Swim Meet 101
Meet Entries
Meet sessions are typically split by age group and by gender, (Boys against boys and girls against girls). Each swimmer may swim up to 3 individual events and 2 relays. Coaches will determine relay teams and review at practice. Once a commitment has been made to attend a meet, you must attend that meet.
Day of the Meet
What does my child need for meets?
Team Swim suit if you purchased one
Towels (2)
Snacks for themselves (orange slices, apple slices, crackers, gatorade, water, etc.) Snacks are not provided by the team.
Swim Cap and a back up swim cap
Goggles and Back up Goggles
If your child cannot attend a meet, you will need to notify the coach by email as soon as possible. If you already know dates that your family will be out of town, you may give her those at the beginning of the season. A missing swimmer effects relay teams and may cause a swimmer to miss their chance at swimming that evening. We do understand that emergencies happen and if that is the case, please call the coach as soon as possible to let her know so changes can be made.
What time do I need to be there?
How Long Do These Meet Run?
The time it takes to complete a swim meet is a long running joke within the swim team families. Times vary depending on several factors; the number of swimmers, weather, and how organized the teams can be to keep the swimmers up to date with the line up of their events. Our league allows for approximately 70 events. That's a lot of events. Organization is the key. Most meets can be completed in about 3 hours (sometimes a little longer). This is why it is important for swimmers to know their events and parents to help ensure that their kids are ready at that event time.
What happens at a meet?
Swimmers will compete in stroke events against the visiting team and the clock! Each Meet will have designated age groups per event. Each swimmer may compete in 3 individual events, and 2 relay events. This is their opportunity to have friendly competition with teammates and show off their hard work from practice. We require that the Team sit together as a group and cheer for fellow team members.
To Eat or not to Eat?
EAT! Swimmers burn up a ton of calories at practice and at meets. They should not be eating a full course meal immediately before a swim meet; however, any type of carbs, protein, and fruits are great to eat about an hour or so before a meet. Your swimmer should also have snacks to munch on after every event, such as: pretzels, goldfish crackers, watermelon, granola bars, etc.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Water is best. But Gatorade, Powerade and other sports drinks are ok in moderation. Some have lots of sugar and sodium, so read those labels. Soda is not the best but can be a quick sugar fix if your swimmer needs it. Swimmers can and often do dehydrate, please encourage hydration. Swimmers sweat, you just can’t see it!
Heat Sheets
Heat Sheets list the stroke, distance, and heats for each event. This will provide you with information on which event, heat, and pool lane your swimmer will swim in during the meet.
Why do I need a Heat Sheet?
Everyone always ask this question. Heat sheets help the team.
- They help you know who is swimming in each lane and in which event they are swimming.
- They sometimes provide advertisements for and from our sponsors.
- They help with the overall organization of the meet.
Concessions
Concessions are usually available for sale by the host team during the meet. What is available and prices charged vary greatly from meet to meet. Most facilities allow outside food and drinks to be brought into the meet. Having concessions allows families to eat at the meet without having to leave the meet. It also supports the home team in its fundraising efforts.
