when the Starter calls for all volunteers to report to their various duties.
12. CHEER FOR THE TEAM AND ALWAYS HAVE FUN!!
